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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – November 08, 2019

Michael Fassbender: Road to LeMans

UPDATE 11/8: Michael's success has continued to blossom, therefore we have updated this post with the latest film at the bottom. As an accomplished star of several films, Porsche is documenting their newest driver: Michael Fassbender in his road to LeMans. This series will show the trials and tribulations of the season, which culminates at the Circuit de la Sarthe on June 13th. This will be the 88th running of LeMans, twice around the clock for a shot at immortality. His first challenge was conquering the famous tracks in his German homeland: First up was Hockenheimring " width="680"> Up next on the roster was one of the most loved and hated tracks in history: Nürburgring Nordschleife. It was repaved last year to smooth some of the rough pavement, but the idea of racing through the Eifel forests in a screaming 911 will humble any driver. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale After following his teammates to find the perfect line. After missing 2 red flags, he was penalized to start in 19th place. The Porsche Racing Experience is a nail-biting series, so stay with us for continuing coverage from tracks around the world. " width="680"> After the ordeal of the Green Hell, it was on to Sachsenring. Lapping the track in a new Porsche 911 allowed him to preview the race. Walking the track with the team gave him a mental map of the curves and elevation. " width="680"> As Michael's goal is to race the Porsche RSR, he had to graduate from the Porsche 911 Cup Car. You will see and hear the differences in these two machines in Episode 4 below: " width="680"> Episode 5 takes place at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Friday was wet, so they practiced on older tires. This allowed him to learn the track and prepare for a stellar Sunday. " width="680"> Stay with us as we continue to follow his journey. Related: Porsche Gifts: New Porsche Drivers' Selection Apparel Porsche & Boeing Join Forces to Create Uber Air

By Andrew Nabors – November 07, 2019

Lamborghini & MIT Announce new Patent for Supercapacitors

Batteries are nice to have in hybrid cars. They offer consistent voltage and energy storage to assist the gasoline engines. But electricity can be stored in other ways. A capacitor also stores electrons, but it releases them all at once. Power of this magnitude has never been harnessed by a car, so that's why Lamborghini and MIT have announced a new patent for supercapacitors. Capacitors are all around us, and they are used to unleash a small jolt of lightning into a system. Every TV, microwave, and AC system uses them to switch on and be ready to go. Before this, everything had to "warm up" before being ready to work. What does this mean for cars? Instead of a normal battery sending power to the motor, the Lamborghini Sian will send several thousand volts to the motors faster than you can blink. The collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has yielded new materials that double the amount of energy without increasing size or weight. There is no doubt their upcoming cars will offer violent acceleration thanks to this technology, so congrats to Lamborghini for continually raising the bar for automotive engineering. " width="680"> Pro Tip: Even basic capacitors will remain charged for decades, with the same power as a stick of dynamite. Handle them carefully or the authorities will need dental records to identify what's left of you! Related: Discover the Cover: Lamborghini Sian

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

Aston Martin Reveals DBX Interior & Pricing

What we thought was a battle is now a World War. Luxury SUV buyers only had a few options until recently, so leave it to England to turn up the heat. Backed by the might and majesty of their Royal Warrant, Aston Martin have revealed the DBX interior and pricing. The 2021 Aston Martin DBX will be formally revealed on November 20th in Beijing. Until then, we can see acres of leather under a panoramic roof. Riding on a new chassis, it will be powered by a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V8. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale Years of development have prepared it to take on the world, at a reasonable price of $189,900. The order books are now open, so click the button above to find our Aston Martin dealer near you. Related: Aston Martin DBX Luxury Accessories Announced Aston Martin DBX Arrives in December

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2019

ICON Unveils FJ40 Roadster at SEMA

It is easy to let a restoration get lost in modern features and technology. Many customers want the latest & greatest in every aspect, even if it destroys the original intentions of the manufacturer. Getting back to basics is a way to see how far you've come. and that is why ICON has unveiled the FJ40 Roadster at SEMA. No doors might give you a hint. You won't find a heater or A/C on this rig. Using only the essentials, it has a 430 horsepower Chevrolet LS3 that is 50-state emissions legal. Backed by a 5-speed manual, it sends power to Dana 44 Front & Dana 60 Rear Axles. Browse Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale Brembo brakes are hidden behind the vintage-appearing aluminum wheels, and the confident handling is provided by Fox Racing shocks with Eibach springs. At $185,000 it is a bargain compared to their other builds, but the quality speaks for itself. Click the button above to find your Toyota FJ40 for sale and stay with us for all your Icon updates.

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Tiffany & Co. Unveils Unique Indian Scout for Christmas

Very Very Extraordinary is how they describe their 2019 Holliday Collection. That is why Tiffany & Co. have unveiled a unique Indian Scout for Christmas. This bike is 1 of 1, and it is the result of Tiffany & Co. working with Barnstorm Cycles to offer something unique. Many of the parts were built by hand, as seen in this Facebook upload below. For a quick refresher, the Scout has a 69" V-twin offering 100 horsepower. This water-cooled rocket is bolted to a 6-speed transmission. It makes 72 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm and it is lighter than most other midsize V-twins. Here are the dimensions: Fuel capacity: 3.3 gal. (12.5 l) Overall height: 47.5" (120 cm) Overall length: 91" (231 cm) Weight (empty tank): 533 lbs. (242 kg) Weight (full tank): 550 lbs. (249 kg) Tiffany & Co. Holiday Gift Guide Like I mentioned above, only 1 will ever be constructed. The price is $35,000 and it can be yours by clicking the button above. Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all of your luxury Holiday gifts.

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Richard Mille Unveils RM 52-06 Tourbillon Mask

Nothing is as enigmatic as a performer behind a mask. Something subliminal makes us question why the face is obscured. Taking inspiration from their Skull of 2012, Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 52-06 Tourbillon Mask. Disguises have been worn by heroes and villains, kings and peasants. They can be soothing or apprehensive, so it is up to you to determine how it will be used. Adding this timepiece to your collection will give you that ability. The case is Grade 5 anodized Titanium that has been micro-blasted from a solid billet. Your mask is visible from both sides, and it offers hints at the movement inside. Eight arms extend from the case to the mask, each one cut with precision not found outside of the Space Industry. Learn More This mask will allow you to be whoever you want, and that is why it is limited to 18 examples of all four case materials. Choose from Carbon TPT, All Quartz TPT, Blue/White Quartz TPT, and Red/White Quartz TPT. They are only available at Richard Mille boutiques, so click the button above for more info. Related: New Richard Mille RM 62-01 Has Vibrating Alarm New $1 Million Alfa Romeo Racing Team-Inspired Richard Mille RM 50-04

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Bentley Flying Spur Unveiled With Augmented Reality

Visionaries see a future where you don't need a dealership to buy a car. Walking onto a lot can be foreboding, so one manufacturer has taken the stress away. The new Bentley Flying Spur has been unveiled with augmented reality to make it available in your living room. In a press release yesterday we saw the details of this impressive app. It was first used to allow us to experience the EXP 100 GT, which is fine for a futuristic concept. After programmers made a few tweaks, it is ready for a production car. Take it for a spin! The Flying Spur is scheduled to arrive in Q1 of next year, and the app has launched with 2 preloaded versions: Luxury and Performance. The former shows an exterior of "Meteor" along with an interior of Brunel and Linen. Performance is painted Extreme Silver with Beluga leather. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale Both have Mulliner Driving Package, Rear Seat Entertainment, and the rotating gauge panel. The new Bentley Flying Spur has never been as appealing, virtually or physically. Their app is available for Apple and Android, and our dealers will take it from there. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. " width="680"> Related: Bentley Develops Augmented Reality for the EXP 100 GT Bentley Flying Spur W12 S Price Specs & Review

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

TAG Heuer Unveils Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition

Time flies when you begin to study the details of this masterpiece. It has been 50 years since this iconic design was released. Five watches were styled to commemorate half a century of Swiss precision, and now the collection is complete. Tag Heuer has unveiled the Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition. Each of its four predecessors were styled to celebrate each decade since it was introduced in 1969. Many of us have been waiting for this one to see how the Monaco has evolved into its current form. The world's first square, automatic chronograph, it has been worn by celebrities and commoners alike. It is named for the famous race through the streets of Monte Carlo, and production is limited to 169 examples. It is still 39x39 millimeters with 100m water resistance. View Price & Specs Sapphire and blasted stainless make it sturdy for the ages, an heirloom that will outlast us. Click the button above for details and pricing, and stay with us for more TAG Herer news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

Hennessey Performance Unveils Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator

So you like Jeeps, trucks, and HEMI power. Many of these are relevant to our interests also, but this trifecta has been unattainable until now. It takes serious time and effort to stuff a V8 into the new JL chassis, so that is why Hennessey Performance has unveiled the Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator. A formal reveal will take place at SEMA, so allow us to give you a quick preview. Named for the famous Roman Gladiator, Maximus has enough power to tear down the Coliseum. Starting with Hennessey 8-lug wheels and BFG tires, you will be riding on Dana 60 axles with 4.88 gears. KING off-road supplies the 6" suspension lift along with new aluminum driveshafts. They are attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission with hardened internals and a beefy transfer case. Why is all of this necessary? Because the heart of a Hellcat is under the hood. MOPAR supplies a new Hellcat 6.2L V8, then it is treated to more boost, stainless exhaust, and a tune for 93 octane Shell premium. The result is 933 lb-ft of torque and 1,000 horsepower. Mr. Hennessey is quoted as saying: "Our MAXIMUS JEEP with 1000 HP is pure ridiculousness on 4-wheels. What other vehicle can climb to the top of Aspen Mountain with a KTM dirt bike in the back in the morning and then run 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds at the dragstrip later the same day?” Other included goodies include a Hennessey leather interior, powered running boards, fabricated front & rear bumpers, wide fenders, and a litany of LED illumination. Due to the extensive list of unique parts required, only 24 examples will be produced. Each one will arrive fully loaded for $225,000. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for live coverage from the SEMA show next week. Learn More " width="680"> Related: Hear the Extreme Growl of a Hennessey 2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE Hennessey McLaren 600LT vs Stock 720S

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By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition: Six Decades & ...

"War is a continuation of politics by other means"- von Clausewitz. When North Korea decided to invade the South, Japan was still rebuilding from WWII. Their automotive industry needed a boost, so the U.S. Army asked Toyota to build 100 prototypes for a new Jeep, and the rest is history. That is why the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition celebrates over six decades in the U.S. It is available in Black Metallic or Pearl White, with black or brown leather. To focus on its offroad abilities, the chrome has been deleted and headlights are blacked out. No running boards equals more ground clearance, and every other option is standard. BBS supplied bronze 18x8" wheels that are not available from the parts department. Other goodies include an oil cooler, trailer brake control harness, and the impressive KDSS suspension. This will disconnect the front sway bar when you hit the trail. Browse Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale Only offered as a 2-row, 5-passenger model, it has ample room for gear in lieu of the 3rd-row jump seats. The 5.7L V8 offers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque to a full-time 4WD system. Lock it in low range and cruise over any land you wish. Click the button above to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Toyota news.

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