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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 Edward Jones – March 10, 2017

Rare Blue McLaren P1 "The Professor" Being Auctioned for ...

Back in 2013, an unknown automotive enthusiast decided to commission a McLaren P1 for himself. However, this wasn't a normal purchase, because he designed and purchased the car with the intent of driving it for a while and then selling it. Why sell it? He wanted to donate the proceeds from the car's sale to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.And now, in 2017, Gooding & Co. is setting to put this McLaren P1, called "The Professor," up for auction at their Amelia Island auction. All images courtesy of Gooding & Company. Copyright Mark Hardymon.The car is finished in what is called "Professor 2 Blue," a paint that was adjusted several times before it was to the owner's liking. Joining the blue exterior are red accent stripes, and wheels finished in matte black and silver. Inside, The Professor is one of just two P1s that were fitted with specially molded seats that were designed after the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona's seat pattern. The owner also had McLaren install a passenger side vanity mirror, which isn't standard, with the phrase "You look beautiful" etched into the mirror for his wife.Now that the car is headed to the auction, the owner is planning on donating the proceeds to Rose-Hulman so that the Alfred R. Schmidt Chair for Excellence in Teaching can be established. It's estimated to sell for $2-2.3 million.

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2017

Breaking: Amelia Island Concours Sunday Events Moved to S...

Due to weather concerns, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance will be moved from Sunday to Saturday. The announcement was made early Thursday morning. on their Facebook page. They do note that the Cars & Coffee will still be happening on Saturday morning.Stay with us for more updates regarding the change as they are released.Update: Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has released the following press release regarding the change of events: Amelia Island, FL - Even in the best case scenario, the forecast for Sunday’s scheduled Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance includes rain and lots of it. With a 100% chance of heavy precipitation forecast for Sunday and a sunshine-filled Saturday in the mix, Bill Warner and his team have chosen to move Sunday’s award-winning Concours to Saturday. The Concours show will now coincide with Saturday’s Cars & Coffee at the Concours presented by Heacock Classic Insurance.Tampa Bay Irish Pubs The new schedule is as followsSaturday’s Cars & Coffee at the Concours: 9am until 1pmSaturday’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 9:30am until 5pmOther important changes include moving Saturday’s Legends of the Leaping Car – Jaguar Racing Driver’s Seminar will move to Sunday at 10:30am in the Talbot Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Islandhttps://www.facebook.com/ameliaconcours/posts/1345639622150622

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Project One Hyper Price and Production Numbers

Top Gear recently spoke with Tobias Moers, the head of Mercedes-AMG,, and have learned the price and production numbers of the upcoming Project One hypercar.According to Top Gear's article, the Mercedes-AMG Project One will come with a price tag of €2.275 million (roughly equates to $2,413,000 USD at current exchange rates). As for the production numbers, Moers said that they're planning a limited run of just 275.Also, he mentioned that the car will have a 1.6-liter engine that revs to 11,000 rpm and cited that it's "Pure F1 technology." In fact, the electric components found in the car, including the split turbo, battery cells, crank motor, and front axle that's driven by electric motors, are from F1.Unfortunately, that's all we have for right now!All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2017

Aston Martin's New Brand Inspired by Motorsports

With the unveiling of the Aston Martin Vulcan and Valkyrie, the English automaker has shown their intentions of creating more than just the average luxury sports car. Now, this intention is even more apparent with the announcement of AMR, a new brand that takes their production models and creates new motorsport derived versions.In a press release, Aston Martin had this to say about the new brand: "Reflecting Aston Martin’s racing pedigree, AMR takes technology and inspiration from motorsport to amplify the sporting prowess present across the model range. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, AMR takes Aston Martin’s road cars to new and exciting extremes."Two AMR concepts were displayed at Geneva: the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro.The Aston Martin Rapide AMR features a 592 horsepower version of the 6.0-liter V12 and a new quad exhaust system, both of which give it more power and presence than ever before. Also, both of these components help in giving the car a top speed of 210 mph. Aston Martin has decorated the car in Stirling Green with lime green accents, 21-inch alloy wheels, new grille, front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, small spoiler on the rear decklid and more.As for the Vantage AMR Pro, this car is a track-only version of the Vantage. It comes a pumped up version of the company's GT4 race engine that is rated at 500 horsepower, making it the most powerful V8 Vantage ever. Aston Martin ahs also installed adjustable suspension, competition engine and transmission mounts, 19-inch center lock wheels, Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, and more.Both of these models are going into production. However, the Vantage AMR Pro will only be produced seven times and the Rapide AMR 210 times. However, Aston Martin did note that there will eventually be an AMR version of every model in their range.

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2017

McLaren Has Already Created a Bespoke 720S Called "Velocity"

The new McLaren 720S was only released on March 7, and we already have a bespoke MSO version of the car. Being called "Velocity," this one-off car shows just what McLaren is capable of when it comes to customizing the new entry in the Super Series.“The MSO mission is to fulfill customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,” said Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “The lean, sculpted beauty of the new 720S provides the perfect starting point for owners to be creative and the specification of this MSO 720S ‘Velocity’ showcases a taste of the customization options that are possible.”On the outside, MSO has finished Velocity in a deep Nerello Red paint that fades into Volcano Red towards the rear. Contrasting these red tones is a naked carbon fiber hood. Complimenting the finish are a set of wheels in metallic bronze and carbon fiber trim options from MSO. Inside the cabin, heaps of Carbon Black Alcantara trim, and Harissa Red leather can be found throughout.All McLaren For SaleThe total cost of this car is around $410,000 after all options were picked out. Below is the full list of options. MSO Exterior Paint Theme (Nerello Red/Volcano Red) MSO Bronze Wheel Finish MSO Carbon Fiber Bonnet (red tinted gloss finish) MSO Carbon Rear Deck Vent (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Service Cover (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Fiber Rear Aero Bridge (gloss finish) MSO Carbon Full Length Sill Cover (satin finish) MSO Carbon Face Vents (satin finish) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Facia with Harissa Red Leather IP Topper Center and IP Topper Driver Side (Harissa Red contrast stitch on all stitch lines) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Tunnel and Door Bin Lid with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch (including Black TPE Cup Holder and Key Fob Holder) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Steering Wheel with Harissa Red Leather Center Band (Harissa Red contrast stitch on upper and grips) Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Door Casings with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch and Harissa Red Leather Door Speaker Surround Inner Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Seats with Carbon Black Leather Large Insert Panels (cushion/seatback) and Harissa Red Leather Minor Insert Accent Panels. Harissa Red Contrast Stitch on all stitch lines Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Headlining with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Quarter Panel Rear and Bulkhead Finisher (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines) Carbon Black Carpet Rear Shelf and Bulkhead (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines) Carbon Black Alcantara® B Pillar Lower with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

Mercedes-AMG GT Concept: Now With Four Doors and an Elect...

Daimler has just unveiled one heck of a doozy with the new Mercedes-AMG GT Concept. This four-door show car has a few similar styling cues to that of the current AMG GT, but with added doors and an overall new look."With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, we are giving a preview of our third completely independently developed sports car and are extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The AMG GT Concept, like the AMG Hypercar, which we are presenting at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, illustrates how we are defining performance of the future at AMG."As far as the exterior goes, the rear looks like a mashup between a Porsche Panamera and the AMG GT coupe. The long, sloping rear window allows for room for the rear passengers, while the entire rear fascia mimics the AMG GT. In the front is an all-new design that could possible be found in upcoming AMG models, like new C-Series or S-Series models, but that's just an observation.Now, onto its powertrain. The AMG GT Concept displayed at Geneva houses an AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine and an electric motor. When used in unison, this concept has a 0-60 mph sprint time of less than three seconds. That's quite the performance from a four-door sports car.There's no word as to whether or not this car will go into production. At the very least, we will most likely be seeing some aspects being borrowed from this concept in future models.All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Revealed: Price, Specs and a Manual ...

Porsche has pulled back the sheets on the new 2018 911 GT3, a model they say is "for the road and track."Underneath the hood is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that provides 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Essentially, this engine is a carryover from the 911 GT3 Cup racecar and has been relatively untouched. Porsche will actually be producing the GT3 on the same production line as the GT3 Cup.With a power-to-weight of 6.4 pounds per 1 hp, the 911 GT3 is a mean little go-getter. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 197 miles per hour. However, that's with the PDK transmission. Yes, that means that Porsche will be offering the 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual (THANK YOU). When this transmission is selected, the 911 GT3 drops 37 pounds, has a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.This power and speed can easily be put to use on the track. With active Rear Axle Steering, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 can take corners exquisitely. Porsche also includes dynamic engine mounts and a rear locking differential as standard in the 911 GT3 to further its handling abilities.The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will be in the United States in Fall 2017 with a base MSRP of $143,600 (w.o the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).All Porsche 911 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept: Electric Luxury

About two years ago, Bentley unveiled the EXP 10 Speed 6 as a unique and luxurious concept car that branches away from their lineup. Now, they have unveiled the new EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept, a new take on the previous concept that is now electrically powered.Bentley has loaded this new concept car with technology. For instance, the entire center console is comprised of curved glass that includes an OLED screen. It's on this screen that all of the main function are accessible, including navigation and climate control. Bentley also included a control panel that's used by the passenger, which has access to social media, email and entertainment.“The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high-quality materials and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach." - Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley MotorsUnfortunately, Bentley Motors has not mentioned the ECP 12 Speed 6e Concept's power or performance. Although, they did mention that it can be powered up by rapid inductive charging or directly through an AC power supply.All Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan Performante Revealed: Specs, Pics and...

On Friday the world was shocked by Lamborghini's video. It was cockpit footage from the latest Huracan in a record-setting lap of the'Ring. The time to beat is now 6:52.01 thanks to the new Lamborghini Huracan Performante. A press release this morning dives deep into technical advancements and revised components, so allow us to offer up the finer details.Instead of traditional carbon fiber, the Huracan Performante uses forged composites to shed weight. Still made of carbon, the material is thinner with the same strength. The result is a loss of 88 lbs of curb weight. Active aerodynamics are programmed to react in 500 ms in order to control downforce. It also creates less drag which increases acceleration and top speed. It only takes 2.9 seconds to reach 62 mph and you will be capable of over 202 mph. The 5.2 liter V10 now makes 640 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. With a dry weight of 3,046 lbs, the Performante is the state of the art in lightweight motoring.View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos The exhaust is all new, with tuned runners exiting higher up than before. This allows 70% of maximum torque by 1,000 rpm, which is something Italian enthusiasts are not accustomed to. The chassis is 15% stronger, so the suspension was dialed in with more spring pressure and thicker sway bars. The interior offers new displays for the driver and race ready seats are optional. The base price for US buyers has been set at $274,390, which isn't bad for a record holding supercar. As soon as they begin arriving you will seem them first here on Autofluence.

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2017

Rolls-Royce Ghost Elegance: Coated in Paint Made With 1,0...

You may have diamonds embedded in the jewelry you wear, but what about the paint that's on your car? Well, Rolls-Royce went ahead and painted a Ghost in diamond-paint, resulting in the most luxurious exterior I've ever seen on a luxury car.The car itself is dubbed "Elegance," a fitting name for such an opulent car. In fact, Rolls-Royce says this is the "first luxury motor car to be finished in a paint created from diamonds."If you're interested in seeing this car for yourself, head over to the Geneva International Motor Show.Rolls-Royce For Sale

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