Articles

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

Nissan GT-R Breaks the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 08, 2016

Nissan GT-R Performs World's Fastest Drift- Literally

In the Middle East, Dubai specifically, Nissan is known for breaking records. In fact, this new record marks the car company's fifth record in the region.On an airstrip at Fujairah International Airport, an MY16 Nissan GT-R, driven by famed Japanese drifter, R. Masato Kawabata, beat out the previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for fastest drift. Kawabata hit speeds of "304.96 km/hr (189.53 mph/hr) and 30 degrees angle," in the GT-R, according to a press release from Nissan.Regarding the record, Samir Cherfan, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East stated:"The Nissan GT-R is one of the world’s most iconic supercars, proving time and again the incredible breadth of its capabilities, and has clearly demonstrated its performance leadership by beating the best drift cars out there. The fact that this achievement was set here in the UAE makes it even more special for our region. Setting this incredibly difficult world record was a clear demonstration of the excitement we are bringing to the Middle East with the Nismo brand." Nissan GT-Rs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 07, 2016

Tesla Model 3 Sets Record for Highest Sales of Any Item, ...

With the Model 3, Tesla made history, and we're not talking about just car history. Tesla made overall product history. According to an email the electric car company sent our editors, "In the first 24 hours Model 3 received over 180,000 reservations, setting the record for the highest single-day sales of any product of any kind ever in world history." Assuming this statement is true, that means the Tesla Model 3, even before anyone knew what it looked like, surpassed the most popular products in the world.Before Elon Musk even revealed the car to the public, people were lined up, waiting to reserve theirs. Photos from around the world show lines wrapped around buildings and crowding streets. When Musk did reveal the Model 3, online reservations began piling up. Musk pledged to create a mass-production electric vehicle at an affordable price, without compromising safety or performance. Reviews of the game-changing sedan have been rave, to say the least. "Sleek, quick as hell, and meant for the masses." Wired "It delivers what to my eye is the most agreeable, most romantic shape in the small-car class." The Wall Street Journal "The features are all there, and the overall design is gorgeous." The Drive The Model 3 is set to change the course of the car industry and provide a more sustainable model for our planet, and it looks like many are on board. According to Bloomberg, Tesla is reporting over 325,000 reservations for the Model 3. To reserve the Model 3, buyers need only $1000. So currently, Tesla has $325,000,000 to begin production on the Model 3, and we're hoping they keep to their promise of deliveries starting late 2017. Will you be reserving a Model 3?Teslas For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2016

2017 Shelby Mustang GT350 Gets Features Customers Asked For

The customers asked and Ford delivered. For the new 2017 Shelby Mustang GT350, the American automaker has added a number of offerings that they say are the "the best of what customers have been asking for from the most track-capable, race-ready Mustang ever built."“Ford Performance is always listening to customer feedback,” said Dave Pericak, global director at Ford Performance, in a press release. “At the end of last year we started offering a back seat option for Shelby GT350R due to customer demand. Now, we have adjusted the packages available to continue to provide more of what customers want on the Shelby GT350R Mustang.”These are the new packages: Standard Track Package featuring aluminum tower-to-tower brace; high-downforce decklid spoiler; engine oil, transmission and differential coolers; MagneRide™ damping system Three new colors – Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, and Grabber Blue – replace Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange Two new available packages – Electronics Package includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system; Convenience Package includes the same options and replaces manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sport seats Available audio system upgrade from seven to nine speakers with Electronics Package, Convenience Package, and R-Electronics Package I wasn't exactly sure how they could make the pony car housing a flat-plane crankshaft any better, but these packages are most definitely sweetening what the GT350 has to offer.Mustang For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 06, 2016

BMW Presents 'Sporty Elegance' 2016 Lifestyle Collection

BMW is known for classic elegance, innovation and sporty cars. To compliment the quality and popularity of their vehicles, BMW has added 2540 items to their clothing and accessory collection for 2016. Celebrating their 100th year, the 2016 Lifestyle Collection features an array of wearables including jackets, watches, sunglasses and more. Also included is a selection of luggage.Drive and i-series or an M-series? Choose from the specially crafted M and i Collections. the BMW Iconic collection includes leather accessories and wrist watches, among other items, all of which are hand-crafted and made of high-quality materials. BMW even sets the kids up with specialty children's items. You can check out the full collection here.BMWs For Sale

Cabriolets von Mercedes-Benz Cars / Cabriolets by Mercedes-Benz

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 06, 2016

Mercedes-Benz Sees Highest Monthly Sales, Best First Quar...

With a total of 198,921 cars delivered in March 2016, Mercedes-Benz hit a company record, delivering more cars than ever in a one-month span in the company's history. This news comes after a record-breaking month in February as well. Among the top locations, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region both set records for Mercedes-Benz sales. According to a press release, "Mercedes-Benz was the premium market leader in Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan and Portugal in March."As if this record-setting wasn't enough, the high-end car maker also saw it's best first quarter ever, sweetening the deal. Models that sold best in March were the E-Class Saloon and the Estate. The C-Class Saloon and Estate were also popular.Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz!Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 06, 2016

Starwood Motors is Taking One Lucky Combat-Injured Vetera...

The infamous goldRush Rally is scheduled for May 13-21 of this year, and the trip looks like it will be as epic as the previous eight years. Starting in Boston, the rally will travel through Washington, D.C. Charlotte, Nashville, and then hop over to the U.S. west coast to hit Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and end in Los Angeles. goldRush has been touted as a "premiere automotive lifestyle Rally."Starwood is teaming up with the goldRush Rally and offering the Warrior Rally, which will take place May 12-18 and follow the goldRush Rally down the eastern coast. To celebrate the bravery of combat-wounded veterans, Starwood Customs will fly the winning veteran from their hometown to Boston, Mass to join the goldRush Rally, and then escort the veteran on the rest of the eastern leg of the Rally.The veteran will ride in the Bandit, which is Starwood Custom's, "427 cubic inch supercharged pickup truck conversion Jeep Wrangler” and will be accompanied by the one and only, Camp Crocker, famed Jeep Builder and the newest addition to Starwood Motors Staff.For more information on the Warrior Rally and how to enter, make sure to visit the Starwood Motors website.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 05, 2016

Queen Elizabeth II's Bentley Mulsanne is Up For Sale

A quick browse session in the Bentley section of popular car site, Auto Trader (UK edition), will turn up a slice of royalty-- literally. Currently for sale at Surrey dealer, Bramley, is Queen Elizabeth II's Bentley Mulsanne finished in a regal, forest green with tan leather interior. The Mulsanne boasts Bentley's well-known specifications, including a 6.75-liter V8 engine reaching 505 bhp and a top speed of 184 mph.The Bentley Mulsanne was used exclusively by Her Majesty and was responsible for transporting her to esteemed events such as the the diamond jubilee celebrations, cabinet meetings on 10 Downing Street and more. With less than 5,000 miles of use, the car reached retirement in 2014. Now, the car is available for purchase at £199,850 (approximately $282,600).Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

Barrett-Jackson Aucitoning Off Hennessey Velociraptor Fea...

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is known for their charitable lots, most recently the first 2017 Acura NSX. Now, for the 2016 Palm Beach auction they will be offering the Hennessey VelociRaptor that Jeremy Clarkson drove on "Top Gear".This truck started off as a Ford Raptor with a six-speed automatic transmission and ended up as a truck worthy of the Cretaceous name. Its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 was pumped up to 650 hp and makes a 0-60 mph run possible in just 5.3 seconds. It was wrapped in Pennzoil Yellow, modified further with new bumpers, wheels and a light bar that Clarkson said was so bright it resembles a "collapsed sun."Barrett-Jackson will be offering the car at their Palm Beach event, at approximately 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2016. One hundred percent of this truck's hammer price will benefit The Paralyzed Veterans of America charity.(Click image to play video)

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

2016 Continental GT Speed And Black Edition Unveiled: Fas...

Just in today is big news from Bentley Motors as they revealed the new and revised 2016 Continental GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models.Utilizing a redeveloped version of the Continental's 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, this new GT Speed is capable of 633 hp (a 7 hp increase from last year's) and 620 lb-ft of torque (14.75 lb-ft increase). With a breath of fresh power, the '16 GT Speeds will be able to hit a top speed of 206 mph and rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds (.2 seconds quicker).Unveiled along with the GT Speed is the new GT Speed Black Edition (featured image). This new variant for Bentley's fastest is available for both the coupe and convertible styles. What makes the Black Edition special are the high gloss black trimmings on the exterior, carbon fiber trimming in the cabin, contrasting colors on the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser and contrasting leather that matches the exterior accents.Orders for the new Continental GT Speed are available now, with deliveries happening this summer.Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2016

Ben Collins Thrashes McLaren 570S Around Goodwood

Former Stig, Ben Collins, knows a thing or two about driving.By now you have probably seen reviews of the McLaren 570S, but having a proper British driver flog the newest McLaren around Goodwood is entertainment at its finest. In a YouTube video uploaded Wednesday, Collins extols the virtues of the new supercar. I had the opportunity to drive one around Baltimore's Inner Harbor back in January, so I am only slightly jealous.He doesn't mention it, but the door sills of the 570 are much lower than previous McLaren models, and the 12-speaker audio system by Bowers & Wilkins is unreal. If you have an opportunity to drive one, don't pass it up. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more McLaren news.McLaren 570S For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe