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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

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By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

McLaren Artura Arrives Tonight

Yesterday we were glad to introduce their Formula 1 team and car for the 2021 season, so for an encore performance, the McLaren Artura arrives tonight. Daniel Ricciardo has been hard at work pushing their latest supercar to its limits, and they will be streamed at 7:01 PM ET. Because their V8 engines are easily capable of 1,000 horsepower, the street-legal car will borrow V6 technology from their Formula 1 coworkers. It will also herald a new electric future for the brand. Will it be an electric car with a fire breathing range extender? How will it be placed in their current lineup? These questions will be answered tonight, so cancel your plans to join us. McLaren For Sale Image (C) McLaren Cars

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2021

Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg, FL is Happening on Feb...

Over 250 exotic, classic and American muscle cars will be heading to the scenic Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg this weekend for the 2021 Festivals of Speed Motorsports Gathering in St. Petersburg. This event is set in a perfect location that really is ideal for the Sunshine State as it overlooks the waters of Tampa Bay. While journeying around the cars, there will be onsite cafes to be found that serve fine wines and festive cocktails, as well as exciting culinary offerings. Date: Sunday, February 21, 2021Time: 10:00am-4:00pmAddress: 501 5th Ave NESt. Petersburg, FL 33701CHILDREN 12 & UNDER ARE FREE! What's more, this location is surrounded by world-renown museums, award-winning restaurants and craft cocktail bars. Every time I've gone to this event, I've made an entire day out of it, enjoying what St. Petersburg has to offer. If you're planning on going to enjoy the sights and sounds of this event, be sure to purchase your ticket in advance by clicking the button below. Additionally, if you'd like to display your vehicle, you can also click on the button for more info. USE DISCOUNT CODE "DUPONT50" TO SAVE 50% OFF OF GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS. Buy Tickets

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2021

Jaguar Going All-Electric By 2025

Achieving carbon neutrality is a goal for all major automakers. Because they command respect around the world, Jaguar is going all-electric by 2025. Their latest press release looks forward to the next decade with CEO Thierry Bolloré leading the way. The main goal is for Jaguar-Land Rover to be net zero carbon for 2039, and it will start with the first all-electric Land Rover for the 2024 model-year. Hydrogen fuel cells and battery technology innovations are the focus of collaborations with their parent company Tata Motors. Although a new XJ sedan holds the flagship spot in the lineup, it might not have the criteria to join them on this new voyage. They are devoting £2.5bn ($3.48 billion) each year to electrification while also focusing on double-digit EBIT margins. In order to have positive cash flows regardless of all debt will require continued focus on quality over quantity, and the elimination of badge engineering between Jaguar and Land Rover. The aluminum chassis will evolve into composites while gas engines are phased out, so tell us which model you like the most in the comments below. Jaguar For Sale Land Rover For Sale Tata Motors Chart by TradingView Image (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 15, 2021

An Exclusive Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX Release For Sp...

When it comes to Supreme collection releases, the accessories are the highlight, as the New York streetwear brand collaborates with companies to create truly unique products. The much anticipated Supreme Spring/Summer ’21 Collection set to release soon, just got a lot more interesting with the addition of the Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX watercraft. Although it’s not the first power sports release, history reveals that the limited production item will be the most popular piece of the drop, resulting in a favorable investment for any streetwear collector. The personal watercraft created as a freestyle machine combines a lightweight and nimble design with a Rotax 900 Ace-90 horsepower engine to easily maneuver throughout the water. The exclusive Sea-Doo is styled using a sticker pattern of Supreme’s most iconic designs, with the infamous Supreme script incorporated into the seat and front facia of the watercraft. No matter the outcome, we hope to see Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX on the water this summer. Pricing and production quantity has yet to be announced, so check back in on more release information on the Supreme Spring/Summer ’21 Collection. Supreme For more Gear news, Check out How To Buy: Puma x Porsche KING Platinum 911 Legacy Soccer Cleats

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By Alyssa Mammano – February 12, 2021

Sylvester Stallone Lists Massive Beverly Hills Mansion fo...

Sylvester Stallone is jumping into the real estate ring with one of the most expensive homes to be listed as of late. His massive 21,000-square-foot mansion lies in the heart of Beverly Hills and was listed in late January for $110 million. Tucked away in a cul-de-sac at the end of a long, private drive, Stallone's former abode sits on a sprawling 3.5 acres in the North Beverly Park private enclave. Listed exclusively with Hilton & Hyland, the commanding Contemporary Mediterranean boasts eight bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, including a Richard Landry-designed guest house. In addition, a professional theater, gym, cigar room with air-filtration and a bar round out the design. Outside, unmatched views of Rodeo Drive and beyond are enhanced with a putting green and unrivaled landscaping. Stallone reportedly purchased the property in the late 90s and upon the plat built the 21,000-square-foot estate. The priciest pad ever paid for in Beverly Park is $40 million, so Stallone's $110 million asking price is quite an increase. View Listing Photography via Realtor.com/Hilton & Hyland

By Andrew Nabors – February 12, 2021

Fast Financials 2021: BMW Leads The U.S. In Exports

American cars can be found around the world, so you might guess Ford or GM would be at the top of the list. But for the seventh consecutive year, BMW leads the U.S. in exports. Adding all the window stickers for every BMW that leaves our shores adds up to a whopping $8.9 billion. The skilled workers in Spartanburg, South Carolina turned out more value than the entire GDP of Haiti, more than 13,000 new vehicles. Despite a 5-week Covid shutdown, they built 361,365 new BMWs. Yours is waiting at one of our dealers, so click the button and check out the new BMW M5 CS! BMW For Sale BMW Chart by TradingView Image (C) BMW USA

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

Mercury Marine Unveils 600 HP V12 Verado

Don't blame your old inboard for leaving you stranded, be happy that Mercury Marine has unveiled a 600 horsepower V12 Verado. Nothing about this is conventional, and it is that mentality that has kept them on top for the past 60 years. Starting at the top, we pop the hood (no cowling, the hood is electric) to find a 7.6-liter V12 with quad cams. It sends power to a 2-speed transmission and on to the steering gear. While the powerhead is bolted rigidly to the transom, the foot can steer 45 degrees off the centerline. Not only do you have 30 more degrees to maneuver, but this beast can also be mounted much closer to its siblings. Low gear gets you on plane and then the downshift cuts the rpm by 20% to offer nice fuel savings. A double-roller timing chain never needs to be serviced, and all maintenance can be done in the water. Would you take four of these or the Ferrari Hydroplane for sale?

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

2021 Indian Chief Is All New For Its 100th Anniversary

America's first Motorcycle Company unveiled a masterpiece in 1921, and that's why the 2021 Indian Chief is all-new for its 100th anniversary. Three versions aim to appeal to different tastes: Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and Super Chief Limited. All are powered by a revised Thunderstroke 116" v-twin that offers 120 lb-ft of torque. Their new Ride Command system combines all aspects of engine power, stability control, and instrumentation. It has different modes for the gauge displays, audio, and Bluetooth. Over 70 accessories are specific to the Chief, so don't follow the crowd. Did you see the Indian Chieftan inspired by Evel Knievel? Images (C) Indian Motorcycle

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

Inside The BMW M3 & M4 Manual Transmission

Cars with three pedals are simply more fun, so let's look inside the BMW M3 & M4 manual transmission. The latest upload from BMW M is their 10th in a series that takes us behind the scenes. Automatics are great for daily commuting and heavy traffic, but flappy paddles and economy-minded shift logic sucks the excitement out of the experience. Rev-matching can be distracting after a long day, so BMW can do it for you. A twin-disk clutch offers long life behind the 510-horsepower straight-six, and a dual-mass flywheel stores engine speed while you carve the corners. Perhaps the best feature is how the shifter is braced to the floorpan and the transmission, giving you crisp shifts with minimal effort. If you missed last week's episode it had a great soundtrack, so tell us your thoughts on stick shifts in the comments below. BMW M3 For Sale BMW M4 For Sale Image (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – February 08, 2021

Fast Financials 2021: Tesla Pushes Bitcoin To New Heights

While SpaceX Starship SN10 began fuel tests, Elon Musk announced big news for cryptocurrency. In our latest Fast Financials for 2021, Tesla has pushed Bitcoin to new heights. Reuters broke the news this morning that Tesla Motors had purchased $1.5 billion in Bitcoin. Given the current trends, this is a great investment. It coincides with their announcement that the brand will begin accepting it for payment. Over the past few hours, the price of one coin has surpassed $44,000. The tail wags the dog, as Tesla's investment was the impetus for today's rally. Click the button to find your Tesla and tell us your Bitcoin experience in the comments below. Browse Tesla For Sale Bitcoin Chart by TradingView Image (C) Tesla. Ticker (C) Tradingview.com

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