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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 – August 24, 2020

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Arrives September 3rd

Ask anyone, nobody has a bad memory of Jeep's flagship. From daily drivers, they have transformed into heirlooms, so restoring them is big business these days. That's why we're happy to announce that a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer is arriving on September 3rd. " width="680"> While the original Grand Wagoneer was the first example of their Family SUV, their 360 V8 engine ran well past 500,000 miles. Overbuilt to be tough and over-engineered to do all Jeep-related things, this new one will be unbeatable. It will be a perfect kickoff for Labor Day Weekend, and you will see it here first. Stay with us for all your Dodge-Jeep-Ram & Fiat-Chrysler news. Browse Jeep For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

James Bond: "No Time To Die" Slot Car Track is fun for al...

Nothing hurts worse than Daniel Craig's impending retirement. His last film as Agent 007 will premiere this Thanksgiving, so Micro Scalextric licensed incredible 1:64 scale versions of the DB5 and Jaguar XF. The system is battery-powered with 9 track configurations and its under $50. Both cars have neodymium magnets for the ultimate downforce, and that is why the "No Time To Die" slot car track is fun for all ages. To give you a preview of the action, the video below is from their James Bond; SPECTRE set that has become valuable to collectors and movie buffs. Click the button below to learn more about their latest track and stay with us for all your James Bond news. Shop Now " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

2021 Lexus ES 350 Black Line Arrives With Halliburton Lug...

Last month our friends at Lexus gave us a preview of the new NX Black Line, and it amazed everyone. With such an overwhelming response, the 2021 ES 350 Black Line will arrive with the same set of matching Zero-Halliburton luggage. Available in Blue Mica, Obsidian, and Ultra White, it is the only ES to offer a 2-tone leather interior with gray contrast stitching. Lexus LC 500 Convertible: More Than a Beautiful Machine It rides on their new global GA-K chassis that allows the car to be 2.6" longer 0.2" lower and almost 2" wider. Desinged to offer the strongest and most comfrotable ride, the chassis has several overlapping layers of high strength steel and twice the number of laser welds as its predecessor. The strut towers are reinforced below and above, with a brace across the engine bay. It has also gained 2 degrees of positive caster for straight line comfort. " width="680"> Their venerable 3.5-liter V6 has gained port injection to keep the combustion chambers clean and cool. New cam phasers allow it to run on the Atkinson Cycle when cruising, making for an impressive 32 mpg on the highway. It offers 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque to an 8-speed automatic. The ES is the car that started it all, so we're glad it has returned with all the comfort, safety and practicality you deserve. Click the link below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Learn More

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By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

Cadillac Teases CT5-V Blackwing at 200 MPH

The first action I took when I started working here 9 years ago was to find a fast car. That is when I saw a 2004 Cadillac CTS-V for sale in the world's best car magazine. The boss didn't believe the price, so he and I took a long lunch, and I found an LS6 with 405 horsepower and 30,000 miles. The notion of a fast Caddy was new to me, but it has been the best car I have owned. However, it might be time to trade it in, as Cadillac has teased the CT5-V Blackwing at 200 MPH. Look closely at the gauges to see the magic number. Cadillac Confirms Manual Transmission CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing The CT5-V arrived earlier this year with a twin-turbo 3-liter V6. It sends 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, as it is the same drivetrain from the discontinued CT6. For an even hotter model, it was supposed to get Blackwing 4.2-liter twin-turbo, GM's first dual overhead cam V8 in decades. One small problem, the engine is huge. Sadly it only made an appearance in the 2019 CT6-V before being shelved. That is why the CT5-V will debut later next year with the LT4 or LT5 supercharged V8 from the previous generation Corvette ZR1. I would be happy with 755 horsepower and a six-speed, how about you? Browse Cadillac For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2020

Chevrolet Celebrates 1.75 Million Corvettes

In three years, America's first supercar will be 70 years old. The first 1953 Chevrolet Corvette for sale was white with a red leather interior. That's why the workers at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant replicated the same livery on a new 2020 Corvette Stingray. Unfortunately, you can't buy it, as it is already in the National Corvette Museum next door. Signed by the talented team of UAW Local 2164, it is how Chevrolet celebrates 1.75 million Corvettes. C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review The one-millionth Corvette was built in 1992 and swallowed by a sinkhole in 2014. It also had the signatures of its builders, so Chevrolet spent a year restoring a flattened car back to new. Production of the 2020 Stingray Convertible started yesterday, and they are sold out through 2021. After winning Sebring and Daytona back to back, we congratulate everyone at Team Corvette for building affordable and amazing supercars. Browse Chevrolet Corvette For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2020

McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio ...

Every 2005 Ford GT for sale has a supercharged 5.4-liter, perfect six-speed transmission, and the first McIntosh Audio system I had experienced. Aside from the exhaust, that sound system was incredible. Now it looks like history will be repeated, as they have joined forces with Alps Alpine to build bespoke systems for the world's best cars. Alps Electric is the parent company of Alpine Audio, leaders in high-end automotive sound for 53 years. Jeff Poggi, McIntosh Group Co-CEO and CEO of the Sonus faber said: "We expect simply the very best out of every product we bring to market. It’s the reason we joined forces with Alps Alpine to ensure our exacting standard of excellence will never be compromised. And now, consumers can enjoy our luxury audio experience in their cars, everywhere they go." Expect to see their collaborations appear later in 2021. Home Audio enthusiasts like me are happy that he recently unveiled the MC1502, the ultimate 2-channel tube amplifier that offers 150 watts of pure analog enjoyment. It is powered by eight KT88 output vacuum tubes, with four assigned to each stereo channel. It also has eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each of these vacuum tubes are dedicated to each audio channel. The 12AX7A vacuum tubes are for the Balanced and Input amps, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the Voltage and Driver amps. Learn More

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition front 3/4

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2020

2021 Ram TRX Launch Edition Unveiled

For those who want the fastest and most powerful production pickup, there is already a waiting list. Those at the top have the option for a fully-loaded version announced in a press release last night. The 2021 Ram TRX Launch Edition was unveiled with all the bells & whistles. Only 702 trucks will be built, signifying the 702 horsepower it offers. RAM TRX Price, Horsepower & Specs The Anvil Gray paint is exclusive, and each truck will have a brushed aluminum badge on the center console denoting its production number. They will also have the Level 2 package that includes carbon-fiber trim, Heads Up Display, beadlock-capable wheels, and a 19-speaker system by Harmon-Kardon. Pricing for the TRX starts at 71,960, with the Launch Edition at $90,000. Production will start in a few weeks, but our dealers have great incentives on Hellcats to browse in the meantime. Click the button below for more MOPAR muscle and stay with us for all your Hemi news. Browse RAM TRX For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2020

Drake's New Music Video Features Two Wild Mercedes-Maybac...

Drake's latest music video for his song "Laugh Now Cry Later" has millions of views and over one million likes. There's no doubt in my mind that this song slaps, but the two cars that make an appearance in the video are what really caught my attention. These two cars are actually concept cars known as the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupe and Cabriolet. They have a massive body that's highlighted by the insanely high-tech interior. You can actually get a great glimpse of the interior in the video, which shows off the plethora of LED lights in the cabin. Each of these concept cars features an electric drivetrain. The battery actually has the ability to pump out 738 horsepower, which allows the massive concept car to run from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. Check them out for yourself in the video up above. See All Mercedes-Benz for Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CD7aHLAlX68/

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Interior Details Revealed

Nothing is unattainable for the company that invented the automobile. Pulling out all the stops, the upcoming flagship will be your "Personal Welfare Oasis". That is why we are happy that the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior details have been revealed. Starting with the most obvious, the cabin takes inspiration from classic wood yachts. If you don't care about all the wood, there is room for five touch screens. Energizing Comfort Control tracks your well-being, and it can sense when you need relaxation or "invigoration" to keep you aware. The massaging seat rollers are closer to the leather for more relaxation, and the head pillow is now heated. All interior lighting is 10 times brighter thanks to the latest LED technology. Capable of any color, the ambiance can easily be seen in broad daylight. All seats carry the AGR seal of the healthy spine campaign, and they have speakers integrated for immersive 3D surround sound. The press release is a dozen pages, so we hope this will entice you to learn more. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock: The newest Dodge drag rac

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2020

2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock Unveiled With 807 H...

A ride in a 10-second car will change your life. You will only want to go faster, and we have the best way to accomplish that. The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock has been unveiled with 807 horsepower and hardcore drag racing hardware. Starting at $79,995, you will have adaptive Bilstein suspension, 14.2" Brembo brakes, forged lightweight 18x11 wheels, and 315/40 Nitto drag radials at all corners. 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye & Durango SRT Hellcat Unleashed Based on the Hellcat Redeye, it leaps to 60 mph in 3.25 seconds. New parts in the engine and supercharger yield 707 lb-ft of torque along with a higher redline of 6,400 rpm. The official quarter-mile time is 10.5 at 131 mph, and the top speed is limited to 168 because of the drag tires. In track mode, the A/C is diverted to the power chiller, the rear shocks are softened, steering feedback is set for high-speed control, and the torque converter clutch rpm is raised. All the other Demon and Hellcat features are also onboard. You will have Launch Assist, Launch Control, a Line Lock, Torque Reserve, and Race Cooldown mode. Browse Challenger SRT For Sale

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