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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

Bronco Four-Door Outer Banks Fishing Guide

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2020

Ford Bronco Celebrates 55th Birthday With Five Wild Concepts

Ford has declared August 13th as Bronco Day, so they have pulled out all the stops for an epic celebration. While reaffirming their commitment to the Baja 1000 race, they also announced Bronco Off-Roadeo. The first location will be in the hills of Austin, Texas, starting next Summer. The big news are the concepts that could possibly hint at new Ford accessories. Bronco Four-Door Outer Banks Fishing Guide: Purpose-built to support a professional fishing guide along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this lifestyle concept is based off the regionally inspired four-door Bronco Outer Banks™ series. On top is a Bestop® Sunrider® first-row soft top, factory-style concept roof rails and crossbars, and a Yakima® LockNLoad™ Platform roof rack. The SUV makes use of fender-mounted trail sights to fit a custom-made fishing pole and seat perch to wait for the perfect catch. A Ford Performance modular front bumper and safari bar help push through rugged terrain, while a slide-out tailgate provides a great work surface when repairing fishing rods or stringing up new lures. All-weather floor mats and splash guards round out the package. Bronco Two-Door Trail Rig: Designed to be the ultimate hardcore trail rider, this custom build is based on the two-door Badlands™ series. It begins with a Ford Performance modular front bumper, tube doors, beadlock-capable wheels and 40-inch RIGID® LED lightbar. A Ford Performance by WARN® winch helps rescue your lesser-equipped 4x4 friends. On top, factory roof rails are augmented with a Yakima Platform roof rack system with mounts for a shovel, and Ford Performance by WARN recovery kit and recovery boards. Inside are rugged floor mats and a rear swing-gate-mounted table. Bronco Sport TOW RZR: TOW RZR matches the added passenger comfort and technology features of the Badlands series with towing and cargo accessories to help adventurers haul more outdoor gear. The custom build adds Yakima HD Bar crossbars and OffGrid medium cargo basket and Class II Trailer Tow Package with 2,200 pounds of capacity to tow off-road runners like the all-new Polaris® RZR XP Turbo 1000™, unveiled today as part of the Bronco birthday celebration. Bronco Sport Off-Roadeo Adventure Patrol: Designed for the upcoming Bronco Off-Roadeo customer adventure playgrounds, this Bronco Sport Badlands build is equipped to assist in the wild with its Yakima LockNLoad Cargo Platform to hold recovery gear like a high-lift jack, recovery boards, and jerry cans. A Ford Performance by RIGID off-road LED lightbar also mounts to the rack system. To support one of many Off-Roadeo excursions available, this Bronco Sport is equipped with the interior bike rack from Yakima to hold two mountain bikes. And to record customers’ adventures, it integrates a target to land the drone that will be used on-trail at Off-Roadeo locations.Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Bronco news. Custom Ford Broncos For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 12, 2020

Hyperion XP-1 Offers 1,000 Miles of Hydrogen Power

Half a century ago, Apollo 13 launched with a range of a half-million miles. It used compressed hydrogen and three fuel cells to make electricity and drinking water as a byproduct. Now a team of PhDs has built a supercar around the latest in fuel cell technology called the Hyperion XP-1. Toyota and Honda have repeatedly voiced their love of hydrogen power, and there is talk of building more filling stations. There are 47 in the U.S., but they're all in California. That's why Hyperion will share the "First Chapter" of their story later this month. The new Hyperion XP-1 will offer extreme performance thanks to its power source. The current figures point to a 0 to 60 mph time of under 2.2 seconds and a top speed of over 220 mph. Even with these impressive numbers, it still boasts 1000-mile range. But it's not just high-end performance that the XP-1 will offer, because the cabin is unlike anything you've seen before. Inside is a 98-inch curved display that utilizes gesture control, as well as a 134-inch glass canopy covering the passengers. This car is one-stop away from being a spaceship for the roads. Getting back to the power source, a fuel cell forces hydrogen and oxygen together, which gives off electricity and pure water in the process. The issue is storing hydrogen safely. Carbon fiber tanks are probably the answer to safe high-pressure storage, and who wouldn't drive a car that offered them a glass of cool water every few miles. Its time to make H2 great again, so stay with us for all your Hyperion updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 11, 2020

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Suspension Explained

Perfection can't be rushed, and that is why the 3rd generation of the Rolls-Royce Ghost is their most comfortable car to-date. What started with rumors can now be confirmed thanks to this unlisted upload by Rolls-Royce USA. The new Ghost has finally been divorced from the BMW 7-Series. They have shared chassis and suspension parts for decades, so its long overdue for the Ghost to become independent. 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Teased in Open Letter from the CEO To give us the ultimate ride, the car has All Wheel Drive, All Wheel Steering, and "Planar Suspension". While it could be airbags with magnetic shocks, we think it could be a servo on the sway bars to instantly adjust to road conditions. This embodies the Ghost's new design theme "Post Opulence". It is not gaudy or presumptuous, just an amazing hand-built English sedan. The aluminum space frame is welded by hand, and the interior will have acres of hand-stitched leather. Targeting a younger audience with the latest in technology is a leap forward for the brand, so stay with us for all your ghostly updates. Browse Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2020

Michael Fux is Selling Nine Incredible Cars at McLaren Bo...

Our friend Mr. Fux (pronounced Fukes) enjoys the best cars in the world. His rags to riches story is the American dream. He and his family fled Cuba as Castro's terrorists held the nation in turmoil. After a few unsuccessful business ventures, he founded Sleep Innovations. Changing the way pillows and mattresses are made and packaged changed the bedding industry. He wants to make room for a few new cars, so we have a unique opportunity from McLaren Boston. Each of these is in new condition, and because they're part of his collection, your reward will be handsome when its time to part ways. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach View Listing 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Listing 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider View Listing 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Six Speed View Listing 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Six Speed View Listing 2018 Dodge Demon View Listing 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach View Listing 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Six Speed View Listing 2017 BMW M2 View Listing It's bad luck to break up these siblings, so why not grab them all! Thanks to Mr. Fux and all of our friends at McLaren Boston

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Autumn Auto Show Updates: What You Need to Know

No matter your opinion on Covid, it is still screwing up our fun. Its always best to hear the bad news first, so SEMA 2020: Cancelled. The notion of having 200,000 gearheads in close proximity was too much for their board of directors. It will put a big dent in Las Vegas tourist revenue, but better safe than sick. Next up: Craig Jackson announces a scaled-back fall season for Barrett-Jackson Auctions. He said "Although we were looking forward to our traditional Las Vegas and Palm Beach Auctions this year, after careful consideration we determined that a live auction at WestWorld was an exciting and more feasible alternative,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “At this time, this allows us to better safeguard the health of our guests and team members and gives us the ability to deliver the high-quality experience for which Barrett-Jackson is known. A lot of thought went into the new procedures necessary for this to happen, which we will communicate over the coming weeks.” Their only scheduled event is in Scottsdale from October 22-24th. One of the highlights will be the low-mileage Lexus LFA seen above. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so Dana Mecum and Company have over 1,000 cars consigned for Kissimmee. The Silver Spurs Arena will once again be host to fast-paced bidding, and its only minutes from Orlando attractions. Their Summer Special will be August 27-29th, and it will be simulcast on their YouTube page and NBCSN. Its only 30 minutes away, so you might catch one of us in a live shot. Their Indy Auction topped $74 Million, their most successful event ever. Perhaps Kissimmee will be even bigger. " width="680">

Cadillac LYRIQ pairs next-generation battery technology with a b

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Cadillac LYRIQ Unveiled as GM's Electric Future

Last year, amidst the Corvette hysteria GM's CEO Mary Barra said that Cadillac will lead the way. The Lyriq crossover heralds the transformation of Cadillac to an electric-only automaker. Thanks to a press release last night, we have seen the future, and it looks exciting. It is the first model build on their new modular EV platform. Testing in the worst conditions has yielded a range over 300 miles, and it can be charged using any existing methods. Cadillac Lyriq to be Unveiled August 6th The driver can disable the front motors for RWD performance, and engage the latest version of Supercruise to let the car chauffeur you around. GM's new Ultium battery company supplies the Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum battery packs. They use 70% less cobalt than any other manufacturer, and they are the fastest charging EV battery to-date. Other goodies include a 19-speaker surround sound system by AKG, and a 33" screen to display all systems. The HUD display is now 3D, displaying a hologram about 5 feet ahead of the front bumper. Horsepower and torque were omitted because Ultium is poised to change battery technology. Stay with us for all your Cadillac news and click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Browse Cadillac For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2020

7-Eleven Buys Speedway for $21 Billion

Electricity is the future, and the oil companies are starting to sweat. With OPEC fighting Russia by flooding the market with cheap crude, the price of oil went negative briefly at the end of April. Marathon is great at refining fuel, but their name-brand stations leave much to be desired. Speedway was their flagship brand, often combined with fast-food franchises. So in a shocking report, Bloomberg announced that 7-Eleven has purchased Speedway for $21 Billion dollars. We imagine a future with more Slurpee choices, and the 128 oz Team Gulp for every American. Not to mention 7-11's hot pizza and breakfast is quite tasty. This adds 4,000 locations to their existing global empire of 71,100 stores across 17 nations. Tell us your favorite pit stop in the comments below...and Oh Thank Heaven 7-Eleven! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2020

Laguna Seca Gets Major Upgrades to Improve Racing and Spe...

Since Monterey Car Week has been postponed, the county has taken a few dollars set aside for the events to improve one of the world's best racetracks. Starting with the most important part of any track, Pit Road was widened and it has a larger entrance from turn 11. The fuel pumps were replaced for faster fills, and a new water well was dug to reach a cleaner part of the aquifer. A new security office will offer a respite for in-house dedicated guards and track officials. Those officials will be much safer thanks to a new electronic flagging system around the track. Spectators will enjoy improved bike trails, campgrounds, and a full repaint of the restrooms, showers, and an all-new BBQ Island. The Pit Road Suites were gutted and treated to modern furnishings, and the entire complex has new landscaping. WeatherTech also helped plan and execute these upgrades, so we're excited to watch racing return to this historic track. Tell us your best Monterey memory in the comments below and stay with us for all your racing news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2020

Gordon Murray Unveils his T.50 Supercar

This morning we warned you that something unprecedented was coming soon. After years in development, Gordon Murray's T.50 is now a reality. Every part was scrutinized for weight, from the wrist pins to the pedals. With a curb weight of 2,173 lbs, it is powered by a bespoke Cosworth 3.9-liter V12. It is naturally aspirated and filled with titanium internals. This allows it to offer 344 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm and 654 horsepower at 11,500 rpm. Canepa Group to be N. American Representative for T.50 Supercar by Gordon Murray Integrating the starter with a 48-volt generator allows the massive electric fan to suck underbody air out between the taillights. Just like the McLaren F1 he designed in his youth, the driver sits center with a passenger on either side. A six-speed manual transmission was specially built to handle the 12,100 rpm redline. In a car this light, carbon fiber synchros and straight-cut gears will probably be mandatory. For years, other publications have told you the V12 and the manual transmission are dead. Mr. Murray refuses to adhere to bean counters, and that is why this masterpiece will make you fall in love with driving again. Only 100 customers will have the opportunity to spend $3,084,000 (before taxes). Stay with us for more updates on the T.50 and other news from Gordon Murray Automotive.

By Andrew Nabors – August 03, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport vs. Chiron Super Sport 300+

The average enthusiast assumes all Bugattis are created equal. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. While the Divo is a race car, the Chiron Pur Sport combines the ultimate in luxury with maximum grip. Every Chiron is a capable contender on the track, but the Pur Sport (above) is the result of innovations discovered after the first Chirons were already delivered. Engineers were able to cut 110 lbs of weight, shorten the transmission gear ratios, and add downforce. Only 60 examples will be produced later this year. Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review If you enjoy top speed runs, the Super Sport 300+ (below) was designed to break the 300 mph barrier. Officially clocked at 304.7, Bugatti will prepare any customer's car for such an attempt. The car is 9.8" longer than a normal Chiron, and it has a very tall differential ratio in order to achieve incredible speeds. Only 60 examples are being produced. Both of these cars are powered by a 1,578 horsepower W-16 engine with two pairs of sequential turbos. Tell us which one you would pilot in the comments below and click the link to find yours. Browse Bugatti For Sale

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