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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 – July 10, 2020

Watch the 700 HP Ford GT MK II Onboard at Goodwood

When Ford returned to LeMans, they did so with one goal in mind. With the Stars & Stripes flying over the historic win, other racers inquired about a track-ready version of the Ford GT. Therefore, Ford worked with Multimatic to remove all street-legal parts that hindered performance. What resulted is a 700-horsepower monster that is priced at $1.2 Million dollars. Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review A roof scoop rams air into larger intercoolers, each one being sprayed with a water/meth mix at maximum boost. Since it has 400% more downforce, they decided to unleash it at Goodwood. With 2G of lateral grip, it is the perfect machine for track days. Only 45 cars are being built, and our dealers have all the information. Click the button below to find your Ford GT and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MBUX System Preview

In this week's installment of Meet The S-Class, we are introduced to the new MBUX infotainment system. It incorporates communication and personalization changes from the driver to the rear occupants, and a slew of unique abilities. Undoubtedly this will trickle down through the E-Class and the C-Class, so we want you to be ready for the future. Our dealers have all the info and they are willing to explain all the upcoming features. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your S-Class updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

2021 Ford GT Unveiled With new Exterior Options

Ford took to Twitter on Saturday for a Red, White & Blue salute to their supercar. These renderings preview the 2021 Ford GT, which has traded dual stripes for a wider central graphic along with C-pillar accents. A contrast color of your choice will be found down the car's centerline and on the mirror caps. If you missed the press release earlier this year, Roush-Yates unveiled upgrades to the engine and its software. This bumped the output to 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, proving the virility of the EcoBoost V6. Click the button to find your Ford GT for sale and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Ford GT For Sale https://twitter.com/Ford/status/1279392807120232449

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By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Preview Video Series

We are on the verge of something new. Mercedes-Benz is changing the way cars are unveiled, starting with their flagship sedan. In the first episode of "Meet The S-Class, Markus Schafer introduces us to the upcoming S-Class Plug-In Hybrid. With an electric range of 62 miles, it will arrive with the latest in automotive artificial intelligence. The driver's HUD is now an augmented reality system, showing turns and potential obstacles in 3D. In the coming weeks, this series will serve to build anticipation by explaining the revolutionary details on their dedicated site. Our dealers have all the details, so click the link below and stay with us for all your S-Class updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 02, 2020

Addictive Desert Designs Unveils New Fabrication Tables

Look around your shop and zero in on the most abused object you own. Dealing with snap rings, welding a consistent bead, or turbocharging your lawnmower require a steady surface. That's why our friends at Addictive Desert Designs have unveiled a trifecta of fabrication tables. Made of 3/16" and 1/8" high strength steel, the mechanic's table measures 6 x 3, and it has a fluid tray to keep your floor clean. Cutting sheet metal sends sparks and shavings in all directions. Therefore, the Cutting Fab Table is meant to support your project and catch the flak. We've all had pipe or tubing hanging off the edge, damaging the table and making a mess at the same time. Not only does it resemble a medieval torture device, but it can also be one if you are into that kinda fun. Learn More Last but not least is the Welding Fab Table. In my humble opinion, it is the most practical, thanks to insert clamps. The table surface has a grid of holes that are precisely drilled to hold your project while you weld. It has the same dimensions as the other two (6 x 3) and also made of 3/16" and 1/8" steel. Click the button above for all the details, and send your old table to Valhalla!

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

AC Cobra Returns With Electric Motor or Corvette V8

AC Cars was and is a small English manufacturer made famous by Carroll Shelby. He discovered their Cobra was a perfect platform for the Ford V8, and the rest is history. Due to an overwhelming demand for original Cobras, AC Cars has revived it with two engine options. The first is a 50-state legal 430 hp Chevrolet Corvette LS3 and six-speed manual transmission. This all-aluminum drivetrain sends power to a 3.55 differential for incredible acceleration and efficient cruising thanks to the double overdrives. This model is the AC Cobra 378, a reference to the engine size in cubic inches. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time The real shocker comes in the form of the AC Cobra Series 1 Electric. Instead of a V8 up front, you will find a 54 kWh mounted in an optimal location to preserve the car's center of mass. Steering geometry is improved, and Wilwood brakes will keep you safe. The ladder frame is reinforced and triangulated with composites. This light weight allows 60 mph to arrive in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph. A city range of 150 miles makes it perfect for carbon-neutral cruising, with a style that will never grow old. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Cobra news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

Maserati MC20 Engine Unveiled With F1 Technology

Before Ferrari went public, they shared a majority of engineering with their cousins at Maserati. Projects like the Enzo and the MC12 shared chassis and engines to accomplish different goals, but now both brands are free to develop their own individual hypercars. Back in May, Maserati celebrated their 80th Anniversary of the Targa Florio win by showing off a prototype of the MC20. Until now, all we knew about the engine was that it involved turbos. What we learned this morning is that the Maserati MC20 engine has been unveiled with F1 technology. Maserati MC20 For Sale Starting with the most important details, we have a 3-liter V6 with twin turbos. What sets is apart from every other car is truly amazing. Each combustion chamber will be topped by a pre-chamber with its own spark plug. A design invented 50 years ago by Soichiro Honda for fuel economy also works to make incredible power at high rpm. The pre-chamber is connected to the main chamber by swirl ports, where it allows combustion to be much more powerful and efficient. The main chamber has its own spark plug timed to allow these events to create incredible cylinder pressure. Maserati MC20 Prototype Dedicated to Sir Stirling Moss This prevents detonation and allows the boost to make use of an 11:1 compression ratio. Also onboard are twin fuel systems, direct injection and port injection with pulses optimized for the pre-chamber at full power, or the normal chamber when cruising. Essentially having two engines using the same internals is genius. It is rated at 630 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque (the latter is available from 3,000 rpm to redline). Because this was all done in-house, Maserati's MC20 project will carry the phrase "100% Made In Modena". This is one of the most efficient and powerful V6 engines of all time, and there is no doubt the technology will trickle down to their other models. September 9th will be the formal launch, so stay with us for all Maserati news. Browse Maserati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

Land Rover Previews 2021 Defender Hard Top Models

While the new Defender makes a great daily driver and family machine, builders and businesses have been waiting for a commercial edition. That's why Land Rover has unveiled the 2021 Defender Hard Top Models of the 90 and 110. The original Defender Hard Tops debuted in 1950, and they were among the brand's best selling models. Now with an impressive towing and payload capacity of 7,700 lbs, they will offer the same off-road abilities as their civilian cousins. Land Rover Defender 90 Price, Specs, Photos & Review If you need to deliver perishables off the beaten path, complete specifications will be released this fall when production begins. In the meantime our dealers have strong incentives on new Defenders for sale, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Land Rover news. Browse Land Rover Defender For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2020

Rivian R1T Final Shakedown Tests in Arizona

Amazon and T. Rowe Price have invested nearly $2 Billion into a new EV manufacturer. Rivian is poised to shake up the status quo with their pair of American electrics. The R1S is a full-size SUV, and it shares a common chassis with the R1T pickup. Their latest round of was not done with a prototype. To prove the production version will meet expectations, it easily showed prowess while rock crawling, drifting, and launching across the desert. Outrunning their drone, it handles high-speed trails like a seasoned pre-runner. This was done to prove the battery cooling, heat, and A/C exceeded production goals, and this playlist has coincided with the opening of pre-orders. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time Each Rivian has a motor at each wheel for a combined 750 horsepower. It can ford 3 feet of water, reach 60 mph in 3 seconds, and offer 400 miles of range. That's enough for a round trip between San Francisco and Yosemite, a scenic drive you will never forget. Click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Rivian updates. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2020

2021 Mustang Mach1 Designers Modernized Classic Details

Reviving an iconic model is no easy task. When the original Mustang Mach1 debuted in 1969, it did so with no compromises. The smallest engine option was a 5.8-liter Windsor, and it arrived with the same aerodynamic, chassis, and styling improvements that were also standard on the monster 7-liter Cobra Jet. Revived for 2003, designers did as much as possible to focus on the 4-Valve engine, with a shaker hood and original-style stripes. Now that the 2021 Mach1 will arrive with the most powerful 5-liter in Ford's history, the livery needed a modern touch. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time The new graphics are accentuated by Sans Serif, while keeping the lower-case "h". From the lighted door sills to the numbered dash plaque, each Mach1 will be treated to a higher standard than regular production ponies. “When a nameplate like a Mach 1 comes back, you need to play up the heritage, but we didn’t want this to be a retro badge,” said Dean Carbis, Ford chief designer. “We wanted it to be modern, while still calling back to the original. I think the team nailed it.”. You will have 480 horsepower, reinforced strut tower, beefy sway bars and a redline at 7,000 rpm. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Mach1 news. Browse Mustang For Sale

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