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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 – May 14, 2020

Gulfstream G280 Sets Another Steep Approach Record

Airports are not always easy to reach. Short fields at high altitudes and old runways surrounded by urban sprawl require a veteran pilot to keep passengers comfortable while coming in hot. It is a delicate balance of speed, sink rate, and g-forces that demand the very best from the crew and their equipment. Places like Telluride, Colorado, and John Wayne in Orange County are nerve-racking for rookies, and they place incredible stress on the tires, brakes, and landing gear. That is why our friends at Gulfstream have set another steep approach record. In a press release last night, they outlined the details of the event. On February 16th, a G280 left Burlington, Vermont en route to London City Airport. Because this field has strict noise regulations, pilots are forced to basically glide in with engines at idle. To stay above stall speed, a normal airliner is forced to aim for the earth before leveling out at the last minute. Thanks to saving weight and an efficient profile, the G280 can accomplish this with a more conventional angle of attack. Cruising across the pond at Mach 0.83, it made the trip in a record 6 hours & 10 minutes. President of Gulfstream Mark Burns said: The Gulfstream G280’s combination of range, fuel-efficiency and performance, particularly on short runways, reinforces its place atop the super-midsize class. These latest city-pair speed records are further proof of the aircraft’s superior performance capabilities bolstered by its advanced wing, robust airframe and powerful engines." Click the button below to learn more about the abilities of the G280, and stay with us for all your Gulfstream news. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 13, 2020

Richard Branson Selling $500m Worth of Virgin Galactic Sh...

If you're looking to own a piece of space travel, now may be your chance. According to The Guardian, Richard Branson's Virgin Group sent a statement to the New York Stock Exchange saying they intend on selling 25m shares. These shares account for over a fifth of Branson's stake in Virgin Galactic and the total value was worth around $500m when the pre-announcement price of one of the shares is taken into account-- $20. The expected $400m that Virgin Group raises from the selling of these shares will help support the group while the remaining money will go to Aabor, an Abu Dhabi investment fund. Virgin Group has been hit hard during the ongoing pandemic, with Virgin Atlantic taking a brunt of the damage. Virgin Group will use some of the raised funds to help prop up Virgin Atlantic. Source: TheGuardian.com

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Rally in the East: Stage 1

Stage 1 of the “Rally in the East” gathering took place on the East Coast of the United States on Saturday May 9, 2020. Observing all CDC guidelines and a social distant drive for those who loves homologation cars. People drove hours just to be there as nothing like this has ever been done ever before in North America. Photos by Dan Wagner @carsthatlookneat All guests wore masks and were excited to be out & unified for the purpose of homologation cars, driving and meeting new friends! This gathering of high cars is a series of events put on Evan Cygler of Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT and Matthew Ivanhoe and Tom Hale of The Cultivated Collector in New Canaan, CT. To join forces, they combined their passions to get great people together with Rally in the East. Stay tuned! View More Action on Instagram So far, the gathering has featured three Lancia 037 Stradales, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Five Lancia Delta Integrales, Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 555 Edition and a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution. Rally in the East will gather enthusiastic homologation car owners on the East Coast of the United States. They love to drive, drift and celebrate cars of the past and present. For more information please send them email at RallyInTheEast@gmail.com Photos by Andrew Fierman @hudsonhorsepower

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Verge Motorcycles Unveils the TS Electric Roadster

When Nikola Tesla said he could build electric motors as large as needed, Thomas Edison probably laughed at his young apprentice. But history has proven that AC motors can be big and efficient. That is literally the motivation behind the TS Electric Roadster from Verge Motorcycles. A team of Finnish engineers and enthusiasts are about to shock the world. Instead of using off-the-shelf EV parts, the rear wheel is an electric motor built inside out. Thanks to the incredible diameter of the rotor and stator, this hubless rear wheel offers 737 lb-ft of torque to the ground. If you are looking for rear brakes, the motor becomes a generator and stops the bike while recharging the battery. You will have a city range of 186 miles or 124 on the highway. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Maserati Unveils MC20 Prototype Dedicated to Sir Stirling...

We lost a legend of motor racing on April 12th. After entering his first race in 1951, Maserati realized the potential of Sir Stirling moss. Putting him behind the wheel of their Eldorado race car, he put it to the test in 1958. To honor his legacy, Maserati has unveileled the latest MC20 prototype dedicated to Sir Moss. New Maserati MC20 For Sale One of his most beloved trophies was from Monaco in '56, driving a Maserati 250F. That is why this unique MC20 bears his signature. In an excerpt from the press release: "The arrival of the MC20 is an important event for the Modena-based company, not only because of the racing comeback but also because it will be the first car to adopt a new engine 100% designed, developed and produced by Maserati itself." Maserati MC20 Prototype Starts Testing For a brief refresher, the MC20 is shorthand for Maserati Corse 2020. Literally translated as the Maserati race car for 2020, development has been delayed by the virus. Power is from an all-new twin-turbo V6 sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch. A hybrid model has been rumored, so it looks like Maserati is prepared to shock the world. Stay with us for all your MC20 updates. Find Your Maserati Here

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By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Two 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributos Arrive At Fort Lauderdale Co...

Nothing beats the visual and visceral appeal of a new Ferrari. That's why our friends at Fort Lauderdale Collection have just taken delivery of two 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo for sale. One is classic Rosso Corsa red, and the other is black on black. That is a hard decision to make, so be thankful you will have 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque at your beck and call. The ability to make such immense power from a 3.9-liter V8 is just one of the ways Ferrari stays at the top of their game. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Fort Lauderdale Collection. Learn More https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGQAB0lEYG/

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By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

BMW Unveils Fully Armored X5 Protection VR6

In his N.Y. Times Best-Seller "The Art Of War", Sun Tzu said it is wise to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Given the current situation, I prefer my enemies to keep a nice social distance. Thankfully, BMW has our back, as they have integrated unprecedented strength to the X5. Using the latest NATO guidelines for safety, BMW has unveiled a fully armored X5. Although you can't tell from the outside, this beast can shrug off 30-06 Armor Piercing rounds and anything smaller. The overlapping door jambs and ballistic steel layers are rated to maintain ambient pressure even if 72 lbs of TNT is detonated 40 feet away. That's more than Wile E Coyote ever used against the Road Runner, so you will have incredible safety and the power from an X5M to reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Just like every other BMW X-Series, they are built with pride by BMW USA in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Our dealers have all the information, so click the button below and....warn your friends about your enemies. Find Your BMW X5

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

How Ettore Bugatti Combined Aesthetics and Practicality

Thomas Edison invented the modern world, but he didn't care much for design or beauty as long as his products worked reliably. Such was the case with his apprentice Henry Ford. The Model T came in any color you want, as long as it was black. Among the world's most venerated pioneers, one stands out for placing equal value on form and function. Ettore Bugatti built gorgeous cars that were also very powerful, but his mind never stopped. He applied the same dedication to every aspect of his life. In their latest press release Bugatti gives us a glimpse at a little-known side of Ettore. Here are a few excerpts: Eggs Ettore Bugatti went to buy eggs, but he came back empty-handed, angry. Their price had gone up again. So he decided to raise hens himself and set up a small chicken farm. He designed a chicken coop with wheels to be able to move it on his large plot. Naturally, because of this investment, eggs were now significantly more expensive than if he had bought them. But at least they were fresh and he was no longer dependent on farmers. Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review Pasta One day, the Bugatti cook complained that the pasta machine had given up. Several weeks would pass before a new machine was delivered to Alsace. As Ettore Bugatti did not want to give up eating his own pasta which he loved so much, he designed a new machine. An easy-to-use, aesthetically pleasing machine that by far makes the best pasta. Mechanics built a machine according to his plans in his factory. Manufactured by an automobile manufacturer, the machine naturally had a Bugatti Type 46 car steering wheel as a crank to transform the dough into spaghetti. Last March, the original machine was sold at auction for nearly $ 37,500 at Bonhams. Cutlery by Ettore Bugatti Each cutlery carried the EB emblem and was perfectly ergonomic in the hand. This was followed by the order of all assorted tableware, including cutlery, plates and glasses. Famous for his extreme politeness and expecting the same behavior from his hosts, Bugatti would one day have refused to sell a car to a gentleman of royal descent, because he had bad manners at the table - he used neither knife nor fork . Baby Bugatti II Unveiled For 110th Anniversary Baby Bugatti To be a good driver, you have to start early. For the fifth birthday of his son Roland, Ettore Bugatti designs the Type 52, a 1/2 scale miniature version of the Type 35. This vehicle called "Baby Bugatti" was driven by an electric motor and a 12-volt battery and was traveling at 20 km / h. This vehicle, which Bugatti's offspring used as a means of transport all around the mansion, was quickly appreciated by visitors, friends and customers. Many of them were won over by the Baby Bugatti and ordered a copy. Between 1927 and 1930, Ettore Bugatti produced a total of a few hundred copies of this vehicle. A huge success. Recently, Junior Classics reissued the Baby Bugatti. Other Patents In his lifetime, Ettore Bugatti has patented around a thousand inventions. These patents were not all directly related to the automobile, as were the aluminum rims, an unbreakable windshield, ultra-light folding seats and automatic filler caps, or even its own screws and nuts. more efficient and stronger than the others, even at high speed. Ettore Bugatti also wondered about everyday objects and patented his new ideas when they were very promising. Among these items, a cylinder-shaped hand razor, a very light bicycle frame and motorcycle frame, and even safety locks. Because every modern Bugatti is built where he found his creativity, we think he would approve. To fully convey the engineers and designer's dedications, you must experience one in person. Click the button below to find a Bugatti near you and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Kid's Game

Summer break came early for most kids this year, so parents have been spending more time keeping young minds active despite the adversity. Coloring books from our favorite automakers were a big hit, so now its time for the next level. In an Instagram post this morning, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new kid's game. The Kids Car Designer is a free app that allows little ones to design their own A-Class or G-Class. After choosing the car, paint with various brushes and personalize it with pens. Print it out along with the included template, use some safety scissors and your favorite Kids Glue to help their designs become a reality. As for now it is only for Apple devices, so click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

Porsche and Chevrolet Decline 24 Hours of Le Mans

What happens when the biggest rivalry in recent history refuses to fight? To keep teams and spectators safe, the FIA, along with ALMS decided to move the race to September 19th. While this was a smart move, several other mandates were included. Team Corvette Racing's C8.R is limited to a 44.3mm throttle body. Only slightly larger than a golf ball, forcing a giant to breathe through a straw is not fair. That is perhaps why Automotive News has reported that Porsche and Chevrolet are sitting this one out. Porsche drivers wouldn't have much fun without Chevrolet, as they would likely lap the field a dozen times. The immense cost involved along with the rise of eSports are also considerations, so we're likely to see more major teams back out of the event. Our vote is to allow Stadium Super Trucks at Circuit de la Sarthe before this historic event implodes. As always, stay with us for all your Le Mans updates. https://twitter.com/CorvetteRacing/status/1259903377766572032

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