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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 Dylan Orluck – May 01, 2020

From the 'Road to Indy' to the Indy 500

Our friends over at the Lucas Oil School of Racing are the official school for The Road to Indy. If you want to learn to race, there is no better place. Whether you are interested in Basic Training, Advanced Training, looking for an SCCA license or need a good place for a Corporate Event when COVID-19 is on our rearview mirror, the Lucas Oil School can deliver everything you need and more. RC Enerson is the product of the Road to Indy and is one of the lead Instructors at the Lucas Oil School of Racing. This weekend, RC, Top Gun Racing and Hagerty will be hitting the virtual track for the Indy 500. Be sure to tune in to NBCSN at 2:30PM EST for some iRacing action. When you’re done watching the race and ready to hit the track, do not hesitate to reach out to the guys at Lucas Oil School of Racing, to help you get set up in a car. They are having an event at Sebring on May 26-27th, that you do not want to miss Visit LucasRaceSchool.com Check out R.C. Enerson racing in the 2016 IndyCar Mid Ohio race. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1497190133698161

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2020

Lamborghini Stands With Italy During Tough Times

Solidarity with your coworkers and your nation is the best way to overcome adversity. Ferruccio Lamborghini's birthday was on Wednesday, and we think he is looking down with a smile. That's because Lamborghini stands with Italy through tough times. While making1,400 surgical masks and 300 medical shields each day, they also found time to build the world's first analog lung simulator. Happy Birthday Mr. Lamborghini Production on protective gear will continue even while the assembly line restarts on Monday. To celebrate the triumph of Italy over the virus, an all-new Lamborghini will be released on Thursday. This dedication is unmatched in the automotive world, so that is why you need a Lamborghini for yourself. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2020

INFINITI Offers "Carigami" Models for Crafty Enthusiasts

While most other brands have uploaded coloring books, this puts them all to shame. In a press release earlier today, INFINITI has offered Carigami models for crafty enthusiasts. Starting with their most popular models, young and old alike will enjoy folding the Q50, QX80, and FX. Every detail is 1:27 scale and their other models will be added in the coming days. Phil York, General Manager of INFINITI Global Brand and Marketing said: "In this unprecedented time where citizens of the world are doing their part to fight COVID-19 by staying at home, we wanted to develop something that will help ease the boredom, while having a bit of fun. Our hope is that lovers of cars and crafts alike, will enjoy Carigami." If you really want to get creative, use glitter for metal flake and shellac for the ultimate clear coat. Each car is your blank canvas, so INFINITI truly knows no ends. Find Your INFINITI Here

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2020

How Bugatti's Plant Manager Works From Home

France is under strict lockdown. With police imposing massive fines for unnecessary travel, we have been wondering how the Bugatti factory was holding up. Every morning Patrick Burk leaves home to inspect the grounds. Six massive buildings are spread across 57 acres, and he must keep them in working order. He is able to do this because his home is located on-site. It allows him to trim the orange trees, feed the deer, and monitor every system of each building. He mentions in the press release it is very lonely, as he has strong friendships with his coworkers. President Stephan Winkelmann stops by once a week to check in on his longest-serving employee. After 20 years, Patrick knows every valve, circuit breaker, and A/C unit. Although he is only 58 years old, he doesn't see a future apart from the company he loves. Oh, and if you think about trespassing, he can view all cameras from his house or phone. Protecting hundreds of millions of dollars in cars and equipment is a big responsibility, so rest assured he is packing heat. Dedication like this is hard to find these days, so we salute you, Monsieur Burk here's to another 20 years! Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2020

RM Sotheby's Monterey Moves Online

Anyone who has been to Monterey Car Week knows how packed it can be at the Portola Hotel. To say they have outgrown the location is an understatement, so RM Sotheby's has chosen to move their Monterey Auction online. In a press release earlier today, they cited valid concerns over contagious disease. The first annual "Shift/Monterey" is shaping up to be the world's largest online car auction. "The new Monterey auction format to be held on original sale week dates, with lots closing on 13–15 August 2020". If you are looking to add your car to the event, July 13 will be the final day to consign. As always, you can view all lots by clicking the link below, so stay with us for all your RM Sotheby's updates. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2020

Bugatti Celebrates 15 Years of Breaking Records

In less than 60 years, airplane speeds increased from 30 mph to 3,300 mph. As long as there are those who are willing to push the limits, records will be broken. Such was the case 15 years ago when our friends at Bugatti stood poised to make history. Ferdinand Piëch designed the Porsche 917 to honor his grandfather. It took first place at LeMans with a sustained top speed of 242 mph on the Hunaudières Straight. He knew something more was needed to go faster, so as the Chairman of VW, he arranged the purchase of Bugatti in 1998. His goal was not to beat any previous record, it was to build the fastest car in the world. Bugatti Veyron Specs, Price, Photos & Review Seven years of development led to this moment. Test driver Uwe Novacki strapped into the final Veyron prototype. Production was scheduled to begin in just a few weeks, so the company (and the world) looked on. After passing 136 mph, the computer changes the spoilers and inlets for maximum acceleration. Pressing on, it became the first production car to exceed 400 kph (248 mph). He knew the boss was watching, so with 1,000 horsepower at all wheels, he topped out at 407 kph (almost 253 mph). Not only faster than the 917, it ushered in the era of the hypercar. Even faster cars are in the works, so click the link below to find a Bugatti of your own and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2020

Gold Rezvani Tank Allows Owner to Fight the Virus

Ferris Rezvani has been building his dream cars for years. From the Beast to the Tank, he and his team form a friendship with each customer. To inspire others to follow in their footsteps, their latest email campaign features interviews with Rezvani owners. This week we learn how Kevin Thobias and his gold Rezvani Tank allows him to fight the virus. As an entrepreneur and founder of a successful e-commerce platform, he wanted something unique. The only gold Tank ever build makes a statement wherever it goes. So that is why he started using it to purchase and deliver protective equipment and essentials for hospitals and first responders. Because the PA system can be heard for blocks, his message to the public is not to hoard. As a self-made millionaire, he knows the struggle is real. That's why his Tank is used to spread hope and supplies around South Florida. Under the hood is a new Hellcat 707 horsepower V8 sending power to all wheels. He wanted every option, so it is bulletproofed with B7 armor from the radiator to the rear bumper. B7 is higher than most armored cars, and it mandates bomb-proof floors, self-sealing fuel tanks, plate steel around the radiator, and glass than can shrug off a.30 caliber rifle round The build process is invovled, as all door openings must have overlapping jambs. It is not merely enough to be tough, so he also spec'ed the following: B7 level bulletproof armor capable of stopping bullets from an AK-47 Bulletproof glass and body armor Underside explosive protection Smoke Screen Military Runflat Tires Thermal Night Vision System Self-sealing fuel tank Radiator protection Reinforced suspension Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Protection Fabricated Steel Push Bumpers Electrified Door Handles Siren and Horn Options Strobe Lights Blinding Lights Intercom System Magnetic Dead Bolts Gas masks First Aid kit Hypothermia kit Continuous video recording Tank Starts at $155,000 and $259,000 for the armored version. The cabin is defined by a hand-stitched Leather Package that provides comfort and compatibility for drivers and passengers alike, with leather seats and a suede headliner. A 7.9-inch central infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay provides access to features like Google Maps, Pandora, Stitcher, and a suite of apps optimized for use on and off-road. If you need a Tank your fleet, click the link below and they will build whatever your heart desires. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2020

Karma Automotive Unveils E-Flex Platform

Three's a charm, and that is how many new electric chassis Karma has developed. While the first two are geared to trucks and commuter cars, the latest one is capable of much more. In their latest press release, Karma Automotive unveiled the E-Flex platform that would make a perfect electric supercar. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time Starting with four motors and the latest in battery technology, their goal was to keep the center of gravity as low as possible. Depending on customer needs, it can offer 1,100 horsepower and a 0-60 time under 2 seconds. No mention of a body was made, but I am sure a few of us would add a seat, headlights, and turn signals. Click the button below to find a Karma dealer near you and stay with us for all your Karma news. Browse Karma For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

How Rivian Builds Prototypes

They are getting closer each day, and we're excited at the notion of a new American electric automaker. In the last update, the assembly line was nearing completion. This means it is time to find the most efficient way to build the R1T pickup truck. Because both the truck and the SUV use a common "skateboard" chassis, workers are optimizing the joining of the body to the chassis. It is rather unprecedented to show the world where the magic happens, so let's watch how Rivian builds prototypes. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

2020 BRABUS Ultimate E is fun For Two

Electric cars don't have to be boring. It seems to us that every manufacturer is in a battle to add range and options to their battery powered cars. That is why our friends in Bottrop chose to go another direction. As Germany's leading design and performance engineers, the 2020 BRABUS Ultimate E is fun ForTwo. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time Based on the Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio, they have injected it with more power, premium leather, and carbon fiber. Starting where it counts, they reverse-engineered the 3-phase motor. We can't tell you what they did to make if more efficient, but it now offers 92 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. That is enough to reach 62 mph in 10.9 seconds. Due to the short wheelbase, the top speed remains limited to 80 mph, but that is plenty fast in such a small machine. Other goodies include 18" forged BRABUS wheels along with their Widestar fenders, rockers, and bumpers. If you want a Smart ride from BRABUS, click the button below and stay with us for all your BRABUS updates. Browse BRABUS For Sale

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