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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 Edward Jones – January 15, 2018

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Unveiled in its Entirety

After being leaked, Mercedes-Benz has released the new 2019 G-Class (G-Wagen) and its new redesign. "The new G-Class continues to set the bar higher in all relevant areas – in terms of performance both on and off the road as well as with regard to comfort and telematics," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Our 'longest-serving' model series is therefore ideally equipped to continue its success story. In short, the new 'G' is still a 'G', only better."On the outside, the new G-Wagen looks similar to the outgoing design, which is expected considering that Mercedes wants the model to maintain its decades-old styling. Aside from the new headlights and taillights, the only other major update to its exterior would be a body that's 2.1-inches longer and 4.8-inches wider.Inside, Mercedes is touting that the new G-Wagen has more space for passengers than ever before. Description Difference (vs. previous gen) Legroom in the front +1.5 in (38 mm) Legroom in the rear +5.9 in (150 mm) Shoulder room in front +1.5 in (38 mm) Shoulder room in rear +1.1 in (27 mm) Elbow room in front +2.7 in (68 mm) Elbow room in rear +2.2 in (56 mm) Under the hood of the first model in the 2019 G-Wagen lineup (G 550) is a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Making the most out of the engine, especially when off-road, is a suite of driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, Eco and G-Mode. All of these modes sound quite familiar, except for the all-new G-Mode. This new mode acts independently from the others and act as a "super mode" for those off-road adventures. When one of the three differential locks is activated, or an off-road reduction gear is engaged, G-Mode is switched on. When activated, G-Mode "adapts the adjustable damping of the chassis and the steering as well as the accelerator characteristic, avoids unnecessary gear shifts and thus ensures optimum control and maximum off-road capability."Mercedes-AMG Unveils the 53-Series CLS and E-Class Pricing for the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G 550 and other G-Class models has not been revealed as of yet, but it will go on sale in late 2018.

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2018

Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt

Lieutenant Frank Bullitt was determined to eliminate the Mafia in San Francisco. Bullitt was a 1968 box office hit starring Steve McQueen. His undercover car was a Mustang GT Fastback with the big block 390 V8. Without a rear spoiler or much badging, it could pass for a six-cylinder at a glance. Check Out The New LaFerrari Aperta To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, Ford announced the 2019 Mustang Bullitt in a press release last night. Finished in the same Dark Highland Green, it is also devoid of spoilers or badging. Steve's granddaughter Molly helped to unveil the car at the Detroit Auto Show. Unlike previous Bullitt editions, Ford has bumped the GT's engine power to 475 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. This pushes the top speed to 163, 8 mph faster than a normal Mustang GT. Also on stage for the event was one of the movie cars that was missing for 4 decades. While the 390 big block was a powerhouse in the late 60's, this new Bullitt would leave it in the dust. Other nice upgrades include a 12" HD instrument cluster along with Recaro seats finished in black leather & green stitching. The magnetic suspension will keep you comfy as you race through San Francisco, and the intake manifold was borrowed from the G350 for the ultimate torque at any speed. Automatic transmissions are not available because nothing beats a cue ball shifter. Mustang maniacs will need to act fast because these will undoubtedly be a limited run. Our dealers have more info, so click on the link below and stay with us for more coverage of the Detroit Auto Show. Browse Ford Mustangs For Sale https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=-Q5pHm2Cfq4

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2018

Mercedes-AMG Unveils the 53-Series CLS & E-Class

More much of their history, AMG only built powerful V8 versions of Mercedes-Benz cars. They proved to be so stunning that the aftermarket shop was brought in-house. Recently you might have noticed the AMG 43 series cars on the world's best site for exotic cars for sale.The 43 Series consists of a twin-turbo V6 rated close to 400 horsepower with 380 ish torque, depending on the application. Forced induction and smaller engines are all the rage because you get V8 power with small displacement. Many countries tax drivers based on engine size, but even the best V6 will suffer from slight turbo lag until boost is made.CLS53 Mega Gallery So Mercedes-AMG is taking a page from the past. The new 53-series is based on an inline, or straight 6 engine. Instead of twin turbos, the future has arrived. One turbocharger is augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The electric-powered kompressor can add 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for a total of 429 hp and 384 lb-ft for both the new CLS53 and E 53 models. It also has the ability to provide energy when cruising, allowing the fuel injectors to run at idle.Two Hypercars Bought With BitcoinInitially available on the 2019 CLS 53 and the E-Class coupe & cabrios, rumors about it will become the new base model engine in the S-Class and others. Combined system output is 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, and it is sent to a 9-speed automatic. This power and transmission allows for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds in the CLS53 and E 53 Cabriolet, and 4.3 seconds in the E53 Coupe. One final benefit is that straight six engines have one of the best exhaust sounds in automotive history, so get ready for a straight-pipe symphony. Our dealers have more info on the 53 Series, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates.Browse Mercedes-AMG For Sale E53 AMG Mega Gallery

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2018

Apollo IE Caught Testing, Looks and Sounds Vicious

At this point, I don't need to be convinced anymore that the Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE) is going to be one of the most visceral supercars ever created. From its design to its engine, the IE looks and sounds like its screaming at the top of its metal lungs at all times. To further exemplify this is a new video from Apollo Automobil that shows the hypercar testing on the streets of Hong Kong. In the video, found below, you hear the high-pitched engine revving up and taking off on a highway-- this is the kind of car you never listen to music in because the engine is truly an orchestral masterpiece. As for the aesthetics of the IE, it looks like a dagger in the night thanks to its sharp edges and wild design. Seriously, I can't wait to see this car up close and personal. My phone's camera will be tested on that day!

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2018

Ripsaw EV2 is a Mean and Luxurious Super Tank

A supercar like a Lamborghini or Ferrari will definitely be noticed in just about any scenario. But if you want to turn heads like never before, get a freakin' tank. Enter the Ripsaw EV2, the world's first super tank that has a surprisingly smooth ride.Richard Hammond of The Grand Tour recently took the Ripsaw through streets and dunes of Dubai, showing just how diverse this tank's abilities are. Want to take it to the grocery store? Sure! Want to take it to the dunes and catch some air? Sure! Want to do both on the same trip? Move to Dubai!The Ripsaw EV2 is powered by a massive 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine that sends 700 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque to the tracks. That's enough power for a 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds.Top speed? Just a little over 62 mph at a whopping 80 mph.While those tracks may be moving the car, but don't expect a harsh ride like a military tank on tracks. According to Hammond, this tank has "more suspension travel than a Range Rover" and drives smoother than expected.Want one for your car collection? The tank Hammond drove cost the owner around the tune of $400,000. Honestly, that's not a bad price considering you'd be safe from any zombie apocalypse in this bad boy.

By Andrew Nabors – December 20, 2017

McLaren Philadelphia Opens F1 Service Center

I don't know about you, but going without my car for weeks can be traumatizing. For the lucky owners of the classic McLaren F1, routine maintenance has involved shipping the cars back to England. The reasons for this are because of the nature of the beast. As a street legal race car, every nut and bolt must be checked with precisely calibrated tools. Since there are around 20 cars in the US, McLaren Special Operations has collaborated with our friends a McLaren Philadelphia to open the first F1 service center in the US.Their incredible inventory of new & pre-owned cars is among the most diverse we've encountered and this new facility has been designed to cater to any needs of their clients. Technicians have access to the only set of specialized F1 tools outside of the UK. The fuel tank requires replacement every 5 years, so the technicians were trained at the factory in order to perform tasks both large and small.McLaren Philadelphia Puts on Spectacular 720S Unveiling EventIn the press release, President of McLaren North America Tony Joseph said: “The key to servicing and maintaining a McLaren F1 correctly is allowing adequate time for the technician to meticulously check every nut and bolt—servicing an F1 is not a quick process. For North American owners, when you add up the time the actual service takes, with transport time to and from the U.K. – it equals a lot of time away from their vehicle. Having a service center in North America will allow us to drastically cut back on transport time and gives us an authorized facility that prioritizes North American F1s and owners.”As you probably know, McLaren Philadelphia has been a fixture in our magazine and at our events since they opened. So if you are looking for a carbon fiber Christmas gift, click on the link below and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2017

Cars & Coffee: December 2017

If you missed our final show of the year, it was one for the record books. Normally our December show has a limited attendance because of Holiday traveling. But our friends at Ferrari of Tampa Bay planned their own gathering for 10 AM. The notion of two amazing car shows must have stirred the masses because we ended 2017 with a full house.View Lamborghini Huracan Spyder For SaleLooking back on the year, 2017 saw the first time we've ever canceled a show. Our big plans for Davis Islands were nixed by Hurricane Irma.Our annual December tradition has been to collect Toy for Tots. The Marine Corps will be here on the 19th, and we have a full load of bikes, dolls, and stuffed animals waiting for them. Gallery by C12ProductionsThe great weather invited appearances by Cycle Springs, Jeff's Jeepyard, Vaydor, Reeves, and Moke America. Sheriff Gualtieri sent one of his Hummer H1s to keep the peace, but we still witnessed hijinx on Ulmerton road. We couldn't do this without the support of Kahwa Coffee and our loyal fans. We have some big plans in the works for 2018, so stay tuned for all the updates.

By Edward Jones – December 18, 2017

148 Ferraris Show Up for Massive Gathering

The Ferrari Owners Club of Malaysia took to their country's largest exhibition center and put on the largest Ferrari gathering that Malaysia has ever seen. Showing up were 148 Ferraris, ranging from the Dino all the way up to the new LaFerrari Aperta. Not only was this meet meant to celebrate Ferrari's 70th anniversary, but it also commemorates's the nation's 60th year of independence. “All of us at the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Malaysia are united by that same love, which is the love for Ferrari," says OCM President, Abu Bakar Fikri Sulaiman. "We are thankful to Naza Italia for their infinite involvement and support of the club’s activities.”Ferrari 458: Facts You Need To Know

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2017

Porsche Museum Restores Their Oldest 911

To say that Porsche is dedicated to history would be an understatement. If you haven't seen it, the Porsche Museum is not a static display. Their collection is always changing, with exhibits ranging from the new Turbo S Exclusive Series to the classic 356 Speedster.Behind the scenes is a workshop that would blow your mind. Master coachbuilders and their apprentices have a dream job. Finding and restoring the classics is a labor of love, and back in 2014 something special arrived. A 1964 body happened to be the 57th 911 ever built, and it was in terrible shape. In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, we have a behind-the-scenes look at its restoration.Fastest Quater Mile CarsA neglected car in this condition would normally be scrapped, so we're thankful it has been restored to showroom condition. Porsche stocks New Old Stock parts for the classic 911s, and they are ramping up production of items that have been unavailable for decades. So if your car needs a few finishing touches, your local Porsche dealer should be your first stop. Have a great weekend and stay with us for all your 911 news. Find Your Porsche 911 Here

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2017

Pagani Now Has a Team to Restore Their Hypercars

When Pagani introduced the Zonda, it became an immediate hit with the world. Its loud exhaust note and aggressive design was a head-turner where ever it traveled. The Zonda made even more waves when it was posted up near the top of the Top Gear Test Track lap time list. Now, Pagani is looking to keep the Zondas around for longer with the introduction of Pagani Rinascimento. This new branch of the company will restore Zondas through meticulous processes. The aim is to bring the Zondas back to the condition they were in when they left the factory. During the restoration process, the team will document every process in the form of text images and even drawings. The collection of paperwork created during the restoration process will be stored in a dedication Pagani Rinascimento Book.Pagani Zonda Barchetta Arrives in Miami "To bring back the light and the original splendor of these masterpieces, is a pleasure as well as a great responsibility. Our customers rely on us because we are the only ones in the world capable of rebuilding and restoring Paganis as they came out of our Atelier. We want to give our customers the emotion to be thrilled as the first time. " - Horacio Pagani

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