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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 – August 01, 2017

F-22 Inspired Ford Raptor Brings Big Money at Oshkosh

This year's AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin was one of the biggest air shows in the world. It was the first time in 60 years that two B-29 bombers flew in formation, and spectators were also amazed at a custom Ford Raptor. The show is organized and hosted by the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), which was founded in Oshkosh in 1953. What started as a flying club of WWII Veterans is now an international organization with over 200,000 members.One of their biggest programs is the Young Eagles. It is a program aimed at getting kids interested in flight by taking them for rides in the sky. With a history of famous commanders, they have been led by General Chuck Yeager, Captain Sully Sullenberger, and Harrison Ford. Speaking of Ford, they have been a major part of American aviation. When Henry Ford adapted assembly lines to aircraft, the indestructible Ford Tri-Motor became the Model T of the air. When the Air Force was taking a beating from the Luftwaffe, Ford built the Willow Run Plant that turned out new B-24 bombers every 55 minutes.To support the Young Eagles, Ford partnered with DeBerti Design to build the custom Raptor. Taking cues from the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor, the DeBerti brothers started with a titanium grille and then replaced the hood and fender flares with carbon fiber pieces of their own design. Addictive Desert Designs provided the front suspension and Deaver supplied progressive rear springs. Shocks are full bypass units from Fox Racing, and the wheels are forged bead-locks from Innov8. The cab is topped by 1.3 Million Candela of LED illumination from KC HiLites. Turning up the boost creates more heat, so a giant Whipple intercooler was used to make 545 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.Ford has provided an auction car since 2008, and they have donated over $3 Million to the cause. The highest bid for the Raptor was $300,000 from Gary Ackerman from Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas. It couldn't have gone to a better home because Gary is the Honorary Commander & Ambassador of the F-22 Squadron at Nellis AFB. If you are wondering why Las Vegas needs protection from the world's most lethal fighter, your answer is an Area that is 51 miles north of the city... Aviation and the aftermarket have embraced the new Ford F150 Raptor, so take a look our Fords for sale and stay with us for all your Raptor news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 20, 2017

Glickenhaus Approved as Manufacturer, SCG003 Has Multi-Mi...

It's not easy to start a car company. In order to make sure your products are safe and clean burning, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a series of tests and inspections for the manufacturer. It takes a significant amount of money and time, but Jim Glickenhaus and his team at SCG have been granted approval to build low-volume street legal cars. On a post to their Facebook page, they state the intention to build up to 6 cars for the 2018 model year and 10 for 2019. Legally, the low-volume manufacturer can build up to 325 cars annually without complying to emissions and crash standards imposed on mass-produced models.Three production models are in final testing. Essentially variations on a theme, they are the SCG003S, SCG003CS, and SCG003C. We wrote about them awhile ago before the validation process began, but now we have the juicy details. If you need a daily driver, the SCG003S is the comfortable cruiser. It packs a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 making 750 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It's bolted to a 7-speed dual-clutch and placed in a chassis of carbon fiber. Aiming for a curb weight under 2,866 lbs, it should be capable of 217 mph. The inboard suspension provides lateral grip of over 2.0G, which will be brutal on the backroads. The first example for sale will start at a cool $2,000,000. The middle model is the SCG003CS, it will be much closer to the track car, with suspension and aerodynamic enhancements. The first production version will be unveiled at the Quall Lodge next month. Full details of the race ready SC003C are coming soon, but in the meantime check out the interior of the CS and stay with us for all your supercar news.

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2017

Koenigsegg and Hasselblad Put on Epic Hypercar Photoshoot

Koenigsegg is in the business of creating hypercars; Hasselblad is in the business of creating exquisite cameras. While the two companies may be in two different markets, they have one thing in common: they are both Swedish. To celebrate their country of origin, the two companies came together for one of the finest hypercar photoshoots.Showing up to take the images was Ming Thein, Chief of Strategy for Hasselblad, and his team. The entire photoshoot took two full days around Ängelholm, Koenigsegg's hometown. Thein and team used the Hasselblad H6D-100c camera, as well as the DJI M600 for aerial photography. As for the subjects, Koenigsegg took out an Agera RS and the new Regera hypercar.https://vimeo.com/224875412

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2017

Aston Martin Smallest Model Ever in Action

After the hard-earned victory at LeMans, the team at Aston Martin Racing thought they could relax. But Chief of Prototype Design Alex Summers had another race on the schedule. Engineers at rest sometimes devote their work to wild projects, and such was the case with the AMR-SB. Essentially a scaled-down version of the V8 Vantage GTE, it was designed for the brutal downhill challenge known as the 24 seconds of Le Ally Pally. Last week they offered a preview of the build in preparation for the event.Also Check Out: Aston-Martin Reveals the Vantage AMRIn an YouTube upload last night, we can see the car as a finished product in a photo shoot before the race. And the real treat is watching it navigate the treacherous course at Alexandra Palace.Reaching a top speed of 29 miles per hour, Alex navigated the jumps and water obstacles for a 2nd place finish. Ride along with his helmet cam and witness the brutality of the course. They chose the best intro song of any motorsports event: Jessica by the Allman Brothers. RIP Gregg Allman.The final jump proved to be too much for the inboard suspension of the AMR-SB. The only point of compression in the car are the discs in the driver's spine, so the impact broke something in the undercarriage. Whatever was dragging could have slowed them enough to prevent a 1st place win. A valiant effort by Aston-Martin Racing has brought soap box racing back into professional sports. The FIA is expected to release Balance of Performance requirements for next season, so don't be surprised to see Germans arrive with lead-lined chassis. Stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2017

Amazon Teases The Grand Tour Season 2!

Today is Prime Day for fans of Amazon, and it will probably be another nail in the coffin for brick & mortar shopping. Prime video is changing the way we watch TV, and its most popular series has been the first season of The Grand Tour. Presented by the same trio that were once employees by the BBC, their chemistry is enhanced by the ever-changing venues along with production that aims at a global audience. The series features all things automotive, from exotic cars to rust buckets.The only real knowledge we have of the second season comes from Richard Hammond's crash in the Rimac Concept One. As if the series needed more exposure, Hammond's recovery has been closely followed by fans on social media. The second near-fatal accident in his automotive career, the first was in a jet-powered dragster back in 2006. From what we can tell on the new teaser, season two will have tanks, aircraft, old Jaguars on snow. Swamp action, desert action, and something going wild in a shopping mall. Honestly, there is no way to predict the outrageous situations they seem to find themselves in, which is why it is more entertaining than anything on air or cable. Stay with us for updates on the Grand Tour and highlights of the action.View Trailer

By Edward Jones – July 11, 2017

New Audi Sport Performance Parts for R8 and TT Look Pheno...

The new Audi R8 and TT may already look aggressive as ever when it rolls off of the production block, but the new Audi Sport Performance Parts take the two sports cars to a whole new level. These new components include new pieces for the suspension, exhaust system, exterior and interior.“With the Audi Sport Performance Parts we are tapping into a new business segment,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “Our wealth of experience garnered over many years of building sports cars is incorporated into every component we offer. Along with our expertise from motor racing, which is still the best test bed for volume production.”Audi R8For the suspension are the new two- or three-way coilover suspension systems. Now, you can't have a good suspension system without new wheels, so Audi Sport Performance now offers full-milled, black 20-inch wheels that drop the car's weight by 15.9 lbs on the TT and 17.6 lbs on the R8. Joining the wheels are new brake linings that are less prone to wear, as well as fluorescent red, titanium carrying plates for the brakes.Inside, the Audi Sport Performance Parts offer a new Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, carbon fiber reinforced plastic paddle shifters, and a strut cross brace made specifically for the TT (replacing the rear seats).

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2017

Audi Reveals the Semi-Autonomous 2018 A8 Sedan

With the ever-growing market for crossovers and mid-size SUVs, the market for big sedans is becoming intensely competitive. A new 2018 Audi A8 has been promised for a while. but it looks like they were making sure it was ready to shock the world. In a press release early this morning, the details of their new flagship are outlined. Starting with the most obvious, a new design language sets a precedent for the lesser models to follow. The grille is much larger and more angular. This helps to give the luxury car a more imposing look while hiding the autonomous driving sensors in plain sight.Also Check Out: 2017 Audi A8 3.0T ReviewThat's right, the new A8 will arrive with three autonomous modes. Garage will get you out on the street, parking will find the perfect spot, and traffic jam uses laser scanners to map the masses around you. Both the long and short wheelbase versions have grown in length, so to keep them as agile as a compact sedan, all wheel steering is now standard. The suspension is now fully electric, incorporating 48-volt solenoids to cushion your ride. If your feet become weary on a long trip, hop in the optional relaxation seat. The right rear seat is loaded with HD matrix reading lamps, heat, and a FOOT MASSAGER!. Yes, Shiatsu in the passenger seatback will soothe your soles while your driver takes in the aroma. A wireless control pad with OLED display is stored in the rear center console, and it can do everything from climate control to private phone callsAt long last, the dash is all digital. A 10.1" touchscreen has the same gloss as the dash, so it disappears when not needed. Another screen on the center console controls the infotainment and climate, and both of them have haptic feedback. Under the hood are the familiar 4.0 Liter V8 or the 6.0 Liter W12, both with twin turbocharging. Also mentioned is the upcoming A8 L e-tron hybrid. While it won't be available as soon as the others, it will arrive with wireless charging with 31 miles of electric range. The press release also dives deep into technical achievements that keep German engineers awake at night. What they boil down to, is an incredibly safe & luxurious sedan that raises the bar for everyone else. If the new car seems overwhelming, we have great deals on new Audi A8 and A8 L sedans for sale, and they are priced to move before the new cars arrive. We will offer a full review once they cross the pond, so stay with us for more Audi news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals V8 Vantage GTE Soapbox Racer

Riding high on the resounding win at LeMans, Aston Martin Racing arrived ready for yesterday's race: "24 Seconds of Le Ally Pally". Red Bull's Soapbox Race took place yesterday in London, and it was improvisation at its best. While most entries fielded whimsical rides, Aston-Martin arrived in a gorgeous scaled model of the new V8 Vantage GTE. A replica of the car that won LeMans, it was designed around Alex Summers, their Senior Engineer at Prototype Operations. Darren Turner and Jonny Adam were the drivers responsible for the checkered flag, so they were tapped to head up the team.Also Check Out: Porsche 911R vs Aston-Martin V12 Vantage SFor some reason, every other automaker passed up on the opportunity for great exposure. Red Bull's events are watched the world over, so kudos to Aston Martin's marketing team. Sparing no expense for the downhill build, the team started with a tube-frame chassis. It could be chrome-moly tubing or leftover exhaust parts, but the results are the same. Center-lock alloy wheels and rear disc brakes are straight from the Vantage, and the one-piece composite body was painted in a full-size spray booth. It was a valiant undertaking, but first place eluded the team. Finishing 2nd, they lost to "Brooklands Special" in a replica of the 24 Liter Napier Bentley. Gravity is a powerful tool at our disposal, so perhaps Red Bull could combine the jump from space with soap box cars or Flutag for the ultimate in acceleration. If you need inspiration for your build, our dealers have a nice selection of V8 and V12 Vantages for sale, so stay with us for all your Aston-Martin updates.

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2017

Chevrolet Performance Presents "El Nino" by Superformance

Back in 2003, we were lucky to be at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to witness history being made. All five 1963 Corvette Grand Sports were together in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton. Since they are among the most significant cars ever built, it is rare to see one in public. Corvette's Chief Engineer Zora Duntov built the cars in secret, to avoid GM's corporate ban on racing. When they finally discovered the blueprints and fiberglass molds, the cars were hidden by Chevrolet Performance and the program was shut down.Also Check Out: Indy Pace Car 2017: Corvette Grand SportYou can't deny the appeal of the widebody Grand Sport. But if you want one for yourself, your choices have been limited until now. For those with unlimited budgets, cutting up an original '63 is an option, but you might find a target on your back from the Corvette faithful. So our friends in South Africa have the next best thing: My former career was a marketing manager at a Corvette aftermarket shop, and the notion of a new 1963 Grand Sport left me speechless. That was a decade ago, and GM was hesitant to embrace the idea at first. Chevrolet still builds a Corvette Grand Sport, and it's the mid-level edition between Stingray and Z06.But a customer who is in the market for a C7 doesn't exactly go running to a race-ready classic. GM and Superformance worked out the details, so now you can order a Superformance Grand Sport with modern LS3 power. The 6.2 Liter V8 and Super Magnum six-speed transmission are available as a package for any classic. The monster camshaft is from the ASA late model series and can cause hearing loss with open headers. Nothing sounds better than side pipes, even if they burn you once in awhile. So if you want modern power with a classic look, Superformance and Chevrolet Performance have the solution. If you want the real thing, our dealers will be happy to find a classic Corvette for you. Stay with us for all your Chevrolet Performance news.

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2017

First Lamborghini Centenario Roadster in Canada Delivered...

Two weeks ago, the United States' first Lamborghini Centenario Roadster was delivered by O'Gara Coach. Now, it seems as though Canada had their first Centenario Roadster delivered not too long after.According to a press release from Newswire.ca, Grand Touring Automobiles has "quietly" delivered a stunning Centenario Roadster to a private owner in Toronto. This example has a naked carbon fiber body with red brake calipers and red trim on the inside."The world's finest automobiles are the stock and trade of the staff at Grand Touring Automobiles," said dealership President and Chief Executive Paul Cummings in the press release; "but, the Centenario really got everyone excited. The remarkable technology of the car, its arresting design and physical presence; and, the honor of delivering such a rare car to one of our very special customers, made this a real occasion."Additionally, the owner of the car wanted to delivery and transaction of the car to be private. This reason is why we just recently learned about the hypercar's delivery. Cummings noted that his "staff goes to great lengths to ensure their expectations of discretion and privacy are met." Seems he was correct on that notion.The photos in this article were taken by Instagram account @ali_autobathelite, who appears to have taken care of the Lamborghini's delivery prep. Be sure to check out his Instagram for more incredible pictures of supercars.https://www.instagram.com/p/BWWUf5ol9mW

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