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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2017

Apollo Teases Something Wild

Late last year, Roland Gumpert parted ways with the company he founded. The Gumpert Apollo was produced from 2005 to 2012, and it was powered by Audi's twin turbo 4.2 liter V8. It was state of the art when it launched, but the supercar world has seen some wild advances. Under new ownership, Apollo Automobil is poised to release the Apollo IE. Owned by Ideal Team Venture, the new Apollo will emerge from the same Hong Kong financiers who purchased DeTomasso. We hope it looks something like this:Their first creation was the Apollo Arrow, but it never left the concept stage. The new Apollo IE appears to be a clean sheet design. Three exhaust ports are illuminated below an impressive rear spoiler. American race team Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus was involved with the creation of the Arrow, but it appears as if it was a one-time deal. Starting from scratch is no easy task. Perhaps working outside the constraints of the major manufacturers will allow the Apollo IE to shake up the industry. Tell us what you think will be under the hood, and stay with us for more updates from Apollo.

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2017

Chris Harris Reviews the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 Squared

Winds of change are blowing across the factories of Mercedes-Benz. The 4.0 liter V8 that was first introduced in the AMG GT is replacing the old familiar 5.5 liter engine. While some models made the transition without much notice, something special was needed for the iconic Gelandewagen. The market for 4WD luxury is a numbers game, so the notion of losing 1.5 liters of displacement could potentially hurt sales, so a host of upgrades have accompanied a detuned version of the C63 AMG's V8. We've extolled the virtues of the G500 4×4² when it was first released, but Top Gear has a knack for putting things into perspective. So Chris Harris decided to take the new G Wagon to a series of formidable tests. I would be hesitant to cross a creek in the previous models, because the low mounted turbos might not like the water. But since the new engine mounts the turbos up top, it can handle almost 40" of standing water....Oregon Trail anyone? The portal axles are wider which makes for a more stable ride. More axle travel and articulation also provides more comfort than any other example. Each corner has dual-reservoir coil overs that might seem like overkill, but they keep the body composed over rocks and on the street. Setups like this are often found on expensive aftermarket builds, but knowing it comes from the factory offers a nice peace of mind. If you want the most power, the G63 AMG and G65 AMG are still around, but they can't do trick like this! Stay with us for all your Mercedes & AMG news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2017

This is the Final Lamborghini Aventador SV

The market for supercars in Scotland is probably devoid of English models, so the Italians have gained control of the Highlands. Lamborghini Edinburgh have become a force to reckon with, not only in Europe but across the civilized world. As the host of high profile events, they have gained a social media following that rivals the most prominent exotic dealers. That's probably how they were able to order and receive the final Lamborghini Aventador SV. The limited production Super Veloce is lighter and faster than a "normal" Aventador. Changes to the exhaust system and computer tuning unlock 740 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque. Capable of reaching 217 miles per hour, only 500 Roadsters and 600 coupes were built.To make sure the series ended with a bang, the dealership worked with the factory to build a car for the ages. Their Facebook page says the car is the result of countless late nights and several trips to Italy. Their efforts have yielded the only Aventador to be finished in Porsche 918 Liquid Metal. The brilliant metallic blue is a mile deep thanks to 12 coats of paint. Color sanding a dozen coats of paint will give you arms of steel, but it requires dedication not found anywhere else in the industry. Every inch of carbon fiber that is normally exposed was also painted to make this SV truly unique. If you missed the chance to order one to your liking, our dealers have several new Aventador SV's for sale. Go against the crowd and make it your own, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2017

Viper ACR Heading To The 'Ring

Going out on top is the wish of any athlete, and a dedicated group of Viper fans are giving the snake a proper farewell. FCA has announced that production of the Viper will end in August. The dedicated crew at the Connor Avenue Assembly Plant have built a world-class sports car. But the plant doesn't have a paint shop. Keeping up with paint technology is expensive for automakers, which is why Prefix Automotive has hand painted every Viper panel for years. Each panel is sanded, painted, cleared, and buffed in a state-of-the-art facility in Auburn Hills before traveling down the road to meet the assembly plant. Prefix is not about volume, but their goal is to produce show quality cars in limited numbers. That's why the film industry and many of the big manufacturers turn to them for movie cars and concept builds.With so much of their business centered around Viper culture, they spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign for a trip to the 'Ring. Aiming for a new track record, the Viper ACR Extreme has backing from Kumho Tire USA, The Viper Exchange, BJ Motors, and Viper owners around the world. The list of supporters has been hand painted on two white Viper ACR Extremes with blue stripes. “Prefix has a long history with the Viper and with the many Viper club members around the world.” explained Prefix Sales & Marketing Director, Jhan Dolphin. “This is a huge challenge, but regardless of the outcome, supporting this effort is a great way to celebrate the car and our passionate friends who drive them.” Transporting cars and a support team from Detroit to Germany might seem easy for the factory teams, but we can't imagine the logistics of this. Godspeed to Team Prefix, bring the record home with you.

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Revealed: Most Powerful 911 of Al...

It's here. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS has finally been revealed after all of this time and does not disappoint. In fact, the new 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful 911 that Porsche has ever created.The source of this power is the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine founds in the 911 Turbo S. However, Porsche has turned up the power exponentially. When compared to the 2011 911 GT2 RS, the 2018 model has 80 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque. The result is an astonishing 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (911 Turbo S comes with 580 hp and .553 lb-ft).Mated to the proven engine is a customized GT seven-speed double-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). With the efficiency that this transmission provides, the new 911 GT2 RS will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 mph (911 Turbo S has a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds).Weighing in at 3.241 lbs, the car is already very lightweight. However, the optional Weissach package ($31,000) can drop the weight by an additional 40 lbs. This package includes magnesium wheels (25 lbs reduction), carbon fiber components (roof, anti-roll bars, and end-links on both axles). Another feature in the Weissach package is the carbon fiber weave of the luggage compartment lid that is left mostly exposed, with a decorative strip in the vehicle color running centrally along it.Customers of the 2018 911 GT2 RS can also exclusively order a special-issue Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph. This timepiece is made of titanium and took three years to create. The tungsten winding rotor was designed after the rims of the new GT2 RS, while the carbon fiber clock face was created to match the instrument cluster and tachometer of the new German supercar.2018 Porsche GT2 RS Prices, Specs & Review The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is available to order with a base MSRP of $293,200, not including the $1,050 delivery fee.

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2017

Ford Adds Line Lock to the EcoBoost Mustang for Perfect B...

Drag racers who are looking for a perfect launch will always make sure the tires are hot. This is done by holding the front brakes and spinning the rear tires. The aftermarket has offered kits that do this by interrupting brake fluid to the rear to keep them open, but it can be easily done through the ABS system thanks to clever programming. To make the Mustang more capable at the drag strip, the line lock has been a feature of the V8 powered GT models for a few years. Bean counters in Dearborn have discovered its more expensive to offer different programming on the same car, so now the tire shredding technology will be available to all 2018 Mustangs.A press release this morning states it will be offered with automatic or manual transmissions on V8, V6, and four-cylinder EcoBoost models. No, it doesn't allow for smokey launches, because the brakes are only released once the tires stop spinning. It will help with traction at the expense of your rubber. The EcoBoost doesn't exactly leave in a hurry, so a brake-boosted launch system would be perfect. The Mustang was built for competition, with one of the most advanced rear suspensions on the market. Thankfully the line lock has a time limit of 15 seconds because pushing street tires beyond that might pop a sidewall. We can't wait to get our hands on one so we can crank the steering wheel for a proper doughnut. Until then, check out the YouTube upload from Ford and keep the racing at the track. If you are in the market for blue oval performance, check out these new Mustangs for sale and stay with us for all your afFORDable news.

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2017

McLaren Automotive Celebrates Four Years of Profit, On Tr...

McLaren has announced today, June 29, 2017, four consecutive years of success and profit. in 2016, a record 3,286 McLaren cars were sold. That amount of sales is a 70% increase in profit before tax. This is just one of the many positive numbers that McLaren has put up between 2015 and 2016 years of operation.“The positive financial performance in 2016 was underpinned by a 44% increase in sales revenues and is further proof that McLaren Automotive’s growth plans are both achievable and sustainable,” said McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer, Mike Flewitt. ”Investment in R&D and future product during the period of £129.1M – 20% of turnover – reaffirms our commitment to the Track22 Business Plan that will produce 15 new models or derivatives by the end of 2022 and the focus going forwards will be on successfully delivering these new products and managing continued profitable growth.”In 2016, North America was McLaren's largest market, with 1,139 cars out of the total 3,286 being delivered across the continent. That amount is a 106% increase over 2015, thanks to the Sports Series (570GT and 570S), which accounted for 2,031 deliveries.Below is a breakdown of McLaren's performance from 2015 to 2016. 2016 2015 % change Deliveries to customers Cars 3,286 1,654 99% Employed People 1,606 1,492 8% Sales revenue Million GBP 649.8 450.6 44% Operating profit Million GBP 65.8 23.5 180% Operating profit as % of sales 10% 5% Profit before tax Million GBP 9.2 5.4 70% Profit after tax Million GBP 7.3 2.8 161% Capitalised development costs Million GBP 129.1 123.9 4% Capitalised investments as a % of T/O 20% 27%

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2017

Black Fire Edition BMW X5 M and X6 M Revealed

"Black is powerful, black is exciting, and black is exclusive." - BMWThat quote is how BMW started off their press release regarding the new Black Fire Edition of the X5 M and X6 M. These new models take everything that makes the models successful and turns them into black stallions.On the exterior of the Black Fire Edition models is a Sapphire Black Metallic paint. Joining in the dark appearance is the black M double kidney grille with black bars, which is unique to the Black Fire Edition. Even the 21-inch M allow wheels are finished in black, and the mirror caps are made of carbon. Essentially, the Black Fire Edition is really a ninja edition.Inside, the fire comes to life thanks to the Mugello Red trim that contrasts against the full Black Merino leather interior. Piano black finish darkens the cabin even more, making the Mugello Red stand out like never before. Logos of the X5 M or X6 M Black Edition Edition can be found on the inside of the passenger car.Although they may have different model names, they both generate 575 hp from their 4.4-liter V8 engine. Power of this kind allows them to run 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with the standard 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox.The Black Fire Edition models will become available in August 2017.

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2017

Bentley Releases Flying Spur Design Series by Mulliner

Big British sedans were once a blank canvas for the famous coachbuilders. Craftsmen like Park Ward and Mulliner raised the bar for the industry before they were absorbed into the fold of the big automakers. Out of respect for the old world traditions, Bentley's Mulliner division is offering a nice compliment of upgrades for the Flying Spur. In a press release this morning, we first notice the lack of the Continental name. It looks as if the confusion is over. The Flying Spur was a sedan version of the Continental when it launched in 2005. They share the same chassis, but we're glad its finally marketed as its own model.Semantics aside, Mulliner has delivered some nice touches. The first use of titanium-infused carbon fiber trim for the interior, it does without mentioning the inventor of the composite, but thank you Mr. Pagani! The five color choices are limited to Mandarin, Pillar Box Red, Kingfisher, White, and Azure Purple. It will be available on all four Flying Spur Models: V8, W12, V8 S and W12 S. Only 100 cars will be produced, with the top level W12 S receiving a murdered out chrome package. No mention was made on how many cars we allotted for the US, but our dealers will have all the details.So if you are looking for a new Flying Spur for sale, we have a few to choose from. And stay with us for all your Bentley updates.

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2017

Aston Martin Unveils the Vulcan AMR Pro

I don't know about you, but my Aston Martin Vulcan just seems too ordinary in traffic. So I am glad to hear the good news! The performance-minded wizards at Aston Martin Racing have a developed a comprehensive upgrade package for all 24 Vulcans.AMR is planning to show it in action at Goodwood tonight. If you missed the 24 Hours of LeMans, AMR dominated the GTE class for a first place finish. Taking some of the magic of the Vantage GTE and applying it to the track-only Vulcan, the first issue to be addressed was the transmission. Shorter gear ratios will keep the big V12 in its power band. Trading a little top speed for acceleration is always a fun experience.Aerodynamics were the most obvious change. The nose has dive planes that will make a Viper ACR stop and take notice. A lower front splitter and vents in the fenders will keep the front end sucked to the track. Out back is a double decker spoiler that could seat a dinner party. Gurney flaps on each end help the total package to deliver a whopping 2,950 lb-ft of downforce.....For comparison, the LeMans winning Vantage GTE makes only 2,289! Not only does the Vulcan AMR Pro have more grip, it is better balanced. The center of pressure is closer to the center of the car, which will make for confidence in the corners.The first few cars are undergoing the transformation, which is being performed by Q by Aston Martin. No mention of price was made, but contact our dealers for more information.The opening events of Goodwood 2017 will begin shortly, so look for it on YouTube and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

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