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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 – February 22, 2017

Dodge Viper ACR: Track Day Superstar

In early May 2015, Dodge issued a press release that surprised sports car enthusiasts everywhere with the release of the fastest street-legal track car to ever come from Dodge: the 2016 Viper ACR. With a design focused around improved aerodynamics, the Viper ACR comes equipped with the Extreme Aero Package, which includes an adjustable dual-element rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, SRT hood with removable louvers, a detachable extension for the front splitter and four dive planes. The resulting downforce reaches nearly one ton, producing a top speed of 177 mph.Dodge armed this beast with some serious braking power thanks to Brembo’s Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes that use 15.4-inch two-piece front rotors and 14.2-inch two-piece rear rotors. These brakes pair with the largest brake pad area to ever come standard on a Viper, now ready to stop on a dime. If you have wondered about the suffix, ACR stands for American Club Racer. It has been the most track-focused version of the Viper to date.Powering this machine is a robust 8.4-liter V10 engine, guided by a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. This winning combination generates 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the most torque of any naturally aspirated car engine in the world. The results are sure to be an extraordinarily visceral driving experience, from the racetrack to the streets. For an even more in-depth experience with the Viper ACR, Dodge offers a “1 of 1” customization program, which allows the buyer to tailor their car while tracking the build process. Pricing for Dodge’s most ruthless supercar to date starts at $117,895. Our dealers have plenty of mean snakes to choose from, so stay with us for all your Viper updates.Price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $117,895Engine: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.4-liter V10Horsepower: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645 hp0–60: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3 secondsTop Speed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 mphTransmission: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-speed manualTorque: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 pound-feet

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Unveils 50th Anniversary Special Editions

Half a century ago, two former Mercedes engineers started a high-performance engine shop. They specialized in transforming production cars into supercars, and their engines proved to be so revolutionary that Mercedes began installing them on the assembly line. Success after success caught the eye of Mercedes' parent company, so Daimler purchased 51% of the business in 1999. By 2005 AMG was brought fully in-house, leading to the modern brand of Mercedes-AMG. Fifty years of anything is cause for celebration, so a few special editions are coming to the party. The star of the show will be the AMG GT Coupe and Roadster "Edition 50". Only 500 cars will be produced, and each one will be finished in designo Graphite Grey Magno. Black chrome accents on the front splitter and rocker panels carry the dark theme into the AMG Interior Night Package. The interior is awash in black accents with silver leather on the seats. No changes were made under the hood so the lucky owners will have 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque at their disposal.The 4.0 liter reverse flow twin turbo V8 offers more power per liter than almost anything else on the road, so they decided to drop it into the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The "Ocean Blue Edition" will be limited to 150 C63 S Convertibles painted in designo Cashmere White Magno. Inside you will find deep ocean blue and matte silver with special badges and embroidery. Changes had to be made to fit the AMG engine into the C-class, so it makes 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.Last but not least is the AMG Performance Studio Package for the C43 coupe and convertible. Powered by a twin turbo 3.0 liter V6 that makes 362 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Gloss black replaces chrome trim on the outside along with matte black wheels. Black DINAMICA microfiber and leather make for an appealing interior. Without a doubt, these special editions are among the hottest exotic cars for sale this year, so contact one of our Mercedes-AMG dealers for more information.

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2017

New BRABUS C63 S Takes the Sedan to the Next Level

When BRABUS unveils each of their cars, I'm always blown away with their technical accomplishments. Now, they've taken worked their genius with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S.The main draw to this new BRABUS C 63 S is PowerXtra B40S - 650 performance upgrade made to the 4.0-liter V8 engine. BRABUS' engineers added boost pressure with a set of specially developed turbochargers, complete with a larger compressor unit and new core assembly. All-in-all, an extra 140 hp is added to the car, bringing the power up to 650 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power gives the car a 0-62 mph sprint of 3.7 seconds, as well as a limited top speed of 200 mph. Could it go faster? I'd like to think so.Other features that BRABUS offers for the C63 includes a stainless steel exhaust with butterfly valves, 20-inch wheels, coilover suspension and a slew of aerodynamic components for the exterior (as seen in the pics). And, as always, BRABUS' upholstery shop can fit the cabin with a variety of materials like Alcantara and leather.Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2017

McLaren Teases New 720S Model by Drifting It

"I'm Chris Goodwin, Chief Test Driver of McLaren Automotive," says one of the luckiest men in the world in McLaren's new video. In the video, Goodwin shows the world just how well the new McLaren Super Series (720S) can drift. The purpose of this video was to primarily show off the car's new Proactive Chassis Control II, which McLaren says "monitors driver inputs to deliver outstanding breadth of handling balance, grip and ride comfort."Related - McLaren Excites Us About the New 720S With a New EngineAccompanying this video was a press release that detailed a few of the car's specs. The most import being the fact that the car can reach 124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and then brake to a standstill in 4.6 seconds and 117 meters-- that's six meters less than the 650S it's replacing.“As well as delivering the outstanding driver involvement and enjoyment for which the brand is renowned, McLaren’s new supercar will also excel in everyday driving,” explained Goodwin. “The extreme performance and dynamic prowess of the second-generation Super Series, honed by testing at the limits and beyond, provides the perfect foundation for it to be the most complete supercar across the full range of use.”To handle the exceptional braking abilities of the new McLaren 720S are lighter and stiffer brake calipers, as well as carbon ceramic discs as standard. There are also new shoes attached to the car, which are bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires that McLaren worked with the tire manufacturer to create.McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2017

Range Rover Velar Model Announced by Land Rover

Last year we heard rumors of Land Rover resurrecting the Defender, and it may still be happening. But in the meantime, something new has emerged from the Solihull assembly plant. The new Range Rover Velar is larger than the Evoque yet smaller than the Range Rover Sport. Entering the market for luxury crossovers is a tall order to fill since every automaker has flooded the market with hip people movers. A rising tide may raise all boats, but Land Rover takes pride in the ability to get wet. One of the best features of new Range Rovers for sale is the ability to handle 40" of water. Land Rover Driving ExperienceThe website offers little in the way of specifications because the formal launch will take place on March 1st. We do know that Velar was a name considered for the original Land Rover prototypes in the late 60's. "We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything." said Chief of design Gerry McGovern. We hope it arrives with the same supercharged 3.0 liter V6 we've come to love. Found in the larger models, it offers 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Undoubtedly it will be 4WD, so stay with us for a proper offroad evaluation. Tell us what you think of this teaser and stay with us for details on the Velar.Land Rover For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2017

Italdesign Unveils New, Ultra-Limited Supercar

Before its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Italdesign Automobili Speciali has unveiled their secret supercar on their website. This new car still has no name, but they did unveil quite a few of the car's specs and feats.It seems as though that the first point Italdesign wants to make loud and clear about this car is that it will be very limited with only five being built in 2017. They say that this car is intended for "collectors and visionary enthusiasts."Related - BMW and LEGO Create Insane Hover Bike Concept Oddly enough, while the name wasn't revealed, the acceleration figures were. Italdesign says that this supercar is built on a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis that's actually modular. Thanks to this light chassis, the car's 5.2-liter V10 engine can propel the car from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of over 205 mph.For more on Italdesign's new supercar, stay with us because we'll surely be covering this car for quite some time.Supercars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2017

McLaren's P1 Is Simply Amazing

McLaren built the P1 to change the supercar world. If it feels as though you are suffering from déjà vu, you are not alone. We saw this, in the early ‘90s, with McLaren’s mighty F1. Back then, such companies as Jaguar and Bugatti were vying for supercar supremacy through the title of the world’s fastest production car. With that title currently held by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, McLaren has the much loftier ambition of becoming the world’s best driver’s car. Taking the reins where the F1 left off, the P1 utilizes an advanced combination of twin turbochargers and electric motor muscle. It starts with 12C’s 3.8-liter forced-induction V-8, an engine designed entirely in-house with dry-sump lubrication and a low-positioned flat-plane crankshaft. The turbochargers make 20 psi compared to 17 psi in the 12C. With a few other tweaks for cooling and durability, the already amazing output of 616 horsepower has been raised even further, creating an astonishing 727 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. But wait; there’s more. To drive the car on battery for up to six miles, it draws on the power of a single electric motor. The extra 176 horsepower and 192 foot-pounds of torque are used to fill in the torque gaps during shifts, or for an explosion of power by way of the Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) button. The amount of power provided by IPAS really depends on how much electrical energy is left in the battery pack. Located just behind the passenger cabin are six modules, composed of 324 battery cells. Unlike so many hybrids, the P1 does not use kinetic energy from the braking system to recharge the battery. Instead, it captures energy normally wasted as the engine decelerates, say when lifting off the throttle, or it can be recharged directly by the V-8 engine with the press of the Charge button when the car is at a standstill. At its best, a full 903 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque are at the driver’s disposal. This power transfers through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission to the rear wheels and performance is nothing short of immense: 0-62 mph in less than three seconds, 0-124 in less than seven seconds, and 0- 186 in less than 17 seconds. For comparison, the F1 takes 3.2 seconds, 9.4 seconds, and 22 seconds, respectively, for the same jaunts. The one place the F1 still rules supreme is top speed, where the P1 is limited to 217 miles per hour, the F1 can reach 231. The one place we hope the P1 and F1 really diverge is in the number of units sold. McLaren had hoped to sell 300 F1s until the supercar market took a plunge, leaving it with just 64 road-going cars before production stopped. Only 375 examples of the P1 were produced, which makes them among the most coveted automobiles on earth. And that is why our McLaren dealers entrust us to find them forever homes. Stay with us for all your McLaren updates.

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2017

Acura NSX Owners Can Watch Their Cars Being Built

To have a hand in building your own car is a rare experience these days. In the world of exotic cars, the highly technical assembly processes leave little room for error. So we were shocked to find Acura pulling back the curtain on building the 2nd generation NSX. The Insider Experience is a one or two day vacation with concierge service at The Joseph Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. A press release this morning outlined six versions of experience, with a starting price of $2,700.Related - Ludacris' New Acura NSX Matches His ShoesSingle day experiences will be limited to final assembly with customers installing the Acura badge as it rolls off the line. Buyers who opt for the two-day packages will have an opportunity to visit the engine factory in Anna to see the heart of the beast come to life. To make sure every NSX arrives ready for the track, the V6 engine is balanced and given 150 miles of break in before installation. This makes us smile because we see so many exotics that fail to get a proper break in by unscrupulous dealers. Probably because they know it will lead to future service visits. Some of us fall into the category of a minimalist because if I was part of my car's assembly I would have made sure it left with a roll cage and headers. But Acura is committed to shaking up the world of supercars, so ask our dealers for more information.Acura NSX For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2017

Why the Audi R8 V10 Plus Is Amazing

It feels like a compromise between siblings. The limited-edition R8 GT was too much of a good thing to let it completely slip away, so we each get to keep half. That’s roughly how many parts Audi says the latest V-10 Plus shares with the track focused R8 GT. With half of the track-car’s upgrades, the R8 V-10 Plus doesn’t offer the same weight reduction, but it has shed quite a few pounds and makes up for the difference with a whole new quicker-shifting transmission. It starts with a 550-horsepower version of the 5.2-liter V-10. The upgraded engine first showed up in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. For the R8, it’s a 25 horsepower increase over the base V-10 and only 10 shy of the GT. We also get the ceramic brakes and a host of carbon-fiber bits, reducing the vehicle’s weight by 130 pounds. As would be expected, it’s nearly half the GT’s 220-pound reduction. The biggest change is the new transmission. Ditching the first generation R8 single clutch automatic, the Plus shares a dual clutch gearbox with the Huracan. With less weight and a more capable driveline it reduces the zero-to-60 time by 0.3 of a second, helping take the R8 V-10 Plus down to 3.3 seconds for the 0–60 rush and holding gears and blipping the throttle with the best of them. The new trim and transmission are part of other subtle tweaks for the new year, which includes a new grille and full-LED lights on the outside and diamond stitched leather seats on the inside. In terms of supercars for sale,our dealers can't seem to keep them in stock because of the extensive improvements. Price: $170,000 Engine: 5.2-liter V-10 Horsepower: 550 0 - 60: 3.3 seconds Top Speed: 197 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Torque: 398 foot-pounds

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2017

How Fast is the New 2017 Camaro ZL1? It's the Fastest Yet

Engineers at Chevrolet have a reputation for taking the Corvette's most powerful engine and stuffing it into a Camaro. The Camaro ZL1 is just such a machine, packing the 650 hp and 650 lb-ft supercharged LT4 from the Z06. Top Speed and Camaro are not normally heard in the same paragraph, but inquiring minds have been wondering how fast the supercar ZL1 really is. The location of the test was the 7.6-mile oval track in Papenburg, Germany. No changes were made to body or drivetrain and the first run was 202.3 mph. Equipped with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, the factory Goodyear Supercar 3 tires were pumped up to 44 psi to cope with the 49-degree banking of the track. After running both directions around the track the top speed was certified at 198 mph.Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser said “It’s the most capable — and fastest —Camaro ever.” Other noteworthy accomplishments are a 0-60 run of 3.5 seconds and 1.02g of cornering grip. Camber was zeroed out to replicate a daily driven alignment, so the car is capable of more if given a few degrees. Having 10 gears in the transmission allows for agility out of the hole also, with quarter-mile times in the low 11s. It is nice to see Camaro receive such attention from GM, and we wonder how the aftermarket will respond to this factory built powerhouse. If it's not up to your standards, Hennessey Performance will bump it up to 800 hp. The sixth generation of Camaro is proving to be an incredible machine, and it gives the Super Troopers something new to focus on instead of my 2002 SS.Chevrolet Camaro For Sale

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