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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 – August 15, 2016

Koenigsegg Agera XS: First in the US at Monterey

Two special Swedes are making an appearance at Monterey Car Week: the Koenigsegg Agera XS and Regera.For those who follow the automotive world, you're probably already well-versed in the details of the Regera. If not, here's a quick breakdown. This new hypercar is a hybrid hypercar that is powering by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors. Together, the total power output of the car is 1,500 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. Without a doubt, this is the most impressive car that Koenigsegg has ever created, and that's quite an accomplishment considering what they have created. Photo: Martin JuulAs for the Agera XS, this one is a bit new to everyone. I'll begin this car's explanation by saying it's essentially an Agera RS that's been modified to drive on US roads. In fact, it's the first Agera RS in the United States. "Why the XS name, though?" That name was given to the car at the customer's request. Photo: Arnaud TaquetThe car is finished in Karosserie Orange, with a diamond-dust metallic effect. Modifications made to this bright exterior include a bespoke aerodynamic pieces, as well as the largest rear wing ever that Koenigsegg has ever fitted to a car. Inside is black Alcantara with contrasting orange stitching. Even further inside the car is a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that's mated to a CIMA seven-speed automatic transmission. Photo: Arnaud TaquetIf you're dying to see these cars, be sure to head to Monterey Car Week!View All Koenigseggs For Sale Photo: Arnaud Taquet

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2016

About Paul Walker's Cars and Richard Taylor

Back on July 14, we published an article about a lawsuit between Richard Taylor and Paul Walker’s estate that had been settled over Walker’s “stolen” vehicles.According to Mr. Taylor's representatives, he was actually a close personal friend of Walker and, at the time of his death, the two were co-owners of an LLC that owned the cars in question. After Walker’s death, Paul's lawyer requested that the vehicles be moved to a facility in Sun Valley. Although Taylor was not involved in moving the vehicles, storage fees for the vehicles at this facility were being paid by Walker's estate long before the lawsuit was filed. This contrasts with previous stories that said the cars were taken without authority and that the whereabouts of the cars was unknown. In fact, the cars are still located in that facility to this day.Unfortunately, different claims were made to the cars and their titles, between Paul Walker’s daughter and father. These claims between two parties, not including Taylor, lead to the lawsuit. This suit was settled in an amicable matter.

By Andrew Nabors – August 11, 2016

Mercedes Teases New Maybach Coupe

Something big is coming from Mercedes. In an image uploaded yesterday to their social media accounts we see the silhouette of a new Maybach coupe. Sharing a striking resemblance to their 2004 Excelero, the caption reads "Hot & cool- almost six meters of ultimate luxury".You might remember the Excelero from the cover of our September 2005 issue. It was a stunning design commissioned by Fulda (Goodyear of Germany) to showcase their latest tread designs. All four tires measure 315/25 ZR23 and are probably irreplaceable. The engine and chassis were borrowed from a Mercedes SLR McLaren, and Top Gear reported that it was purchased for $8,000,000 by the rapper Birdman. We've lost track of it over the years but it would be nice to see it in action again. Hot & cool – Almost 6 meters of ultimate luxury. pic.twitter.com/OXMQvXFbVO — Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) August 10, 2016 A giant new Maybach concept is just what the industry needs, so let's hope the build more than one example. Mercedes only uses the Maybach name in homage to the big German touring cars of the late 30's. Reserved for the largest cars in their portfolio, this new concept is a blast from the past. As soon as more info is released you will see it here first. In the meantime take a look at these sedans from our dealers.View All Maybachs For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2016

Fisker Karma Reborn as the Karma Revero

If you were wondering where the Fisker Karma went, well it's now back but is now known as the Karma Revero.A new YouTube video and website have uncovered the new car, but the exact specifications are still 28 days away from being known. On the website, we do learn that the car retains the solar roof from the Fisker Karma. The two new features that we actually can talk about are the new badge and infotainment center.For the badge of the car, each one is hand-painted. To me, it's actually quite a beautiful badge, reminding me of a solar eclipse behind a planet. As for the infotainment center, it's completely new and redesigned.These are the two features that the website notices, but there are a few things I have gathered from an image of the new infotainment center. From this infotainment center, the driver can choose different drive modes, like the Sport Drive Mode pictures in the website's photo. This photo also shows that the engine puts out 90 kW (120 hp) and the battery is good for 89 kW (119 hp), resulting in a total power output of 179 kW (240 hp). These numbers are not confirmed, but they are what is pictured on their website. Another bit of info pulled from the image is that while driving in Sport Driving Mode the powertrain has a fuel efficiency of 54 mpg.For more information, check back with us in 28 days when the car is unveiled.View All Karmas For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 11, 2016

Land Rover Unveils New 2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography D...

In response to this year's most popular options, Land Rover has created a new trim level for the full-size Range Rover. The 2017 "SVAutobiography Dynamic" will offer semi-autonomous driving along with Tow Assist and Speed Limiter functions. Along with a software update to the traction control system, these innovations will be collectively known as the All-Terrain Progress Control system.Power will be from the same supercharged 5.0L V8 we first saw in the Sport SVR. Making 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, it will have no problem motivating the full-size Range Rover. To be offered on the short wheelbase models only, new options include red Brembo calipers and a Graphite Atlas trim package.On the inside you will find a new 10.2" touchscreen with their new InControl Touch Pro system. For the first time, Land Rover is allowing customers to choose from a series of apps to customize the display. Seats are 20-way adjustable and covered in diamond stitched leather. Available for order this winter, pricing will start at £76,350 or just under $100,000. Performance numbers were not mentioned, so stay with us to see what happens when luxury and raw power collide.View All Range Rovers For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2016

New Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition Pays Ho...

Porsche Exclusive has created yet another German masterpiece which they're calling the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. This new edition pays homage to the 356 B (T5) in 1960 and 1961 through a solid etna blue finish. This finish was the standard color for the 60's sportscar, as was the white gold metallic elements found on the new special edition model. (Also Read: McQueen-Inspired 1980 Porsche Bisimoto 911BR in Monterey) Contrasting against the light blue finish of the Porsche are the Targa Bar and 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, which are finished in the white gold metallic. Other exterior features include the black LED headlights, rear lid grille and tailpipes. Inside, the driver and passenger are presented with black anodized stainless steel entry guards, both of which include the name of the special edition model. As for seating, there are 18-way adjustable seats covered in graphite-blue leather. If the door sill and exterior logos didn't get the point across that this model is special, the dashboard dons the lettering: "Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur." Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale Wondering about its power? It has a 420 hp bi-turbo boxer engine in the rear. This special edition model will only be available for a short amount of time so be sure to visit your local Porsche dealer quick if you're interested.

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2016

2018 Ford Mustang GT500 Spied Testing in Dearborn

Automotive manufacturers work hard to keep their designs undercover, but camouflage only goes so far. The avid Mustang fans over at Mustang6G.com have been waiting for the arrival of the GT500 since the launch of the GT350, so it's no surprise they spotted it first. In a video uploaded last night, a disguised Mustang test mule was spotted returning to the Dearborn Proving Grounds and it could be the heavily anticipated GT500.Rolling on carbon fiber wheels from the GT350R, the unique exhaust note is leading many to believe the GT500 will have forced induction. Being absent from the lineup since 2014, it has large shoes to fill. The previous GT500 made 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque from a 5.8L supercharged version of their modular V8. In the meantime, they've built a naturally aspirated monster with the 5.2L-powered GT350. It uses a flat-plane crankshaft to deliver 526 hp and 429 lb-ft by screaming to 8,250 rpm. Rumors are that Ford has taken the lessons learned in this design and added a supercharger or turbos for an unprecedented level of power in the GT500. If you can't wait for 2018, check out the listings from our dealers by clicking below.View All Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2016

New 2017 Ford Raptor's Suspension In Serious Action

Bigger is better when it comes to shock absorbers. So for the 2nd generation of the Raptor, Ford renewed their collaboration with FOX racing. The off-road masters who developed the suspension on the original Raptor have returned with massive 3" diameter shocks. With two extra inches of travel, these new units offer more agility over rough terrain along with a more comfortable ride on the street.On the original Raptor, Ford underestimated how much their owners enjoyed going airborne. To protect the system on big jumps the new units have built-in hydraulic cushions when fully extended. Approach and departure angles for the new Raptor are much improved which will allow the truck to tackle larger obstacles. The new Raptor also benefits from Ford's aluminum body construction since it has less weight to deal with. We're waiting to get our hands on one to see how it performs in Florida swamps, so get ready for a muddy adventure.View All Ford Raptors For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2016

McLaren to Debut 570GT, 570S GTS and More at Pebble Beach

Monterey Car Week brings a wide variety of rare cars to California, from classics to hypercars. McLaren Automotive, the legendary automaker, is bringing with them their own rare cars to the state, some which are making their debut in the United States. In a press release issued today, McLaren announced that they will be introducing the likes of the 2017 570GT and 570S GT4 (seen above). McLaren 570GTAlong with these new cars, McLaren is also bringing a handful of heritage cars. Here are the cars as described in the brand's press release: M2B/1– 1966 – Formula 1™, the very first McLaren Formula 1™ Grand Prix car. M8D/4 – 1970 – Can-Am Championship, an evolution of the Can-Am Championship-winning M8B that won all 11 races through the previous season, crowning Bruce McLaren as Champion for the second time and completing a clean sweep of three successive Can-Am Constructors Championships. M23A/9 – 1975 – Formula 1™, the car that led Emerson Fittipaldi to his second Formula 1™ Drivers’ Championship and gave McLaren its first Constructors Championship. MP4-2/2 - 1984 – Formula 1™, which won three Drivers Championships and two Constructors Championships and is still considered the most successful chassis in Formula 1™ history. If you're by Monterey for the week starting August 15, be sure to head to one of the many events being help during the world-famous car week.View All McLarens For Sale McLaren 570S GT4

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2016

Legendary Valentino Balboni Creates Exhaust for Aventador SV

Italian artisans are trained to make works of art by using traditional methods. Lamborghini's latest Aventador SV is just such a creation, but all modern production exhausts are mass-produced using automation to save time. In his career as Lamborghini's chief test driver, Valentino Balboni spent 35 years ensuring the quality and performance of the brand. Having driven 80% of their total production, he probably has a few opinions on how the V12 should sound.If you want your new Aventador SV to be the loudest car for miles, simply unbolt your factory system. Straight pipes hurt performance at cruising speeds and might provoke attention from the authorities. If you demand the best for your car, Valentino's new system is the most beautiful aftermarket creation we've ever seen. Rejecting the mass production methods of automated pipe benders, he chose to have master welders fabricate each bend with individual tig welds.Using the latest in titanium alloys, each mirror-imaged system takes 350 hours to build. Billet titanium hangers in the factory locations require no modifications to your rare car. Probably the lightest bolt-on exhaust ever offered, both sides add up to 13.8 lbs. Only 30 examples will be produced, with each set polished to a mirror shine. For more information and beautiful images, head over to his new website. And if you need an Aventador SV to attach to this system, be sure to check out listings from our dealers below.Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

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