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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 – December 10, 2020

2021 Polaris Slingshot AutoDrive Offers Unprecedented Ame...

The hottest name in 3-wheel motorsports has something we know you'll enjoy. If you want a relaxing experience without compromise, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot AutoDrive offers unprecedented amenities. While the chassis was revised last year, the new AutoDrive transmission incorporates paddle shifters for more excitement. Shifts are quicker and smoother to offer more confidence and smiles per gallon. A new hill-hold feature takes the hassles out of city driving so you can focus on staying connected. The audio is handled by Rockford-Fosgate with 1000watt speaker pods. Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth are a first for the segment, as is the XKGlow interior lighting that flashes to the music. Those who want a manual transmission will save $3,000, with prices starting at $19,999. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

2021 Isle of Man TT Cancelled Due To COVID-19

Two decades ago the world's most dangerous race was canceled because of an outbreak. Foot & Mouth disease pales in comparison to current events, so the 2021 Isle of Man TT has been canceled again thanks to Covid-19. The only other interruptions in the historic event were for both World Wars, so this is a wake-up call for all of us. Porsche Debuts 911 GT3 RS at the Isle Of Man Laurence Skelly, a Minister of the Department of Enterprise said: "We do not underestimate the disappointment that this decision will cause to many people. However, we are making an early and logical decision to provide certainty and clarity to race fans and everyone else involved in our event." His sentiments were echoed by other government officials in hopes that the race could be rescheduled as early as possible. Until then, stay with us for all your motorsports news. Image Source: IOMTTraces.com, Isle of Man Government (C) Crown Copyright 2020

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By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Confederate Motorcycles Becomes Combat Motors

BIRMINGHAM, AL, USA, June 18, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Confederate Motorcycles LLC announces a change of its name to Combat Motors LLC to better reflect the spirit and the values of our team, manufacturing partners and clients. We stand with those fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change. Confederate Motorcycles was established in 1991 as an international brand. "Our motorcycles are realized through a partnership with our various members of our team who design, build and distribute these one of a kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of that team." "We stand with those peaceably fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change." The F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, FA-13 Combat Bomber and the Combat Wraith are each built upon the CX-4 frame, feature an S&S X-Wedge 117 or 132 cubic inch engine, BST wheels, RaceTech suspension, Beringer Brakes, Motogadget electronics, a Bandit clutch and have a frame carved entirely from solid billet blocks of aircraft-grade 6061 and 7075 aluminum built by 3D Systems, resulting in the most robust, fatigue-resistant motorcycle possible. "Each of our manufacturing partners makes doing what we do possible." The Combat Hellcat and Speedster are based on Harley Davidson Frames with CNC Aluminum tanks and other body parts, an upgraded Screaming Eagle 117 cubic inch engine which is homologated for worldwide delivery. True to his passion as "curator of the brand", Ernest Lee, owner of Combat Motors, has hired many of the design, assembly, sales, service and support team from the company's past, Jay Etheridge, Jason Reddick, Landers Sevier, Andrew Reuther, and Dave Hargreaves to name a few. "Our manufacturing vendors, our clients and our team are each integral to not only our current successes but also to determining our success in the future." Combat Motors makes a ritual of consulting with clients and those previously involved with the company while deciding on the appropriate path for the brand and have received overwhelming support for this change. "Our brand needed to be something that would match the values of the company and the feeling that people get when they see our motorcycles for the first time. As long as we have motorcycles on the road, we want our brand will shine through their owners." Combat Motors will continue to support Confederate branded motorcycles and is offering re-branding with any service at its Birmingham location for any Confederate Motorcycle owner interested in an update. Today's announcement signals to the world that Combat Motors will be built for many years to come. Look for them on the road. Browse Combat Motors For Sale https://www.facebook.com/combatmotorcycles/videos/2696722773985781/

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2020

Untitled Motorcycles Unveils UMC-063 XP Zero

The perfect blend of English and American motorcycles is a dream for many. So one designer decided to take on such a project, and that is what led Hugo Eccles to Untitled Motorcycles. His latest collaboration comes from California in the form of the XP Zero. Untitled's take on the Zero has an aeronautical theme. Brushed and anodized 6061 alloy has been CNC machined to perfection. It surrounds a tubular steel frame that contains a 14.4 kWh battery. The motor is rated to handle 102 volts and 900 amps to offer 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. Showa suspension and Pirelli Diablo Superbike race tires are standard equipment, along with LED lights and a TFT display screen. Click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Verge Motorcycles Unveils the TS Electric Roadster

When Nikola Tesla said he could build electric motors as large as needed, Thomas Edison probably laughed at his young apprentice. But history has proven that AC motors can be big and efficient. That is literally the motivation behind the TS Electric Roadster from Verge Motorcycles. A team of Finnish engineers and enthusiasts are about to shock the world. Instead of using off-the-shelf EV parts, the rear wheel is an electric motor built inside out. Thanks to the incredible diameter of the rotor and stator, this hubless rear wheel offers 737 lb-ft of torque to the ground. If you are looking for rear brakes, the motor becomes a generator and stops the bike while recharging the battery. You will have a city range of 186 miles or 124 on the highway. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2020

Indian Unveils FTR Carbon

When you think of American V-twins, does carbon fiber come to mind? Indian has always dared to be different. Pushing the boundaries of style and power have kept them on the cutting edge, so get ready for the 2020 FTR Carbon. As the new flagship of the FTR series, it arrives with: • Carbon fiber front fender• Carbon fiber headlight nacelle• Carbon fiber tank/airbox covers• Carbon fiber passenger seat cowl• Titanium Akrapovič low-mount exhaust in black• ‘FTR Carbon’ branded center console plate Fully loaded, it comes with a 4.3" touch screen USB fast charge ports, cruise control, dual-disc Brembo ABS, bluetooth and LED lighting. While it might look like the FTR750, you will be sitting on 1,203 cc of liquid-cooled goodness. You will have 125 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque with a comfortable, upright riding position. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Indian news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Fully Loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra #27 For Sale

Last year GMC shocked the world with an all-new Sierra. Bigger, stronger, and finally more distinct than its cousins at Chevrolet. With more abilities than ever before, it caught the eye of Mr. Davidosn. It took a few months for the motorcycle masters in Milwaukee to infuse it with current and classic HD style, so we're glad to offer this limited edition fully loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra for sale. Starting with the ZRX off-road package, no less than 65 proprietary body and interior upgrades were added. Starting with the grille and skid plate, HD added a ram-air hood, heat extractors on the fenders, their own tonneau cover, and plush bed carpeting. Moving inside we find HD sill plates, floor mats, piano black interior accents and Harley-Davidson orange trim in several places. The piece de resistance is a new center console proudly displays the truck's build number (#27). You will hear a tuned HD stainless exhaust. It is not available separately to make sure your truck sounds unlike any other. The roar is provided by the same 6.2L V8 found in the Corvette and Camaro SS, sending 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via an innovative 10-speed automatic. This bulletproof transmission is shared with the Camaro ZL1 1LE, so it has been proven to offer years of crisp shifts and over 20 mpg on the highway. Each truck is built to order, and no two are alike. That's why #27 deserves to be in your driveway. Click the button below for all the info and Ride Safe! View Price & Specs

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2020

Newron Motors Unveils the Ultimate E-Bike

France has a traffic crisis in all major cities. As such, vehicle registrations are taxed, and alternate day drving bans became law in Paris. Because 95% of their power is from nuclear plants, electric vehicles are truly carbon neutral. That's why Newron Motors has unveiled the ultimate E-bike. EV-1 is a gorgeous blend of carbon fiber and wood. A central battery pack is arranged in a radial formation, and it acts as the load bearing structucture connecting the front and rear suspension. Choose which wood species fits your personality, and you will reach 62 mph in under 3 seconds. Capable of DC fast charging, the 75kWh battery is has the same abilities as the first Tesla Model S, and it can be charged to 80% in 40 mins. A full charge offers a range of 186 miles in the city and 136 at highway speeds. The Permanent Magnent AC motor is mounted low to provide great stability, and it sends 177 lb-ft of torque to the carbon fiber rear wheel. Only a dozen are planned for the initial run, with pricing starting at $67,000. Reserve yours here, and click the link below to find your next ride. Browse Sports Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2020

Damon Motorcycles Unveils the HyperSport

Commuter bikes and sportbikes usually arent seen together on the street. But what if you combine the best aspects of each? Damon Motorcycles has unveiled the HyperSport, the world's first transforming 2-wheeler. At the push of a button, the windshield, handlebars, footrests, and seat change position. Designed by riders, for riders, it offers 215 horsepower and a 200-mile electric range. Constant 4G connectivity sends feedback to Damon about your bike's health, and it can store videos from the dual 1080p onboard cameras. This one might be a game-changer, so click the button below to learn more. Pre-order Your Damon Hypersport Here Related: Curtiss Unveils Hades 1 Pure Electric Motorcycle

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Tiffany & Co. Unveils Unique Indian Scout for Christmas

Very Very Extraordinary is how they describe their 2019 Holliday Collection. That is why Tiffany & Co. have unveiled a unique Indian Scout for Christmas. This bike is 1 of 1, and it is the result of Tiffany & Co. working with Barnstorm Cycles to offer something unique. Many of the parts were built by hand, as seen in this Facebook upload below. For a quick refresher, the Scout has a 69" V-twin offering 100 horsepower. This water-cooled rocket is bolted to a 6-speed transmission. It makes 72 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm and it is lighter than most other midsize V-twins. Here are the dimensions: Fuel capacity: 3.3 gal. (12.5 l) Overall height: 47.5" (120 cm) Overall length: 91" (231 cm) Weight (empty tank): 533 lbs. (242 kg) Weight (full tank): 550 lbs. (249 kg) Tiffany & Co. Holiday Gift Guide Like I mentioned above, only 1 will ever be constructed. The price is $35,000 and it can be yours by clicking the button above. Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all of your luxury Holiday gifts.

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