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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2019

Jay Leno's Garage Update August '19

Not only does Jay Leno's Car Collection outshine any other, but his team is also always at work performing world-class restorations. In the latest update, we see what it takes to get and keep these classics running. First off is the Kleiber. It was built in San Francisco and had massive brakes to cope with the hilly streets. Once the suspension and brakes were rebuilt, the distributor fell off. Since there are only 2 examples left in the world, they had to 3D scan and CNC machine a new bracket. Other projects include an early MG owned by an RAF pilot who was lost in the Battle of Britain. Next is a 1914 Detroit Electric. Instead of 78-volts, the team installed a 400v drivetrain from a Nissan Leaf along with a period-correct Emerson radio. Firebird fans will like the 1968 Convertible with the original DeLorean overhead cam straight-six. It is receiving a factory restoration with a few performance & drivability upgrades. The latest addition is a 1925 Cadillac owned by Farmers Insurance. Click here to check out Jay Leno's Car Collection, and tell us what you think of these projects in the comments below. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2019

Murcielago Manuals Have Become Million-Dollar Lamborghinis

Walk into any dealership and ask for a manual transmission. The confused salespeople will not know how to respond. So far in 2019, the Corvette and the Mustang GT500 have lost their 3rd pedal. I bought a six-speed CTS-V because it was a stick, and I'm sure many of you love the excitement shifting offers. When it comes to the last Lamborghini flagship, we are losing them at an alarming rate. Our friend John Temerian pulled the numbers for the last V12 manual transmission cars, and many are in bad shape. That is why Murcielago manuals have become million-dollar Lamborghinis. This is as rare as a unicorn. A pristine 2007 Murci with only 3,100 miles. It is one of 19 LP640 coupes with a manual transmission. It is All Wheel Drive, and loaded with every option. Curated has a complete history since new, and it has no signs of wear inside or out. You can't say you aren't intrigued! The e-Gear transmission was a leap too far, and they are showing their age with expensive maintenance costs. If you have the means, a stick shift Murcielago would be a perfect daily driver, so click the link below at a regular basis to find one for yourself. buy this murcielago now Related: 2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Six-Speed History by VinWiki Lamborghini Murcielago Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2019

Saleen S1 Makes Track Debut in Portland

A test drive is a great way to sell a car, but a test race will seal the deal. Our friend Steve Saleen has a new approach to marketing his latest supercar. The 2019 Saleen Cup kicked off this weekend, and it saw the Saleen S1 make its track debut in Portland. The Saleen Cup consists of 20 new cars with identical setups. Each wears a different livery and they will do battle for 50 minutes as part of the Blancpain GT World Challenge America. The big news is that it is a very affordable way to get into racing. Each car needs a 2-person team, which pays $42,000 per weekend for both races. So each member only has to pay $21,000 for the event, and this covers the car, safety gear, and everything else. The racers fall into 2 categories: Young Drivers are up to 28 years old, and Pro-AM drivers are 29 years or older. The top driver from each category will earn a paid seat in Saleen's GT4 car for the 2020 season. The car they will be driving is the long-awaited Saleen S1. Portland International Raceway (Ore.) – July 12-14, 2019 Watkins Glen (NY) – August 30 – Sept.1, 2019 Road America (Wis.)– Sept. 20-22, 2019 Las Vegas Motor Speedway (NV) – Oct 18-20, 2019 The cup cars have a carbon fiber body over a 4130 tube frame chassis. A Saleen 2.2L engine sends 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to a paddle-shift 6-speed automatic. Brakes measure 15" front and 14" rear, and race tires are supplied by Continental. The street-legal version also offers a six-speed manual and all modern conveniences. Considering the cost of fielding your own team, the Saleen Cup is a bargain price to get behind the wheel. If you need V8 power, we have a few Saleen S7 for sale. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Saleen news. Browse Saleen S7 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2019

Radical Rapture Unveiled at Goodwood

Take one look at their lineup, and you will understand why this brand is named Radical. Their approach to building incredible cars is aerodynamics combined with a lightweight body. It allowed the SR8 to win Pike's Peak in 2015. They also set the world's fastest 'Ring time in 2009, lapping the Green Hell in 6:48.28. That time was unbeaten until the Porsche 911 GT2 RS in 2017. Now it looks like they might have a new contender, as the Radical Rapture was unveiled at Goodwood. Already street-legal in the U.K., their press release mentions the eventual homologation to markets around the world. The chassis is FIA compliant, and it utilizes the latest version of their Nik-link suspension. Easy adjustable between track and street, it allows the Ford EcoBoost 4-cylinder to put 350 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque to the ground. Unfortunately, a six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the only transmission option. Nevertheless, it is a proper English sports car combined with the latest in technology. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: 2020 DeTomaso P72 Unveiled at Goodwood 2020 Ford GT MK II Will Arrive Ready to Race

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2019

2020 Lotus Evija Hypercar Teased Before Goodwood Sneak Peek

Sports cars can be light, fast, or electric. At least that's what we have encountered so far. But the latest news from England gives us hope that a featherweight electric car is possible. In their latest press release, the 2020 Lotus Evija has been teased before its sneak peek at Goodwood. Spectators to this weekend's Festival of Speed will have an opportunity at a sneak peek. The name is pronounced ev-eye-a, and it means the first in existence. Indeed, it is the first electric Lotus, and their first model developed under the ownership of Geely Automotive. Internally known as Type 130, Lotus confirmed that only 130 examples will be produced. While the production version won't be shown until later this year, Lotus fans can experience a laser light show in their display. It will offer several design cues to build interest. Also on display will be the Evora GT4, and it will be making a run up the hill on Sunday. Tell us what you think about an electric Lotus in the comments below and stay with us for all your Evija updates. Browse Lotus For Sale " width="680"> Related: What to See at Goodwood 2019 Jay Leno Drives the Lotus Evora 400

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2019

JCB Hints at Tractor Top Speed World Record: Over 100 MPH!

Joseph Cyril Bamford wanted to dig the U.K. out of the rubble of WWII. So he rented a 12 'x 15' garage and began building heavy equipment. JCB is one of the largest heavy equipment companies in the world, and his son Anthony has been at the helm since 1975. Pushing your machines to their limits is the best way to advertise, so JCB hints at the tractor world speed limit on Twitter. 103.6 mph! As a fan of motor racing, he owns several vintage Ferrari models and Juan Manuel Fangio's Mercedes-Benz F1 car. It looks as if he and his family are about to shock the world. In case you didn't know, tractor racing is incredibly competitive. Assumedly, this was spurred on by Honda's 150 mph lawnmower. We wish JCB good luck and Godspeed. Tell us what you think of this noble effort in the comments section down below. https://twitter.com/i/status/1142147111242387456 Featured Image Source

By Andrew Nabors – June 20, 2019

Pininfarina Battista Evolution to be Unveiled in Turin

No matter how much simulation time you have, nothing beats testing a new car in the real world. As such, Paolo Pininfarina asked his team to revise their prototype to increase aerodynamic efficiency. So if you happen to be in Northern Italy this weekend, the Pininfarina Battista Evolution will be unveiled in Turin. While it probably won't carry the Evolution suffix into production, their press release hinted that this is very close to the car that customers will receive. Only 150 cars will be built, with 50 allocated to the U.S. Each one has four electric motors powered by a 120 kWh battery. This allows it to offer a combined 1,900 horsepower and 1,696 lb-ft of torque. The Turin Auto Show starts tomorrow and ends Sunday evening, so stay with us for all your Battista updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Pininfarina Battista to Visit Supercarrooms Miami Pininfarina Battista Details by Top Gear

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2019

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation will Launch at Le...

One of the most brutal races will take place this weekend. The 24 Hours of LeMans will be a test of the world's best cars, and Aston Martin is poised to offer an unprecedented machine. The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation will launch at LeMans. It is a faithful resurrection of a very worthy racing machine, of which only 19 will be offered. It is the culmination of many late nights and countless hours to build a street-legal version of the original. As the cornerstone of their 100th anniversary, it also celebrates over 50 years of collaboration with Zagato. The prototype was finished in Rosso Maja paint with Obsidian Black leather. Under the hood is a 4.7L straight six that offers 390 horsepower to a 4-speed manual transmission. Of course, it has a limited slip differential and an FIA approved Roll Cage. Borrani wheels are a great finishing touch, and it would be great to see one of these take on a classic Ferrari in a vintage showdown. If you were not chosen to purchase of these 19 cars, we have a few original examples of the DB4 for you to enjoy. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin DB4 FOr Sale " width="680"> Related: Only Road-Legal Aston Martin Vulcan Taking Part in Gumball 3000 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Continuation Update

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2019

Gordon Murray Hints at his new T.50 Supercar

Did you think he would really retire? One of the greatest automotive designers is poised to deliver something wild. In the latest press release from Cosworth, Gordon Murray Automotive hints at their T.50. After a long career designing Formula 1 cars and the iconic McLaren F1, Mr. Murray is ready to shock the world. Gordon Murray Design was announced in late 2017, and it has spawned Gordon Murray Automotive. Their T.50 is a culmination of his 50+ years building amazing cars, and it incorporates a 15" fan under the body to keep it sucked to the ground. This was the same principle he pioneered for Brabham's F1 cars in the 1960's. As a true successor to the McLaren F1, it will have the same 3-seat cockpit and a mid-mounted V12. What sets it apart from every other supercar is that the 3.9L Cosworth engine will rev to 12,100 rpm. With a target weight under 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) and a manual transmission, this car will be a potent performer. He is quoted in the press release saying: "I have absolutely no interest in chasing records for top speed or acceleration. Our focus is instead on delivering the purest, most rewarding driving experience of any supercar ever built – but, rest assured, it will be quick.” Only 100 examples will be built, each with a starting price of £2 million ($2.544 Million Dollars). Who else is excited to hear the highest-revving production car of all time? Stay with us as for all your T.50 news, and tell us what you think of it in the comments below. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Aston Martin Valkyrie V12 by Cosworth Jay Leno's Car Collection

By Andrew Nabors – June 04, 2019

2020 BMW X3 M & X4 M Performance Parts

We hope you are happy. Sedans are dead. Crossovers are dead. It is 1996 all over again with the rise of SUVs. Last week we told you about BMW's compact entry, the X1. Well, it looks like they have even more in store. In a press release earlier today, we've learned the 2020 BMW X3 M & X4 M performance parts will be available at launch. Both of them will have 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque thanks to a new turbocharged straight six. They might have German roots and designs, but you might be shocked to learn they will be built in Greer, South Carolina. In addition to carbon fiber accessories, BMW M dealers will offer wheels, graphics, and several Alcantara upgrades. Our dealers have great offers on 2019 BMW X3, and you can click below to stay up to date on X4 inventory. This much power and versatility are sure to be a hot seller. Browse BMW X4 For sale

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