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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 02, 2020

Pininfarina Battista Prototypes Tested At Nardò

Moving from concept to reality is the hardest part of any new car. With nearly 1,700 lb-ft of torque, the Pininfarina Battista prototypes tested at Nardò show us the electric future of the hypercar. In a press release last night, the famous Italian automaker announced a strenuous series of evaluations for the torque vectoring software and vehicle dynamics for each driving mode. Pininfarina Battista Anniversario Keeps You Connected Around The World Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Paolo Dellachà says: “This test is an exciting moment for our clients and the team at Automobili Pininfarina as we complete another phase In the development of the most powerful Italian sports car ever made. We have undertaken extensive development using advanced simulation technology, and we can now fine-tune the calibration of Battista’s bespoke chassis and pioneering four-motor torque vectoring system on road and track.” Details like tire wear, brake performance, and high-speed stability are all being finalized in order to have a flawless debut. Because the Battista will be a reference point for all competitors to follow, stay with us for all your Pininfarina news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2020

Introducing The All New O’Gara Reserve

O'Gara Reserve is here to offer unprecedented experiences for their most valued clients. Pulling together their most exclusive inventory from San Diego, Westlake Village and Beverly Hills, you won't be subjected to the unpleasantries endemic of every other dealer. Click the button to see what they have to offer and be prepared to be amazed. Browse Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – November 09, 2020

Gordon Murray Group Announces New Headquarters

Building amazing cars is tough when you are paying rent. Because their upcoming T.50 demands secrecy, Gordon Murray Group has announced a new headquarters. Their latest press release includes details of this £50M project. Three buildings will be located across 54 acres in Windlesham, Surrey. Their goal is to allow design, engineering, and validation to take place in-house, without worrying about espionage. Gordon Murray Automotive Announces the T.50s Race Car Professor Gordon Murray has penned the major details of the 130,000 sq ft, and he had this to say: "This new technology campus and global headquarters is a major investment and a huge step forward for the Gordon Murray Group, as we gather momentum for the next phase of our business and our brands, spearheaded by the all-new T.50 supercar. “Our innovative new technology campus is a fantastic new home and will give us world-class facilities that have been designed with a lot of attention to communication, workflow and social interaction – which will bring new levels of productivity to our already very efficient team. This new HQ is a significant investment and will create high value-added new jobs. We’re also proud to be already making significant contribution to UK exports, and helping secure the vital UK automotive supply chain. Over 90 percent of the content of the new T.50 comes from UK supplies, which is something that we specified from the start. It is designed, engineered and manufactured from world-class British components in Britain." The T.50 now has a home among the world's leading automotive and engineering companies, so stay with us for more updates from Gordon Murray Group " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2020

2021 Lexus IS Offers More Safety & Improved Handling

While other models have come and gone, two decades of satisfied customers keep coming back for the latest model. To give them the best bargain in compact luxury, the 2021 Lexus IS offers more safety and improved handling. All New 2021 Lexus IS Arrives This Fall Starting at the bottom, the chassis has more welds and thicker steel. This translates to crisp steering, less body roll, and a more comfortable ride. Changes in spring rates and the shock valves were validated in the virtual world as the first car developed at the new Tech Center in Shimoyama. This facility allows the boss to directly interact with engineers. Like his father and grandfather, Akio Toyoda is hands-on when it comes to even the smallest details. He has raced on tracks around the world, and his input led the team to start at the front bumper, then the core support, and up the windshield pillars with stronger steel. This allowed them to cut un-sprung weight by 20%. This makes it the strongest, safest and most comfortable IS ever offered. " width="680"> The IS 350 offers 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds while remaining as quiet as a library inside. With such speed, the Pre-Collision System, Front Collision Warning, and Automatic Braking parameters have been dialed up. The radar has a higher resolution to protect pedestrians and bikers even in dense fog. Click the button for all the details and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2020

2021 Yenko/SC Stage II Camaro Unveiled By SVE With 1,050 ...

Don Yenko would be proud to see his name on the latest in Yenko Supercars from Specialty Vehicle Engineering. Last year at the Amelia Island Concours, I had an opportunity to drive the 2020 Stage I Yenko Camaro. Mr. Hamburger and his team conservatively rated the beast at 1,000 horsepower, but he mentioned room for improvement. Now we are happy to announce the 2021 Yenko/SC Stage II by SVE. Available on 2021 Camaro 1SS or 2SS models with the 1LE package, this 6.8-liter (414ci) beast offers 1,050 horsepower and a whopping 900 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes poly suspension bushings, recalibrated magnetic ride control, Recaro seats, and an electronic differential. The same family team that was once SLP, Ed Hamburger and his son David have delivered over 66,000 performance cars, trucks, and SUVs to GM Dealers since 1991. https://www.facebook.com/1761358110755157/videos/3393904440833841 Along with their 750 horsepower, AWD V8 Syclone and the 800 horsepower Yenko Silverado, each engine is built by hand and backed by their warranty along with GM. All SVE builds use OEM-quality parts. That is because they have been a Tier-1 supplier to GM for years, solving engineering problems for low-volume models and protecting trade secrets. I bought my 2002 Camaro SS from them in 2001, and 98,000 miles later, all I have done is to upgrade the alternator. Reliability is ensured in each Yenko Supercar thanks to dual outboard radiators, engine, transmission, and differential oil coolers along with heavy-duty cooling fans. Each SVE model can be ordered and serviced at any GM dealer, something not offered from any other performance company. Only 50 Phase II cars will be built for 2021, so click the button for all the details and stay with us for all your SVE news. Learn More Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2020

Help Reddick Brown Ford Choose The Right Trade-In

Brock Patterson and his team sell the world's fastest Fords to Nashville's biggest stars and music industry executives. Because their clientele often work long hours, their slogan is "We Bring The Dealership To You". I have seen them in action, arriving with a dozen examples for the buyer to choose from. In this case, the buyer chose a new supercharged Shelby F-150 that combines 770 horsepower with incredible styling. As an authorized dealer for Roush, Hennessey, Tuscany, Shelby, and Harley-Davidson trucks, their trade-ins can be quite interesting. Such is the case in their latest video when the buyer allows Brock to choose from an impressive collection. Tell us which one makes sense for the dealer, and which one you would drive in the comments below. Browse Inventory at Reddick Brown Ford https://www.facebook.com/pattersonbrock/videos/10217601721740399/

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2020

2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class In Action

This is the one we've been waiting on. The 7th generation of their flagship sedan is about to arrive with unprecedented safety and comfort. That is why we love to watch the 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class in action. Starting with safety, the active LED headlights point out obstacles to keep you focused on the road ahead. Should the car sense your inattention, the ambient LED interior flashes bright red. Lewis Hamilton and Alicia Keys Team Up for 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Campaign Of comfort, the car seems as quiet as a library on the Autobahn. All occupants can enjoy their own content from MBUX while the 18-wat seats keep them coddled. The audio system is "4d" thanks to subwoofers mounted inside the frame, and a choice of engine will include a thrifty turbocharged straight-six. The real news is the first electric S-Class, and the EQS will be unveiled soon. As someone with fused vertebrae, the head pillows alone are worth it, so click the button to find your S-Class from our dealers. Browse S-Class For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 17, 2020

2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Is Off-Road Ready

Some trucks are built to be pretty, and usually this kills their abilities where the pavement ends. If you can't justify the price and proportions of late-model trucks, the midsize market is hotter than ever. Once Dearborn announced the Ranger Raptor wouldn't be sold in the U.S., Chevrolet responded with the Colorado ZR2. While it is a capable machine, the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor is off-road ready. " width="680"> Browse Ford Ranger For Sale Ford's latest press release includes juicy details like Fox Racing 2.0 monotube suspension, 32" Continental Grabbers, flared fenders, and six auxiliary toggle switches ready for your accessories. Available on the Lariat and XLT models, you will have reinforced front spindles, skid plates, rock slider steps, and a locking rear differential. The approach angle is nearly 31 degrees with a departure of 25.5. Suspension travel has been increased to 6.5" on the front and 8.1" for the rear axle. Power from the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is unchanged with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Tremor only adds $4,290 to the window sticker, so click the button above to learn more from our dealers.

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE Offers 375 Hybrid Horsepower

Now you can have fun offroad without worrying about harming the environment. Released minutes ago, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE offers 375 hybrid horsepower. Starting with their dependable 2-liter turbo, a 17 kWh battery offers 25 miles of electric range. This allows it to achieve 50 MPG, making it incredibly efficient while still being able to ford 30" of water. Watch the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Unveiling With Us Leaving lithium-ion in the past, a nickel-manganese battery will last longer and charge faster. The integrated starter/generator is coupled to an 8-speed automatic and, of course, 4-wheel drive. The transfer case also has a separate motor/generator with several clutch packs used to manage engine power vs battery power. When open, the battery sends torque directly to the differentials without having to go through the transmission. It can also clamp down on the driveshafts with regenerative braking. This offers 0.25G of brake force, essentially eliminating wear on your pads & rotors. " width="680"> This is truly brilliant, and something that will undoubtedly be copied by everyone else. The hybrid system is all Direct Current, so there is no need for bulky inverters. All electrical connections are triple-sealed for safety and rugged dependability where the pavement ends. Three drive modes offer a normal hybrid cycle, pure electric, and eSave. The latter demands the most of the gas engine to keep the battery stored at full power. There is literally nothing not to like about this. Even if you aren't a Jeep fan, the Wrangler 4xE is loaded with unprecedented EV technology. Click the button above browse custom Jeep Wranglers for sale and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Custom Jeep Wrangler For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

Brabham BT62R Debuts as Street Legal Race Car

Great cars are worth the wait, so after 2 years of teasing you we are happy to announce that the Brabham BT62R has debuted as a street-legal race car. It is their third model, joining the Ultimate Track and Competition models. All the work needed to make it legal was done in-house, as opposed to 3rd party suppliers. Brabham Automotive & Kyron Audio Unveil $250,000 Home Entertainment System This has allowed the team to retain much of the race-ready hardware while complying with road laws. CEO Dan Marks said: Launching the BT62R is a great achievement for the team at Brabham Automotive. All the requisite design and engineering to turn the track BT62 into the road going BT62R has been done in-house by our team of engineers, which is a great testimony to their endeavor and expertise." " width="680"> Learn More To make it civilized, they added variable ride height for bumpy streets, emissions and sound-compliant exhaust, A/C with defrost, comfy seats, and the option for an audio system. Available in left or right-hand drive, it will arrive wearing Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSports. Their 5.4-liter V8 is rated at 700 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque. It is the most powerful production V8 without turbos or superchargers, sending power to a 6-speed sequential with street-friendly gear ratios. Perhaps the best feature is the traditional clutch pedal, in that it is only needed when starting, or if you want smooth shifting for your significant other. Click the button above to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Brabham news.

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