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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 – March 19, 2020

Immaculate 1988 Toyota FJ62 Land Cruiser by TLC4x4

Our friend Jonathan Ward is the founder of Icon, but his true passion lies in trucks. As the go-to resource for all FJ restorations, that buisness has spun of into TLC4x4. After dissassembling every nut and bolt, his team strips the chassis, frame and body to bare metal. After every moving part is replaced with NOS Toyota parts, the underside is treated to several coats of poly-urea. Not only does it prevent rust, it will stay glossy for years. Moving inside, the cockpit is loaded with layers of dynamat before receiveing new carpet and door panels. The headliner is a throwback to earlier FJs, because the original mousehair will never be stylish again. Toss in a Chevy LS3 crate engine and a 4-speed automatic and you have a recipe for a plush & powerful Land Cruiser. Stay with us for all your Icon and TLC4x4 updates. " width="680"> Browse Sports Cars For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

Porsche to Live Stream Annual Press Conference

It will be an early morning for us, but news is news. That's why we're glad to learn that Porsche witll live stream their annual Press Conference tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM Eastern Time. Oliver Blume (Chairman of the Executive Board) will review the brand's performance in 2019, and preview improved efforts for sustainability and hopefully more electric models. It will be simulcast for their largest markets, so here is where you will see it: German: https://newstv.porsche.de English: https://newstv.porsche.com Spanish: https://player.gl-systemhaus.de/porsche/es/index.html Chinese: https://apc.chinatvservice.cn/porsche/index.html Tell us what you are looking forward to from Porsche this year, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse All Porsche For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

Most Outrageous SUVs For Sale: March 2020

Looking for a fast & stylish family hauler? SUVs are once again the most popular vehicles on the road. Our dealers have great incentives for Summer, so let's take a look at what they have to offer: 2018 Hummer H1 MIL-SPEC Automotive:: $274,950 Black Leather Interior Laser Engraved Switches Matching Luggage Sound & Heat Insulation View Price & Features 1969 Ford Bronco:: $179,950 2012 Coyote 5.0 Crate Engine 6R80 Automatic Transmission Hidden Winch Bumper HydroBoost Wilwood Brakes View Price & Features 2016 USSV RHINO XT:: $159,999 Supercharged 3.6L V6 Full Leather Interior View Price & Features 2017 Jeep CJ-7:: $170,000 700 Horsepower LS7 Rear Wheel Steering 6L80e Six Speed Automatic View Price & Features 1991 Land Rover Defender 110:: $139,500 Arkonik SW-ARK644 630 Miles Hand Stitched Black Leather View Price & Features 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography LWB V8 Autobiography 'Velocity Edition 1 of 10' Modified by Overfinch:: $314,990 Carbon Fiber Body Styling Package Visual Herringbone Carbon Fiber Air Intakes Overfinch 23" Limited Edition Forged Cyclone Wheels in Gloss Black View Price & Features 1997 Land Rover Defender 90:: $118,800 Full Safari Cage Badger Coachworks II Soft Top Warn 9000lb Winch View Price & Features 2016 US Specialty Vehicles Rhino GX:: $249,900 Ford F-450 6.7L Turbo Diesel Kauri Wood Interior With Red/Black Leather 40 Gallon Tank & Air Suspension View Price & Features 1992 Land Rover Defender 110:: $224,950 Corvette LS3 V8 Automatic Transmission Fuji White With Ebony Leather Interior View Price & Features 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 Squared:: $204,900 Designo Platinum Magno (Matte-Finish) Obsidian Black Interior Portal Axles With Dual Coil-Overs At All Corners View Price & Features 2020 Mercedes-Benz BRABUS 800 G63 Adventure XLP:: CALL FOR PRICE Bodywork conversion Frame extension (+500 mm) & reinforcement Pick-up loading area with Carbon side walls (+205 mm overhang) Portal axles front & rear View Price & Features Of course this is just a glimpse of what we have to sale, click the button below to browse all trucks and see for yourself! Browse All Trucks For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2020

Brown Lee Ford & Hennessey Performance Introduce the Veno...

• 0-60 mph: 4.0 sec.• ¼ mile: 12.1 sec. @ 116 mph What you are about to see defies every rule about what a truck should be. John Hennessey and his team are hard at work building 25 examples of this mean machine. Because Mr. Hennessey keeps the prototype of each HPE build, this is #2. The performance and quality of the build speaks for itself, so allow us to share Brown Lee Ford & Hennessey Performance introducing the first Venom 775 F-150 for sale. As a quick refresher, we previewed this brutal machine a few weeks ago. It arrived with a 2.9L supercharger, new fuel system, stainless exhaust, 6″ suspension lift, and 20″ wheels wrapped in 35″ Toyo tires. Because of the extensive modifications, the only person authorized to order them is Brock Patterson at Brown Lee Ford. Click the button below to view their inventory, or call Brock at 888-348-5653 View Details " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Unveiled in Molsheim

Many lessons have been learned as the Chiron has evolved. As such, their customers have been reticent to wait for its successor. Going back to the drawing board, management and workers united to develop something aggressive and innovative. That's why we're elated to announce the new Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport has been unveiled in Molshiem. Starting with a revised engine, lightweight internals have raised the redline from 6,700 to 6,900. Not only does it allow for 1,500 horsepower at ever gear shift, 1,180 lb-ft of torque is available between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. To make use of this, the 7-speed dual-clutch has 80% new internals. Every gear ratio is 15% shorter to keep the W16 near maximum power. It blasts from 37 mph to 75 mph 2 seconds faster than a "normal Chiron". Bugatti Chiron Sport Specs, Prices & Photos For icing on the cake, the aerodynamics have been optimized to eliminate the active rear spoiler. A new fixed rear spoiler does away with the complex hydraulic systems. This is just one of the ways over 110 lbs was shaved from the curb weight. Spring ratios were stiffened 66% front and 33% rear to maintain perfect weight distribution while increasing lateral grip. Magnesium wheels with carbon fiber turbine blades keep the brakes cool by sucking air from under the car. Not only do they increase downforce, they are each 9 lbs lighter. Traction control has been recalibrated to intervene later thanks to the car's increased abilities. That being said, this isn't a car for everyone. Therefore, only 60 examples will be produced. This car will be brutal on the street and on the track, so the regular Chiron provides a perfect blend of comfort and performance. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse All Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2020

BRABUS Unveils Powerful G-Wagen Configurator

Most automakers will allow you to build a car in a virtual realm. Our friends in Bottrop are always one steap aphead, so BRABUS has unveiled a powerful G-Wagen configurator. Now that the 4WD world has embraced overlanding, allow us to present the vehicle that started it all. The Geländewagen "terrain vehicle" has been conquring the world's toughest situations since 1979. Now that BRABUS offers so many custom options, their web team has built the fastest & most versatile configurator we've ever seen. With 9 pages for the exterior alone, choose from 3 power levels, standard body, or the gorgeous Widestar. Tell us how you would build yours in the comments below, and click the button to browse all BRABUS models for sale. View All BRABUS For Sale " width="680">

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 – March 13, 2020

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Postponed to October 15-17

If you are reading this please don't worry, we are taking prevenative measures to make sure you receive the latest news in the automotive world. That being said, massive gatherings of all kinds are being cancelled and rescheduled due to the virus. Our friends at Barrett-Jackson strive to provide the safest environment for their auctions, so the upcomming Palm Beach event has been postponed to October 15-17. Quite frankly, we are glad they have such foresight. In the press release, Craig Jackson said “While every indication shows that our bidders, consignors and sponsors were behind our efforts to hold our auction, we’ve decided to follow the advice of the Florida governor and exercise an abundance of caution at this time.” If you have ever been to Palm Beach in April, the heat and humidity are not kind to those with respiratory issues. October will bring a cool change for their 18th annual no-reserve auction, so we will see you there. Browse Sports Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

Lamborghini Launches New Website

With a growing portfolio and unprecedented sales, the web team in Sant Agata decided they needed a new interface with their clientele. After building a new configurator for each model, they incorporated their blog (Lamborghini World) along with a merchandise store and a motorsports landing page. We have reached out to Valentino Balboni to see if he has tested the site, so in the meantime click the button below to find your new Lamborghini for sale. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

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By Steve Chapman Jr – March 06, 2020

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR FUELRUN TAMPA TO MIAMI

Exotic & Luxury Car enthusiasts looking for the ultimate weekend getaway, then FuelRun MIAMI is exactly what you need. So clear your schedules for the end of the month and warm up you engines for an exciting weekend in Florida! Starting MARCH 27th-29th, 2020 you'll start in Tampa and make your way down to Miami experiencing everything in between. But SPACE IS LIMITED so make sure to grab a spot while it lasts. REGISTER For those of us that enjoy the automotive lifestyle… FuelRun, an event organized by goldRush Rally, brings you FuelRun Miami. Now in our second year of bringing you our West Coast flavor and style of rallying, the FuelRun Miami experience will kick off on Friday morning in Tampa, FL at the stunning and dynamic 4 Star Marriott Water Street Hotel. You will have a chance to meet up with other like-minded car enthusiasts while you register and collect your swag bag and have your Fuel Run graphics professionally installed on-site by the team at WRAPABULL. Friday continues with a hotel group departure to a unique lunch destination at Armature Works, followed by some fierce competitive driving action at Tampa Bay Grand Prix! Bring your A game because the winner will receive a FuelRun exclusive prize. After a regroup at our hotel, we complete the evening with dinner at Jackson’s Bistro & Sushi Bar to finish meeting all of the participants, and of course, brag about the day’s driving adventures. On Saturday morning, the FuelRun Miami team has an amazing day planned for you which includes a drive down the panoramic Southwest coast of Florida to our first destination, Gulf Coast Motorworks, as they welcome us in style with fans to their monthly Cars and Coffee event. Next, we caravan to a group lunch and enjoy overlooking the Bay in Naples at T-Michaels. The spirited journey continues as we drive across the great state of Florida to our FuelRun finish line, a celebration at Wheels Boutique/Detail Boutique! Finally, secured parking awaits you where glamour meets modern luxury, your final evening at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Check in and take some time to enjoy the striking design, contemporary art, music, and fashion that is offered while on property. Later that evening, participants will be treated to an unforgettable FuelRun Miami finale, entertainment at Rockwell Nightclub in South Beach! REGISTER

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