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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2017

New Porsche 911 GTS Is Now Turbocharged

Want a turbocharged Porsche? Well now you have even more options, and they all don't have the word "turbo" in the model name. Porsche announced today that the new 911 GTS models will be turbocharged.(Related - Battle of the Porsche 991s: 911 GTS RS vs 911 Turbo S Cabriolet MK I)Starting March of this year, there will be five variants of the GTS available (in Germany as of now). This includes the 911 Carrera GTS (RWD), 911 Carrera 4 GTS (AWD) and the 911 Targa 4 GTS. That's only three, but the 911 Carrera GTS and 911 Carrera 4 GTS will be available in both coupe and cabriolet variants. Now it's five variants. 911 Carrera GTSThe fastest out of all of the new GTS variants is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe. With the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono Package equipped (standard), it can run 0-62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. What's more, all of the GTS models have a top speed of over 186 mph.While prices haven't been unveiled, here is what the prices will be in Germany with approximate pricing in the United States according to exchange rates:911 Carrera GTS 124,451 euros ($131,522)911 Carrera 4 GTS 131,829 euros ($139,319)911 Carrera GTS Cabrio 137,541 euros ($145,356)911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabrio 144,919 euros ($153,153)911 Targa 4 GTS 144,919 euros ($153,153)All Porsche For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New and Refreshed 2018 GLA Models

After five years, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been giving a refresh for the 2018 model year. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA model that sees a new design and power from the AMG GLA45.(Also Check Out - RENNtech Tuned Mercedes GT-S vs Porsche 911 Turbo S)On the outside, are new bumpers, wheels and an exclusive color called "Canyon Beige". Being a crossover/SUV, Mercedes wanted the new GLA to be more pronounced in its stance. To accomplish this, they added an optional off-road comfort suspension that raises the body by 30 mm. Now only does this increase its capabilities, but also makes it look more like an SUV.But, looks are only part of the equation. The real attention grabber from Mercedes has to be the new 2018 AMG GLA45. This new performance crossover will give drivers a jolt of excitement through a redesigned exterior and a more potent engine. Powering this the AMG GLA45 is turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is capable of 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With this much power, it sits high up in its segment as far as horsepower and torque goes.Connected to engine of the GLA45 is an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sport transmission. When pushed, the transmission will allow for a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph.If you're interested in picking up a new GLA, you can pick one up starting this summer.All Mercedes-AMG GLA45Technical data at a glance: Mercedes-Benz GLA250 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Engine 2.0L inline-4 turbo 2.0L inline-4 turbo Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo Displacement 1,991 cc 1,991 cc 1,991 cc Output 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm 375 hp @ 6,000 rpm Peak torque 258 lb-ft @ 1,250–4,000 258 lb-ft @ 1,250–4,000 350 lb-ft @ 2,250-5,000 rpm Drive system Front Wheel Drive Variable All-Wheel Drive Variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC with variable torque distribution Transmission 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speedsport transmission Acceleration 0–60 mph (sec) 7.2 7.1 4.3 Top speed (mph) 130* 130* *155 (167 with AMG Dynamic Plus Pkg.)

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2017

Bentley Unveils the World's Fastest Four-Seater

Bentley has just announced what they're calling the "world's fastest and most powerful luxury four-seat car." The new Continental Supersports returns with more power, a faster top speed and quicker 0-60 mph time, all while having four doors and four seats.(Also Read - Bentley Bentayga's Headlight Washing System is the Coolest)According to the press release issued from Bentley, the top speed of the new Continental Supersports is now 209 mph. Additionally, the luxury sedan can now rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds (the new Continental Supersports Convertible will complete the sprint in 3.7 seconds).These advancements in speed are thanks to Bentley's W12 engine, which has been modified for the new Continental Supersports. The changes made to the car's heart includes new turbos, engine hardware and a torque vectoring system. All of the modifications result in an increase of 79 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque over the 2009 Supersports model. Altogether, the new 2017 Supersports has 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque on tap.The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, in the press release. "Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way.”Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2017

2017 Cadillac Escalade CEO by LCW Automotive

Limousines do not have easy lives. They must be inviting and luxurious for the passengers, and rugged enough for daily abuse. In the old days, reverse engineering a production car into a limo was done by cutting and inserting longer body panels for a stretched ride. But considering the complexities of modern cars and SUVs, who in their right mind would want to undertake such a task? That's what LCW does. Cadillac's Escalade ESV is already plush from the factory, but for an executive who demands only the best, LCW has focused their coachbuilding prowess into the Escalade CEO. Only a handful of builders are master certified by Cadillac, and that designation carries a lot of weight- literally! Starting at the top, the roof is skinned and replaced by a new insulated panel with 3" of additional headroom. Suede lines the upper body panels while incorporating all factory heat and A/C systems. The window sills are all hand finished hardwood with several coats of Sayerlac for years of UV resistance. The partition between driver and passengers is fabricated from aluminum alloy and hides a 40" TV that rides on a silent gas pressure shock. A fabric partition is also included and operated by remote control. A hands-free intercom will keep you connected to your driver. Rear-facing jump seats are standard, but the optional content will blow your mind. Used Cadillac Escalade For Sale | duPont REGISTRY The jump seats can be omitted in favor of a custom cabinet of hardwood with tambour doors. An electronic drink dispenser will keep your favorite beverages on tap while the 14 speaker audio and satellite TV keep you entertained. A smoke extractor can be added to the HVAC system if you would like to enjoy a cigar on your commute. A soft ride air suspension system will keep potholes from disturbing your peace of mind. The main seats are covered in European leather with contoured orthopedic memory foam. Machined aluminum aircraft tables fold away once your work is done. To make sure the CEO has years of trouble-free operation, all of the electronics and amplifiers are mounted in a proprietary cool box behind the rear seats. This keeps the relays and transformers from overheating on long trips. A steel reinforced storage box behind the rear seats has plenty of luggage space for the passengers. This is a vehicle that the owner can drive or be driven in. They could drive it to the golf course with some friends or have someone drive them around while they're relaxed in the back, enjoying a glass of champagne with friends for a special occasion. For over 40 years, LCW has been building the most luxurious limos on the road. If you find yourself near San Antonio, stop by for a private tour and see for yourself what sets them apart from the competition. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2017

2017 Ram Rebel Black Unveiled

What began as a trim package for the Ram 1500 has spawned a special edition. The Rebel Black will be unleashed next week at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. We spent a week with a Rebel back in July, and one of the most polarizing features was the two-tone exterior. Our coworkers either loved it or found the two-tone exterior was over the top. Fiat-Chrysler must have been listening, because Rebel Black is exactly what it implies. The brush guards, wheels and fender flares are blacked out along with the interior. Although this package can be had on any standard Rebel color, the murdered out motif is most appealing.Only available in short wheelbase 4WD with a crew cab, Rebel Black is offered with three engine choices. The interior is accented by black chrome and anodized trim and black leather from our friends at Katzkin seats. The differences are mostly cosmetic, because Rebel packs some serious hardware. From the 33" Toyo all terrain tires to adjustable air suspension, it offers the best of both worlds in a daily driver and off road performance. The only option we would add would be the Hellcat 707 hp V8, but the transfer case would probably detonate. As soon as we can get our hands on a Ram Rebel Black expect to see a full review here on Autofluence.All Ram Trucks For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 05, 2017

Un-Camouflaged 2017 Ford GT Spotted, Sounds "Interesting"

Now that the first 2017 Ford GT has rolled off of the production line, we will start seeing more and more of these American supercars on the road. In fact, one Redditor, u/Emulsifide, has spotted a GT without camouflage on the roads of Detroit. He notes that he's seen plenty under camo, but this was his first time seeing one without a veil on the road.What's more, when asked about the sounds of the car, he had an interesting response: It's interesting sounding. The guy was just cruising along, so it wasn't loud, but from what I was able to hear for the 10 seconds I saw it, it did sound like a more subdued version of what they've been running in Le Mans this year. Very tasteful, but not what you'd expect when you think Ford. Definitely the sound you'd expect when you think hypercar in general though. That's interesting insight into the sound of the car, remarking that it does sound like a hypercar. The sound that he was hearing was coming from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that's capable of producing over 600 hp. And, if you've heard the Le Mans version of the car, you know just how brutal it can sound.The new 2017 Ford GTs will start being delivered soon to those who were approved.All Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2017

McLaren Previews 2nd Generation Super Series

Something revolutionary is in the works for the Geneva International Motor Show. What began with the 12C Spider has reached its zenith with the 675 LT. A new generation of McLaren's Super Series is in development, and it will serve as the basis for up to 15 new models. Since 2011 the one piece carbon fiber chassis, or "Monocage", has seen continual evolution. But supercar technology has a tendency to change at a rapid pace, so the 2nd generation Super Series will be the first clean sheet build in McLaren history.McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt explained: “This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new Super Series will be absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.” The new chassis is "Monocage II" and it has some welcomed upgrades. A lower sill will make for easy entry, and a lower center of gravity. It will allow the new car to be 40 lbs lighter than the outgoing 650S with more comfort and rigidity. A new option will be the visible monocage, which deletes the A-pillar interior trim in order to see the structure. It will be formally unveiled on March 7th, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.All McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2017

Motorsport Celebrities Set to Throw Down in Race of Champ...

What happens when you level the playing field across all forms of motorsports? You have an action packed weekend like none other. Don't be fooled by the name, the Race of Champions has almost nothing in common with the IROC series of the past. Bringing together the best drivers from every type of racing, teams from across the world will battle it out inside Miami's Marlins Park. We will be at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale for the weekend of January 21-22, but if you are near south Florida you should plan to be there.Since winning is a combination of driver skill and automotive performance, let's start with some of the more notable participants. Team USA will be represented by Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Scott Speed, Travis Pastrana, and Alexander Rossi. Brazil is sending Felipe Massa and Tony Kanaan; the German contingent will include Sebastian Vettel and Nico Hülkenberg. Similar to the old IROC series, drivers will compete in purpose-built race cars, each built to identical specifications. Starting with the "Roc Car" it was built exclusively for this series and has proved to be nimble in all weather. Other notable models include the Polaris Slingshot SLR, Radical SR3, KTM X-Bow, Ariel Atom Cup, Audi R8 LMS, Stadium Super Trucks, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Mercedes-AMG GT S, and the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo. We don't know why Stadium Racing isn't more popular, so tell us what you think about it in the comments below.

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2017

Faraday Future Finally Reveals the FF 91, Faster Than Tesla

After what seems like years of waiting, Faraday Future has finally unveiled their flagship car: the FF 91. This autonomous car's specs not only live up to expectations, but they seem to have exceeded them.First and foremost, performance. The powertrain used is modular and will be used in the company's entire lineup. This new system's monocoque combines the chassis and body into a single form. Within the monocoque is an all-wheel drive system that is powered by multi-motor setup that's capable of 783 kW, that's 1,050 hp. Faraday Future notes that the FF 91 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.39 seconds- that's just barely quicker than the Tesla Model S P100D's time of 2.4 seconds. All of this power also can lead to a range of 378 miles.Next up, we'll talk about the car's safety features, including autonomous driving. The FF 91 comes packing 10 HD cameras, 13 long and short range radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These allow the car to park itself after exiting the vehicle. For example, the driver could pull up to the grocery store's entrance, get out and tell the car to park itself. When shopping is finished, the driver can summon the car to be picked up at a specific location. Of course, this will all be subjective to legislation when it comes to public use of this feature.With technology abound within the powertrain, you must also assume there are some tech leaps made when it comes to creature comforts, right? Luckily, Faraday Future unveiled some of those features to the public. When entering the car, the FF 91's "Arrival Interface" will use facial recognition to allow the driver to unlock the car without a car. Yes, you have become the key to your car. Additionally, this technology will be used to recognize the user and adjust interior settings to their preferences. But it's not just facial recognition that the cameras will recognize. Faraday Future says that the cameras will pick up on facial expressions and moods, and adjust the music, temperature, scent, content massage (yes, the seats come with a massaging function) and more to make the driving experience more pleasurable.If the Faraday Future FF 91 interests you, they are currently asking for refundable $5,000 down payments on the car on FF.com.

By Andrew Nabors – January 03, 2017

How To Load A McLaren P1 LM

At the end of a fun track day, the time must come to put toys away. Loading cars into transport trailers can be a nerve-wracking experience, but one lucky McLaren owner makes it look easy. The P1 LM is the final iteration of the English Hypercar and a street legal version of the GTR. Gone are the air jacks and Lexan windows, and sadly the exhaust has to breathe through catalytic converters. Boost pressure has been increased to make up for the restrictions in order to keep horsepower at 986. Also included is a tablet with engine tuning software, battery charger, and a 1:8 scale model.Veteran racer and Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack was behind the wheel for the record-breaking run at Goodwood last year, so it has been rumored that he was chosen to finalize the suspension tuning of the LM at the 'Ring. Filmed by Supercarsfromeu, we get to see the engineers in action and the battered belly pan of the car. It looks like the front end doesn't have a lifting system, but nothing beats pushing a race car for a great leg workout. With a dry weight of 3,075 lbs, the double stack trailer has no problem lifting the car, but it might be hard to open the doors once inside. Various contortions must be learned for entry and egress, and they are not glamorous in the slightest. Since only a few examples will be built, turn up your volume and stay with us for more McLaren footage.All McLaren For Sale

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