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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 – October 05, 2016

Hennessey Reveals Velociraptor 6x6 and It's an American M...

Hennessey has just taken the Raptor to a whole new level by adding new axles, additional wheels and a whole lot more. Introducing the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6.“Our VelociRaptor 6X6 is pure aggression on wheels – all six of them”, said Hennessey on their website. “The new 2017 Raptor is going to be one of the best all-around trucks ever built. We are excited to help take it to the next level both in terms of performance and exclusivity.”The full list of upgrades made to the F-150 to turn it into the VelociRaptor 6x6 include: 6x6 locking rear axles Fox suspension 20-inch wheels Off-road tires Custom bumpers Rollbar LED Lights One addition that can be made on the customer's own accord is the VelociRaptor 600 twin-turbo upgrade, which will take the truck's power over 600 hp, as well as add stainless steel exhaust, upgraded intercooler and plumbing, and a retuned ECU. Other options available are Brembo brakes, wheels, tires, LED lighting, interior options, electronic upgrades and armoring. Yes, you can armor your 6x6 Raptor.As far as pricing goes, Hennessey will turn a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor into a VelociRaptor 6x6 for $295,000 (that price includes the base model Raptor 4-door truck). For the twin-turbo VelociRaptor 600 upgraded, that'll cost $22,500. If you're interested, the truck can be ordered through Hennessey Performance or through select Hennessey/Ford dealers.View All Hennessey For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 04, 2016

Bentley Owners Can Now Have Gas Delivered

Have you ever ran out of gas and panicked wondering where the next gas station would be? Well, if you're the owner of a Bentley in California, you won't ever have that problem again.In a press release issued today, Bentley announced a partnership with Filld - an app-based fuel-delivery service.With this partnership, Bentley owners will just need to do the following to get their fuel delivered: Open up the "Filld for Bentley" app Choose a delivery time And wait. Seriously. According to the press release, it's just that easy.To make the process even easier is the first-ever Connected Car Integration. This makes it so Bentley owners don't even need to unlock the fuel cap or pinpoint their car's exact location-- all of this is done securely through the Filld for Bentley app.(Also Read - Bentley Introduces 200+ MPH Flying Spur W12 S)“Bentley ownership is about more than just the vehicle – it’s the entire luxury experience. We are continuously investigating ways in which to offer our customers tailored, convenient, smart services that afford them the greatest luxury of all: more time," said Christophe Georges, Bentley’s Director of Product and Marketing. "Our Connected Car strategy will continue to expand and innovate in order to further enhance the Bentley lifestyle.”View All Bentleys For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2016

Exotic Car Buyer's Guide 2017 Preview

Another year and another amazing lineup of exotic and luxury cars from automakers from all over the world. Whether you're interested in precision German engineering, raw Swedish power or American muscle, the 2017 Exotic Car Buyers Guide lays out all of the cars that will be hitting showrooms floors and boutqiues in the coming year.Exotic Cars For SaleAlong with the new cars, you'll also be able to find the latest technological innovations, gear and more in the automotive industry. Be sure to click the button below to order your copy of the Exotic Car Buyers Guide and see what the next year has in store for the automotive world.Buy NowLamborghini Centenario RoadsterThe exterior is finished in a specially developed paint by Lamborghini called “Argento Centenario,” a matte finish that was created through a process that dissolves “the metal while diluting and diminishing the appearance of the metal grain giving it a silky and rich exterior finish. Inside is a cabin that has been optimized for a top-down drive.Mercedes-AMG GT RThe new Mercedes GT R combines lightweight construction with modified suspension and new aerodynamics, which results in superior performance and an edge in handling. Finished in the exclusive AMG green hell magno, the GT R is sure to stand out in a crowd. Further modifications include wider front and rear fenders and a large rear aerofoil and more. Mercedes AMG GT S For SaleAcura NSXThis new production model of the Acura NSX is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a nine-speed dual clutch transmission. The NSX also receives power from an all-new, three electric motor Sport Hybrid (SH) system. The front wheels receive power or braking from two electric motors while the third is inside the rear mounted transmission. Get Promo CodeKode57The car itself holds a unique visual appearance, which was crafted out of an aluminum space frame and carbon fiber body panels. For the driver and passenger, a cabin awaits them that is most definitely driver-oriented. To differentiate the two seats is a color coordinated interior made of leather and ultra-suede.Sportscars For SalePorsche 911 RThe 911 series keeps adding hitters and the Porsche 911 R is no exception. The 911 R’s history begins in 1967 and the race car was “entered in rallies, in the Targa Florio and in world record runs,” according to a press release. The new 911 R will keep the racing tradition alive and is composed of a “systematic lightweight construction” coupled with high-level performance and a focus on driver experience. Porsche 911 For Sale Buy Now

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2016

Chevrolet's New Army Truck is Pure American Awesomeness

General Motors has created the ultimate truck for the army: the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2. In a press release issued today, GM marks this truck as "the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever from General Motors."At 6.5 feet tall and more than 7 feet wide, this imposing truck is mighty in its stature. To match its appearance, the suspension is just as rugged. With 37-inch tires and a heavily modified suspension, this truck can climb over just about anything that appears in front of it on the battlefield.(Related - The Ford Bronco Is Officially Returning, Will Be Made In Michigan)Its looks and size might be what turns heads online, but it was GM's job to not turn any enemy's heads when deployed. To do this, GM has installed a fuel cell to have the truck run on electricity. By doing this, the truck runs almost completely silent and has reduced acoustic and thermal signatures.“The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC, in the press release. “Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.”The ZH2 will be tested at GM's Milford Proving Grounds into early 2017 when the truck will be handed off to the Army for further testing.View All Chevrolets For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2016

The Ford Bronco Is Officially Returning, Will Be Made In ...

The Ford Bronco is returning. I'm not sure if it was a mistake, a slip of the tongue, but it looks like the Bronco will be resurrected.This news comes from an interview between Bill Johnson, plant chairman for UAW Local 900, which represents the Ford Wayne plant, and Detroit Free Press. In the interview, which focuses on Trump's talking point of Ford creating a plant in Mexico, Johnson mentions ever so subtly that the Bronco is coming back.“We hate to see the products go to Mexico, but with the Ranger and the Bronco coming to Michigan Assembly that absolutely secures the future for our people a lot more than the Focus does,” Johnson said.With these words, Bronco fans around the world rejoiced. Including me.The previous glimmer of hope we had for the return of the Bronco was back in February when we were presented with 2020 concept renderings. These were created by Bronco6G.com. These renderings are included in this article.While this brief mention of the Bronco's return is enough to jump up and down about, we will still have to wait for the official press release from Ford Motor Company. And as soon as we get that, I'll be sharing it with you here on Autofluence.View All Ford Bronco For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 03, 2016

Porsche Driving Experience Winter 2017: The Best German I...

Our first cool front of the season was celebrated this weekend. While the cooler air did not reach us, the humidity did retreat for a few hours. A change in the seasons is also an impetus for swapping on your snow tires. Driving on solid precipitation levels the playing field because no matter how advanced your AWD system is, ice driving demands the dexterity of a surgeon. Knowing the abilities of your car will validate your purchase, and keep you out of danger when Old Man Winter arrives.Levi is one of Finland's most exclusive resorts, with more amenities above the Arctic Circle than almost anywhere else. Lapish luxuries await the guests, with a spa along with multiple shops and restaurants. Sledding and snow machine tours are aimed at the family, while the driving courses are spread out over the frozen tundra. All cars respond well to cooler air, but turbo cars become very spirited when provoked. Several camps have been arranged by the instructors, with participants working from entry level doughnuts to a race-ready track. While the star of the show will be a 918 Spyder, expect to see Carrera 4 and Turbo models doing what they do best: Grip. Our dealers have more information about the itinerary and pricing, so check out these listings for the Carrera 4S below:Carrera 4S For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2016

Bespoke Aston Martin Swedish Forest Edition V8 Vantage S

Aston Martin's bespoke program, Q by Aston Martin, takes commissions on specially customized vehicles for their model line-up. Each bespoke car they create comes as a one-off that the owners can be proud to say is their very own creation. The customization branch's latest creation comes from the green trees of Sweden and was commissioned by Aston Martin Stockholm.(Related - Going 200 mph in an Aston Martin One 77)This new car, called the Swedish Forest Edition V8 Vantage S was "inspired by the colors of the forest." This inspiration can be seen in green carbon fiber trimming, wood interior accents and green leather. To learn more about Q by Aston Martin, visit their website. View V8 Vantages For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2016

Power Figures and Price for 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Released

Ford has finally pulled back the curtain on the new 2017 F-150 Raptor's power numbers in a recent press release. For anyone wondering if the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine could produce the same or greater numbers than the 6.2 V8, you're going to be surprised.The new Raptor will see its EcoBoost engine creating 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. These power figures are much higher than the V8's rating of 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.(Related - Up Close With The Ford F-150 Black-Ops Edition by Tuscany)“Raptor was designed to be a no-compromise, off-road performance machine,” said Matt Tranter, Ford Performance engineering supervisor, in the press release. “That is why we made the switch from the cast-iron V8 to the aluminum block, high-output GTDI V6 EcoBoost engine that our team tuned to add 39 horsepower and 76 lb.-ft. of torque for today’s Raptor.”As far as a top speed or acceleration goes, Ford hasn't said a word. But with trucks durability and power is typically more important than its speed. Ford will be selling the truck with a base MSRP that's less than $50,000.View Ford F-150 For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2016

2018 Land Rover Discovery Drives Over World's Largest Leg...

To unveil the new 2018 Land Rover Discovery, the English automaker put on one one heck of a stunt. Together with Bear Grylls, Sir Ben Ainslie, Zara Phillips and 5,805,846 LEGO bricks, the new Discovery was unveiled in a fashion unlike any other.Crafted by the United Kingdom's only LEGO Certified Professional, a job which many of us should be jealous of, the structure was modeled after the Tower Bridge. The multi-million LEGO brick structure beats out the previous record holder, which was crafted with 470,646 pieces. You can view the video of the event directly below.(Related - 2 Millionth Land Rover Defender Sold, Most Expensive Ever)As for those interested in learning more about the new Discovery, Land Rover laid out important information with "The Seven Wonders of Discovery" in their September 28 press release.View Land Rover Discovery For Sale 1. The Magnificent Seven: every seat is the best seat in the house- Flexible interior provides seven full-sized adult seats, instantly configurable from your smartphone using the world-first remote Intelligent Seat Fold technology2. A much-loved member of the family: keeping you safe for the last 27 years- Semi-autonomous safety technology provides the family peace of mind- Premium interior combines leading design with durable, high-quality materials and space for the whole family3. King of the hill: unstoppable on all surfaces, all terrains and in all weathers- Land Rover’s full-sized SUV architecture delivers world-beating all-terrain capability- Lightweight aluminum construction saves 480kg, delivering enhanced efficiency and CO2 emissions from 159g/km*- Super clean Ingenium family grows with adoption of 240PS, four-cylinder diesel engine with 500Nm of torque- Towing king: best-in-class 3,500kg towing capacity** and semi-autonomous Advanced Tow Assist take the stress out of difficult reversing maneuvers4. British creativity: designed with charm & sophistication loved by the world- Design retains key Discovery family cues, adding optimized proportions and sophisticated surfaces5. Storage addiction: discover the space for everything- Up to 2,500-litres of luggage space and clever storage for 21st-century family essentials6. Connects every generation: Ingenious features that make life easier- Digital Discovery equipped with up to nine USB ports, six 12-volt charging points and an in-car 3G WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices7. After the roads end: reaching threatened habitats and vulnerable people- New Discovery will continue Land Rover’s work in humanitarian aid and conservation projects around the world

By Andrew Nabors – September 30, 2016

Revealed: 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

If your old race car is no longer competitive, Porsche has something for you. The 2017 911 GT3 Cup is powered by a new 4.0 liter flat six engine rated at 485 hp. Built to withstand a season of podium finishes, several new technologies are making their debut. Starting with a forged crank, this is the first 911 with priority oiling. To keep the oil from being whipped into foam in the corners, a small centrifuge is used as an air separator. Built to surpass the safety regulations of the FIA, it is the only 911 to offer a factory roll cage.(Related - Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2) Center locking 18" wheels and the the 72" rear spoiler have been carried over from the earlier 991 version of the Cup car. Running 270 mm wide tires up front and 310 mm on the rear will keep you on the track, and the 2600 lb curb weight will keep you in front of the pack. Each car will be built on the normal 911 assembly line in Zuffenhausen before final validation at the Weissach performance center. Racing is not new to Porsche, as they have been building cup versions of the 911 since 1999. Unfortunately the GT3 Cup will not be street legal, but hopefully they will sell the engine over the counter. To see the new 911 in action, be sure to catch the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup series next year. Stay with us for more updates from Stuttgart.GT3 RS For Sale

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