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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 – September 29, 2016

Ram Rebel TRX Concept Revealed: Hellcat of Rams

The battle for powerful pickups has just escalated to a new level. Earlier today Ford confirmed the 2017 Raptor will be rated at 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The EcoBoost V6 is a great engine. But if you need more HEMI in your life, Ram has a new Rebel with a belt driven intake manifold: the Ram Rebel TRX Concept. If you thought this was another update from the Paris Auto Show, this Rebel is heading south. The latest in trucks will be on display this weekend at the State Fair of Texas.Taking a page from the Hellcat playbook, the Rebel TRX Concept is dialed down to 575 hp to protect the axles and transfer case. In order to fit 37" tires, TRX has over 13" of suspension travel at all corners. The front axle is a stock Ram open differential, and the rear is a Dynatrac Pro 60. With 35 spline shafts and an electronic locker, you will be crossing the open desert at triple digit speeds. Baer Brakes supplied six-piston calipers with 15" rotors up front and 14" on the rear. New front control arms are reinforced for rough landings, with changes to caster and camber angles to prolong your flight. The Rebel TRX is everything Ram fans have been asking for, so we hope it is heading to production. Tell us how it compares to the Ram SRT-10 in the comments below.Ram SRT-10 For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2016

Renault TREZOR is One of the Wildest Concept Cars of 2016

Leave it to Renault to shock the world. The Paris Auto Show is home field for Renault, and leave it to the French to start off with a mic drop. I thought American cars had a flair for the dramatic, but the TREZOR is a slap in the face to every other electric car. Battery powered automobiles try to be everything to everyone. We hope this concept makes it to production, because it offers no apologies. The long front end is integrated with the cockpit roof in a clam shell design.Opening to reveal luggage space ahead of the dash, the the unique composite material is made of compressed layers of ash wood. Developed by the high performance cycle builders KEIM-cycles, it allows the interior to be strong and beautiful simultaneously. Red leather and a red tinted windshield look straight out of Total Recall, in an image that might cause Elon Musk to consider the competition. On the driver's side the normal spot for the gas cap is used for an analog voltmeter to display the state of charge. The design was meant to evoke the fond memories of falling in love, and the interior is an intimate space. The wraparound windshield offers a panoramic view of the dash, with touch screens within easy reach.Two batteries are used to power a 350 hp motor at the rear wheels. A cockpit of carbon fiber is bonded to steel subframes for the front and rear suspension for a total weight of 3,500 lbs. The motor uses regenerative braking to extend the range, but the press release didn't mention pricing or battery performance. Zero to 100 kph (62 mph) happens in less than four seconds, and it will be a stylish way to make an exit. The video alone is a work of art, so enjoy the TREZOR in action and stay with us for more coverage from Paris.

By Andrew Nabors – September 29, 2016

BMW Unveils Concept X2 in Paris

Auto shows are a great way to test new designs. While it might be easier to test the waters in a less conspicuous market, BMW chose the Paris Auto Show to unveil their new Concept X2. The home of Haute Couture, anything debuted in this city is either loved or hated by the zealous press. And just when you'd seen enough compact crossovers, BMW took the cover off the new Concept X2.(Related - Company Turns BMW Into Real Transformer)Sedans are going the way of the station wagon thanks to the utility and style offered in this segment. Hatchbacks have more versatility than a trunk, but at the expense of rear visibility. BMW's X Series have been shining examples of how to build attractive & useful utility vehicles. Styling on the X2 is more aggressive than its siblings, with prominent air intakes up front and brushed aluminum trim. Two-tone 21" wheels make it appear larger than it is, and the flared fenders might foreshadow an off road edition. Tell us what features should make it to production, or what should go back to the drawing board in the comments below. And stay with us for more coverage of the Paris Auto Show.X1 For Sale | X3 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2016

2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo Price Unveiled

A decade of dominance is cause for celebration. Nissan's GT-R has been with us for ten years, and for 2017 the NISMO edition will receive a few exclusive upgrades. The engine now makes 100 hp per cylinder from only 3.8 liters. Twin turbochargers are used to deliver 600 hp and 418 lb-ft to all wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. A new titanium exhaust system allows the turbines to spin up earlier than the Premium edition. Other goodies only found on the NISMO edition include a new hood and "V motion" grille along with a dry carbon rear spoiler.A new 8" screen allows the number of switches to be reduced to 11 from 27. Premium models have more Alcantara on the inside while NISMO editions have leather wrapped Recaro seating. For better handling Nissan has strengthened the car's unibody by adding more bonding adhesive between the panels. Spot welding is giving way to full length panel adhesion these days, and it can be seen in the aftermarket also. The new Premium edition will set you back $109,990, and the NISMO starts at $174,990. The GT-R offers something for everyone, so please check out the listings from our dealers below and stay with us for all Nissan news.Nissan GT-R For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2016

New McLaren P1 is Purely Electric...With a Catch

I always enjoy a humorous press release and McLaren has just outdone themselves. Announced just today was a brand-new, all-electric McLaren P1, but the car is only being released for a very select group of customers. You see, the new McLaren P1TM is designed for those aged six and under due to the fact that this P1 is actually a pint-sized supercar for young drivers to ride on.What's great is that the P1TM has a few unique features that drivers of the real P1 won't experience. For starts, it as a centrally-mounted steering wheel, just like the McLaren F1. It also has an open-top, something that the P1 does not have. And, like it's big brother, the P1TM featured McLaren's signature dihedral doors.For creature comforts, the P1TM has an MP3 player and audio system as standard equipment, which comes pre-programmed with "every popular nursery rhyme," according to the revealing press release. But, the best feature has to be the three-speed transmission in case the child has "arrived at the wrong playground."If you're interested in picking one of these up for your toddler, it will be available towards the end of October and sells at selected McLaren Automotive retailers for £375.00 (approx. $485 USD at today's exchange rate).Real McLaren P1s For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2016

Chris Harris and Rory Reid Join Matt LeBlanc as Top Gear ...

After the departure of Chris Evans from Top Gear, we've all been waiting to see who would become the new hosts to stand alongside Matt LeBlanc. One of the simplest options was Chris Harris, the Extra Gear host that has become somewhat of a YouTube celebrity with his Chris Harris Drives reviews.Well, if you thought Harris was going to be one of the new hosts, you were correct. In an article published by TopGear.com today, we learned that Harris and Rory Reid will be the new Top Gear hosts, alongside LeBlanc, who will be returning for series 24. The article also notes that LeBlanc has agreed to a two series deal with the BBC. Also joining in on the action will be Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and, of course, The Stig, each of which making regular appearances.Related Video:

Audi TT Coupé S line competition, Audi TT Roadster S line comp

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

Audi Brings Competition with the TT S

Dubbed as "decidedly sporty," the new Audi TT S competition model brings the best of sport and dynamics to the TT line. The limited edition vehicle will feature a handsome, strong-lined body enhanced by high-gloss black accents and the enhanced sport suspension adds a menacing stance, lowering the TT S about 10 millimeters closer to the ground than the TT. Buyers will have a choice between four colors: glacier white, nano gray, tango red and the new TT color Ara blue, all of which will be accented by a black hood.(Also Check Out - Revealed: 2017 Audi TT RS Coupé and Audi TT RS Roadster)As for the interior, Audi has fashioned sport-infused high-contour seats with embossed logos and contoured sport leather for the steering. Additionally, a virtual cockpit is standard in the TT S. As for performance, the TT S is equipped with a 2.0 TFSI engine capable of 230 horsepower. Buyers will have a choice between the front-wheel-drive version with six-speed manual transmission or S tronic, and as a quattro with S ironic. A coupe and roadster will both be available, and orders begin this fall. The starting price for the coupe is $48,600 and $49,478 for the roadster at the current exchange rate. Audi TTS for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2016

Who Wins the World's Greatest Drag Race?

What happens when 13 of the world's fastest cars line up? For the 6th version of the world's greatest drag race, Motor Trend brought something for everyone. Germany was well represented by the BMW M4 GTS, Audi R8 V10 Plus, Porsche 911 Carrera S, and the Mercedes-AMG GT S. For Queen and Country the English competitors consisted of a McLaren 570S along with a Jaguar F-Type SVR and Aston-Martin V12 Vantage S.(Related - 10 Cars Tested In One Quarter Mile Drag Race)Looking for a home field advantage the domestic contingent was Ford's Shelby GT350 R, Camaro 1LE, and for a Dodge Viper ACR making its Grand Finale. The only sedan in the race was a Charger Hellcat on slightly used tires. Although the Acura NSX is built in Ohio, it is as Japanese as Nissan's GT-R. At first, you might disregard the rear wheel drive cars for being at a disadvantage, but most of the competitors have some form of launch control. Boost pressure can turn mice into monsters, so maybe forced induction will produce a winner. Needless to say, you will be surprised who reaches the end of the quarter-mile first. Some of these cars have tall differential gears, so tell us who would win the half-mile in the comments below.View Sports Cars For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

New World Record for Venturie Electric Vehicle Set at 341...

It's official. The Venturi VBB-3 has made history as the world's fastest electric car. The dart-like automobile and the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University partnered up for another run on the Bonneville salt flats in Ohio to test the Venturi VBB-3's speed capabilities. This is the fifth record set for Venturi and OSU.(Related - The Iron Knight: World's Fastest Truck)The record was three years in the making as the VBB-3 was actually completed and ready to run in 2013, but severe weather in Ohio postponed the testing three years in a row. Considered the most powerful electric car in production, the VBB-3 makes an incredible 300- horsepower, but you won't see this one on the roadways. It's sleek, slim dart-like design is made for research and racing only, but as a leader in the electric car industry, don't put it past Venturi to come up with a road-ready vehicle in the future.Footage from 2015

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2016

Pagani Huayra BC Rips Through Nurburgring, Record in Sight

Update 9/23/2016 9:50 AM: New video has been added below. If setting Nurburgring record times made you a hipster, Pagani would be the hippest of them all. You see, back in 2002 the Pagani Zonda C12 S became the first road car to set a record on the Nurburgring track. Now, years later, hundreds of cars have set and broken new records, but Pagani wanted to bring up that tidbit of info on their Instagram for a mysterious reason. Could it have anything to do with the Huayra BC that was spotted on in Green Hell? You bet. (Related - One Off Pagani Huayra Futura Makes Debut) A YouTuber recently caught a Huayra BC taking a corner rather hard and the general consensus is that Pagani is looking to set another record. Why? Well, between the Huayra BC testing on the track after-hours and Pagani's Instagram post regarding the record-setting C12 S it's hard to not think they're up to something. Who knows, maybe in the coming days we'll have a new record for the fastest road car on Nurburgring. Only time will tell!

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