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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 – August 15, 2018

James Glickenhaus Teases the SCG004C

Back in March we were scambling to set up our booth at the Amelia Island Concours. While moving supplies into our hospitality tent, we literally bumped into Mr. Glickenhaus. He gave us a few insights into the upcoming SCG004 series, but we won't spoil his fun until his team is finished.2019 SCG 004S is Glickenhaus’ New Entry-Level SupercarScuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has been given manufacturer status by the DOT, and they are in the final stages of building the new race car. The SCG004C will be a competition car doing battle at tracks around the world, flying the red, white & blue. It will also strongly influence the street-legal version.Glickenhaus Approved as Manufacturer, SCG003 Has Multi-Million Dollar Price TagThe SCG004CS will be fast, it will offer unprecedented performance, and it will be legal in all 50 states. What sets them apart from other cars, is that he encourages buyers to drive them. He drives every car in his collection, even the Ferrari P3/4, and the yellow 1967 Ford MKIV GT40. Their previous car, the SCG003 was breathtaking in any situation. As soon as we have pricing and specs you will see the SCG004 here first, so stay with us for all your SCG updates!Check Out Their IG Page Here!

By Andrew Nabors – June 07, 2018

Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee Returns...

If you haven't seen the best car show ever made, Jerry Seinfeld just uploaded a preview of the new season. It is not "a show about nothing". The premise is that Jerry Finds a unique and memorable car and interviews famous comedians. Notable guests have been the cast of Seinfeld, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and my personal favorite episode was with Steve Harvey. Jay Leno & Jerry Seinfeld Discuss the Acura NSXAside from being a side-splitting comedian and producer, Jerry has the most extensive Porsche collection outside of Germany. One of the early episodes was with Jay Leno when they cruised around in Jerry's 1949 Porsche 356. As one of the original Gmund bodies, it is one of the 47 examples built in Austria before production moved to Stuttgart. Other notable cars have included a Lamborghini Miura, 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air, and he took President Obama for a ride in a 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe.As one of the most popular shows on Netflix, the new season will premiere on July 6th. In the preview uploaded to his Facebook page, guests will include the late Jerry Lewis, Zach Galifianakis, Ellen DeGeneres, Alec Baldwin, Dana Carvey and more. Tell us your favorite car and/or guest in the comments below and stay with us for more Seinfeld updates.

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2018

Daniel Craig Is Auctioning His Vanquish For Charity

A conversation concerning who was the best Agent 007 can quickly lead to fisticuffs. Daniel Craig has added more depth to the character of James Bond, that his performances have been compared to a certain Scotsman who shall remain unnamed. As such, the perks of the job include street legal versions of the film's automotive stars, and the most popular in recent history has been the 100th Anniversary example of the Aston Martin Vanquish.Daniel Craig Buys Lotus Evora 400To celebrate a century of handbuilt perfection, only 100 examples were produced in 2014. As a fitting tribute, this Aston Martin has VIN 007, and it will be the centerpiece of Christie's "The Exceptional Sale". Mr. Craig is donating the proceeds to The Opportunity Network, a NYC-based charity that helps disadvantaged kids achieve their education and employment goals. He and his wife Rachel Weisz are both board members of the organization.Reuters is reporting the midnight blue Aston Martin will be on display in Christie's LA showroom from Feb 27th to March 3rd and it is expected to bring anywhere from $400,000 to $600,000 when the hammer falls. Tell us your favorite Bond film int he comments below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. This April, actor Daniel Craig’s personal Aston Martin – a limited-edition 2014 ‘Centenary Vanquish’, numbered 007 – will be offered in The Exceptional Sale in New York. . All sale proceeds will benefit The Opportunity Network, a non-profit organisation that provides young people with pathways to career development. . Ahead of our auction, the Aston Martin will be on view at our Los Angeles gallery from 27 February – 3 March, then in New York from 12–20 April. . Aston Martin, A ‘Centenary Vanquish’ numbered 007. Estimate: $400,000–600,000. . The Exceptional Sale – 20 April at Christie’s New York. . @astonmartinlagonda #astonmartin #astonmartinvanquish #limitededition #jamesbond #car A post shared by Christie's (@christiesinc) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:09am PST

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2018

Jamie Foxx And His New Vanderhall Venice

This year is shaping up to be monumental for Vanderhall Motor Works. Their innovative & addictive three-wheelers are unlike anything else on the road. By using a small turbocharged four cylinder, they offer incredible fuel mileage and smiles per gallon.Actor and Comedian Jamie Foxx is known has a passion for unique cars, so last year he shocked us with a gold-wrapped Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. If that one didn't grab your attention, he also purchased the Beast from our friends at Revzani Motors. #newtoy the @vanderhall got that sexy 3 wheel motion #mysexylook #texasboy #standupcomedian #vanderhall A post shared by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Jan 25, 2018 at 9:48pm PST The Vanderhall is another great choice because the Venice spools up instantly and it has more grip than most supercars we get to drive. I had a chance to drive one around Anaheim last year, and it is the most fun you can have while offering clean emissions, heated seats, climate control, and a fast-acting stability system.Vanderhall Motor Works Groundbreaking New FactoryWe recently helped them unveil the Edison, which is an all-electric version of the Venice. If you need 200 miles of electric cruising for only $35,000, click on the link below to put your name on the waiting list. Congrats to Mr. Foxx on another fine purchase, and stay with us for all your Vanderhall updates.

By Edward Jones – March 20, 2017

New Top Gear America Hosts Announced

While the new "Top Gear" has been revitalized with a new cast of hosts, the word about "Top Gear America" has been nowhere to be found. Thankfully, BBC America announced today that they are bringing back the American version of the car show with a new set of hosts.The new hosts will be actor William Fichtner, world champion drag racer Antron Brown and British automotive journalist Tom "Wookie" Ford. As for how the show will operate, BBC America states the following: "Top Gear America will review not just exclusive and state-of-the-art vehicles, but also the cars of America’s culture-defining past. From the latest supercars to the ultimate in automotive engineering technology, Top Gear America will put the viewer in the passenger seat alongside the car-obsessed hosts, as they race the most incredible vehicles on the scenic highways and historic tracks of the American west. Each week will feature a different celebrity who will compete for top honor on the leader board at the new Top Gear studio and track, Speed Vegas. Of course, the one and only Stig, Top Gear’s mysterious test driver, will be leaving everyone in his petrol-hazed wake."The new Top Gear America will air later this year with eight hour-long episodes.https://www.facebook.com/BBCAmerica/posts/10155030794352978

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2017

GMC Suburban that The Notorious B.I.G. Was Killed in is F...

Christopher George Latore Wallace was born killed on March 9, 1997, at the young age of 24. In those few years he had on Earth, he managed to become one of the most influential rappers of all time with hits like "Big Poppa" and "Hypnotize."Wallace was killed after leaving an event in his GMC Suburban. When he pulled up to a red light in Los Angeles, California, a Chevrolet Impala SS came up beside his SUV. The driver of the Impala rolled down the window, drew a 9mm handgun and fired four shots at Wallace. The first three shots were not fatal, but the fourth and final one would end his living, hitting several vital organs.Moments in Time, the same company that offered the BMW Tupac was killed in, is now offering the 1997 GMC Suburban that The Notorious B.I.G. was killed in. The current owner of the car sent a letter to Moments in Time after they saw the Tupac BMW for sale, asking them if they'd be interested in selling the Suburban. The letter reads:"To whom it may concern, I am interested in selling the green 1997 Green GMC Suburban that Christopher Wallace was shot in, on March 7th, 1997. My husband and I bought the car in October of '97, when we were looking for a larger vehicle for our family of 6. We bought the car from a broker in Chala Viste, CA, who had bought it from an auction in LA. We owned the car for year, using it as our family vehicle, not knowing about its history. In 2005, an LA Detective called and informed us about the car's involvement in the shooting of Biggie Smalls and that it would be needed for the trial. We have kept the car now for 20 years and decided it is finally time to sell it. It is still in good running condition with 114,000 miles. I read you were selling Tupac's BMW and wondered if you would also be interested in selling our car. I have requested the LAPD to return the original bullet-riddled doors upon closure of the case. These doors will in turn be passed onto the new buyer."How much will it sell if? Well, it currently has an asking price of $1.5 million.Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2017

BMW 750iL Tupac was Shot in is Up for Sale

Back on September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. This murder shook the entire music industry, as Tupac's albums had sold over 75 million records worldwide and he is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all time. In fact, he will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, during his first year of eligibility.The car Tupac was driving when he was shot was a 1996 BMW 750iL that was owned by Suge Knight, co-founder of Death Row Records. The shooting ended with Tupac being shot twice in the chest (one piercing his lung), once in the arm and once in the thigh. Unfortunately, he passed away at the University Center of South Nevada.The exact BMW 750iL that Tupac was driving is currently for sale through MomentsinTime.com. It's currently listed for $1.5 million and is said to include authenticity.Learn More

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 Andrew Nabors – January 03, 2017

Jay Leno Drives the Ring Brothers' G Code Camaro

Fans of first generation Camaros fall into two groups: Those who prefer numbers matching originals, and the others who see the beautiful design as a starting point for something wild. For their latest build, brothers Jim and Mike Ring have transformed a 1969 Rally Sport into a show stopper. The owner commissioned them to leave almost nothing original, and the G Code is unlike anything you have seen before.Starting at the front, the bumper was machined from one piece of billet and the iconic hideaway headlight doors inspired an LED conversion. The front splitter is carbon fiber, along with a full aerodynamics package. Often times custom cars go overboard in this area which compromises ground clearance, but G Code was built to be daily driven. In a normal Camaro, the rocker panels are a major structural component so many builders hesitate cutting into them. But since the Ring Brothers built a full-length frame underneath, it allowed them to round the edges of the doors and give the roof a double bubble design inspired by the 5th generation coupes.(Also Check Out - Camaro ZL1 vs Challenger Hellcat)Once the new chassis was completed, new floor pans were fabricated to control the air under the car. From the engine to the rear axle, every component is tucked inside the tunnel in a symmetrical fashion. Countless hours and many late nights were spent on this Camaro, and the final build cost is probably more than a Manhattan apartment. Unlike other builders, the brothers also sell some of the parts they create. From billet hood hinges to complete body kits, they are a dominant force in the aftermarket. Stay with us for the latest from Jay Leno's Garage.All Camaro For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2016

Kimi Raikkonen Laps Daytona With John Hennessey in Ferrar...

Sometimes a YouTube video is filled with so much win, it has the potential to break the internet. Such is the case at Ferrari Finali Mondiali when Kimi Raikkonen took John Hennessey for a blistering lap of the road course of Daytona International Speedway. The vehicle of choice was a new Ferrari 488 GTB, so if you have any preconceived notions of turbo lag or brake fade this video will change your life. When you place Scuderia Ferrari's Iceman and a twin turbo Texan in the same vicinity, acceleration is guaranteed. The best part of this footage is the audio, as you can hear the traction control attempt to prevent wheel spin coming out of the chicane. Being able to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds with a redline of 8,000 rpm are only possible from innovations derived from Formula 1 racing, which is probably why the driver makes it look easy.If you thought Mr. Hennessey limited his talents to domestic power, he let me drive his 599 GTB in Anaheim (See below). So perhaps his intentions are to turn up the boost on Ferrari's latest GTB, and when he does you will see it first here on Autofluence.View Hennessey Cars For Sale Related Video:

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