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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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 22, 2016

Revealed: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante

Pebble Beach, aka one of the most exciting car events of the year, is a great place for reveals, and Aston Martin used the opportunity to debut their Vanquish Zagato Volante.(Also Read: Cadillac Escala Concept Revealed, Shows Future Design)Limited to 99 units, the new Zagato Volante will be created as an answer to "overwhelming customer interest for the previously revealed Coupe." The new Zagato model will hold true to the brand's lineage and maintain many of the design elements the compilation is known for. According to a company press release:"The Vanquish Zagato Volante shares its proportions with the Coupe, a quintessential Aston Martin form with a classic Zagato twist, evoked by round tail light reflectors that use the same 'bladed' LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar. The twin cowls on the rear deck blend into the leading edge of the luggage compartment, concealing a bespoke folding hood derived from the mechanism used in the Vanquish Volante. Carbon fibre sills around the lower body create a pronounced horizontal emphasis that runs from front to rear."Vanquish Zagato Volante Specs Engine: 6.0-liter V12 Horsepower: 592 hp 0-60 time- 3.7 seconds The interior of the vehicle is held to Aston Martin's high standards. Options for customization for the ultimate in aesthetics and style is provided by the automaker's 'Q' division. Offered is an array of high-quality materials, which include herringbone carbon fiber and the finest leather available.Price and full specs have not been released at this time, but stay tuned for updates. Deliveries are set for 2017, though no concrete time frame has been established.View All Aston Martins For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2016

Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Officially Revealed

Just unveiled during Monterey Car Week is the incredibly anticipated Lamborghini Centenario Roadster. On Lamborghini's website, the automaker goes into brief detail on the new car, detailing everything from its exterior to its engine.Powering the car is the same V12 engine found in the coupe version, capable of 770 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque, which will rocket the car from 0-62 mph in just 2.0 seconds. Its top speed? More than 217 mph.The 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. A channel in the rear wall allows air to flow from the cabin to the rear with minimal turbulence in the cabin.It comes with a €2 million price (approx. $2,264,600 at the current exchange rate). Only 20 Centenario Roadsters will be made, which are all spoken for.View All Lamborghinis For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2016

BMW 2002 Hommage Debuts at Pebble Beach

At the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, BMW is bringing their 2002 Hommage model. This model pays tribute to the classic turbocharged model that came to be in 1973. It was, in fact, the first European production car to use turbo technology.“The BMW 2002 Hommage celebrates the extraordinary feats of engineering on which BMW turbo technology is based and re-interprets them in the form of a design study,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “With its iconic orange/black paintwork, the car has a colour scheme and livery synonymous in the minds of many motor sport fans with the triumphs of the 1970s.”(Related: Cadillac Escala Concept Revealed, Shows Future Design) Back in May when we first covered the car, our writer Andrew Nabors pointed out a few of the design cues featured on the car: "One of the many styling cues that made the 2002 turbo easily identifiable, a narrow band of carbon fiber along the belt line takes the place of stainless steel moldings found on the early cars. The paintwork above the carbon is matte finish to keep sunlight from blinding the driver. Giant fender flares recall the 2002 turbo homologation cars, and vintage inspired wheels recall races of a bygone era. The front spoiler is emblazoned with chrome turbo badging, leaving no question as to the car’s abilities."Hopefully, this isn't just a concept car and BMW will take this car to the production line. Here's hoping.View All BMWs For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2016

New Ford GT Production Run Extended by Two Years

Ford has recognized the overwhelming response for their new 2017 GT and announced today that they will extending the production of the car by two whole years.“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director of Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”Those who were put on the waiting list will be served by year three, and deferred applicants, as well as those who missed the initial application window, will have their chance in year four. If you're one of the ones who missed the window, the applications will reopen in early 2018. As for those who already applied, they need to only update their application.View All Ford GTs For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2016

2,400 hp Super Semi Truck by Volvo Going For World Speed ...

With a name like "The Iron Knight," Volvo Trucks' new super semi truck is set to attempt a new international speed record. This truck's power is rated at an astonishing 2,400 hp and 4,425 lb-ft of torque."The Iron Knight is the perfect way to showcase the competence and innovative power of Volvo Trucks. At the same time, our aim was to generate new insights into technical and design solutions. The intention is to transfer some of these to our series-produced trucks," says Claes Nilsson, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks, in an August 17 press release.As of now, Volvo Trucks has only released a teaser for the record run, but will release the full run on August 24. Be sure to check back on that date to see The Iron Knight crush records.View All Volvos For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 17, 2016

2017 Range Rover Sport Gets New Engine, Technology

Already known as a luxury powerhouse SUV, the 2017 Range Rover Sport will boast a host of enhancements making it more powerful, more technologically inclined, and therefore, more appealing.Efficiency and innovation make the 2017 model a more sustainable choice without compromising the luxury and class. The SUV will now feature the 2.0L four-cylinder diesel engine from Jaguar Land Rover. Fuel emissions will be at unprecedented lows and capable of 45.6 mpg. The new engine's performance is supposed to be in line with the Range Rover Sport's previous 3.0L TDV6.In order to enhance the driving experience, Land Rover is also implementing technological advancements like Advanced Tow Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Intelligent Speed Limiter. The Advanced Tow Assist is designed to "take the stress out of maneuvering when towing large loads." This feature allows the driver to use settings to direct the trailer reversing. Blind Spot Assist alerts the driver when a car is approaching a blind post and Speed Limiter can be set to promote safer driving, which is especially handy for teens and lead-footed individuals.Additional features include Low Traction Launch, which keeps fishtailing and slipping to a minimum on low-grip surfaces. Also included is a larger, 10-inch dual touchscreen on the dash complete with pinch and zoom capabilities consistent with tablets and smartphones.As stated by Land Rover's Chief Design Officer, the engine and technology advancements make the 2017 model "more composed, sustainable and relevant than ever."View All Range Rover Sports for Sale

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2016

McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept Debut at Pebble Beach

McLaren Automotive has taken one of their new 570GT models and brought it up to the "boss level" through McLaren Special Operations. What's more? They're bringing the example to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.This particular example has received the works from the English automaker's customization brand. First off, MSO dropped the weight of the exhaust system by 30% thanks to a new titanium construction. This new exhaust system is not only lighter, but also gives off a more pronounced tone. This exhaust is also accompanied by new heat shield that are finished in golden titanium nitride tint.On the outside, this 570GT is finished in Elite 'Pearl White' paint, with the MSO Piano Black package, which adds a gloss black finish to the wheels, side skirt, front and rear and door inserts.The most interesting addition to this car is the Electro-Chromic Roof. Don't know what that is? Don't worry, it's currently in development. This new roof adds an electro-chromic layer. This layer, controlled through a touch-sensitive headlining, can be adjusted through five points that make the glass either clear or have a rich, dark tint.Inside is a cabin that is highlighted by a Saddle Tan interior and MSO Defined Carbon Fiber Interior Pack in Gloss Lacquer. If the engine noise isn't enough, they've also added a 12-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Hi-Fi system.View All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2016

Dodge Brings Back Memories With 2017 Challenger T/A and C...

Dodge is reliving the days of old with two new "performance-upgraded" models that have been "infused with heritage style." The cars include the 2017 Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona models. 2017 Dodge Challenger T/ANew 2017 Dodge Challenger T/AThis new model takes after the original model, which was first built for the Sports Car Club of America's (SCCA) Trans Am racing series in 1970. Now, in 2017, the Challenger T/A is based around the Challenger R/T model. New hardware installed includes the new headlamps, LED-illuminated T/A logos, new hood, active exhaust and 20x9-inch aluminum wheels in HyperBlack II. 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392Also included is the Super Track Pak. For its design, Dodge dressed the Challenger T/A's exterior with Satin Black trim, stripes and more. If you're interested, its MSRP is set at $37,390. Expanding on the T/A models is the Challenger T/A Plus (heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, new Uconnect system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, new speakers and more) and Challenger T/A 392 (113 more horsepower at 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, new wheels and more). These are priced at $40,140 and $43,999, respectively. 2017 Dodge Charger DaytonaNew 2017 Dodge Charger DaytonaDodge brings the Charger Daytona into the modern era with two new models. The base Charger Daytona is based on the Charger R/T model, but now with an improved intake and exhaust system. Also added is the Super Track Pak, high-performance Goodyear tires, rear differential with a 2.62 axle ratio, top speed raised to 150 mph and more. 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392For its looks, Dodge continued with the Satin Black trend on the spoiler, hood graphic and roof. Signature "Daytona" grille badging is also installed.Inside, the cabin has also been overhauled with Nappa leather seats, Brazen Gold stitching, aluminum bezels and Gloss Black accents. Dodge has priced the Charger Daytona at $39,890. Want more power? The 392 version is also available for $44,995.View All Dodges For Sale 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona (left), 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona (center) and 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 (right) 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 (left), 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A (right) and 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2016

Electric Hypercar Crushes LaFerrari and Tesla Model S in ...

I first wrote about the Rimac Concept One hypercar three years ago. Since then, there hasn't been a whole lot of news regarding the car, but a new video from Archie Hamilton Racing's YouTube channel showcases the electric hypercar.To test the Concept One's capabilities, the team paired it up against the brutal acceleration of the Tesla Model S P90D and the incomparable LaFerrari specs. If you're unaware of the Concept One's abilities, in the three-year-old article I noted that the car is powered by a 92-kWh battery that sends energy to four sets of electric motors at each of the wheels. This power created equals out to around 1,088 bhp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. With a kerb weight of 4,188, the Concept One can rocket from 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds (in the old article it's stated that its 0-68 time is 2.8, but the website now says 2.6).Does this new hypercar have the ability to take down the Model S and LaFerrari? If you've read the title, then you know the answer. Check it out below!

By Edward Jones – August 15, 2016

Lamborghini Huracan from Ad Personam Looks Like it Belong...

Lamborghini's Ad Personam Studio aims to create one-off wonders through customer input and Italian style. The gist of this studio is that it is Lamborghini's own customization studio which customers can use to take their supercars to the next level.(Also Read: Miura Homage 2015 Lamborghini Huracan For Sale)To show off their capabilities, the Ad Personam team crafted up one unique example of the Huracan Spyder. With an army green exterior and bright orange interior, this Huracan looks like it would almost blend in if found in a military setting. Although, you won't find any guns strapped onto this supercar, only a mean 5.2-liter V10 engine.Check out the video below to see the car in its entirety.View All Huracans For Sale

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