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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 – April 01, 2016

Porsche's New $6,500 Office Chair RS

Racing inspired office chairs have been around for a few years, but it has always lacked the quality and comfort of production seats. Someone in Stuttgart must have heard our request, because Porsche Design just released the Office Chair RS. In a YouTube video uploaded yesterday, the incredible features are detailed. The armrests have 3 axis of adjustment, and a built-in battery powers the reclining backrest. its hook for your jacket is worth its weight in gold, and the family's coat of arms is embossed into the headrest. Not included is a security system to keep your coworkers from a test ride.It currently comes with a $6,570 price tag. Contact your local Porsche dealer to order or visit shop1.porsche.com, and stay tuned to Autofluence for more 911 accessories.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 31, 2016

Turn Your Tablet into a Porsche 911

In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid rate, brands are trying to make their non-online marketing efforts a little more enticing. Famed car maker, Porsche, is no exception. Porsche understands that their standard 911 ad might not be exciting enough to get to you stop flipping aimlessly through a magazine, so they decided to level up their tactics a bit.With Porsche's new ad for their iconic 911, you can now turn your tablet into a hologram-- a 911 hologram to be exact. Thanks to technology, all you have to do is pull the acetate prism (plastic piece) out of the ad, put it together with a few folds, place the plastic piece on your tablet and with the help of a video from Porsche, your tablet is transformed into a 911 hologram video.Adweek states over 150,000 of these prisms have made their way into production, 100,000 of which will be glass and delivered through the mail.Check out the video below for more information about the hologram.Porsche 911s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2016

Icon 4x4's Latest Creation: BR #28

To say that Jonathan Ward of Icon 4x4 pays attention to detail is an understatement. Photos and editorial can't begin to describe the dedication and time it takes to build an Icon vehicle. In a tribute to Ford's classic 60's SUV, the BR combines a timeless design with many modern conveniences. Starting with the deep exhaust note, the BR comes from the Mustang GT's 5.0L V8. This emissions-legal power plant is backed by a bulletproof Atlas 2 divorced transfer case and ARB locking differentials.The drivetrain is easy to quantify, but if you allow your eyes to wander, you will quickly get lost in the details. Smaller pieces like control knobs and mirrors look original, but in reality they are CNC machined stainless steel. A/C vents from Cessna and map lights from a MIG-29 fighter are among the few details that Icon doesn't manufacture in-house. Fabricated steel center consoles are easy to find in the aftermarket, but Icon uses stainless steel for their construction. Even the glass was specially derived from an architectural application to create a unique reflection. Braking is a partnership between Brembo & Icon that uses six piston calipers riding on titanium hardware.This being the 28th example produced, Icon's quality speaks for itself. Congratulations to Mr. Ward and his team for another amazing build and another satisfied customer. Stay tuned to Autofluence for Icon's latest projects.Icons For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 04, 2016

2016 Dodge Viper ACR: Price, Review, Photos and Specs

2016 Dodge Viper ACR Specs Price: $117,895 Engine: 8.4-liter V10 Horsepower: 645 hp 0–60: 3.3 seconds Top Speed: 177 mph Transmission: 6-speed manual Torque: 600 lb-ft Review In early May 2015, Dodge issued a press release that surprised sports car enthusiasts everywhere with the release of the fastest street-legal track car to ever come from Dodge: the 2016 Viper ACR for sale. With a design focused around improved aerodynamics, the Viper ACR comes equipped with the Extreme Aero Package, which includes an adjustable dual-element rear wing, rear carbon fiber diffuser, SRT hood with removable louvers, a detachable extension for the front splitter and four dive planes. The resulting downforce reaches nearly one ton, producing a top speed of 177 mph. Dodge armed this beast with some serious braking power thanks to Brembo’s Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes that use 15.4-inch two-piece front rotors and 14.2-inch two-piece rear rotors. These brakes pair with the largest brake pad area to ever come standard on a Viper, now ready to stop on a dime. Powering this machine is a robust 8.4-liter V10 engine, guided by a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. This winning combination generates 645 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world. The results are sure to be an extraordinarily visceral driving experience, from the racetrack to the streets. For an even more in depth experience with the Viper ACR, Dodge offers a “1 of 1” customization program, which allows the buyer to tailor their car while tracking the build process. Dodge Viper For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 03, 2016

Revealed: Lamborghini Huracan Avio at Geneva

Lamborghini pulled out all the stops at this year's Geneva Motor Show, starting with the Lamborghini Centenario. Adding to the frenzy, Lamborghini has also revealed the special edition Huracan LP 610-4 Avio.Huracan LP 610-4 Avio Specs Engine: 5.2-liter V10 Horsepower: 610 hp 0–62: 3.2 seconds Top Speed: approx 201 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch The aeronautical world-- fighter jets, specifically-- have always inspired the car maker, and the Huracan Avio embodies the elements of that inspiration. According to a Lamborghini press release:The new Huracán Avio offers a host of premium functional features in its standard configuration including lifting system, cruise control and GPS*. But the true uniqueness of the Avio lies in its interior and exterior finishes. White or grey painted details contrast with the body color and enhance exterior details such as the tops of the side member, the side view mirrors and the lip on the front spoiler. A double stripe, again in white or grey, runs along the roof and down the front bonnet.Avio will be offered in five exclusive colors and the interior includes leather and Alcantara elements. The door panels will include an "L" for Lamborghini and "63" designating the iconic year Lamborghini was founded. Though price hasn't been released, the Avio is set for the dealer's showrooms in summer 2016. Stay tuned as we update you on more Lamborghini Huracan Avio information.Lamborghini Huracans For Sale View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 03, 2016

Revealed: Rolls-Royce 'Black Badge' at Geneva

English automaker Rolls-Royce seeks to reach a younger, self-empowered demographic with its new 'Black Badge', which debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show this week. The luxury car company describes its new model as an "edgy lifestyle statement," perfectly suited for the unconventional, rule-breaking young generation. Those currently making an imprint on the world are unconventional, dark, unruly and defy modern standards, and Rolls-Royce has created an example to match the vibe.The Black Badge features composite carbon fiber alloy wheels and the 'Flying Lady' in a new dark, ominous high-gloss, black finish. The interior is infused with "aerospace-grad aluminum-threaded carbon fiber composite surfacing", which is a common material used in the aircraft industry. The interior surfacing has been darkened to promote the car's intense look.Power is delivered by a 6.6-liter V12 engine, which includes "subtle engine output modifications" that result in a power increase of 40 hp, according to a company press release. The engine is accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission and 'Intutive Throttle Response'.With subtle power changes and a dangerous look, the Black Badge is sure to captivate those who go against the grain. Stay tuned with us for more Geneva updates.Rolls-Royces For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2016

Revealed: The New Spyker C8 Preliator

High performance cars taking inspiration from aviation is nothing new, but Spyker is back to remind you of their origins. The original Spyker company built luxurious automobiles and innovative aircrafts. Taking inspiration from their aerodynamic past, the new C8 Preliator arrived at Geneva with bold styling and attention to detail.They describe the styling as a "Road Jet" and a plane without wings. From the propeller emblem to the NACA ducts, it's easy to see that the stylists took inspiration from the stratosphere. NACA was the predecessor of NASA, and their iconic inlets were developed to break the sound barrier. Ailerons flank the rocker panels just ahead of the rear wheels, and they are not just for aesthetics. They work to control the turbulence generated where the rubber meets the road. Another way this is accomplished is by the spokes of the wheel. They act as a turbine, creating downforce and stability at speed. On the exhaust tips is their motto: "Nulla tenaci invia est via". For the tenacious, no road is impassible.Aerodynamic influences are also found throughout the interior. Machined alloys and hand stitched leather are nice to have, but having guards on the toggle switches is really where it counts. Guarded switches are easier to use at night and prevent unwanted changes to the car's systems. We know your favorite feature is the exposed shifter, and it makes a brilliant return in polished aluminum.Connected to that mechanism is your choice of manual or automatic transmissions which are spun by a rear-mid mounted 525 hp supercharged V8. Most of the body panels are carbon fiber, resulting in a curb weight of 1390 kg, or just over 3,000 lbs. If you have a passion for all things aeronautical, the C8 Preliator is waiting for you on the flightline. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more news from the Geneva Motor Show.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2016

Pininfarina H2 Speed Hydrogen-Powered Concept Unveiled At...

The most common element in the universe can be found in everything from water to hydrogen bombs, but Pininfarina is betting that a few wealthy enthusiasts are ready for a fuel cell supercar. Hydrogen gas is created by splitting water into its components. Electricity and water are not friends so when they get together, water loses the fight and you end up with oxygen bubbles on the negative side and hydrogen on the positive. Hydrogen is lonely without oxygen, and a fuel cell is the best place for them to party. What happens in the fuel cell stays in the fuel cell, and you end up with water and electricity.Pininfarina's H2 Speed concept hopes to use this voltage to reach 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds. Using two electric motors along with a battery and regenerative braking, the H2 Speed has the potential to be the world's cleanest supercar. Using compressed hydrogen as a fuel, the only exhaust from the fuel cell is pure water. The technology is proven, but you can't exactly buy hydrogen at the gas station. H2 Speed will be a track-only car, and specialized equipment will be needed for refueling.The voltage provided by the fuel cell is only a fraction of the electricity required to generate hydrogen, but advances are being made at a lightning pace. Their goal is to build ten examples as dedicated track cars with a top speed north of 180 mph. We hope this concept makes it to production, as it would shock the world of alternative fuels. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more positively charged news from the Geneva Motor Show.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2016

Apollo Arrow: The World's Newest Hypercar

Apollo Automobili, the automaker formerly known as Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, has introduced a brand new model into their upcoming lineup, the Apollo Arrow.Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Arrow is being called a hypercar by Apollo and from the looks of the car, that moniker is deserved. When they started building the car, they put an incredible amount of effort into having the most fluid aerodynamics possible, while keeping the target dry weight of the car at 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs). As for the final design, they landed on an exterior that was "inspired by the carnivorous ruthlessness of the ocean." Yes, it's the shark of the road.Under its hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 986 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, those are most certainly hypercar numbers. This power flows through a 7-speed sequential transmission with a twin-plate clutch configuration. With massive power, a quick transmission, and lightweight, the Arrow can shoot from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.8 seconds and to a top speed of 224 mph.Could the Apollo Arrow be the next big contender in the hypercar segment? Only time will tell, but the specifications are quite telling of a formidable opponent.Apollo Arrow Specs Engine: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 986 hp Torque: 737 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds Top Speed: 224 mph

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 01, 2016

Revealed: 2016 Porsche 911 R

The 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. 2016 Porsche 911 R Specs Price: $184,900 MSRP (excludes $1050 destination charge) Engine: 4-liter flat 6 Horsepower: 500 hp 0–60: 3.7 seconds Top Speed: 200 mph Transmission: 6-speed manual The 911 R's focus is the track, which is exhibited in its ability to hand corners thanks to "specially tuned standard rear-axle steering which offers direct turn-in response and precise handling while maintaining a high level of stability," according to a press release. The race car comes in at 3021 pounds, shaving off 110 pounds than that of the 911 GT3 RS. Interestingly, the car comes without AC or a stereo system, but Porsche is glad to add these features at no cost. The 911 R is limited to just 991 examples so if this one is on your list, you'll need to act fast. Stay tuned for more Geneva Motor Show updates. Porsches For Sale

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