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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Hypercar Teased, Will Be Powerfu...

The latest automaker to hop into the hypercar game is none other than Mercedes-AMG. Their upcoming car, expected to be revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, had bits of information revealed on Facebook.(Related - Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50)According to a Facebook post made by Mercedes-AMG, the car will feature a Formula One World Champion drivetrain that is combined with a purely electric front axle drive setup. How much power will be housed within this powertrain? They say it will have more than 1,000 hp (735 kW) on tap, putting it right into the hypercar range. What's more, the Facebook post also noted that it's currently being called the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.MotorAuthority had a chance to chat with Tobias Moers, the man behind Mercedes-AMG, while at the NAIAS. They learned that the F1 power unit will use a 1.6-liter V6 engine, two motor-generators and a lithium-ion battery. Additionally, they learned that "no more than 300 examples will be built" and it will have a price of around $2.54 million.For more on the Mercedes-AMG Project One, stay with us.All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2016

Aston Martin AM-RB 001's Top Speed is Revealed, Sold Out

Thanks to Motoring.com.au, we now know a lot more about the upcoming Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar. Firstly, that won't be it's real name, as Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer says the car will have a "sexy" name.As of now, the car will have a $4 million price tag, but if you're looking to get one, you're out of luck: it's already sold out.Here are the "fun bits" of information from the article in an easily digestible form: 1,000 kg weight Powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated V12 engine (between 6 and 7 liters) The car we see is 95% of the final car The first prototypes will be on the road in 2017 Deliveries in 2018 Track version will be out after the road-going version Has "kind of a KERS system" Has direct steering Powered gullwing doors Seats are fixed, but the pedals and columns can be adjusted Have to crash test four cars Will have a riser system Construction consists of F1-technology carbons and Kevlar Top speed will be upwards of 250 mph Be sure to check out the full interview to learn even more about the car.All Aston Martins For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2016

Ultimate Surfing Truck by Hurley and Chevrolet

Growing up on the beaches of Florida and spending my spare time surfing when I can (the Gulf coast is not ideal), I know just how incompatible some vehicles are with the surfing lifestyle. For a perfect surfing vehicle, you need space, durability, power and a place to put your dang boards.To create the surfer's dream truck, Chevrolet teamed up with Hurley, the surfing performance, and innovation brand. Introducing the Colorado Z71 Hurley concept. In a press release issued by Chevrolet, the call this truck the "ultimate wave wander" that acts as a mobile beach command center. After reading through the press release, I can easily say I'd do just about anything to have this bad boy on a surf trip.“Colorado is a lifestyle enabler and the Hurley concept demonstrates the personalization possibilities for one of the most thrilling sports,” said Jessica Rogers, Colorado marketing manager, in the press release. “With Chevrolet Accessories parts, the sky — and the surf — is the limit when it comes to tailoring the Colorado to your work or recreation interests.”Alright, so what makes this truck the perfect surf truck? First off are the water-resistant seat covers, which are a necessity after a long day out in the water. Next up is the custom surfboard rack on the roof. You might ask, "why the rack if it's a truck?" The way I look at it is if the boards are up top, you have more room in the back, which brings up the next feature. To store your wetsuits, lunch, water jugs, boardshorts and what have you, there is a special storage system in the truck bed. What I find most important, however, is the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing the passengers to check weather conditions and read the buoys in even the most remote locations.“This concept is all about functionality,” said Ryan Hurley, creative director for Hurley, in the press release. “When we discussed the project with Chevrolet, we didn’t want just a truck with our logo on it. It had to offer solutions for the challenges surfers face at remote locations and that’s exactly what it delivers.”(Related - Here it is: Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class Truck Revealed)To make this Colorado more capable than ever before, Chevrolet added a few perks. Allowing the driver to see what's ahead during the early morning dawn patrols are the off-road lights. Powering the truck across those back roads is the 3.6-liter V6 engine that has 308 hp and 275 lb-ft on tap. But, of course, you need some decent sized wheels for those dirt roads and that's why there are 17-inch Chevrolet Accessories wheels and Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires.To put it plainly, this is a truck that just about any surfer would love to have in their garage. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, be sure to head over to SEMA.All Chevrolet For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2016

New Fisker Design Looks Like a Happy Future

Henrik Fisker has been hard at work designing a new electric car and it seems like we've just received our best look yet at the car.In a tweet from Mr. Fisker himself, he showed off the front end of the car, revealing what looks like a happy front fascia, hence the title. Seriously, the air intakes look like the cheeks at the edge of a smile and the eyes are even squinting as if it were in the middle of a grin. Is that a bad thing? No, because this car also looks like pretty darn futuristic and slick.(Related - Fisker Karma Reborn as the Karma Revero)Fisker describes the front-end picture by saying: "Aerodynamic low front with small trapezoid center radar & camera. Adaptive LED lights." Trapezoidal? Most definitely, and this geometric design will likely continue through throughout the entirety of the car.In another picture tweeted by Fisker we get to see the side of the car and the new butterfly doors. You can view this image below.It's more than likely that Fisker will be tweeting more images throughout the week, leading up to an official unveiling on an undesignated date. Be sure to check back with us for more Fisker news as it's revealed.All Fisker Karma For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2016

Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 Debut in United States

Yesterday, BMW unveiled the Motorrad Vision Next 100 motorcycle concept. Along with that unveiling, Rolls-Royce debuted their own Vision Next 100 concept car in North America.(Related - 30 Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms With Gold and Diamonds Arrive in Macau)“...Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading luxury brand, has defined the future of luxury mobility," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons’ individual demands for complete and authentic personalisation will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.”From the outside, this concept is by far one of the most futuristic and bizarre Rolls-Royces ever produced. Measuring in at 19.3 feet long, it has a long sleek body that has massive air channels running behind the front wheels. For all of the wheels, their presence is hidden by wheel covers, a common aesthetic found in futuristic concepts.“With the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 we were mindful not to dwell on the past," noted Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "We wanted to be as innovative as possible and at the same time transcend the design history of the marque.”View All Rolls-Royce 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 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 – June 16, 2016

The Vision Next 100 Is Rolls-Royce's Most Bizarre Concept...

The release of a futuristic concept from Rolls-Royce was not something anyone was expecting, but it sure happened. The new Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 was revealed in its entirety today as the brand's first "Vision Vehicle." “Today, Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading luxury brand, has defined the future of luxury mobility. The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons’ individual demands for complete and authentic personalisation will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.”Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rolls-Royce unveils this new concept as one of four Vision Vehicles to be released by BMW Group, as announced on March 7, 2016. From the outside, this concept is by far one of the most futuristic and bizarre Rolls-Royces ever produced. Measuring in at 19.3 feet long, it has a long sleek body that has massive air channels running behind the front wheels. For all of the wheels, their presence is hidden by wheel covers, a common aesthetic found in futuristic concepts.(Also Read: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept Idle and Revs) “With the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 we were mindful not to dwell on the past. We wanted to be as innovative as possible and at the same time transcend the design history of the marque”.Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars As for the drive of the car, well, that's where the Vision Next 100 stands apart from every Rolls-Royce ever made. Most experience a Rolls-Royce from the backseat, as they are chauffeured around by a driver. With this concept, there's no need for a driver, as it's completely autonomous. Instead of a gauge cluster, steering wheel and all the necessities for driving, a massive screen sits in the front of the cabin. Essentially, the cabin of the Vission Next 100 is a home theater, with the luxury you'd expect from the English marque.Will we ever see a car like this on the road? Most certainly, but that's in the future. In the meantime, we have concepts like this one to keep occupied and a 3D video below of it to help us pass the time.Rolls-Royces For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2016

2018 BMW Z5 Prototype Spied

Cold weather testing is a critical phase of development for any new car, especially one intended for sale worldwide. We have heard rumors of BMW and Toyota collaborating for years on a new sporty roadster, and it looks like the program is well underway.In a YouTube video uploaded yesterday, Car Spy News somehow battled white out conditions to capture something new in action. With more camouflage than Duck Dynasty, this two-seater looks very capable on frozen roads. The rumor mill suggests that Toyota's version will feature a retractable hard top while the BMW retains cloth, but that is all we know for now. The exhaust note suggests it won't be the next Z8 or turbo Supra, but let's hope they offer a manual transmission to make it the ultimate driving machine. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more spy footage.BMW Z4s For Sale

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