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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 Motorsport Network – September 08, 2021

Formula 1 And Motorsport Network Launch World’s Largest F...

London, 8 September 2021: Formula 1 and Motorsport Network today launched the 2021 Global F1 Fan Survey in partnership with Nielsen, aimed at capturing the current views of F1 fans around the world towards the sport. The survey is expected to be the largest fan survey of its kind in the sport of F1, operating across Motorsport Network’s flagship Motorsport.com website in 15 languages. Ellie Norman, F1 Director of Marketing and Communications said: “Understanding what our fans want and value about Formula 1 is the best way for us to make strategic decisions on where to take the sport next to remain engaging and entertaining for our audiences. By utilizing the power of Motorsport Network, we will be able to reach fans across the globe providing us with invaluable insight about what our audiences want from our sport and areas that we can improve in the future.” In addition to identifying the fans’ favorite drivers and racetracks, the survey will draw fans’ views on wide-ranging topics including viewing habits, esports, and F1’s plans to have 100% sustainable fuels in the coming years. It will also showcase developing trends in fans’ attitudes towards F1 and highlight the growth in younger and more diverse audiences for the sport. This is the third Global F1 Fan survey that Motorsport Network has undertaken, the first two having taken place in 2015 and 2017, each with more than 200K respondents. This years’ survey results will be compared to the data gathered from the two previous surveys, with the 2017 survey considered to be the largest survey undertaken for any form of motorsport. James Allen, the President of Motorsport Network added: “Having completed a survey in 2015 with the FIA about Formula 1 and 2017 with WEC, we understand the importance of the Fan Voice surveys for the rights holders and organizers of major race series. The information gathered from this survey will allow us to learn more about the fans and their opinions, and to see what changes have taken place since Liberty Media took the reins of Formula1, providing better insight into assessing the success of the implemented changes.” The Global F1 Fan Survey, which is open to anyone over the age of 16, will run for two weeks, kicking off on 8th September and running through 22nd September, with the results due to be published in the run-up to the US Grand Prix in late October 2021. For more information, please contact: Carla Conde, Motorsport Network – carla.conde@motorsport.com About Formula 1 Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, BATRA, BATRK, FWONA, FWONK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB, and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved. About Motorsport Network Every month approximately 60 million dedicated users visit a Motorsport Network digital property, to buy, to learn, to be entertained, or simply to feed their passion for cars and racing. We sit at the heart of the Racing and Automotive industries and provide authoritative thought leadership as well as unique experiences to our customers. We take them on a customer journey that encompasses news and insights, events, tickets, games, and eSports, so we leverage the network effect to add value to their experience. We use our in-house technology and modern data tools to continuously test, learn, and improve. Our processes, content creation, and products are constantly evolving to better serve our audience, clients, and partners. About Nielsen Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a leading global data and analytics company that provides a holistic and objective understanding of the media industry. With offerings spanning audience measurement, audience outcomes, and content, Nielsen offers its clients and partners simple solutions to complex questions and optimizes the value of their investments and growth strategies. It is the only company that can offer de-duplicated cross-media audience measurement. Audience is EverythingTM to Nielsen and its clients, and Nielsen is committed to ensuring that every voice counts. An S&P 500 company, Nielsen offers measurement and analytics service in nearly 60 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com or www.nielsen.com/investors and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. To read all Motorsport Network announcements, please click here. FORWARD-LOOKING AND OTHER CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Motorsport Network, LLC (the "Company") and are difficult to predict. Accordingly, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any forward-looking statement and readers should not rely on any forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The Company's actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements for a number of reasons. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions, and expectations to change. The Company assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s plans and expectations as of any subsequent date. Additionally, the business and financial materials and any other statement or disclosure on, or made available through, the Company’s websites or any other websites referenced or linked to this press release shall not be incorporated by reference into this press release.

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2021

A Look at the duPont REGISTRY Display at Pebble Beach

Monterey Car Week is well underway and the duPont REGISTRY display at the event is a must-see for guests. Within the display area is a wide range of exotic cars, trucks, luxury goods and so much more. Our display includes the following vendors: Airstream, Creative Bespoke, Desert Power Wagons, International Defense K9, Luxury Auto Collection, The Medford Guy, O’Gara-The Reserve, PXG, Sintor Trucks, Specialty Vehicle Engineering, and Tire Stickers. Make sure to stop by the duPont REGISTRY area in the Concours Village to see some amazing vehicles and products, as well as to grab a complimentary September 2021 issue of our magazine.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 09, 2021

Discover The All-New Lotus 62-2 Coachbuild By Radford

Engineered using Lotus technologies to be a true driver’s car with the luxury appointments of a bespoke coachbuilder. In today’s automotive world, historic vehicles that pave the way for modern manufacturers are celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts of all kinds. Radford is a global luxury automotive brand with a British heart and soul, creating on-trend vehicles based on classic, timeless designs. Today, Radford is proud to unveil the all-new Type 62-2 sportscar at a star-studded event at the Lyon Air Museum in Orange County, California. The Lotus Type 62-2 chassis is featured as the first modern coachbuilt Radford, with only 62 examples offered worldwide. The Type 62-2 offers design simplicity combined with a classic flair. The exterior provides the theatre and drama becoming of a luxurious, low-volume coachbuilt car, and the lines which evoke the original 1960s Lotus race car ensure exceptional elegance. Radford The Radford Type 62-2 is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine. Adhering to Lotus race and road car philosophy, it is mid-mounted low to the car’s unique tubular rear subframe behind the driver, delivering an optimum centre of gravity and exemplary road holding. The engine in the Classic Type 62-2 musters 430bhp of power, and with a predicted dry weight of under 1,000 kilos, the car will produce an impressive power-to-weight ratio in the region of 430bhp per ton, which is comparable to many modern supercars. The Type 62-2 is offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Classic Type 62-2 is fitted with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and an electronic differential lock as standard, with a precision shift mechanism providing extremely slick shifts and a highly engaging, driver-focussed feel. Owners can also specify the Classic model with the DCT transmission as an option and have the V6 engine’s power output upgraded to 500bhp if they wish. Radford Radford’s bespoke coachbuilding extends to all aspects of the car. Radford will work with owners to ensure that each and every owner desire on the car is met, this ranges from all of the interior finishes and unique paint colours through each part of the car’s design which includes surface changes to the vehicle bodywork to the power and performance of the car. Every Radford is totally unique and built exclusively for each owner. Owners can choose to collect their car from Radford’s California base, Radford’s test track, or indeed, have it delivered to them anywhere in the world. Following collection, owners will be offered tailored experiences to continually enhance their ownership of one of the world’s most unique coachbuilt sportscars. Media/Information Source: Radford

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2021

Check Out The All-New Superwolf Electric Truck By Alpha M...

The Superwolf by Alpha Motor Inc. is going where no EV has gone before. While the design and technology of electric vehicles continue to improve, the automotive industry is realizing the capability of a fuel-less platform. The idea of urban commuting being the only option is long gone, and the electric vehicle professionals at Alpha Motor Inc. in Irvine, California are here to prove that with its new electric truck. The all-new Super Wolf Electric Truck is going nowhere any electric vehicle has gone before, the wilderness. The adventure-seeking Superwolf blends the efficiency and performance aspects of an EV with the functionality of a full-size truck looking to tackle whatever is in its way. The drivetrain is not the only futuristic portion of the Superwolf Electric Truck, as the exterior and interior feature a modern design that looks incredible from every angle. As most 4x4 vehicles are equipped with accessories to make off-roading more fun, the Alpha Motors Co. Superwolf includes premium RIGID Industries lighting and storage options by HEIMPLANET. If more storage is needed, the Superwolf also has a full-size truck bed with a retractable cover. With a 275 to 300+ mile range and 6,724-pound towing capacity, electric vehicles are heading for the trails, and it starts with the Superwolf Electric Truck by Alpha Motor Inc. Check out the full walk-around video of the Super Wolf Electric Truck by clicking the link above. Discover The Alpha Motor Inc. Superwolf Electric Truck Media/Information Source: Alpha Motor Inc.

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2021

New 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops Unveiled as a Stealthy Offr...

Ready for any mission. The new 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops has been unveiled by Tuscany Motor Company as an off-road-ready truck that's as stealthy as they come. Its blacked-out appearance gives the new Black Ops truck a menacing appearance that will allow it to stand out in any crowd it towers over. Once again, Tuscany Motor Company has created a beautiful truck that's truly unique. " width="680"> While the new Black Ops F-150 may look incredible, it's more than just looks. A Tuscany Suspension Lift System by BDS gives it extra ride height while the Fox 2.0 Performance Series Tuned Shocks take care of rough terrain. Adding to the off-roading capabilities are the 20-inch Stealth Black Tuscany “Black Ops” wheels shod in BF Goodrich KO2 325/60R20 tires. Other exterior modifications include the active air front fender vents, black trim, Black Ops front bumper with large 40-inch LED Light Bar and two 6-inch LED Lights on each side, new dual ram air hood, "Black Ops by Tuscany" badging, and more. Inside, it also features factory leather seats with "Black Ops" embroidered patches, embroidered floor mats, carbon fiber trim, limited edition number plate, and, of course, windows with a deep tint. Each 2021 Ford F-150 Black Ops comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Standards. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit TuscanyMotorCo.com Source: Tuscany Motor Company

By Edward Jones – July 06, 2021

New Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar Racecar Revealed

Will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2022. All the way back in the early '90s, the Peugeot 905 was the winner at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1993 and 1993 races. Now, the new Peugeot 9X8 hypercar will be a direct successor to the 905. Peugeot will be taking two examples of the 9X8 to the FIA WEC in 2022 where they will make their competitive debut. Powering the new 9X8 will be a hybrid powertrain that will send power to all wheels. The rear-mounted 2.6-liter biturbo V6 engine produces 680 horsepower, while a front-mounted 200kW motor-generator unit will add extra power. Peugeot notes that they are currently in the process of assembling both the electric motor, battery, and seven-speed sequential gearbox. As for its design, it most definitely looks ready for an FIA WEC race. The most striking details have to be the headlights and taillights. These were modeled after a lion's slaw strike, which makes sense considering the brand's logo. While I wasn't expecting to see a new Peugeot race car get a reveal, I'm ecstatic to see it. Source: Peugeot

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 17, 2021

Watch The Airspeeder: EXA Series First Flight

Racing on a track where no car has been before, the sky. Since its initial announcement, the Airspeeder series has become one of the most anticipated events in motorsports. Airspeeder is proud to announce its newest EXA Series first flight in its most recent YouTube video released today. In the video, the flying car performs as it maneuvers through a sky-grid, while the EXA Series pit team is at the ready for an on-ground pit stop. During this time, the team replaces what looks to be a battery pack, rather than tire replacement and fuel like a traditional Formula 1 stop. The small milestones that are achieved by Airspeeder continue to excite the past, present, and future motorsport fans, as it brings a whole new light to the world of racing. Taking racing to the sky is just the beginning, as Airspeeder prepares for the racing competitions scheduled for late 2021. Watch the Airspeeder: EXA Series First Flight by clicking on the video above. For more News, Check out New BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition Revealed With Supercar Power Source: Airspeeder

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2021

See Bugatti's Epic Display at the Milano Monza Motor Show

The first chance to see Bugatti's latest creation in person. Bugatti has headed to the Milano Monza Motor Show with a group of hypercars that is truly epic. First up are the Chiron Pur Sport and Sport, which both of which have made their fair share of public appearance. Then, there are two Bugatti models that the world has yet to see in person. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport will be making its public debut at the show, shortly after being unveiled to the world. Then, there's the absolutely insane Bolide, which is also making its first public appearance. We haven't seen much of this car since it was unveiled in Fall 2020 due to it being delivered shortly after its unveiling. The Milano Monza Motor Show is running June 10 to 13 as an open-air event. If you're in the area, this is one event you don't want to miss. See All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2021

12 Hypercars are Being Sold Through NFTs by Hispano Suiza

Buy an NFT, get a hypercar. Hispano Suiza has just announced that they will be offering 12 of their Carmen hypercars through NFTs. That's right, these NFTs will be auctioned off through TrillionCollection.com and the owners of them will be getting a fully electric Hispano Suiza Carmen hypercar. While the collection features 12 preset car designs, the new owners will be able to customize their real-world example of the Carmen. These Carmen hypercars deliver more than 1,000 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds. It can also be charged up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes by DC, and it offers a range of 248 miles. The auction of the NFTs will occur on June 24 with a drop event happening on Clubhouse. Hypercars For Sale Source: Hispano Suiza

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 10, 2021

Jacob & Co. Announces Cryptocurrency As Its Newest Way To...

If you're looking to trade cryptocurrency, look no further than Jacob & Co. The growing popularity of cryptocurrency is leaving individuals and industries flocking at the idea of using it as a source of payment, but until now, luxury watch brands only thought of it as an idea. Jacob & Co. is proud to announce that the brand is the first luxury jeweler and watchmaker to accept Bitcoin and Ethereum through the crypto exchange company, CEX.IO. The brand explains that with the advancements in technology behind cryptocurrency, the process cannot be ignored but only embraced as a new way to provide customers with luxury jewelry and timepieces. As the implementation of cryptocurrency payments continues, Jacob & Co. is looking to use the innovative technology globally across multiple sectors. Check back in for more news on Jacob & Co.’s journey to add cryptocurrency as a form of payment for its wide variety of luxury jewelry and exclusive timepieces. https://www.instagram.com/p/CP6H2LPFDNx/ For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

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