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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 – June 28, 2017

Rolls-Royce Unveils the Dawn Black Badge Before Goodwood

Last year, at the Geneva Motor Show 2016, Rolls-Royce unveiled Black Badge, a permanent Bespoke line of cars from the automaker. The first models to get the Black Badge treatment were the Ghost and Wraith. Now, Rolls-Royce has announced the Dawn Black Badge.Rolls-Royce says that the new Dawn Black Badge is the "most luxurious, social and sensual space from which to take in the night air." I'd be hard to disagree with that statement. The example that Rolls-Royce will be bringing to Goodwood this year is finished in a dark shade of black that consists of six coats of lacquer, which is then hand-polished.To emphasize just how dark this car can get, Rolls-Royce even finished the Spirit of Ecstasy in a black chrome. Inside the example of the revealed Dawn Black Badge example is black leather with Mandarin highlights.Also Check Out - Revealed: Rolls-Royce Black Badge at Geneva Under the hood, Rolls-Royce's engineers have managed to modify the Dawn's 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine in order to draw out an 30 more horsepower and 15 more lb-ft of torque. This results in a total output of 593 bhp and 620 lb-ft.In addition to the added power, Rolls-Royce has also installed a new exhaust system that can be altered via 'low' button, which Rolls-Royce states celebrates the "hallmark V12 engine with a menacing bass baritone, announcing its arrival with authority rather than hysteria." The car's steering has also been quickened, the transmission settings have been remapped and the brakes are now larger.Customers can commission their own Dawn Black Badge starting now.

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2017

Aston-Martin Unveils A V8 Powered DB11

Twelve is a logical number. Hours, months, and cylinders seem to be peacefully balanced when measured in dozens. V12 engines fire opposing cylinders at the same time, which makes for a smooth ride and a melodious exhaust. The Aston-Martin DB11 arrived with a twin turbo V12, the first such offering from the brand.It has 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque across a wide powerband. Packaging two big turbos along with intercoolers and plumbing around a 5.2-liter engine was no easy task. You can't deny the abilities of such a sledgehammer, but it might seem like overkill to some.Efficiency is not an attribute of twelve-cylinder power, and many countries taxes are based on engine size. So Aston-Martin went to Germany to look for an answer. Mercedes-AMG builds a 4.0 liter twin turbo that can be found in every 63 series AMG model. Reverse flow cylinder heads place the turbos inside the V, making it a compact design with no turbo lag. The V8 DB11 is 253 lbs lighter than its predecessor and it offers 503 horsepower and 497 lb-ft of torque. It will have you at 62 mph in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. European fuel economy is rated a 28.5 mpg, which is probably a record for the brand. Enough of the details, you know the car and the engine, so watch them together in the film below, and check out these new DB11s from our dealers. Stay with us for all your Aston-Martin news

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2017

Aston Martin Confirms Their First All-Electric Car

Aston Martin has confirmed that they will be producing an all-electric model called the RapidE. Clever name, eh?There will be 155 examples of the RapidE created during its production run. The car itself will be based around the upcoming Rapide AMR concept, however an all-electric powertrain will replace the 6.0-liter V12 engine.“Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production," said Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer. "RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it."As of right now, there is no information on the specifics of the electric powertrain, but Aston Martin says they will be revealing the info in "due course."

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2017

Help McLaren Build a Full-Size 720S Supercar Out of LEGOs

One of the first thing you want to do when sitting down in a McLaren 720S supercar is to step on the pedal. But...what if that pedal is made of LEGOs? It's like a nightmare...At Goodwood this year, McLaren will be unveiling a 1:1 full-size LEGO replica of their new 720S model. This replica took a lot of preparation to get ready. McLaren Automotive worked with Speed Champions LEGO team to put together the instructions for the brick replica.The process to initially build the replica took over 2,000 hours and a team of six. When completed, the 720S replica used over 267,300 LEGO bricks and weighed 3,200 lbs. For comparison's sake, the real 720S takes 12 working days to complete and weighs 2,828 lbs.McLaren does note that the LEGO 720S will arrive at Goodwood with a twist: it won't be complete. Instead of delivering a completed model, McLaren is having visitors build the replica piece by piece.

By Edward Jones – June 26, 2017

Airbus Racer is a High-Speed and Cost-Effective Helicopter

Airbus is looking to make a cost-effective, yet fast way to fly through the sky with the new Racer concept. The Racer (stands for Rapid and cost-effective rotorcraft) uses a main rotor for basic flight modes, while two lateral pusher rotors provide forward thrust. The lateral pusher rotors are installed on the back of a box-wing, reducing power required for flight by 10 percent. This reduction in required power also lowers fuel consumption, and increase the Racer's flight range. All-in-all, the Racer will be surprisingly cheap to fly. Airbus is planning the final assembly of the Racer demonstrator in 2019, with its first flight in 2020.

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2017

2018 BMW X3 Unveiled: Preview

Over 1.5 million examples of the BMW X3 have rolled off the assembly line in Greer, South Carolina. Sold around the world, this American-built SUV has been a benchmark for the competition. To stay at the cutting edge of the small SUV marketplace, a new 2018 BMW X3 is ready for launch.The new body is less influenced by the 3 Series because evolution has allowed for new technologies. A new chassis is stronger and lighter, losing 121 lbs while returning a class-leading 0.29 coefficient of drag. Power will come from four and six-cylinder engines, and the top dog will be a turbocharged 3.0 liter in the upcoming X3 M40i. Acoustic glass is optional for the windshield, and optional wheels range from 19" to 21".Three trim levels will be available at launch: xLine, Luxury Line, and M Sport. The first has matte aluminum trim with glacier silver skid plates. Luxury Line has chrome along with a 2-tone finish, and M Sport has all the wild aero features along with giant brakes. These packages are aimed at making the ordering process easier, and our dealers will fill you in on the finer details. Stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2017

Ferrari Wins Engine of the Year...Again

Last year, Ferrari was the International Engine of the Year Award. This year? Guess what, they won again!The winning engine was none other than the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the 488 GTB and 488 Spider. A smaller displacement version of this engine also powers the California T and GTC4Lusso T. This same engine also won the Performance Engine class and 3-liter to 4-liter displacement categories as well. GTC4LussoFerrari's naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine also won the Above 4-liter award for the second year in a row. Both the F12berlinetta and F12tdf are powered by this engine. Ferrari considers this a big win because " this power unit that hailed the start of the glorious Prancing Horse story 70 years ago in 1947," according to their press release.“This is only the second time in the history of the IEOTYA that such a powerful performance engine has taken the overall honours two years consecutively and won the most coveted, outright IEOTYA title," said Tony Robinson, founder of the International Engine of the Year Awards. "The Ferrari V8 is all about amazing power delivery, precision, driveability and a wonderful soundtrack, too. One day soon it’ll be a classic in its own right; indeed I think it is already!”Congratulations to Ferrari on winning big at the IEOTYA 2017!

By Edward Jones – June 22, 2017

Old School Commercial With $65,000 Lamborghini

Back in 1985 there was a commercial that played on TV for Highland Superstores that many saw in Detroit, Michigan. In fact, one of our employees, Todd, remembered seeing the commercial on TV and reminded us of it today.In this old-school TV ad, the announcer compares the interior and exterior sounds of a "$65,000" and a "clunker." That "cheap" Lamborghini was actually an Espada, a four-seater GT that was produced from 1968 to 1978. Considering inflation, that $65,000 would be worth around $150,000 in 2017. That price is just about $50,000 under the 2016 Huracan's price that starts at $199,800.As of writing this article, we have two examples of the Espada for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. One is a 1972 Series II that's going for $107,500, while the other is a 1973 Series III worth $220,000. Before you go check those listings, be sure to watch the video below. Unfortunately, Highland Superstores ceased operations in 1993, 60 years after their founding.

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2017

2018 Porsche GT2 RS Production Numbers, Already Sold Out

How many 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS will be made?The big news from Germany is that Porsche is only building 1,000 examples of the new 911 GT2 RS, according to an article by AutoBild. If your air-cooled cruiser needs a rebuild, maybe its time to update your collection. However, every example has been spoken for, and they will arrive with 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Launch mode in the PDK transmission will have you at 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, but it's the only transmission offered. Making use of carbon fiber body panels and limited insulation, a curb weight of 3,300 lbs is light for any twin-turbo car. Those who opt for the Weissach package will save an additional 44 lbs thanks to titanium and magnesium goodies.Official 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review A top speed of 211 mph is achieved thanks to clever aerodynamics. The spoilers generate the same dowforce at that speed as the GT3 RS does at 187, but who's counting at this level? For those that don't intend on racing, Air Conditioning and leather seats are optional pleasantries. Weight distribution is 39/61, and only the rear tires are powered. Hopefully, the electronic safeguards are easy to disable to make for fun in the corners. If the notion of twin-turbo tomfoolery is overwhelming, the GT3 isn't going anywhere. The 500 horsepower naturally aspirated 911 is going back to basics with a manual transmission, so choosing between them might be tough. Stay with us for more updates as the 2018 cars arrive at our dealers.Also, Check Out: 2018 Porsche GT2 RS Startup

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2017

2018 Jaguar E-Pace Arriving In July

Riding on the smashing success of the F-Pace, Jaguar announced the all-new E-Pace in a press release last night. In it we learned that the F-Pace has led an 83% increase in sales in a new segment for the brand. The smaller E-Pace will debut on July 13th with All Wheel Drive and several engine options. Our guess is the same 2.0 liter turbo four along with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6. The styling is essentially a scaled-down version of the F-Pace, at a size that blurs the definition between crossover and SUV. Director of Design Ian Callum said "The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character."Also previewed is the 2018 I-Pace, the all-electric SUV that will launch next year. The goal of the E-Pace is to combine the best features of a sports car along with the practicality of an SUV. Be it a small crossover of SUV, there might be a reason we've covered three of them this week. Sedans are slumping in sales because of styling that is tired, but also our crumbling roads. Why would anyone buy a new sedan just to beat it up on broken pavement? Jaguar is offering another solution to the problem, and we'll have all the details next month. For now, compare the images with new Jaguar F-Pace for sale and stay with us for all your automotive news.

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