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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 – November 29, 2016

Over 1,000 Ferraris Set to Break World Record at Ferrari ...

Something unprecedented is being planned for this weekend in Used Ferrari Daytona Beach, Florida. The historic high banked turns of Daytona International Speedway will be host to over 1,000 Ferraris in order to break the world record for the largest parade of Ferraris.We were curious why the track's owner, Jim France, took a vacation to Maranello last year. Now, we can gather that this trip was probably intended to plan the details of the event. Taking place December 1st to 4th, this Sunday will see the first Ferrari Mondiali in the USA. At the Ferrari Mondiali, a plethora of event will be taking place, including the record-breaking lap and the anticipated Finali Mondiali 2016.We invite you to join us along with Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The prestigious dealer has devised two packages for the weekend (Scuderia Shields not included). For the world record breaking parade around the track, $255 includes a parking pass and entry to the event. But if you want the VIP experience it will set you back $2,500 . That price includes: Round Trip Vehicle Transport to/from Daytona* 3-Night Stay at the Hampton Inn Daytona Speedway Ferrari Weekend Premium Hospitality Pass Guinness World Record Attempt Pass | December 3, 2016 | 6pm Parking Pass Ferrari Paddock Lunch Pass Finali Mondiali Dinner | December, 3, 2016 | 8pm Guest Fee: $750 per person** Here is a preview from last year's Ferrari World Challenge Finals Only the best cars in the world are chosen to attack the 31-degree banks of this hallowed track, so we look forward to being there with you. For more information and to purchase tickets, please head over to Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale here. Stay with us for complete coverage, live from the world center of racing.Learn More*Vehicle transport will be provided from the dealership to the Daytona Speedway. Your vehicle will be left clean and ready for you in the Ferrari Paddock. ** Guest fee includes Ferrari Premium Pass, Paddock Lunch for 4 days and the Finali Mondiali Dinner.

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

BMW Investing €500 Million Into Startups and Technology

BMW is looking to the future with a major investment in startup companies and new technology. In a press release issued today, BMW Group announced that they are creating a venture capital fund of up to 500 million euros over the course of ten years.The investment was done to make BMW i Ventures able to invest in new technology, like autonomous driving. If you're unfamiliar with BMW i Ventures, as most are, it was founded in New York back in 2011 with the intent of investing start-ups. With these investments, they are hoping to secure promising start-ups and their technology.“These days, more and more innovations come from the start-up scene. Venturing allows us to tap into this potential at an early stage. To achieve this, we are now giving BMW i Ventures a much broader footing and will expand our involvement in Europe and Asia, as well as at our new location in Silicon Valley,” explained Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, BMW Motorrad, Rolls-Royce and Aftersales, in the press release. “The atmosphere of radical openness and idea-driven exchange that characterises the start-up scene is particularly fruitful for an innovation leader like BMW.”(Related - Most Exclusive BMW Motorcycle, Ever: The HP4 RACE) When BMW i Ventures invests, this is what they say the companies will get:"Outside-in: Minority holdings by BMW i Ventures in the best, most innovative start-ups provide the BMW Group with external access to innovations and secure the company’s role as a technology pioneer.Inside-out: BMW i Ventures not only provides financial support for start-ups, but also contributes internal non-monetary resources or “smart capital”, such as technical expertise and access to the network of an established global player."Is this BMW's attempt to take on companies like Tesla? It may seem like it, but automakers work on these kinds of investments all the time. This time, however, it seems that BMW is focusing on technology that focuses around what we know as future tech, such as autonomous driving. This is definitely an exciting announcement and a step towards the future for BMW.All BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

Is This the World's Most Expensive Paint Job?

After owning a car for a while, some owners find themselves wondering if they should paint their car. Some skimp on the paint job due to the price, while some go all out. But, what about those who spend five figures for an optional paint job? In a video uploaded by Vehicle Virgins, we get the chance to see one of the world's most expensive paint jobs. His friend had purhcased a McLaren 675LT Spider, but instead of going with a normal factory finish, he opted for something a little different. Costliest Cars in the World When viewed from different angles this McLaren changes its color, turning the car into a rolling chameleon. How much did it cost to get such a finish? $60,000. That means the paint on his car cost as much as the base price of a new Porsche Cayenne. Insane? Yes. Unheard of? No. This isn't the first time we've seen a finish like this on a McLaren (C.J. Wilson's P1). Also, according to Jalopnik, the price of the Porsche 918 Spyder's Liquid Metal Chrome Blue Paint costs $63,000. McLaren 675LT Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 29, 2016

McLaren Unveils Track Pack for 570S

To many manufacturers, support of racing can be a nightmare for the bean counters and attorneys. But McLaren has had a history of listening to customer feedback in order to build the ultimate supercars. As the premier model of their Sports Series, the 570S is powered by a 3.8-liter twin turbo V8. Sharing the same architecture as engines in the other models, the turbos are tuned to deliver torque progressively to entice the driver to wind it out to a screaming 8,400 rpm red line.(Related - Battle of the McLarens: 675LT vs 650S Spider)Torque management, as it is known in racing is the act of limiting the engine's power in order to keep the tires on the track. The stability control system known as active dynamics combines this along with braking and shocks to make the 570S a dominant force on the track. But for those who demand the ultimate from their investment, a new Track Pack has been released. In a press release this morning, McLaren highlights the advancements included in the package. Leather doesn't seem too heavy, but Alcantara is definitely lighter. Hides are dispensed for synthetic suede and power seats are swapped for carbon racing buckets. Pulling on recent wins in GT3 and GT4 classes, new wheel forgings are super light to reduce un-sprung mass. A subtle extended rear spoiler and Dark Palladium roof panel are dead giveaways of the Track Pack. Available for order now, it carries a premium of $20,600 to the window sticker. Considering the relative bargain price of the 570S, we can't wait to see the Track Pack in action. Stay with us for all your McLaren news.570S For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2016

Clash of the Titans: McLaren F1 vs Bugatti Veyron

First off, the video included in this article by Kidston.TV is quite possibly one of the most gorgeous automotive videos I've ever seen. Not only are the subjects of the video, the Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1, iconic in their own right, the videography is quite stunning.Each of these cars were once kings of the road. Back in the 1990's, everyone knew that the McLaren F1 was THE car. It was expensive, insanely fast and just gorgeous. In fact, Andy Wallace drove the F1 XP5 prototype car to a top speed of 240.1 mph back in 1998. That kind of speed in a road car was unheard of at the time.(Also Read - The First Bugatti Chiron Crash Has Happened)Fast forward to the early 2000's when the Bugatti Veyron entered the scene. Packing a massive W16 engine equipped with four turbos, the Veyron immediately became the king of cars. However, it wasn't until 2010 when the Veyron Super Sport became the world's fastest production car, hitting an average maximum speed of 267.856 mph.It's these incredible accolades resting behind each of these cars that makes the comparison between the two so interesting. Sure, they are from different decades and one is naturally aspirated, while the other has four turbos, but they are both equally special.In the video below, you'll see the two cars racing around beautiful scenery and even get a chance to see Andy Wallace drive both- not only did he hit the top speed in the F1, but he was also a test driver for the Veyron. Check it out by clicking play below.All McLaren For Sale | All Bugatti For Salehttps://vimeo.com/190857938

By Edward Jones – November 28, 2016

The First Bugatti Chiron Crash Has Happened

Yes, you read that correctly: the first Bugatti Chiron crash has happened. An image of a Chiron being towed by a construction truck via straps have surfaced on GTBOARD.com's Facebook page. According to TheDrive.com, the accident happened in Wolfsburg, Germany. This area also happens to be where Volkswagen Group's headquarters is located.(Related - Coby Persin's Gold BMW i8 Smashed With Bat by Angry Guy)A Bugatti spokeswoman told BILD: "The driver was unfortunately a little inattentive, which is why the car landed in the road ditch. Fortunately nobody was hurt."Thankfully, nobody was hurt. However, it still stinks to see parts a $2.5 million hypercar being dragged across the road as it's being towed. Also, we're also not sure if this was a test car or one that was meant for a customer. As soon as more information is released, we'll be sure to write about it. So be sure to check back for more info on the world's first Bugatti Chiron crash.All Bugatti For Sale Oups.Posted by GTBOARD.com on Thursday, November 24, 2016

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By Edward Jones – November 28, 2016

Ferrari Unveils All 70th Anniversary Models

To celebrate 70 years of Ferrari, the Italian brand is doing something remarkably special: creating 70 special edition cars, each paying an homage to the brand's history.(Related - Report: All Ferraris to Have Hybrid Tech by 2019)From the website detailing the models: "Seventy exclusive liveries, each created just the once for every car in the current range, blend the past with the future to create the icons of tomorrow. The inspiration comes from extraordinary models such as the 375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta that Roberto Rossellini ordered for Ingrid Bergman. This car was so unique and elegant as to give its name to the colour the Director picked for its exterior, “Grigio Ingrid”."Each of these cars come with a special 70th-anniversary commemorative logo, as well as an ID plate that provides the name of the model that inspired the design of each car. Below are just a few of the models they have created, along with their respective descriptions. You can view all of the cars by clicking here.All Ferrari For Sale1947 - 1956 The Fangio "The 290 MM was built for Argentinian race legend Juan Manuel Fangio to be driven at the 1956 Mille Miglia, a thrilling race that ended with four Ferraris taking the first four places. The car had a racing livery that incorporated the blue and yellow colors of the Argentinian flag."1957-1966 The Surtees "Racing legend John Surtees drove his F1 158 to victory, earning the title of World Champion in 1964. In fact, he competed in the USA and Mexico with this unusual livery as the cars were not entered by the Italian factory themselves, but by the US-based NART team. This was an act of protest concerning arguments between Ferrari and the Italian Racing Authorities regarding the homologation of a new mid-engine Ferrari race car."1967-1976 The Lauda "This is the 1975 312 T that Niki Lauda drove to victory. Lauda won 4 out of 5 races mid-season before snatching the title at Monza by finishing third, whilst Clay Regazzoni’s win in that race secured Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship. It has a red body, while its air scoop sports the Italian flag."1977-1996 The Magnum PI "This is certainly one of television’s most infamous cars, the 308 GTS (1980), equipped with a transversely mid-mounted aluminum V8 engine, driven by Tom Selleck in his role as Magnum PI. It was unforgettable in Ferrari red with camel leather interiors. The Ferrari 308 were used throughout the history of the show, and the models included the 308 GTS, the 308 GTSi and the 308 GTS Quattrovalvole."1997-2006 The Schumacher "The unforgettable F1 driven by legend Michael Schumacher in 2003. With the F2003-GA, Schumacher obtained 7 victories and drove the car to win both the Driver’s and the Constructor’s Championship."2007-2016 Plein Air Pleasure "The 2010 SA Aperta, was a limited edition roadster created to celebrate the 80 years of collaboration between Ferrari and Pininfarina. Its bright blue exterior and black and blue interiors perfectly express the joys of open-top driving and being at one with the sky."

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2016

Cadillac Reveals CT6 Plug-In Hybrid

Introducing the Cadillac CT6 Plug-In HybridIf you want the practicality of a hybrid with the luxury of a full-size sedan, Cadillac has your answer. The 2017 CT6 Hybrid is a warning shot fired across the bow of Tesla and the resurrected Karma. We spent a week with the V6 powered CT6 earlier this year, and it is undoubtedly their best offering since the demise of the Fleetwood in 1996. Since the trunk is large enough for several captive passengers they decided to use some of the space for an 18.4 kW battery pack.Tesla's Model S and Model X both offer a 100 kw battery so you might be quick to dismiss the Caddy as simply an imitator. But the secret is in the transmission. In the press release last week, A new electric variable transmission captures all the power of a 2.0-liter turbo four and sends it as needed to the rear axles. This novel approach is not unlike what Koenigsegg has pioneered on the Regera, but in a somewhat more affordable package. If your daily commute is not too demanding, having 30 miles of pure electric range will keep the gas stations in your rearview. Total combined output of the car is rated at 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque, and they made sure to tell us that 250 kw is more than any other hybrid (outside of Sweden).Our 2012 Fisker Karma is rated at a total range of 230 miles, but we have never been able to achieve such efficiency. It is also powered by the same 2.0 liter Chevrolet four, but that is a story for another day. Cadillac's advertised range of 400 miles to a tank is a shocker for the industry, so as soon as we get our hands on one, expect a thorough evaluation. Our leftover turkey supplies are now depleted, so stay with us for more automotive stuffing here on Autofluence regarding the Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid.CT6 For Sale Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid

By Andrew Nabors – November 23, 2016

Lighter, Faster, & Stronger: Lotus Unveils the Exige 380

If you have a need for a sporty 2-seater, Lotus has the car for you. The Exige S has had a V6 engine since 2012. Toyota supplies the 3.5-liter design which is a great match for the light & nimble aluminum chassis. But for those who want the ultimate in handling with a better power to weight ratio than almost anything on the road, the Exige 380 is an engineering marvel. Borrowing the supercharger from the Evora 400, the Exige 380 is the most powerful example to date. A smaller supercharger pulley spins the blower faster, forcing more boost into the intake. New exhaust is titanium from the engine, to tailpipes, and shaves 10 lbs of weight. Extensive use of carbon fiber along with a lithium battery makes for a dry weight of only 2,350 lbs. (Related - Lotus Evora 400 With Fan Inspired Livery) Let that sink in...Lotus is building a 375 hp car with 302 lb-ft of torque, and it weighs over 1,000 lbs less than your daily driver. This is made possible by staying true to their core beliefs. You won't find power steering, lane-keeping assist, or massaging seats. You will have a new six-speed manual transmission with an integrated oil cooler. It is controlled by a beautiful sequential shifter that is exposed on the center console. With more extensive use of carbon fiber in the body panels, these enhancements have shaved 55 lbs from the curb weight. Sixty mph arrives in 3.5 seconds on your way to a top speed of 178. Fuel mileage approaches 20 mpg for the six-speed and 21.1 for the automatic version. Pricing is expected to start just under $95,000, making it very competitive in the market for compact track cars. As soon as US availability is confirmed you will see it first here on Autofluence.

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By Edward Jones – November 22, 2016

New McLaren 570S Design Editions Created by Designers

Today, McLaren announced five exclusive 570S Design Editions that take the brand's customization to a whole new level.Each of these Design Edition were created by McLaren's own designers, which are the people who know these cars inside and out. In a press release from McLaren, they note that these cars take "the popular ‘By McLaren’ personalization themes a stage further with combinations of color, trim and finish that is guaranteed to showcase the Sports Series coupe at its stunning best."(Related - McLaren Officially Announces World's First Hyper-GT Car, F1 Successor) The example described in the press release is Design Edition 1. This edition has an exterior that has a Vermillion Red finish, five-spoke wheels with a diamond-cut finish, Stealth exhaust and red brake calipers. Inside is Carbon Black Alcantara, apex Red Nappa Leather seats, Jet Black Nappa Leather upper fascia, Apex Red Nappa Leather lower fascia, Slate Grey stitching, two-tone steering wheel and a branded leather sill finisher.However, if clients want to make their Design Edition even more customized, they are free to make any other choices and can add their own carbon fiber options. The other body colors of the Designed Editions include Onyx Black, Storm Grey, Ventura Orange and Silica White.All McLaren 570S For Sale

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