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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 – September 22, 2016

2016 Porsche 911 R For Sale

While it may be endangered, the manual transmission is not going extinct any time soon. You can't deny the abilities of the GT3 RS, but automatic transmissions make for a very different driving experience. So, Porsche is giving the 991 series a proper send-off by taking the 500 horsepower, naturally aspirated 4.0 liter, and bolting it to a seven-speed manual. The 2016 Porsche 911 R is the featherweight car of your dreams. A magnesium roof along with carbon fiber body panels keep the curb weight at 3,021 lbs. Dual mass flywheels are a plague that kills performance. The 911 R arrives with a traditional single mass wheel and a heavy-duty pressure plate. The low slung body is essentially the same as the GT3 so the front axle lift will keep the spoiler from scraping. Also adopted from the GT3 is the trick rear-wheel steering system. They turn opposite of the fronts at slow speeds for the ultimate in cornering grip. Only 991 examples were produced so don't let the opportunity pass you by. Contact Exotic Eurocars at 866-979-1303 or click the link below.

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2016

Revealed: 2017 Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman Guard

If you need to leave the embassy, do so in style. Diplomats of the world rejoice! Mercedes-Maybach has revealed their latest armored sedan. The 2017 S 600 Pullman Guard was developed alongside the production Pullman limousine in order to offer the same level of luxury on both models. This year is the 50th anniversary of the original Mercedes Pullman, one of the most luxurious (and over engineered) limos ever built. Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman GuardThe Pullman name comes from the days of railroad travel when passengers demanded Pullman sleeping cars because of the smooth ride. With concrete floors and cast iron construction, they were 93 tons of luxury. The new S 600 Pullman Guard is only 5.6 tons, but it has the latest in armor. The VR9 rating means every component is capable of surviving the latest in IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades. Needless to say, it doesn't have any issues with small arms fire. Opening the heavy doors is made effortless with assistance from electric motors. If you want to order drive-thru, the windows are hydraulic.Inside you will find all the luxuries to be expected from Mercedes-Maybach. Reclining seats have calf supports, and the glass partition between the cockpit is electrochromatic. The same technology as the SL's magic sky control, it changes from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. An intercom and loudspeaker will allow you to communicate with the outside, until the twin turbo V12 whisks you to safety. The same powertrain found in the production S 600, it makes 530 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. It has an emergency starter battery along with other redundant systems to ensure you reach your destination.Pricing will start at 1.4 million euros which includes Germany's 19% VAT. These cars are built to order so check with your local dealer for more information. In the meantime our dealers have the normal S 600 in stock, so check them out in the link below. Mercedes Maybach S 600 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 22, 2016

Revealed: New Entry-Level Ferrari GTC4Lusso T

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso was met with wide acclaim when it was released by Ferrari earlier this year. In fact, the new four-seater was so popular, Ferrari created an online configurator for the vehicle, which was used widely by potential buyers and brand fans alike. The Italian car maker is riding on the curtails of success and has announced the release of the GTC4Lusso T-- a four-seater more tailored to performance driving and versatility.(Related - Velocity Motorcars Ferrari Collection For Sale)The new GTC4Lusso T will come equipped with a 3.9-liter V8 turbo capable of 601 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari asserts the V8 engine turbo will keep in line with Ferrari standards, offering drivers the ultimate in performance, acceleration, responsiveness and driving experience. In fact, the engine was already awarded the "International Engine of the Year 2016" award.Ferrari For SaleThe new four-seater will also come equipped with rear-wheel drive, which will save weight while simultaneously providing an, "extremely nimble, responsive drive." At this time, Ferrari hasn't released sale date or price information.View All Ferrari FF For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 22, 2016

Revealed: 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman

A passion for racing runs deep within the MINI brand, and the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman provides a whole new experience. Combining the best of racing dynamics and daily driving comfort, the new MINI model is considered the first of its kind. This sleek and impressive design is efficient and practical for everyday use while still maintaining a fun, performance centered driving experience.The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman features the, "first ever combination of the current 2.0-litre petrol engine developed for John Cooper Works models with the new generation of the all-wheel drive system ALL4; 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology." This engine option puts out 231 horsepower, which is 39 horsepower higher than that of the MINI Cooper S Clubman. Additionally, the new model is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. Prospective buyers have the option if an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission if they so choose.Traction optimization is provided through the all-wheel drive, which makes for an enhanced driving experience, giving the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman the ability to smoothly power through corners and turns. Aerodynamics are at their best with Air Curtains and Air Breathers specific to the John Cooper Works designOne wouldn't consider the MINI a hub for comfort and space, but this model features five full seats and a storage compartment, setting it at the intersection of fun driving and practicality. Additionally, the model is equipped with the most up-to-date technology enhancements like toggle switches and a 6.5-inch color display and driver assistance programs, and the interior embodies a sporty, yet efficient vibe. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman offers prospective buyers the best of MINI and the best of racing. Release date and price information have not been confirmed, but we'll make sure to provide updates as they come available.

Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse All-Terrain (S213), 2016

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 21, 2016

Revealed: Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz teased the masses with a video of the all-new E-Class All-Terrain. Today, they're giving the full scope with a detailed and informative press release. Straight from the company, this says it all:From unpaved tracks to rock climbing or steep serpentine roads to a snow-bound ski lodge – the new E‑Class All‑T errain takes routes where conventional estates often have to give up effortlessly in its stride thanks to greater ground clearance with large wheels and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as a standard feature. And it also cuts a fine figure thanks to its striking look with powerful flared wheel arches and SUV radiator grille.Embodying luxury and innovation, the new E-Class All-Terrain offers incredible performance, a one-of-a-kind driving experience and an abundance of safety features packaged in a handsome body style and plush interior.The E-Class All Terrain will be equipped with a four-cylinder in-line diesel engine. A six-cylinder diesel engine will be available as a variant down the road. The E 220 d 4MATIC vehicle will include a 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and standard DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers five different driving modes to choose from. The E-Class All-Terrain is capable of 0-60 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph. Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 21, 2016

Bentley Introduces Diesel Bentayga

First, Bentley set the bar when they introduced their first SUV: the Bentayga. Then, they defied odds with the 2016 Bentayga's specs: 600 horsepower. Two stellar engine options: 6.0-liter W12 or 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. A 0-60 sprint in 4 seconds flat. Now, they are making headway again by offering the Bentayga in diesel.The Bentayga Diesel marks a new precedent for the brand, as this is Bentley's first diesel model to be offered. Bentley is describing the new Bentayga Diesel as, "the world's fastest and most powerful luxury diesel SUV," and the specs are impressive. Equipped with a, "technologically advanced, triple-charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine," the SUV is capable of 429 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 sprint in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. The technologically advanced model is the most environmentally friendly of the Bentley brand with the lowest CO2 emissions of any model.(Related - Bentley Introduces 200+ MPH Flying Spur W12 S) These modifications do not take away from the modern British luxury Bentley is known for, though. The Bentayga Diesel still offers a smooth, dynamic driving experience. Additionally, the diesel edition still offers the iconic luxury interior that defines Bentley, offering a mixture of high-quality wood veneers and innovative metal finishes. Technology is in abundance as well with a touch screen, eight-inch infotainment system in the dash and removable Android tablets for the rear passengers. The Bentayga Diesel will also offer customers an array of sound system options.The new model will be available in early 2017 in Europe and then make its way to Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan during the remainder of the year. At this time, no U.S. release information has been provided. View Bentley Bentayga For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 20, 2016

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain Teaser Alert!

It wasn't much, but today, Mercedes-Benz provided a preview of the new E-Class All Terrain form of a YouTube video. The teaser video provided a brief look at the front grille, all-terrain feature, wheels and side panels. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz let viewers know the new E-Class will be on display at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, which is right around the corner.Check out the teaser video below. What are you looking forward to in regard to the new model? Mercedes-Benz E-Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2016

First Footage of the New Toyota Supra

Fans of the Toyota Supra have long been waiting for a successor and...it's finally happening. The new 2018-2019 Supra will be a created by the hands of both BMW and Toyota, and will be based around the Z5.(Related - Toyota Unveils Two New FT-1 Concepts)Up until now, things have been relatively quiet regarding the car, but a camo'd car at the BMW M Test Center at Nurburgring has broken the silence. YouTuber SupraMKV.com captured this test car and says that it's the upcoming Supra model. From the looks of it, that assumption is correct.What do you guys think about the revival of the Supra? Is it too late or is it never too late for a new Supra. I personally think it's never too late, because...come on...it's the Supra.

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2016

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Will Have AWD

It seems as if the world's premier automakers are locked into a cage match for dominance in luxury sedans. The resurgence of Alfa Romeo in the US may have begun with the 4C, but the Giulia is what we have been waiting for. In order to hit the ground running the Giulia was launched with a 2.9L twin turbo V6 in the Quadrifoglio. But if you don't need a 505 hp Ferrari engine a new mid-level model will be unveiled at the Paris International Auto Show.(Related - First Top Gear Chris Harris Review: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio)The Giulia Veloce will debut with a new turbocharged four cylinder engine along with the latest in Q4 all wheel drive. An electronic center differential will keep all the power at the rear with the ability to send 60% north at an instant. The new 2.0 liter delivers 280 hp and 295 lb-ft to an eight speed automatic transmission. To distinguish the Veloce from lesser models it will arrive with distinct front and rear bumpers along with a new rear extractor. The show model will has been finished in Blue Misano with optional 19" 5-hole wheels. The press release mentions it will be unveiled alongside Veloce editions of the Giulietta and the Mito. The show begins on Thursday the 29th, so stay with us for complete coverage of the event. Alfa Romeo 4C For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 20, 2016

Audi's New Paint Shop is Efficient, Sustainable and Opera...

Back in April 2014, Audi started construction on a 129,000 sq-ft painting facility at their plant in Ingolstadt. The massive building officially opened for operation Tuesday, Sept 20. One of the most earth-friendly plant operations in the world, the new shop uses a combination of "air recirculation, dry separation and exhaust air cleaning," according to a company press release. This, combined with highly efficient workspaces and robot operation means painting each car amounts to 20 percent less in energy consumption.(Also Check Out - Revealed: 2017 Audi TT RS Coupé and Audi TT RS Roadster)Also notable are the employees. The new facility will operate with around 200 employees, all of which are provided ergonomic workspaces. These 200-something employees are joined by a fleet of robots, 98 of the to be exact. The robots will be responsible for painting, cleaning and handling. This equates to nearly one-third of the workforce being automated in the facility.Massive and highly efficient, the painting plant has the ability to paint upwards of 900 cars per day across three floors. With this highly efficient addition to an already futuristic plant, Audi is further cementing their commitment to building the factories of tomorrow. View All Audi For Sale Finish – inspection of the painted car body by an employee’s trained eye

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