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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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 01, 2016

Bugatti Chiron and Vision GT Sold to this Guy for How Much?

When someone buys a supercar, we all get a little jealous and bask in their glory by drooling over the videos and Instagram posts of the vehicle. Especially when it's a Bugatti. But when someone acquires two Bugattis---one of which doesn't even have official specs released yet--- we start to wonder who this person is and how he (or she) accomplished such a feat.YouTube's effspot felt the same way when he noticed a Bugatti Chiron and Vision GT were sold to the same person so he set out to do a little research. First, he dug through social media to learn more about the buyer. Turns out said buyer seems to be the King of Saudi Arabia's grandson... well that explains how said buyer afforded such iconic supercars.(Related: Bugatti Chiron Revving Sounds Savage) Next, effspot found out the vehicles were sold directly by the manufacturer in a secret bid. So exactly how much did the Saudi Arabian king's grandson pay for the Chiron and Vision GT? Well, unfortunately, we still don't know. Effspot, through his research, was able to narrow it down though.Check the Specs on the Bugatti ChironHe asserts the vehicles could have cost anywhere from $5 million to a whopping $18 million. So the Bugatti Vision GT price is still a mystery.Other questions remain, though. Like, who exactly is the buyer? How did he acquire not just one, but two incredible vehicles without reportedly having a history of owning Bugattis? How did he beat out well-known collectors? Outbidding could definitely be one way. His status as Saudi royalty could be another. We may never know, but this is still an interesting insight into the world of collecting some of the rarest cars in the world.Check out the video below to learn more about how effspot put his detective skills to use and see the Chiron in action.Bugatti for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 01, 2016

Porsche Macan Turbo Gets Crazy Performance Package

Porsche's compact SUV, the Macan, has been making waves ever since its debut. As if the turbo wasn't enough, Porsche is now giving the powerhouse that is the Macan another performance lift by adding a performance package. With this package, the already competent SUV will see an increase of 40 horsepower from that of the Macan Turbo and a 0-60 speed at .4 seconds faster, putting the specs at an impressive 440 horsepower and a 4.4 second sprint for the 3.6-liter V6 engine. The engine isn't the only component that sees an upgrade with the Performance Package though. According to a press release, Macans equipped with the Performance Package will have the following standard features: A newly developed brake system A lowered body Controlled sport chassis Sport Chrono Package Sports exhaust system The Sport Chrono Package gives the SUV an additional edge thanks to Sport Mode. When enabled, this mode, "ensures the chassis, engine and transmission are tuned to sporty effect." And the low rumble from the exhaust that every car enthusiast loves to hear? It's also a byproduct of the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan with Performance Package includes a host of other customization options, which include the Turbo Exterior Package and the Turbo Interior Package. Each of these include options like 21-inch wheels and Alcantara elements. Pricing for the Macan with Performance Package starts at EUR 91,142.90 or $101,463.92 at the current exchange rate, and it is available for order now. Porsche Macans for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 30, 2016

Koenigsegg Agera RS "Naraya" Introduced, Gold and Diamond...

As the latest in Swedish supercars, the Agera RS is the European version of the US-spec Agera XS. To be formally unveiled at the upcoming Salon Privé Concours in Oxfordshire, this Agera RS will arrive with several custom features. The owner has named the car 'Naraya', and it can be found emblazoned in gold on the rear quarter panels. Providing a brilliant contrast against the blue tinted carbon fiber, 24k gold leaf was applied by hand before being buried under several protective clear coats.To see that color combination to its fruition, the cockpit is the first example of a blue tinted carbon fiber monocoque. Blue alcantara and gold piping compliment an 18k nameplate. No less than 155 diamonds can be found on the plate, a testament to the unlimited abilities of their artists. For power befitting such luxury the Koenigsegg V8 has been tuned to 1160 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. A seven speed dual clutch automatic sends power to an electronic differential equipped with their own stability and traction control systems. If you happen to be in England later this week, It will be on display alongside a blue tinted One:1, and Agera R at Blenheim Palace. Stay with us for the latest Koenigsegg news.View Koenigseggs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 29, 2016

Paul Newman's 1979 Porsche 935 Purchased by Adam Carolla

As a dominant force in the late 70's and early 80's, the Porsche 935 has a list of podium finishes over a mile long. Designed by Norbert Singer to compete on the world stage, crafty engineers found several loopholes in the rule book and built a legend. As the overall winner of Daytona and Sebring, this 1979 Porsche is among the most successful race cars we have ever seen. Our friends over at Rennlist.com pay close attention to factory race cars, and they discovered the identity of the new owner over the weekend. Adam Carolla has an eye for automotive investments, which is why he spent $4,840,000 at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction. As the host of his eponymous Adam Carolla Show, he has surpassed Ricky Gervais to have the most downloaded podcast in history. We ran into him last year along the Monterey waterfront and he told us he was in the market for something significant. Being the predecessor to such greats as the 959 and 911 GT2, this car is destined to appreciate. For provenance and complete history, head over to Gooding & Co. here.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 26, 2016

The Dubai Lifestyle: Insane Supercars and Lavish Luxury

Exotic animals, gorgeous views, amazing supercars, lavish parties and an insanely luxurious lifestyle are just a few of the things that come to mind when Dubai is mentioned. The gorgeous Middle Eastern region is so entangled with all things affluent, making it a hub for supercar fans and owners. In fact, the region is so ripe with high performance vehicles that its police force is equipped with its own supercar lineup. Pepper Yandell, and automotive photographer based out of Dallas, TX recently had the opportunity to take his work over to Dubai, and lucky for us, he documented his incredible trip to share with the world. Sportscars For SaleIf you've never experienced the Dubai lifestyle, let's just say it's something to put on the bucket list. For now though, you can check out the video below as Yandell treks across the U.A.E., Bharain and Oman. It's a visual compilation of everyday happenings in Dubai. Rare, amazing vehicles, vibrant parties, exotic animals and breathtaking views color every scene. Check it out below.

By Andrew Nabors – August 24, 2016

BMW i8 Convertible Spied at the Ring

Duct tape and prototype cars seem to be inseparable, so BMW has used the wonder adhesive to camouflage the new i8 convertible. Spotted by Gumbal at the annual Industrypool testing sessions, this new hybrid is ready for top-down cruising. Because the car is built around a one piece carbon fiber cockpit, significant reinforcements are needed to meet roll over crash safety requirements.(Related: BMW 2002 Hommage Debuts at Pebble Beach)While its unclear if this is a folding hardtop or simply a removable targa roof, this new model appears just as potent on the track. The i8 is powered by a rear-mounted 1.5L turbo three cylinder and an electric motor powers the front axles. Total output is 357 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, which outclasses almost every other plug-in hybrid. BMW has a knack for giving their chassis just the right amount of power. Capable of cruising on battery power for over 10 miles, i8 is a sensible choice for a daily driver. Stay with us for the formal unveiling in the near future.Search BMW i8 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 24, 2016

Man's Totaled Mazda Miata to be Restored for Free by Good...

The Louisiana flooding has been noted as the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in terms of damage and devastation. Videos have popped up all over the internet, documenting the wreckage, but one video has gone completely viral because of the work of the good Samaritans in it. Viewed over 4,000,000 times, the video shows a couple of men in a boat that work to save a woman and her dog from drowning in her Mazda Miata.The Miata, of course, is totaled, but Jalopnik recently learned that another good Samaritan, and self-proclaimed Miata fan, will be restoring the car for free. His name is Ethan Castille, and he's also a Louisiana resident and he's thankful he's been largely unaffected by the storms. Restoring the Miata is his way of giving thanks for his good fortune and doing his part to help those who have been affected.According to Jalopnik, the Miata belonged to a man by the name of Ashton Dronet Jr., and the driver was his ex-girlfriend. Castille reached out to Dronet and offered to fix the vehicle. Dronet, who lost his home as well, is retired and also disabled. He told Castille he didn't have the necessary funds to pay for a restoration, but Castille insisted on doing it free of charge. And just like that, faith in humanity is restored.Check out the full video of the rescue below.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 23, 2016

New Tesla Model S P100D is "Quickest Production Car in th...

It's no secret that Elon Musk and Tesla set out to prove electric and performance can, indeed, work hand in hand, and the latest information proves they succeeded. The Model S P100D, which features Ludicrous mode that allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 in a splintering 2.5 seconds, has been named the "third fastest accelerating production car ever produced." What's more, the Model S P100D is the only model in the top three that can still be purchased new.(Related: Electric Hypercar Crushes LaFerrari and Tesla Model S in Race)Holding the first and second slots are the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder, both of which were limited production models and no longer available new. The P100D option is available for those who have ordered the Model S but not yet taken delivery. It will cost buyers an additional $10,000. If you own a P90D Ludicrous Model S, it will cost $20,000 to updated, as they will have to recycle the old 90 kWh pack. What's more. Tesla will be released a Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode, while will accelerate the car from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.Along with their superior safety ratings, earth conscious electric motors and cult-fandom, this news gives Tesla yet another edge in the market.View All Teslas For Sale Related Video:

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 23, 2016

Revealed: Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beve...

Known for it's star-studded resident's roster, gorgeous sunsets and insanely beautiful people, impressing in Beverly Hills is a task in itself, but Rolls-Royce took on the challenge with their Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe- Beverly Hills Edition.On display for the first time at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills Edition Phantom Drophead Coupe features a stunning Orange Metallic finish capable of rivaling even the most pristine sunset. All four wheels are adorned with matching Orange Metallic wheel centers which encase the iconic Rolls-Royce emblem, and the interior features complementing black leather with hand-stitched leather contrasts in Mandarin and stunning polished Piano Black veneers to finish it off.(Related: Rolls-Royce Creates Bespoke Picnic Hamper for Phantom Zenith Collection) This stunning example is adorned with the luxury trimmings like hand-stitched Rolls-Royce emblems in the headrests and a specialty door sill marking its exclusivity. Many things won't turn a single head in Beverly Hills, but we're pretty sure this Phantom might just do the trick.Phantom Drophead Coupes for Sale

By Edward Jones – August 22, 2016

Lamborghini Veneno Owner Buys One-Off Koenigsegg Agera XS

Two years ago we were on-hand as Kris Singh took delivery of his new Lamborghini Veneno. Now, at The Quail Motorsports Gathering, Singh has taken delivery of the one-off Koenigsegg Agera XS. On his Instagram account, he posted multiple photos of his new Swedish hypercar. Finished in Karosserie Orange, this monster car is essentially an Agera RS that has been modified to drive on US roads. Powering it is a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that's mated to a CIMA seven-speed automatic transmission. https://www.instagram.com/p/BJQ8r7ODjma/?taken-by=lamborghiniks Instead of keeping the car cooped up at a show, Singh took the car out for some drives all around the Monterey area. The most exciting of his drives had to be the impromptu Koenigsegg rally that even included the new Regera. Check out the images below from his Instagram account to see more from last week's events. View All Koenigseggs For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BJZwVXNjYKT/?taken-by=lamborghiniks https://www.instagram.com/p/BJUBt2ajS-O/?taken-by=lamborghiniks https://www.instagram.com/p/BJTDSMwj2II/?taken-by=lamborghiniks https://www.instagram.com/p/BJRnSYLD5NZ/?taken-by=lamborghiniks https://www.instagram.com/p/BJV_REyjrqh/?taken-by=lamborghiniks

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