Articles

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 – December 10, 2019

Hennessey Maximus Screams 1,000 Horsepower on the Dyno

You might find this hard to believe, but citizens of Rome had twisted notions of entertainment. We don't know who would pay to see a Gladiator meet his end, but many like to see their strength on display. If you are reading this, the notion of going into battle with a V6 will make you think twice, that's why our friends in Texas have built the ultimate weapon. Watch and listen as the Hennessey Maximus screams to 1,000 horsepower on the dyno. Although strapped to the rollers, no Jeeps were harmed in filming this video. Instead, their Demon hearts were treated to a proper baseline tune while the rings and valves were broken in. That is just one way Hennessey Performance beats their competition. Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator After a proper street tune (including a jump on Interstate 10), each build is given fresh Pennzoil Synthetic and a MOPAR oil filter along with a full tank of Shell Premium. Are you not entertained? There will be thousands of Gladiators, but only 24 examples of the Maximus. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your Hennessey updates. Click Here To Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

Hennessey Performance Unveils Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator

So you like Jeeps, trucks, and HEMI power. Many of these are relevant to our interests also, but this trifecta has been unattainable until now. It takes serious time and effort to stuff a V8 into the new JL chassis, so that is why Hennessey Performance has unveiled the Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator. A formal reveal will take place at SEMA, so allow us to give you a quick preview. Named for the famous Roman Gladiator, Maximus has enough power to tear down the Coliseum. Starting with Hennessey 8-lug wheels and BFG tires, you will be riding on Dana 60 axles with 4.88 gears. KING off-road supplies the 6" suspension lift along with new aluminum driveshafts. They are attached to an 8-speed automatic transmission with hardened internals and a beefy transfer case. Why is all of this necessary? Because the heart of a Hellcat is under the hood. MOPAR supplies a new Hellcat 6.2L V8, then it is treated to more boost, stainless exhaust, and a tune for 93 octane Shell premium. The result is 933 lb-ft of torque and 1,000 horsepower. Mr. Hennessey is quoted as saying: "Our MAXIMUS JEEP with 1000 HP is pure ridiculousness on 4-wheels. What other vehicle can climb to the top of Aspen Mountain with a KTM dirt bike in the back in the morning and then run 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds at the dragstrip later the same day?” Other included goodies include a Hennessey leather interior, powered running boards, fabricated front & rear bumpers, wide fenders, and a litany of LED illumination. Due to the extensive list of unique parts required, only 24 examples will be produced. Each one will arrive fully loaded for $225,000. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for live coverage from the SEMA show next week. Learn More " width="680"> Related: Hear the Extreme Growl of a Hennessey 2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE Hennessey McLaren 600LT vs Stock 720S

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2018

Starwood Unveils the JL Bandit

Jeep has a lot riding on the 2019 Wrangler, literally. The new JL platform is the basis for one of Fiat-Chrysler's most popular models, and it has forced the aftermarket to develop a new line of parts & accessories. Our friends at Starwood Motors have been hard at work adapting their methods and fabrications to fit the new JL chassis, and their latest builds are now on the World Stage. The first JL Bandit pickup starts with 8-lug Method Race bead-lock wheels. They are wrapped in BFG Baja T/A rubber and bolted to 1-ton Dynatrac axles. Starwood and WFO Concepts partnered to develop a 4-corner long arm suspension. Rigid Industries LED lights can be seen atop the windshield, and built into the BodyGuard fabricated bumpers. Under the hood is a new SRT8 6.4-liter Hemi backed by an automatic transmission. The Ubiquitous Jeep touchscreen has been replaced by a gorgeous Alpine infotainment system. The amps and subs are hidden to give you more room to haul your gear. Behind the rear seats is a bed of laser-cut steel. The new Bandit has the ability to haul anything you need, and thanks to Starwood's proprietary body coating it will be rust free for years. No detail was overlooked, as BodyGuard also added rock sliders that are integrated as chassis stiffeners. These matte black running boards have mounts sandwiched between the body bushings, the improvement in ride quality is worth much more than a fancy step bar. Other BodyGuard accessories are seen in on the cowl around the wipers, and in the Warn winch inside the front bumper. Of course, Starwood builds each example to order, so stop by BodyGuard's booth (#35221) at SEMA for all the details on the new JL Bandit. Click the link below to see their inventory and stay with us for all your Starwood news.View Starwood Motors Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – March 21, 2018

Jeep & Mopar Unveil 7 Jeep Concepts for Moab

If your JK series Jeep Wrangler doesn't inspire you anymore, get ready for this year's Easter Jeep Safari. For the 52nd year, Jeepers have made a pilgrimage to Moab, Utah to tackle some of the toughest terrains on earth.Our friends at Bruiser Conversions will be there with the world's first LS-swapped Wrangler JL (that's 2018 in non-Jeep-speak), and they won't be alone. Just like years before, Jeep is teaming up with FCA's Mopar performance division to bring seven new concepts to the event. In a press release earlier today, Jeep's brand manager Mike Manley had this to say "Pushing the limit is something the Jeep brand is no stranger to and these seven new, exciting and capable concept vehicles are the latest example of that. Every year, we look forward to introducing new concept vehicles and ideas to our enthusiasts. The Moab Easter Jeep Safari presents a unique and perfect opportunity to collect valuable insight from our most loyal customers.”Each of the seven has its own target audience, so let's look at each one briefly:4SPEED This carbon fiber wrangler introduces the new 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder. A raked windshield and large door openings offer an aggressive style. The body is 22 inches shorter and yet it rides on stock suspension. This offers incredible approach and departure angles, nothing is getting in its way. The short & light body has Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears, and 35" BFG Mud Terrain tires. It is so much lighter than a normal 2-door, the ride height is 2" higher than normal.Sandstorm If Baja is calling you, the Sandstorm is ready to head south of the border. We had an opportunity to drive over 80 miles on the Baja trail with our friends at Wide Open Baja, and it demands the very best in parts and power. Starting with tubular bumpers front and rear, the Sandstorm rides on a 2" longer wheelbase. This was accomplished with a new 4-link rear suspension with 18" of travel. Remote reservoir shocks at all corners allow the front to have 14" of movement, which is perfect for airborne situations. Dynatrac 60 axles are packed with 5.68 gears and 39.5" BFG Krawler tires. Under the vented carbon fiber hood is the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 and a six-speed manual transmission.B-Ute Not all Jeeps are Wranglers, and this 'Roided Renegade packs an entire catalog of upgrades. The B-Ute has a 1.5" lift kit to fit 17" wheels and fit BFG Baja Champion tires. Everything from the roof rack to the MOLLE packs on the front seat backs is available from your local Jeep parts department.Wagoneer Roadtrip We've been hearing rumors about the return of the Wagoneer, so let hope this makes it to production. Starting with a pristine original example, the wheelbase is 5" longer and the fender flares make it 4" wider. The original C-channel frame was fully boxed and gusseted to make it better than the original. Riding on 17" steel wheels and Dana 44 axles, the floor is coated in bed liner and the original seats are covered on Oxblood leather. Also included is a cooler made from vintage luggage and a toolbox that was once a valve cover from a Tornado straight six engine. Instead of that anemic OHC design, this Wagoneer has a 5.7 liter Hemi and 4-speed automatic transmission.Nacho Jeep Say Cheese, because this tasty Nacho Yellow machine is equipped with almost everything from the Jeep Performance Parts division. The bulging hood has inlets for the cold-air intake, and the satin black trim adds nice contrasts on the grille and Rubicon bumpers. The integrated Warn winch will get you out of danger, and auxiliary LED lights will guide your path. They are found on the A-pillars and brush guard, and even along the upper edge of the windshield. This header bar is sealed to the glass to make sure the light points ahead, and not inside. It has a 2" suspension lift, 37" tires, and the 2.0-liter turbo four.Jeepster This one was inspired by the 1966 Jeepster, and it features a concept hardtop along with a raked windshield. Under the white top is a roll cage that takes the place of the sport bar. The two-tone exterior is complemented by black Katzskin leather with red contrast stitching. Moving the spare tire inside to the bed allows for custom storage bins on the tailgate along with a rock step for easy entry.J-Wagon What began as a new Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is painted Warm Neutral Grey with the fancy Brass Monkey package inside and out. There is something traditional about the brass hues on the wheels and throughout the interior, its almost calming in a way. Ment to embody the premium Jeep buyer, it is equally at home in the city or on the trails. Willy's logos are hidden like Easter eggs around this model, and it rides on 35" KM3 BFG tires.Browse Jeep Wranglers For SaleTell us which one you would pick in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Jeep news.

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2017

Jeep Reveals Hellcat-Powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Popular culture wants us to believe that everyone needs a crossover. These unsightly boxes have put a dent into the SUV market, which has made the big automakers go to extremes to keep them viable. This is where the Super SUVs have gained a cult following. Jeep has a history of building powerful Grand Cherokees. The latest example was just revealed at the New York Auto Show, and it packs serious power into a potent chassis.Challenger Hellcat For SaleThe first super Jeep was the 5.9-liter Limited Edition in 1998. It used a modernized version of the Chrysler 360 small block to send 345 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Next up was the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee which packed the 6.1 liters Hemi from 2006 to 2010. They are coveted by collectors because of launch control along with 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. When the Hellcat arrived with 707 horsepower, Jeepers began asking how they could get in on the fun. The usual response would be a "sorry, not sorry" from the engineers because of fuel economy standards, but SRT chose to build something wild.Jeep's 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will arrive with the Hellcat power and 645 lb-ft of torque. The press release also mentions the cast iron block is cooled by a water jacket around the cylinders-- what a groundbreaking innovation! Stuffing a monster motor into a stock Jeep is a recipe for destruction, so the eight-speed automatic transmission was beefed up along with the transfer case and axles. Launch control returns, but now it has an ace in the hole. A new torque reserve system builds boost by killing half the cylinders and leaving the supercharger wide open. Much like a two-step used in drag racing, it allows the engine to launch at full boost.To make sure it stays cool, the fog lights were deleted to direct more air at the radiators. Trackhawk rides one inch lower on Bilstein adaptive suspension. Brembo brakes are the largest ever (13.78") offered on a Jeep to provide a 60-0 of only 114 feet. Gloss black accents in the headlights and rear diffuser offer a menacing appearance, and the quad tip exhaust will be heard for miles. The only response from the competition was Chevrolet announcing the Escalade's 6.2 will be offered in the Tahoe, but it will need a Z06 transplant to even be in the same ballpark. If you want a beastly Jeep, our dealers will have all the info. Stay with us for more Mopar news and coverage of the NY Auto Show.View All Jeep News, Articles and Videos

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2017

Jeep & Mopar To Unveil Concepts at Moab for Easter Safari

Jeepers have been gathering at Moab to celebrate Easter for 51 years. Since it is one of the hardest off-road trails in the world, it has been a rite of passage for 4WD enthusiasts. Fiat-Chrysler's accessories division (Mopar) has been offering performance upgrades for Jeep since Chrysler acquired American Motors in 1987. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the first Grand Cherokee, the 1993 ZJ. While not really a concept, the Jeep Grand One is a modern take on a classic 93 model. Powered by the timeless 318 Magnum. Wearing 33" BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires on 18" wheels, it has a 2" suspension lift and a longer wheelbase. Inside the carpet was replaced with bed liner, along with a 90's era interior. Jeep® Grand One ConceptUp next is the Jeep Safari. Loosely based on a 4 door Wrangler, it makes use of translucent panels for a see-thru experience. On top is a dual level aluminum safari rack. It has a launchpad for an integrated drone so you can see the action Equipped with ARB air lockers, the right fender vent has a pressure gauge and two air hose ports. Dana 44 axles front and rear along with a shortened body will allow the Safari to tackle steep approach and descent angles.The normal 3.6 liter V6 and automatic transmission are factory-spec. Jeep® Safari ConceptIf you enjoy acceleration, the Jeep Quicksand packs a 392 Crate Hemi with hillborn style fuel injection. With velocity stacks just ahead of the firewall it will rev instantly and probably incinerate a few mosquitoes. It rides on a longer wheelbase with a custom raked windshield frame and staggered tires. A Warn winch is hidden inside the front Moon tank, probably the neatest install we have seen. Jeep® Quicksand ConceptIf you don't need Hemi power, the Jeep Trailpass is a sporty take on the new Compass. It uses a 1.5" lift to fit 18" two-tone wheels and BFG tires. Gloss black exterior accents compliment a Mopar/Thule roof rack. Unique graphics and all weather floor mats are perfect for an active lifestyle. Jeep® Trailpass ConceptSaving the best for last, the CJ66 is how I would build the ultimate Jeep. Starting with a TJ frame, it sports one of the snazziest bodies in Wrangler history. The 1966 Tuxedo Park was a luxury Jeep CJ-6 with interior upgrades and chrome hardware all around the exterior. Under the hood is a Mopar 5.7 Hemi rated at 383 hp bolted to a six-speed manual. Mopar 10th anniversary Rubicon bumpers and Viper seats are just a few of the finer details. Be sure to check out Jeep's YouTube page for coverage of the event, and stay with us for more Jeep news.

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe