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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 – January 26, 2021

Jaguar Land Rover Looks To Composites For An Electric Future

Bearing the weight of a classic 4WD is more than batteries can handle, so Jaguar Land Rover is looking to composites for an electric future. Their latest press release highlights the advantages of incorporating carbon fiber as the backbone of their chassis. The U.K. has allocated £22m for the Tucana Project. Led by Jaguar Land Rover, the goal is to create 1,500 new jobs and lower the nation's CO2 output by 2.5 million tons. Internal aspirations have JLR engineers looking to increase chassis stiffness by 30% while losing 77 lbs. Click the button below to see what keeps them ahead of everyone else. Jaguar For Sale Land Rover For Sale You need a challenge, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Offers Unprecedented Abilities Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

2021 Brabus B45 Packs A Big Punch

Never judge a book by its cover. The 2021 Brabus B45 packs a big punch in the world of compact luxury. After years of successful upgrades to the Mercedes-AMG four-cylinder engine, you will have 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. Based on the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, keeping the body mostly stock makes it a true sleeper. Their forged monoblock 20" wheels are lighter than stock, and they look perfect given the 1.2" drop of the adjustable coil-overs. Consistent runs to 62 mph only take 3.7 seconds, this is deep into supercar territory! All parts meet strict TUV certifications, and the car is backed by a 3 year/62k warranty. Click the button to order yours! Browse BRABUS For Sale Did you see our December Issue? It was a BRABUS double-header! Images (C) BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

Lamborghini Earns "Top Employer Italy 2021"

Building the world's most respected cars along with keeping a healthy workforce is how Lamborghini has earned "Top Employer Italy 2021". For the 8th consecutive year, Top Employers Institute considered how the brand quickly adapted to unforeseen changes while maintaining incredible quality control. All staff received 80 extra hours of Holiday Pay, which could be converted into a nice vacation. The company's wellness program "LamboFIT" was streamed to remote workers while the factory shifted gears to produce protective gear. Your local Lamborghini dealer has the fruit of their efforts, so click the button to find yours! Lamborghini For Sale For a complete synopsis of the year, Lamborghini's Fast Financials show strong successes Images (C) Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2021

164-Foot Heesen Project Sapphire Hull and Superstructure ...

Heesen Yachts has announced they have joined the hull and superstructure of YN 19850, also known as Project Sapphire. This 50-meter (164-foot) superyacht, 5000 Aluminum Class had its shape created by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. While we may see just the barebones of the yacht in these new images from Heesen, the finished vessel will host a myriad of amenities. This includes the expansive sun deck, bridge deck's aft terrace, full-height tender garage, and an interior designed by Cristiano Gatto. In total, twelve guests can rest comfortably in the four suites on the lower deck while a master stateroom resides forward on the main deck. Expect delivery of Project Sapphire to occur in June 2022. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of our latest boat and yacht news. Source: Heesen Yachts, Facebook

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

Lotus Announces New Lineup

Every new Lotus for sale is generally a decade ahead of their competitors. So, in order for the brand to lead the way in light & nimble sports cars, Lotus has announced a new lineup. A press release this morning confirms this will be the final model year for the Exige, Evora, and Elise. This trio will ride into the sunset as the first part of their Vision80 strategy. Next, they will move major component assembly to Norwich as the Hethel headquarters undergoes a £100-million-plus makeover. This will allow for their electric future along for what we're really waiting for: the Evija. Click the button below to experience the best handling cars on the market. Also, did you see the latest Lotus Evija teasers? Browse Lotus For Sale Image (C) Lotus Cars

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

Replica Cars Win Big Thanks To Relaxed Federal Laws

As the nation prepares to inaugurate a new President, Capitol Hill has allowed replica cars to win big thanks to relaxed federal laws. The Supreme Court has wasted decades fighting small businesses on behalf of auto manufacturers. It all culminated by the aftermarket suing the Federal Government. Legislators realized that their laws from 1967 were antiquated, to say the least. Now, the smaller shops can build 325 cars a year, as long as the original is 25 years or older. Replica Ferrari SF1000 Being Auctioned by RM Sotheby’s From here on, interior resemblances don't matter, and exterior changes can be up to 10% different than the original car it's based on. So here's to a Ferrari 250 from Manhattan Motorcars, new Eleanor Mustang from Fusion Luxury Motors, big-blocks from Backdraft, incredible 4WDs from Icon, aluminum supercars from Fii, and 1963 Corvette Grand Sports from Superformance. Tell us your favorite replica in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

2021 Hennessey Mammoth 1000 Is The Ultimate Ram TRX

• 1,012 bhp• 969 lb-ft torque The first production vehicle from Hennessey Performance was a Dodge, and after a few decades, the team has released another beast. With 1,012 horsepower and 969 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 Hennessey Mammoth 1000 is the ultimate Ram TRX. Working as a Tier-1 supplier to Fiat-Chrysler has its perks. Post Malone Gets Massive Hennessey VelociRaptor 6×6 for Christmas For starters, they received one of the first production examples of the new Hellcat-powered pickup. Starting with their own 2.65-liter supercharger, extensive tuning at their quarter-mile track and on the street has yielded an increase of 310 horsepower and 319 lb-ft over the factory ratings. • 0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds• 1/4 mile: 11.4 seconds @ 120 mph Due to the comprehensive nature of each build, only 200 examples will be offered. Each will arrive with a 2.5" lift, 35" tires, and their iconic 20" wheels. The rocker panel steps and tonneau cover are powered, and their full-length stainless exhaust sings a menacing melody. Including delivery, all you need to offer is $135,350- making it one of the most affordable ways to reach 1,012 horsepower. The 2-year/24k warranty is a testament to their build quality, so click the button for all the details. RAM TRX FOR SALE Image (C) Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Tire Sizes Explained

Summer is just around the corner, and cornering is essential to all of us. To make sure you are getting the most from your rubber, here are the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 tire sizes explained. While lesser automakers will take advantage of tire technology, BMW's M Division has pushed tire makers back to the drawing board. 2021 BMW M3 & M4 Cooling System Explained Thanks to the quick response of the differential, the new M3 and M4 are offered with 275mm-wide front tires. The rears are only 10mm wider, with diameters staggered by an inch. Much like the performance increases and weight cuts, improvements to the contact patch offers incredible driving dynamics. Imagine the crisp turn-in at your fingertips, then click the button below for the ultimate driving machine. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Browse BMW M4 For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) BMW.com

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

What Makes The Bentley V8 So Amazing?

Because it can be found across four brands and a dozen models, lets see what makes the Bentley V8 so amazing. Their latest press release dives deep into racing and gearhead technology, so we have distilled the finer points of this smooth operator. 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8 Wins Luxury SUV Of The Year With a vision for the future, Audi and Bentley worked together for a clean-sheet design in 2011. By reversing the cylinder heads, the turbos are inside the valley. This allows them to spool instantly, and lowers dirty exhaust when warming up. Computer-controlled wastegates and dual-scroll turbines allow it to offer 568 lb-ft of torque at only 2,000 rpm. 2021 Bentley Continental GT V8 Convertible vs W12 Coupe Easily capable of 700 horsepower, it is safely tuned to 641 in the new Lamborghini Urus. It can also be found in the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne. Audi offers several flavors in the SQ7, SQ8, A8, S8, and Bentley fields it in the Bentayga V8 and Continental GT V8. The cylinders are lined in steel for decades of life, so you can't go wrong with any of these fine automobiles. Stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Bentley V8 For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2021

Rolls-Royce Inspiring Greatness Episode 12: Charlie Siem

Fancy fiddling is difficult to say the least. Being able to master the violin means having the ability to appreciate every aspect of design and quality, so the new Rolls-Royce Inspiring Greatness Episode features Charlie Siem. Conor McGregor Shows Off His New Rolls-Royce And Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Seeking perfection in the world around him, a new Rolls-Royce Wraith for sale offers a respite from the performing arts. The attributes of polished metal and wood evoke the same old-world quality as a stringed instrument. In fact, Rolls-Royce tunes their chassis to resonate above where humans can perceive it, an expensive engineering process so expensive that it is normally reserved for aerospace applications. What it translates to is a quiet and comfortable experience, and inspiring your greatness to be shared with the world. Browse Rolls-Royce Wraith For Sale In case you missed, Episode 11 is just as insightful " width="680">

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