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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 – June 26, 2020

Bentley Mulsanne Production Ends With a Spectacular Last ...

Almost everything about luxury cars has changed over the past 11 years. We can't argue with the quality or technology that VW has infused into Bentley, and it was honorable to leave the Mulsanne and its dedicated coachbuilders alone. The Mulsanne has nothing in common with any other Bentley. The chassis, suspension, safety features, and electronics have been updated as far as possible, so there is no logical way to bring the old Lady into the modern era. Bentley Mulsanne Speed Specs, Price, Photos & Review The 6.75-liter V8 sat between frame rails that were thicker and stronger than railroad track. Every part of the car was made by hand, then assembled in a delicate fashion. This allows every Mulsanne to offer quality and luxury in even the smallest details. It was the perfect nemesis for the Rolls-Royce Phantom's 7th generation, who we bid farewell in 2017. All good things must come to an end, so the final car is a Mulsanne Speed 6.75 Edition by Mulliner. Finished in Rose Gold over Tungsten, it was ordered by a collector in the U.S. It will arrive with 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, along with several custom features from the Mulliner depertment. Like all greats, the Mulsanne has gone out at the top of its game, with a legacy of over 7,300 cars to its credit. Collectors are scrambling to get their hands on the final examples, so click the link below before they are gone forever. Browse Bentley Mulsanne For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Bowers & Wilkins Debuts the 700 Series Signature

While power is a major factor when comparing cars, efficiency and clarity are what drives the home theater market. Bowers & Wilkins launched the 700 Series back in 2017 as a medium-priced alternative to their flagship 800 Series. With over 50 years of audio engineering behind them, the 705 is pedestal mounted while the 702 is a more conventional floor-standing model. Due to their popularity, the 700 spawned six variants in three colors, and they remain the backbone of their lineup. But for those of us who demand something more, the 700 Signature Series retains its outer shape, but the internals are all new. The body is made of Datuk Ebony with several coats of lacquer before being sanded to a mirror shine. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time Stating at the top, their iconic tweeters are machined from a solid block of aluminum alloy. This propreitary shape cancels out any resonances to deliver high frequency response unlike anything you have experienced before. Next we have the midrange. It must offer incredible response at frequencies that overlap the tweeter and the woofers. As such, it is another unique & brilliant design. The Continuum Cone is an improved version of what's found in the 800 Series Diamond. Mounted on a forged bracket to the back of the cabinet, the cone and driver are free-floating (Decoupled). This prevents harmonic interference between the tweeter and the woofers. Finally, it is time to get low. For perfect bass, the cone has a unique cross-section. The "Aerofoil Profile" uses the same aerodynamic principles found in supersonic aircraft wings to project low-frequency sound accurately. The supports are sand cast as one-piece to insure their 2nd and 3rd order harmonics are far above any signal the speakers will ever receive. The best part about these, you have three of them in each cabinet! Rated to handle 300 watts at 8 ohms, you will have a frequency range of 28 to 33 kHz. They also state the frequency response is only +/- 3dB between 46 and 28 kHz. A rear-firing band pass is tuned to maximize the low-frequency power, so now it is time to retire your amplifier to unleash Bowers & Wilkins latest achievement. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your home audio news. Learn More

Alfa Romeo 8C outside the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Alfa Romeo Celebrates 110th Anniversary

Today marks eleven decades of Alfa Romeo, so it is time for a big celebration. It started yesterday morning with a 1-hour documentary uploaded to YouTube. Their next move was to open the museum to the public. Over 150 cars from all eras are placed among countless trophies and championship history. A new exhibit "Alfa Romeo in Uniform" is dedicated to Italy's law enforcement officers. They have been provided with the fastest and most stylish police cars the world has ever seen. Looking to the future, the GTA badge will be spread across their lineup. Inspired by the 1965 "Gran Turismo Alleggerita", their goal is offer more power and less weight for the ultimate combination of luxury and performance. Six videos have been produced to offer a virtual tour of the museum since quarantine is looming on the horizon. Here is a synopsis of the series An introduction, offering a panoramic view of the museum The Timeline concept, describing the brand’s industrial continuity The Beauty area, combining style, design and lifestyle The Speed section, a summation of technology, competitive spirit and driving pleasure An exclusive view of the Storage area, featuring a collection of vehicles and artifacts previously unseen by the public An overview of the Archive, showcasing photographs, videos, technical drawings, sketches and production records Rounding out the festivities, Eberhard & Co have unveiled an anniversary chronograph while Compagnia Ducale are offering a 500-watt electric bicycle designed by Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile. The quality of their lineup speaks for itself, so click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all you Alfa Romeo news. Browse Alfa Romeo For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Confederate Motorcycles Becomes Combat Motors

BIRMINGHAM, AL, USA, June 18, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Confederate Motorcycles LLC announces a change of its name to Combat Motors LLC to better reflect the spirit and the values of our team, manufacturing partners and clients. We stand with those fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change. Confederate Motorcycles was established in 1991 as an international brand. "Our motorcycles are realized through a partnership with our various members of our team who design, build and distribute these one of a kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of that team." "We stand with those peaceably fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change." The F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, FA-13 Combat Bomber and the Combat Wraith are each built upon the CX-4 frame, feature an S&S X-Wedge 117 or 132 cubic inch engine, BST wheels, RaceTech suspension, Beringer Brakes, Motogadget electronics, a Bandit clutch and have a frame carved entirely from solid billet blocks of aircraft-grade 6061 and 7075 aluminum built by 3D Systems, resulting in the most robust, fatigue-resistant motorcycle possible. "Each of our manufacturing partners makes doing what we do possible." The Combat Hellcat and Speedster are based on Harley Davidson Frames with CNC Aluminum tanks and other body parts, an upgraded Screaming Eagle 117 cubic inch engine which is homologated for worldwide delivery. True to his passion as "curator of the brand", Ernest Lee, owner of Combat Motors, has hired many of the design, assembly, sales, service and support team from the company's past, Jay Etheridge, Jason Reddick, Landers Sevier, Andrew Reuther, and Dave Hargreaves to name a few. "Our manufacturing vendors, our clients and our team are each integral to not only our current successes but also to determining our success in the future." Combat Motors makes a ritual of consulting with clients and those previously involved with the company while deciding on the appropriate path for the brand and have received overwhelming support for this change. "Our brand needed to be something that would match the values of the company and the feeling that people get when they see our motorcycles for the first time. As long as we have motorcycles on the road, we want our brand will shine through their owners." Combat Motors will continue to support Confederate branded motorcycles and is offering re-branding with any service at its Birmingham location for any Confederate Motorcycle owner interested in an update. Today's announcement signals to the world that Combat Motors will be built for many years to come. Look for them on the road. Browse Combat Motors For Sale https://www.facebook.com/combatmotorcycles/videos/2696722773985781/

By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Petersen Museum Vault Supercar & Hypercar Collection

Robert Petersen published 5,000 copies of his magazine in 1948. "Hot Rod" was the basis of his empire that would grow to several dozen titles and establish the National Hot Rod Association. His personal car collection was so mesmerizing that he decided to share it as a non-profit event space to preserve priceless cars and educate the world about the significance of each. Due to the outbreak limiting their attendance capacity, the staff have created a series of videos for the world to enjoy. While the main exhibit space has around 100 cars in 25 distinct galleries, "The Vault" is a basement loaded with countless other amazing rides that are not on display. This week they take us through the Supercar/Hypercar collection, so tell us your favorite in the comments below. Browse Hypercars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Lamborghini SCV12 Unveiled With Their Most Powerful V12 E...

Owning and fielding a GT3 car is a life goal for many of us. While they are fast and fun, Lamborghini has just thrown shade on the world's sanctioning bodies. That is because their latest Squadra Corse race car arrives with the most powerful V12 they have ever offered. In a press release this morning we were taken aback by the 830 horsepower SCV12. While it shares styling influences with production cars and their recent concepts, engineers started with an all-new carbon fiber chassis. While street-legal Lamborghini models use aluminum subframes to carry the suspension and drivetrain, this new raging bull uses a sequential six-speed transmission as a stressed element of the chassis. Mounting the suspension pushrods directly to the gearbox saves weight while maintaining perfect suspension geometry. Turbulent air normally created behind the cockpit is rammed into the intake. Not only does the force-feed the big V12, but it also lowers drag in the process. Each car will be built-to-order, and eligible to race in Lamborghini events around the world. Squadra Corse engineers will keep your car in running shape. If you want to join an exclusive club and race on the world's most famous tracks, our dealers have all the information. Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 22, 2020

Production Version of the Lucid Air Luxury Electric Car G...

New Luxury EV manufacturer Lucid is confirmed to be revealing the production version of their debut model, the Air on September 9. This announcement comes during a time in which the COVID-19 pandemic has stifled development cycles and production, but Lucid confirms that they are, for the most part, past that bump in the road. The Lucid Air will be a luxurious electric sedan with a range of over 400 miles, a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of over 200 mph. With an airy, spacious cabin, optional executive rear seating, and autonomous driving capabilities, the Air promises to be easy to drive and easy to enjoy. Another perk is that the Air will provide the interior of a full-size vehicle within the footprint of a mid-size, which adds efficiency and practicality to the list of the Air’s strengths. The final design, specifications, options and pricing are soon to come, so keep checking out the duPont REGISTRY Daily for more updates about the Lucid Air.

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2020

2021 Toyota Supra Receives More Power & Improved Handling

We waited over two decades for the 5th Generation Toyota Supra. Designed and built in cooperation with BMW, it is only natural that the car would evolve beyond its initial offering. While 335 horsepower is worthy of any performance car, revisions to the intake and exhaust have yielded 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. Nearly a 15% improvement was accomplished by more boost, at the sacrifice of compression. Dished pistons lower the squeeze from 11 to 10.2 to prevent detonation and offer 30 mpg on the highway. Forged strut tower braces reinforce the front end, and it has allowed the shock and spring rates to be re calibrated. Also onboard are new sway bars, revised power steering, stability control, and differential improvements. To celebrate a more capable car, the A91 Edition will be limited to 1,000 examples. Offered in Nocturnal or Refraction. Each one will arrive with a carbon fiber lip spoiler, matte black wheels, C-Pillar graphics, black leather, two key gloves and a trunk mat. The optional 8.8" touchscreen is now standard, as the 6.5" has been discontinued. If you don't need six-cylinder power, a 2.0-liter turbo four offers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. You can't go wrong with either, so click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Toyota news. Browse Toyota Supra For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2020

Ronald McDonald House to Raffle Backdraft RT4 Cobra on Ju...

Isolation can help prevent contagious diseases, but family support is the best prescription for children with chronic illness. Ronald McDonald House has been supporting families in need since 1974. Facilities around the world offer a respite for parents and families. With 7,200 bedrooms spread across 368 locations, RMH offers the equivalent of $700 Million in hotel accommodations. We are blessed to enjoy the world's greatest cars, and it all started when we were young. Trying to comprehend what those formative years would be like from a hospital bed is near impossible, and that is why we have been sharing the Ronald McDonald House Charity Car Raffle with our fans for over a decade. Their latest supercar is a modern version of an American classic. Backdraft Racing combines the looks and sounds of a classic Cobra with the latest in suspension, composites, and performance. The RT4 is built by hand in Boynton Beach, Florida. Using laser-cut steel and forged aluminum, their Cobra is lighter, wider, stronger, and faster than anything you have experienced. Independent suspension and massive disc brakes allow you to dive deep into corners while the close-ratio 5-speed transmission offers crisp, rewarding shifts. This example was built-to-order in Porsche Dark Blue with silver stripes. Under the hood is a Roush 427 SRX offering 480 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Classic Instruments supplied the gauges, and the wheels are 18" knock-off replicas. Other standard equipment includes a wood steering wheel and black leather seats. As always, the more tickets you have increases your chance of winning, so here is how they are offered: $5 for 1 Ticket$10 for 5 Tickets$20 for 15 Tickets$30 for 22 Tickets + 10 Bonus $50 for 40 Tickets + 15 Bonus$100 for 100 Tickets + 25 Bonus$200 for 240 Tickets + 50 Bonus$500 for 600 Tickets + 150 Bonus USE COUPON CODE "DUPONT" WITH $30 MINIMUM DONATION ON A SINGLE PRIZE FOR BONUS TIX! Purchase Tickets Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2020

McLaren 720S Le Mans Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Their...

Winning the world's most famous race as a new automaker was unthinkable. It is comparable to a rookie pitcher throwing a no-hitter at his first Major League game. June of 1995 was the last time a street-legal car won a podium finish, and the McLaren F1 GTR # 59 still inspires their employees to strive for excellence. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the win, the 720S Le Mans will be limited to 50 coupes. McLaren 720S Specs, Price, Photos & Review Only 16 cars are reserved for Europe, so our dealers will be able to secure your allocation. Choose between McLaren Orange or Sarthe Grey. The rockers and bumpers are finished in Ueno Grey, and MSO provides the louvered carbon fiber fenders. A 25th Anniversary logo features prominently on the quarter panels, as does the gloss black roof scoop. The 5-spoke LM wheels evoke the design from 1995, with gold brake calipers providing a brilliant contrast. The VIN of each car wil start with 298- the number of laps completed by the winning car. Owners will also have full access to MSO Defined and MSO Bespoke customizations. Examples include two distinct satin finish carbon fiber interiors, and a 6-point racing harness. What is not optional is the twin-turbo 4-liter V8. It sends 720 horsepower to the rear wheels in order to reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. You will be at 124 mph in 7.8 seconds while on your way to 212 mph. Nothing we have encountered compares the civility and brutal performance offered by McLaren's flagship, so click the button below to find one for yourself. Browse McLaren 720S For Sale

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