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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 11, 2020

CNBC: The Rise of Ferrari

Hindsight is 20/20, and there will always be an investment that was overlooked. When we hear rumors that Fiat-Chrysler was considering an IPO, many figured it would be for something outside their core business. However, when Ferrari debuted on the NYSE, ripples were felt through the financial and automotive world. As greatest achievement in the lifetime of a corporate genius, the late Sergio Marchionne saw the future. Ferrari (NYSE: RACE) opened at $52/share with a market cap of 9.8 Billion in late 2015. Fast forward to Star Wars Day 2020. May the 4th be with you saw Ferrari reach a valuation of $30 Billion dollars. That's more than Ford, GM, or their cousins at Fiat-Chrysler. Although Sergio passed away in 2018, he knew full well what would happen. Being unchained from FCA, Ferrari has poured cash into R&D and expansion of the lineup. As a result, we have the new Roma coupe along with the SF90 Stradale, the most powerful series-production car of all time. If you missed out on the stock, you can still enjoy an incredible Italian masterpiece everyday. Click the button below to find a new Ferrari for sale and tell us if your best automotive investments in the comments below. Browse Ferrari For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Hot Laps

How much car can you handle? That is the question being asked by Bugatti's latest masterpiece. The first production Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport has been years in the making. In their latest press release, chassis engineer Sven Bohnhorst said: "I never want to get out again." To keep us all happy, he has allowed the stability system to offer a slight drift when exiting hard corners. After the apex, the rear suspension is relaxed slightly. It awakens the senses to dial in a serving of counter-steer, a bit of fun that has been suppressed by the latest in AWD technology. The track at Bilster Berg is loaded with elevation and a few off-camber corners. It is an essential proving ground for your new car. You need 1,180 lb-ft of torque and 1,500 horsepower along with the civility of a Bentley Continental, so click the link below to find a Bugatti for yourself. Browse Bugatti For Sale https://player.vimeo.com/video/427637071

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2020

A New Stratos Rally Car is Actually Coming Soon

Many of you may remember the legendary Lancia Stratos rally car of the 1970s. That car has been beloved by many over the past decades, like me, and a revival has been begged for. Now, it's actually happening. Turin-based manufacturer Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) is prepping to reveal their new Stratos at the upcoming Salon Privé Week. This new modern-day interpretation of the iconic rally car was first introduced back in 2010 as a prototype but sales opened up in 2018 after AMT received the rights to produce the car from New Stratos GbR. Each of the 25 planned Stratos cars will be built upon a Ferrari F430, but the body and interior to be used have been completely reimagined and modified to create the classic Stratos visual. Because of the F430 being the donor car, that means they come powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine. MAT has modified this engine, which now produces up to 540 horsepower and can rocket the new Stratos from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds. Be sure to check back with us when Salon Privé Week starts on September 23rd!

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2020

Mecum to Auction Private Collection of Eddie Vannoy June ...

As descendant of Cherokee and Scots-Irish, the Blue Ridge Mountains would be my choice to hide my collection. Eddie Vannoy and his brother started a construction company in 1971, and it allowed him to invest in the cars and memorabilia from his youth. The past five decades have allowed him to curate a perfect cross-section of Americana and Muscle Cars. Now its time to enjoy a well-earned retirement, so Dana Mecum and Company will help them find loving homes. That is why you should register for the Vannoy Auction before June 26th. The mark of a true Mopar aficionado is an equal number of 440 and HEMI-powered cars. Built to dominate NASCAR, the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytona will offered along with super-speedway builds from recent years. A handful of Corvettes, a pair of 1970 Buick GSX, and many other significant cars will be joined by over 5,000 pieces of road art. The event will take place at the Vannoy Estate in Jefferson, North Carolina. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. Learn More

By Alyssa Mammano – June 09, 2020

$200 Million Ranch Compound Could Accommodate an Entire E...

Tucked in a valley just ten miles from Aspen's core and surrounded by mountain views lies Aspen Valley Ranch, an 813-acre compound with eight separate homesteads. A working ranch dating back to the 1800s, the property was most recently purchased by natural gas entrepreneur, Charif Souki. After falling into foreclosure, Souki purchased the property for $27 million from the bank. It was previously listed for an asking price of $88 million and was far less developed at the time. Over the past seven years, Souki has poured his heart and soul into the estate, investing in plumbing, electricity, irrigation and access roads to complete what is now a "mini country club" for his family. Souki's four eldest children have estates on the property, each their own versions of a modern-style rustic ranch home. The compound resembles a country club resort with amenities including a gym, swimming pool, clubhouse, game room and storage structures. The clubhouse is a central location for the family, where a theater, wine room, 14-person dining room and a commercial kitchen facilitate family gatherings. A historic barn has been restored to host game nights, with arcade games, air hockey, foosball, Skee-ball and Ping-Pong. For more family fun, the barn also houses quads, snowmobiles and dirt bikes. Souki has said that purchasing the property was an investment turned labor of love. He would not disclose how much he has invested into the ranch financially, but notes that the new buyer will not be disappointed when he or she accesses the accounts. If the compound does sell for its $220 million asking price, it will be unprecedented for the area and one of the most expensive residential sales ever in the United States. The total interior square footage on the property equates to about 34,000 with 31 total bedrooms. An additional 80,000 square feet of living space can be developed on the land. View Listing Photography and video via Coldwell Banker Mason MorseListing represented byCarrie Wells (970) 948-6750 | carrie@carriewells.comChris Souki (970) 948-4378 | chris@masonmorse.com

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2020

Karma Revero GT Receives New Option Packages

There are many ways to combine gas and electric power. Karma Automotive never fails to impress everyone with new charging strategies and battery efficiency. For owners and prospective buyers, the 2020 Revero GT has been treated to 2 new option packages. Starting with the Sports Package, you will have exposed carbon fiber around the exterior. The new color is Borrego Black, and other goodies include red calipers, drilled rotors, and black chrome 22" wheels. If you want to fly under the radar, the Performance Package offers the interior upgrades of the Sports Package with a stock exterior. Both offer revised torque vectoring. Reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, you will have 80 miles of electric cruising thanks to a 28 kWh battery. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button below to find out more and stay with us for all your Karma updates. Browse Karma Revero For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Tour Continues

Comparing a regular production Bugatti Chiron to the Pur Sport is not easy. One is a firecracker, and the other is a hand grenade. Two objects similar in operation while offering much different results. The latest Bugatti represents the hopes and dreams of the brand. That is why we are glad to see that the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport tour continue across Europe. From the headquarters in Molsheim, the team embarked on a trip to Paris. On display for the world to see, the citizens could delight that they build the world's most potent production cars, trains, and wine. After that, it was time for London. The car looks amazing against the bourgeois backdrop of H R Owen. Their CEO Ken Choo said: "To represent an illustrious brand like Bugatti has always been a privilege for us, and we’re honored to be able to offer our customers the unique opportunity to see the Chiron Pur Sport in the UK". If you have read this far, you know our dealers can find the perfect Chiron for you, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – June 04, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 25th Anniversary Celebration

Several firsts happened in 1995. The Space Shuttle docked with the Mir Space Station, Michael Jordan returned from "Retirement", and Americans got a new choice for heavy duty vans. It takes dedication and a considerable investment to sell foreign vans and light trucks in the U.S. In 1964, West Germany hit America with a 25% tariff on chicken, so President Johnson returned fire with the same tax on vans and trucks. Despite this disadvantage, we are ready for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 25th Anniversary Celebration. Luxury Sprinter Vans: Buyers Guide The tax finally motivated Daimler to build a Sprinter assembly plant in South Carolina, allowing the retail price to include more content and capability when the new generation debuted last year. The party starts tomorrow at 8 AM as the 3rd episode of Mercedes-Benz Digital. We will provide a complete recap before the weekend, so click the button below to view Airstream's Interstate Sprinter, and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Lean More

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2020

Radical Introduces New SR3 XX Track Car

Radical has unveiled their newest track car called the SR3 XX. This new track car touts an all-new electric architecture making it the first of its kind to have AiM Technology's solid-state tech. With this new technology, drivers can acquire more data from their time on the track that they can study to get even better lap times. Allowing the driver's to easily access this data is the newly design cockput with a dashboard built around the new steering wheel. With a built-in LCD display, vehicle control buttons and more, the driver has everything quite literally at their fingertips. As for power, there's either the RPE-Suzuki 1340cc (195 bhp) or 1500cc (226 bhp) four cylinder engines. Each engine is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox that's controlled by paddle shifters. With the 1340cc engine, the 0 to 60 mph time is 3.3 seconds and top speed is 141 mph. If the more powerful 1500cc engine is picked, the 0 to 60 mph time is reduced to 3.1 seconds and top speed is raised to 147 mph. If you've ever wanted to have a blast on the track, the new Radical SR3 XX is the way to go. Learn more by clicking the button below. Learn More Source: RadicalSportsCars.com

By Andrew Nabors – June 04, 2020

Glickenhaus 007 LMP Chassis is Ready to Race

When the Hypercar class was announced, we assumed only the world's biggest automakers would rise to the challenge. Before they could respond, our friend Jim Glickenhaus announced he would be flying the Stars & Stripes. Development of the SCG 007 was already underway, so building the ultimate version was a no-brainer. That is why we're glad his son Jesse has confirmed the 007 LMP chassis is ready to race. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 008 "004/Mini Boot" Relentless testing in the wind tunnel and in the virtual realm has yielded an unprecedented American hypercar. Their dynos are being calibrated to begin testing the "Pipo" engine later this year. Perhaps the most shocking news is the addition of a 2nd car. Both will be fielded at Sebring and Spa to prepare for LeMans. For icing on the cake, Jim said: “Ever since I listened to the 24 hours of Le Mans on my ham radio as a young boy I've dreamed of building a car to compete at Le Mans. I'm so happy that we are getting there.” The 2021 season will be one for the record books, so stay with us for all updates from Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.

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