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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 – March 26, 2020

Lamborghini Teases 2021 Squadra Corse V12 Hypercar

Driving your new Lamborghini Aventador on the street is exhilarating and rewarding. But you will never approach the limits of this raging bull on public roads. If you want to tame the meanest machines from Sant Agata, the track is waiting for you. That is why Lamborghini has teased their 2021 Squadra Corse V12 hypercar. The first rule is: Don't call it an Aventador. While they share the same lineage, the V12 is a track-only hypercar. In the latest press release from Squadra Corse, we learned it offers 830 horsepower. It is in the late stages of development as a collaboration between Squadra Corse and Centro Stile Lamborghini. Massive intakes, air ducts, and a few locking differentials will make for a fun track day, so click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Browse All Lamborghini For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

O'Gara Beverly Hills Announces Supercar Sanitization Service

While it is safest to stay at home, essentials like you and I have to keep our economy afloat. Needless to say, with all the empty roads, life is too short to putt around in your daily driver. Your nice cars deserve to be driven, and its also a great time for spring cleaning. That's why our friends at O'Gara Beverly Hills have announced their Supercar Sanitization Service in their latest Instagram photos. Open to all brands they represent, a service technician will arrive in protective gear to keep their paws off your parts. The car will be transported to the dealer to perform any needed service, then thoroughly cleaned. Using dry steam throughout the interior along with a full vacuum and wipe-down, your leather, microfiber and carpet will look like new. All you need to do is email servicebeverlyhills@ogaracoach.com or call 888-308-5522. Click Here To Schedule Service " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Ford & GM Halt Car Production to Build Ventilators

In a scene reminiscent of 1941, our nation's arsenal of democracy has been re-tooled. Instead of building war machines, the automakers are gearing up to build medical apparatus. Both GM & Ford have halted car production to build ventilators, as they are in demand around the nation. Both companies published similar press releases, so I will summarize their finer points for the sake of brevity. First off, GM has partnered with Ventec to increase production of their units. Distribution will be handled by StopTheSpread.org, addressing the highest demand areas immediately. Ford has joined forces with 3M and GE Healthcare and the UAW. In addition to Powered Air-Purifying Respirators, Ford's 3D printers are working 24/7 to make the first run of 100,000 face shields for First Responders. With the might of our autoworkers behind us, we will be in the clear soon. Thank you to everyone involved.

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By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Mercedes-AMG Coloring Book is Perfect for Staying at Home

We have been blown away by the automakers responses to this crisis. Realizing that families are spending time together, the Mercedes-AMG Coloring Book is perfect for staying at home. Audi released their book on Monday, and our fans really enjoyed it. Click here to download the Mercedes-AMG book and show us your creations on our social media accounts. Browse All Mercedes-AMG For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

eNASCAR Inaugural Virtual Race had Recordbreaking Viewers

Instead of exposing fans and teams to potential danger, NASCAR stepped into uncharted territory over the weekend. They moved the Homestead-Miami race online, and the eNASCAR innagural virtual race had recordbreaking vieweres. As reported by engadget, the broadcast on Fox Sports1 had 903,000 fans glued to their screens. This is by-far the highest nuber for any nationally-broadcasted eSport, and I think Mr. France is smiling at this news. As the white flag dropped, Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were locked in a drag race off of turn 4. Watch the action here, and tell us who you thought should have won. Browse Used Sports Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Working on Filtered First Re...

When a race team stops racing, most would just go home. Not so for James Glickenhaus. His team is working dilligently with 3D printing and injection molding to mass produce pressurized masks. Combining the principles behind SCUBA and C-PAP machines, their goal is to protect First Responders, Medical Staff, and anyone working on the frontlines of this outbreak. Last night he said on Instagram: "We will have a refined scaled version soon. When we do we'll need your help to get this idea out so once prototype is proven to work we can get these into hospitals. Hospitals use billions of one use masks. 4 million of these re usable/sterileisable masks could save a lot of doctor/nurses/EMT/first responder lives." Bravo for undertaking such a worthy cause, from all of us at duPont REGISTRY Browse All Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Aston Martin's Valhalla V6 has a Historic Name

If one Englishman can be credited with Aston Martin's successes, it would be Tadek Marek. Their famed engine designer of the '50s and '60s was responsible for Podium Finishes, wins, & Championnships. To honor his legacy, the Valkyrie's little brother will honor his legacy, and that is why the Aston Martin's Valhalla V6 has a historic name. The press release says it is known as TM01, and this fire breathing 3 liter V6 is nothing short of amazing. Developed in-house, this new engine family will debut in the Valhalla in 2022. Weiging in at less than 440 lbs, it will serve as the high-revving generatior for Aston Martin's electric future. Turn up your volume and tell us what you think of this beast in the comments below. " width="680"> Browse All Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

Hennessey Twin Turbo C8 Corvette on the Dyno

Boost can change your perceptions of a fast car. Unfortunately the automakers don't want us tinkering with their designs, so the latest from GM is more encrypted than the National Reconnaissance Office. Nevertheless, 5 lbs is not going to hurt anything. To make sure it is safe, the intake also receives a shot of methanol when the twins spool up. Even though they can't tune the computer yet, this conservative setup added 175 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque! Considering the car comes stock with a tunnel ram intake and equal-length headers, this car is the most efficient C8 Corvette of all time. Dual Air-to-water intercoolers are being fabricated to fit without modifying the trunk, so stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance news. " width="680"> Browse All Corvette For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Continental 3D Gauges to Debut on Genesis GV80

Say what you want about a car's thecnical wizardry, the layout of the instrument cluster can make or break you decision to buy. In an effort to prevent distraction and eye strain Continental 3D gauges will debut on the Genesis GV80. The German automotive supplier has develop eye-tracking software that delivers the information floating in front of you. On the screen, the technology displays three-dimensional scales, pointers and objects, for example displaying a stop sign warning in the driver’s line of sight. The press release says they are working on 3D displays for all passenger to enhace entertainment options in the future. Tell us the best and worst gauges you have experienced in the comments below and stay with us for all your automotive news. Browse Sports Cars For Sale

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