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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 – December 11, 2017

Last McLaren Senna Auctioned for $2.67 Million

It takes a wild ride to be worthy of Ayrton Senna's legacy. McLaren shocked the world this weekend by dropping a wild version of their 720S for us to wait for. As we reported yesterday, the Senna is a race car that is technically street legal. All unnecessary weight was removed, and even the doors were hollowed out in the process. The end result is a dry weight of only 2,641 lbs. Motivated by a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8, the 500 lucky owners will have 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It takes a significant investment in time and engineering costs for such a limited run, and perhaps that is why the final allocation was auctioned for a mere $2.67 Million. The numbers speak for themselves, as the Senna will probably be capable of surpassing the P1 in terms of track dominance. The project is known internally as P15, so it leaves almost no speculation for the car's performance benchmarks. The McLaren Senna is hotter than a sawed-off shotgun, so stay with us for all your McLaren updates!

The fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever – the 755-

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2017

Hennessey Performance Announces the HPE1000 Corvette ZR1

If you are reading this, you probably like boost. Corvettes sure do, which is why the new 2019 ZR1 has a massive supercharger poking through its hood. More boost means more power, so if you need 1,000 horsepower and 966 lb-ft of torque at your command Hennessey Performance is here for you.You might be wondering how they have already developed a set of upgrades. It is simple. They are able to make identical numbers on the LT4, which is found in every Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1. To make 755 horsepower from the factory, the ZR1 will arrive with high flowing intake and exhaust systems, which will allow HPE to make the same power as their HPE1000 Corvette Z06 and the Exorcist Camaro without such a radical cam and top end. But that doesn't stop them from porting the heads by hand and dropping in larger valves. It will be capable of reaching 60 mph in 2.5 seconds (with drag tires) along with consistent quarter-mile times in the mid 9's.Hennessey Teases New Venom F5 Hypercar ColorsNo matter how potent the factory exhaust is, it doesn't compare to Hennessey's stainless headers and high-flow catalytic converters. Although the new car has 13 separate heat exchangers, the intercooler system will be upgraded inside the blower along with its radiator. Each car will also include serialized badges inside and out, with all modifications backed by a 2 year/24,000 warranty. Click here for more details, and stay with us for a complete review of the HPE1000 Corvette ZR1.Obligatory Related Video: It will be something like this, just faster!

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2017

You Can Now Buy Porsche Honey

If you are in the market for a new Porsche Cayenne, Macan, or Panamera, the factory offers a stunning tour when you arrive to pick up your new car. Porsche's Leipzig factory is buzzing with activity thanks to healthy demand for everything they build. But if you listen closely, you will hear another buzz from the factory's smallest workers.Porsche is committed to sustainable agriculture along with building cars with a positive impact on the environment. That is why the plant is home to ponies and giant aurochs. The latter are monster cattle, also known as Urus...a small coincidence that Lamborghini's new SUV (Urus) shares Porsche & Audi DNA. But the biggest news comes from 25 bee colonies that arrived in May. Honeybees are a vital part of the ecosystem because they pollinate as they collect nectar. Germans are not known to waste anything, so after your tour of the plant, you will have an opportunity to purchase Porsche Factory Honey.Then and Now: 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)Gerard Rupp is Chairman of the Executive Board at the plant, and in the press release, he said: “We will continue the initiative next year and we are planning to expand it. Our nature reserve offers the ideal conditions for bees”. A perfect stocking stuffer, the honey is being sold under the name of "Turbienchen", and it's available in the gift shop. We've reached out to Porsche North America for a sample, so expect a sweet review in the near future.Browse Porsches For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2017

Spyker Announces Three Final C8 AILERONS

If you are looking for high horsepower in the Low Countries, the 2018 Spyker C8 Aileron is your only logical choice. Based in the Netherlands, Spyker has announced the end of their most popular model with a trio of bespoke supercars. The aircraft influences are not coincidental. Spyker made a name for themselves by building revolutionary planes (and cars) in the early days of flight.So each of their cars is loaded with aeronautical easter eggs. It will take you the better part of a day to find them all, and their dedication to engineering is easy to see. We are lucky to be around so many rare cars, but I've only seen two examples. The Aileron is simply a work of art. Every component is machined from alloy or formed of composites.The press release says all three cars will be examples of their LM85 trim package. It is based around a supercharged Audi V8. It sends 525 horsepower and 442 lb-ft to a six-speed automatic. The final three cars are influenced by the Spyker Squadron, their GT racing team. The bodies are handmade, with exposed rivets and billet aluminum intakes.Revealed: The New Spyker C8 PreliatorThe end of the series is probably prompted by Audi's redesign of their engine lineup. Everyone seems to be going to smaller displacement with twin turbos, so the founder and CEO Victor Muller said "Every Spyker we ever built is unique and exclusive, but the last three Spyker C8 Aileron’s that we will build truly demonstrate the level of bespoke craftsmanship that the Spyker brand is all about. It is a dignified departure of the Audi powered Aileron’s and a worthy step toward the third generation Spykers, the Spyker C8 Preliator. We designed these three cars in partnership with Milan-Morady of Luxembourg and the result is exceptional.”From the hidden Latin inscriptions to the hand-finished details, you should consider one if you want something truly unique. Production will focus on the Preliator, so expect to see all their updates here on Autofluence. View Spyker C8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2017

Morgan to Unveil the New Aero GT

With everyone preparing for the 2018 racing season, Morgan has announced the arrival of their Aero GT. Their Aero 8 was a winner of several GTE series races, and the new Aero GT was developed alongside the potent 2015 Aero 8. Each car is built by hand, which is uncommon in an age of robots and laser welding. One might think a handbuilt car would not have the quality control of the big manufacturers, but the skilled coachbuilders deliver fit & finish of a bygone era.The Aero GT will serve as the end of the series. BMW has supplied their naturally aspirated 4.8 liter V8 for years, but it is being discontinued in favor of smaller turbo engines. The classic V8 & six-speed manual combination will ride into the sunset with more downforce and less drag than any Morgan has ever offered. A teaser reel was uploaded to YouTube earlier this morning, and it coincides with a press release outlining the features of the car. The formal launch will be at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, so stay with us for coverage of the event.View Morgans For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2017

Aria Group Unveils the FXE at LA Auto Show

Among all the high-profile introductions at the LA Auto Show, the Aria Group took the wraps off of their new FXE Hybrid. They have patented several composite technologies, which have allowed them to make one-piece carbon fiber bodies for Singer Porsche, Ford's GR-1 concept, and even the Kia GT4 Stinger.A proprietary process that they won't comment on is used to form the FXE, and it will be powered by a mid-mounted Corvette 6.2 liter V8. Rated at 720 horsepower, the headache is finding a dual-clutch transmission that doesn't explode when pushed. Up front are two AC motors that also work as generators to charge a 10 kWh battery. Combined output is rated at 1,150 horsepower and 1,316 lb-ft of torque. A total production run of 400 cars is expected to last a few years, so stay tuned for updates on this new American hypercar.Exotic Cars for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2017

Steve Saleen Unveils His New Saleen 1 Supercar

Turning lemons into lemonade isn't easy in the automotive world. But taking a glance back through the history of this magazine, one name is synonymous with turning coal into diamonds. Steve Saleen and company have built mean Mustang Saleens and powerful Ford products, which culminated in the S7 Twin Turbo supercar. It was the first car of his own design, and we've patiently waited for a successor. Saleen to Produce Seven Limited Edition S7's Yesterday at the LA Auto Show, he took the wraps off the new Saleen 1. It began in Germany as the Artega GT, but the materials and powertrain proved to be obsolete. So working with Chinese industrialists, Saleen redesigned almost every component. The press release states that production will take place in California, with horsepower advertised at 450. Expect to learn more details here as they get ready for launch, so watch the unveiling below and stay with us for all your Saleen updates

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2017

Scary: The Grand Tour Hosts Become More American

Season 2 of The Grand Tour is just around the corner and with it will come all of the shenanigans you'd expect from the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. For this season, however, they wanted to become a bit more... American. How do they do that? Well, their latest video shows their makeup artist putting in some serious work to make them as American as a Bald Eagle eating a hamburger on top of Mount Rushmore. And boy is it scary. Click play below to see the Americanized versions of the trio for yourself and get ready for the premiere on December 8 on Amazon Prime. All Ferraris for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2017

Nissan Unveils Official Restoration Parts For Skyline R32

Candy and flavored popcorn only go so far. We know what you really want for Christmas, and so does Nissan. That's why their NISMO performance division has launched a new run of restoration parts for the R32 Skyline. Originally built from 1989 to 1995, the R32 was burned into our memories by video games and several famous movies. In a recent press release, we've learned the details of a plan to revitalize these classics.Check Out: McLaren 720S vs 720 HP Nissan GT-RThey were never legally imported to the US thanks to our inept highway safety laws. In fact, our tax dollars are spent by the Department of Homeland Security, who like to confiscate and destroy these rare cars. At time of press, the only way we can enjoy a vintage Skyline is once it reaches 25 years old. But any car that old is bound to need a few touch-ups, so NISMO took a poll of the most-needed parts. Starting on December 1st, Japanese dealers will be able to order 80 parts, including new AC lines, wiring harnesses, body parts, and badges. Of course, these will sell like hotcakes on the world stage, so stay with us for complete coverage of this program. Click the link below to find your next Nissan!Search Nissan Skyline For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 22, 2017

Mecum Auctions Inaugural Las Vegas Event Tops $22 Million

Just when you thought the muscle car frenzy was over, Dana Mecum and Company prove that it's hotter than ever. To prove the power of their brand, this weekend saw 557 cars hammer for a total of $22,000,000. American muscle was out in full force, with Ford and Chevrolet bringing home the top honors. The top 10 list reads like a who's who of domestic power, with rare cars bringing big money. If you missed the action, Mecum is the only auction company to save every minute on their YouTube page.The first and second place cars are both 1968 Camaros modified by Don Yenko Chevrolet. In the old days, GM didn't want the Camaro to have the same fire-breathing engine as the Corvette. Don knew his customers would buy them, so he and his service department removed the 396 engine and replaced them with the beastly 427 big block. Not to be outdone, Ford fans made sure spots 3 to 5 were occupied by the blue oval. Their answer to the 427 Camaro was the Boss 429 Mustang. Other noteworthy finalists include a 1963 Corvette Split Window Fuelie, a 1967 Corvette 427 coupe, and a 1957 Bel Air powered by a supercharged ZR1 engine. Take a look at the results below and tell us your favorite car of the event, and stay with us for all your Mecum updates.

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