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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 – October 19, 2017

Say Goodbye: Mercedes-AMG Announces G65 Final Edition

They gave it a good run, but this was inevitable. Mercedes-AMG has announced the G65 Final Edition. Nobody really expected them to stuff a twin turbo V12 into the G Wagen, so the world embraced the monster SUV. It's not the price of fuel that makes them hard to build. It's the ever-tightening taxes and emissions laws. Many countries tax their citizens based on engine size, and our own CAFE standards are aimed at killing the fun for everyone.So the G550 will live on with the same 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 shared with the other AMG products, and the G65 will become a hot ticket for Mercedes fans. They better act fast, because only 65 examples of the Final Edition are planned. They will be easily identified by unique 21" bronze wheels, and bronze trim details inside and out. The G65 is going out on top, with 621 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. Our dealers might be able to snag one if you act now, so click on the link below and stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG updates.Search Mercedes-AMG G65 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

G-CODE Eclipse: The Ultimate Concealed Holster

Would you put a generic car cover on your prized ride? If only the best will do, choose the one that fits like a glove. G-Code has been in the holster business for 20 years, which is how they have developed the ultimate in concealed carry. They began as a supplier to the Armed Forces & Law Enforcement, but now we can experience their innovations for everyday carry. The latest in the INCOG holster lineup is the Eclipse. As a revolution in the world of IWB (In Waist Band) holsters, it arrives with several adjustable & customizable features.First off, the clip mounting point is offered in 3 or 4-hole designs for different depth. The adapter has six holes that offer a variety of bolt patterns to the clip. Not only does it have 3 vertical alignments, the slotted holes on the clip allow for canted angles.Shirt guards are offered in full, half, and RMR cut for high-mounted optics. The top screw controls the tension of the holster to your weapon, and it allows you to set it to your liking.The Super MoJo adapter is patent-pending, and it holds the clip in a correct orientation in a straight draw, or reverse it for cross-draw. The mounting clip itself is angled a few degrees inward to keep the holster close to your body. This allows for lightning fast presentations, even from deep cover.My usual carry piece is an officer's model 1911. Most holster manufacturers build generic 1911 examples, but this one-size-fits-all mentality is the result of mass-production, and they are nothing but dangerous. In my case, a normal 1911 holster won't be secure because of the small frame, and that's why G-Code has molds for over 55 weapons. Almost every possible version of Glock, Sig, Springfield, and 1911 are guaranteed to hold securely in place- No Rattles!The inner lining is Kydex, which will not scratch or mar the finish of your piece. Lefty shooters are just as welcomed, as the entire design can be mirror imaged for southpaws. The holster itself is offered in 6 colors, with 15 choices of powder-coated colors for the adapter. The Eclipse will last you for years, so why not order it exactly to your liking? G-Code also has a full line of mag carriers & CC accessories. Their stack belts and chest rigs offer convenience and durability, plus they make a fashion statement at the range. Your safety is worth more than $75, so contact G-Code for an Eclipse of your own. G-Code holsters are made to order in Jacksonville, North Carolina. They carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty, so if it fails for ANY reason, a replacement will be free of charge. If you want the ultimate in concealed carry, click the link below for more details.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Heading to Mecum Las Vegas

Racing is a great way to sell cars and Grand Prix fans in the early 50's saw Mercedes-Benz on the podium. The iconic 300SL Gullwing was such a hit that the convertible version is still one of the most sought-after cars of all time. Built in limited numbers, the 300SL Roadster was decades ahead of its time. This Fire Engine Red Roadster was delivered in Caracas, Venezuela, where it lived until being imported in 2014. Fully documented, it retains its original engine, fuel injection, differential, and four-speed transmission.Fuel injection was still an unproven science back then, so Bosch made continual improvements to the system. This car has the 4th generation, which is the most desired engine option. It allowed the 3.0 liter straight six to run a 9.5:1 compression ratio, something unthinkable at the time. A larger cam and throttle body is how it makes 250 horsepower without modern electronics. Only 324 Roadsters were produced in 1958, and this example is loaded with a Becker radio and full instrumentation.Leaving noting unrestored, the interior has new saddle leather and tan soft top. The chassis was detailed along with a suspension rebuild and new stainless exhaust. Also included is a copy of the build sheet along with the toolkit, jack, and owners manual. If you are looking for a showroom-new 300SL Roadster, get ready for Mecum's Las Vegas Auction. Click on the link below to learn more, and stay with us for more Mecum updates.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

Hennessey Performance Venom F5 Aims For 300 MPH

Sometimes the best motivation is inspired by those who say "it is not possible". Engineers told General Chuck Yeager that airplanes would explode if they broke the sound barrier. Condescending male journalists told Nellie Bly she couldn't go "Around the World in 80 Days". So she did it in 72.In an ever-escalating war of top speed, the automotive industry seems to think 300 miles per hour is not achievable with current technologies. Perhaps this is why Hennessey Performance uploaded an image of the upcoming Venom F5 next to a speed limit sign. Just like the people who told him the Venom GT wouldn't go 270 mph, it seems John Hennessey is looking to silence other top speed rumors coming from France.Hennessey Calls Out Bugatti ChironThe goal of the Venom F5 has been to build a street legal American car with 1500 horsepower. The engine will probably be a twin turbo Chevrolet V8, with some of the secret sauce from the Venom GT. To make it a reality, other patriotic brands have stepped up to help with development. It will be formally revealed at SEMA on November 1st, so tune in to our Facebook Page for video and details. This doesn't mean the other projects are on hold, so check out the VelociRaptor 6x6 if you are in the market for a wild truck. Tell us what you think it will do, and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates.

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2017

Porsche Unveils New 718 Cayman & Boxster GTS

If you have been on the fence about the 718 Series Cayman or Boxster, Porsche has something new for your consideration. Last night we received a press release on the new Cayman and Boxster GTS. In a quest to build the ultimate street-legal mid-engine car, the GTS offers more power and performance along with a host of upgrades.Porsche's GTS series cars have always sought to combine the performance parts of the top-level cars at a great price. In keeping with tradition, several of the expensive options are now standard equipment. Track day essentials like Sport Chrono, Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Active Suspension Management are combined with a 10mm drop in ride height. You're probably expecting them to only be available with the PDK transmission, but fear not. You will still have the option of a six-speed stick for your GTS.A new intake and larger turbo allow the GTS to offer 15 more horsepower than 350 hp Cayman S & Boxster S. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 317 lb-ft of torque from 1,900 rpm to 5,000...Read that again- 365 horsepower and 317 lb-ft from a four-cylinder. Porsche just mic-dropped every automotive engineer. As usual, expect to see other GTS equipment like blacked-out headlight buckets, logos, wheels, and the rear diffuser. Our dealers are ready to take your order, so expect to see deliveries by mid-December. Click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Porsche updates.Search Porsche For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=3HUZfe3-ZWA

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2017

McLaren Teases New Ultimate Series Supercars

It took years for McLaren to develop the P1, so we've all been wondering what could surpass it. In a press release this morning, they announced the most extreme street legal car. The P1 and the P1 GTR were the first two examples of McLaren's Ultimate Series. As part of the ongoing Track22 business plan, two new models are in the works.McLaren Special Operations Reveals 2 Unique BuildsDetails on the first car will be released early next year. Until then, the teaser image below will leave us wondering. After that release, the company is aiming to build the first ever "Hyper-GT". Given the codename BP23. This news is destined to shake up the competition so it might be time to get a McLaren of your own. Click on the link below to find great deals on remaining 2017 cars and stay with us for all your McLaren updates.Search McLaren For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2017

Aston Martin Launches DB11 Configurator

Henry Ford offered to build the Model T in any color, as long as it was black. Mass production and assembly lines are not forgiving when it comes to special requests. That's why Aston Martin has resisted the urge to update their methods. The DB11 might offer the latest in technology, but it is assembled by humans instead of robots.The assembly plant in Warwickshire is not filled with workers, they are artists. Craftspeople who have apprenticed for years in order to be experts in the automotive arts. This makes each Aston Martin a blank canvas, and they are awaiting inspiration from you. Needless to say, there is almost no limit to what they are capable of. That's why Aston Martin have launched a configurator to help streamline the ordering process.Because the options are almost endless, the design team has preloaded 11 stunning examples of the DB11. These "Designer Specification" cars have names like "Open Aura", and "Twilight Tour". The wildest of the group is "Shanghai Fashionista". It wears a brilliant exterior of "Frosted Glass Blue Ivory". This is a fancy pearlescent finish that provides a brilliant contrast to the "Vivid Red" convertible top.Take a look at these and tell us which one you prefer.The formal announcement of the DB11 Volante was made via press release. Colors and options are nice to see, the but the big news is under the hood. Gone is the twin turbo V12 from the DB11 coupe. In a deal with Mercedes-Benz, the DB11 Volante is powered by the AMG 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. Tuned to make 510 metric horsepower, it will also offer less weight and better fuel economy for the new car. Your local dealer is now accepting orders, which will be fulfilled in Q1 of next year. Build the car of your dreams and click on the link below to find the dealer near you. As always, stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. View Aston Martin DB11 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 16, 2017

Bugatti's Grand Tour Of South America

As the Northern Hemishpere cools off for the Winter, Bugatti has offered their wealthy clientele a tour of the southern latitudes. Argentina has a rich motoring history, with names like Pur Sang and Horacio Pagani calling it home. With a climate not unlike the Mediterranian, Argentina has close ties to Europe.Bugattis Drifting In The WoodsThat is why ten Veyrons embarked on a tour unlike any other. Headed by Pharmaceutical Magnate Alejandro Roemmers, they headed east from Santiago, Chile across the Andes mountains. Patagonia is one of the most picturesque and remote areas of the world, so thankfully they brought enough fuel and supplies behind them. In an image uploaded by Autoblog Argentina, Bugatti says their Grand Tour will be an annual gathering unlike any other. My invitation was probably lost in the mail, so enjoy the images and stay with us for all your Bugatti updates.View Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2017

Audi Gives New Cars To FC Bayern München

Soccer fans can be a rowdy bunch, and the players are just as wild. That's why Audi is entering their 15th season of support for the Football Club. Their home soil includes the factory in Ingolstadt, so the team visited the plant to get their new rides. Mobbed by fans and the media, five players chose the RS6 Avant, and the Q7 SUV was another popular choice. The press release also states that Coach Jupp Heynckes chose an Audi SQ5.What began in 2002 has evolved into a partnership that includes the Audi Cup. It is held every two years as a preparation tournament. Audi also accompanied the team to training camps in China and Singapore, showing their support to the world as they battled against teams like AC Milan, Inter Milan, FC Chelsea and Arsenal London. Videos of the team and their new cars can be found here. If Audi would give us company cars, we would all choose the R8 V10 Plus. Tell us about your ideal Audi and stay with us for all your Audi news.

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2017

Verde Bronte Lamborghini Centenario Lands in Hong Kong

Deliveries of the Lamborghini Centenario hypercars continue to progress nicely, with the latest one being the meanest and greenest of them all.View Lamborghini Centenario For SaleLamborghini Hong Kong has posted images of their latest delivery, a Centenario coupe finished a custom Verde Bronte matte-green paint. With this paint, its the only Centenario to feature an all-green exterior. Golden carbon-fiber finishes can be found on both the exterior and interior, giving the mean car an added luxurious flair.Check out the images of the car below, posted on Lamborghini Hong Kong's Instagram profile.

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