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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 20, 2017

How to Order the Hennessey Exorcist Camaro

Texas is larger than most nations of the world, which is why it is also home to some very fast cars. If you find yourself on Interstate 10 on the west side of Houston, don't challenge anyone to a race. That's because the Exorcist Camaro will have you begging for mercy. Hennessey's rebuke of the Dodge Demon is based on the Camaro ZL1. The transformation involves new cylinder heads, monster camshaft, a new supercharger and high flow stainless headers. Lifters and pushrods are also replaced in order reach a higher redline.The result is 1,000 horsepower at the crank and a subtle nature when cruising. To show just how tame the Exorcist really is, John took us on an interstate ride to explain the ordering process. Hennessey Performance is not a Chevrolet dealer, but they receive new cars directly from the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. You can send your new Camaro ZL1 to Texas, or the salespeople at Hennessey will be happy to work with your local dealer to spec-out your new ride.Yes, Camaros are still built to order and certain options are crucial to beating the latest from Mopar. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps the supercharger in its powerband above 4,000 rpm, making us stick shift driver pay for the privilege of a 3rd pedal. Sit back and watch the Exorcist point to the heavens at the top of each gear and listen to the blower scream. If you want to leave highway traffic standing still, click here for more details and stay with us for more updates from Hennessey Performance.

By Andrew Nabors – June 20, 2017

Take A Closer Look At The 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

Many activities of a modern family are hard to accommodate in a traditional sedan, so hatchbacks are making a return. Remember when everyone said the WRX was dead when Subaru unveiled the 5-door Impreza? Well, they were on to something. A hatchback sedan is a slap in the face to the crossover market.If you are unwilling to sacrifice handling, power, and a comfortable ride, BMW has something new for you. The 6 Series Gran Turismo will be the only 6 Series to be offered in 2018. Coupe and Convertible versions are taking a sabbatical to make room for the new 8 series, and their rivals have been busy unveiling new models.The word on the street is that the 5 Series GT is also riding off into the sunset after 7 years in production. This will allow the 6 Series Gran Turismo to take over as their most practical sedan. To give us all a few insights as to its abilities, BMW uploaded an introduction to their YouTube page last night. One of the best features is one you might not expect. The rear seats are not only power folding if you need cargo space, they also recline. Backseaters are able to lay back and look up through the panoramic roof. Instead of a puddle light coming from the mirror, a light carpet illuminates around your car as you approach. LED magic is also found in the adaptive headlights and ambient interior. No mention of an M version has been made, but it would be nice to have such abilities with wild power under the hood.For more information, check out these 6 Series for sale from our dealers and stay with us for all your BMW news.

By Andrew Nabors – June 20, 2017

New 2018 Cadillac XTS Breaks Cover

If you own a TV, you have seen Cadillac's commercials that feature the Escala concept. Although everyone is talking about it, they have stated several times it will not be produced. The best we can hope for is an upcoming refresh on the new CT6 that will offer some of its influences. With CT6 getting a new wardrobe, the XTS is getting some much-needed attention. In a press release last night, the details of the 2018 XTS are outlined.If you haven't had an opportunity to drive one, they are built on the Epsilon II chassis shared with the Impala and Buick Lacrosse. It received more insulation and reinforcements to suspension mounts to make for a plush ride.The exterior is heavily revised to bring it up to date with its siblings. Essentially the new Cadillac XTS is the successor of the Seville and Deville, being destined for active adult neighborhoods and those who have no need for a supercharged V8. Most of them are front wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional.You might not realize that a twin-turbo V6 from the ATS-V is the top engine option. It delivers 420 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. New 20" wheels and new seats will soak up broken pavement, while the next generation CUE system is easier to use. Borrowed from the CTS, the new CUE is easier to use with customizable menus. Other technologies borrowed from the V series are torque vectoring and limited slip differentials. This isn't your grandfather's Seville, so check with our dealers for pricing and availability of this premium luxury sedan.

By Andrew Nabors – June 16, 2017

2008 Koenigsegg CCX For Sale

As the third production model from Koenigsegg, the CCX was a home run. It was fully developed in 3D software before the first panel was machined. This put every other auto maker on notice that Christian von Koenigsegg was ready to take on the world. As an engineer, his goal has been to bring future technologies into the present, and the CCX is a perfect example. The first carbon fiber chassis with integrated fuel tanks, the total weight including the fuel system is just under 159 lbs. As a consummate engineer, he even lists the torsional rigidity as a vehicle feature. At 58,000 Newton-meters per degree, the only production car to offer a stronger foundation is the Bugatti Veyron.The 4.7 liter V8 is topped by two Rotrex superchargers, which are among the most efficient blowers available. It allows the dual-overhead cam engine to handle 20 lbs of boost to make 803 horsepower and 693 lb-ft of torque. Inboard coil over suspension is mounted to a chrome-moly subframe just like a track car, and its adjustable for bumpy roads. Everything electrical is controlled by the computer's Can Bus instead of fuses or relays. Manufacturers have had the ability to build a solid-state electrical system for years, but why would anyone want something that reliable? A six-speed manual transmission is not a generic unit. The gear ratios and the differential are optimized to make use of the engine's patented response charge system. The superchargers don't have bypass valves, instead, they use a secondary throttle to keep a supply of boost ready at any moment.These are just a few of the mind-blowing details that no other brand has offered to-date. Your daily driver probably has at least a few parts patented by Koenigsegg, so why not own something that combines them all. The CCX is where normal cars will be in a few decades, so experience the future today thanks to iLusso. This 2008 example only has 593 miles, but the over-engineered design is probably good for half a million. For more information please click on the link below and have a great weekend.View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2017

Aston-Martin Reveals The Vantage AMR

Last year's World Endurance Championship was as nail-biting as ever. All the usual players competed on the world stage, which saw Aston-Martin Racing blowing the doors off of the competition. Owning an Aston-Martin is a goal worth reaching for, but racing takes it to another level. To transform such a masterpiece into a track car might seem to be putting pearls before swine. Nevertheless, the notion of the gentleman racer has not escaped Aston-Martin's management. In order to lower the barriers to entering motorsports, Aston-MartinIn order to lower the barriers to entering motorsports, Aston-Martin have created a new range of cars aimed at all-out performance. Sharing the name with their motorsports division, AMR will have two primary objectives. The first will be limited production of performance models, the first being the new Vantage AMR. The secondary goal is to cultivate the the AMR Pro race cars. Those are the track-ready models built by Q division of Aston-Martin Special Operations.To make sure the new series makes an impact, the new Vantage AMR will arrive with a 430 hp V8 or a 595 hp V12. The latter has received 30 more horses than previous examples and it can be had with a seven-speed manual. A six-speed box is optional on the V8 cars along with automatics if you really don't care about driving. The ultimate examples will have the AMR 'Halo Pack' that is inspired by the WEC winning #95 Vantage GTE. It is finished in Stirling Green (in honor of Stirling Moss) and Lime Green. As a proper finishing touch, the badge can be enameled with the Union Jack for no additional cost. To save on weight, some of the interior pleasantries have been deleted. Forged wheels and titanium exhaust will also be trademarks for the brand. Both engins are available in coupe or convertible bodies that will begin production this fall. Pricing will start at €126,995, or around $141,000. We applaud them on this new endeavor, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel.

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2017

McLaren Unveils New 570S Spider

In the old days, coupes and convertibles versions of the same car were alike only in name. But now that McLaren have perfected the carbon fiber "monocell" chassis it is possible to lose the roof without compromise. The master plan is known as Track 22, in which they aim to release a slew of new models by 2022. Convertibles are not new to the brand, and we've ample seat time in the 12C Spider and the 650 Spider. Both of those are part of the upper echelon Super Series which is aimed at all-out performance. For those who want a more conventional conveyance, the Sports Series is a more conventional daily driver.In a press release early this morning, the first convertible in the Sports Seres was revealed. The new 570S Spider trades in the hard top for a two-piece composite roof. Stowing neatly away, the convertible mechanism operates in 15 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph. McLaren CEO Mike Flewett said “The McLaren 570S Spider is the most attainable McLaren Spider to date and adds yet another dimension to the McLaren Sports Series family. This is a convertible without compromise; its mid-engined layout and carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis guarantee the same thrilling dynamic performance and exceptional driver involvement enjoyed in a 570S Coupé, but with the added attraction of a retractable hard-top that delivers the extra exhilaration of roof-down motoring.”Ahead of the deck lid, a glazed wind deflector can be raised to keep your hairstyle intact. The powertrain was untouched, because 570 metric horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque are plenty for this lightweight. In order to stay on the slim side, the convertible mechanism only adds 101 lbs to the car for a dry weight of 2,895 lbs. The first 400 examples will be launch edition models, and you will see them here as soon as they cross the pond. Stay with us for all your McLaren updates.

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2017

CF Charities 2017 Supercar Show Recap

If you weren't in Philadelphia over the weekend, you missed out on a wild event. CF Charities is a Pennsylvania-based organization that helps less fortunate kids get better educational opportunities. We saw photos of their Gala and Supercar show from last year and it looked like a great party, so Tanner Mashburn (@tmashphoto) decided to cover it. Many were there, including the 76'ers, Algar Ferrari, and WSFS Bank.Saturday was a track day at New Jersey Motorsports Park. It was a day of tire destruction and smiles that culminated in the Fueling Bright Futures Gala at the Hilton Philadelphia. Sunday was perfect weather for a car show, and the lineup was one for the ages.The parking lot of Wells Fargo Center was host to a McLaren P1, Saleen S7, and even a Spyker. Some of the notable attendees were a Ferrari 599XX, Lamborghini Centenario, two LaFerraris, and an SSC Ultimate Aero. Take a look at these photos and tell us your favorite. Click here for more info on the event and stay with us for more event coverage.

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Proverbs tells us that a good name is better than wealth, but does that apply to automobiles? We've noticed a strange trend in the industry where automakers change the name of a model or series for no apparent reason. But Chevrolet chose to breath new life into one of the oldest names in production. The Malibu was originally a trim package for the 60's era Chevelle and El Camino. In the 70's and 80's it rolled on the G-body as its own model until 1988. We will not speak of anything between then and 2008 because that's when Bob Lutz and his team decided to make Malibu great again.A massive amount of money was spent on reverse engineering other midsize cars along with an expensive ad campaign. The result was the 9th generation that launched last year. In our partnership with Motor Trend, Chevrolet's display of an unmarked example always draws a comparison to German or Japanese luxury sedans. The skilled hands of UAW Local 31 in Kansas City received all new tooling and state of the art paint shop to compete on the world stage. What they build is the best Chevrolet in years. We have driven the turbocharged 1.5-liter example several times and it feels better than some cars twice its price.Honestly, we didn't know a hybrid was available, so we jumped at the opportunity. A hybrid in the traditional sense, it has no plug for the external charge because the battery is only 1.5 kWh. Driving is nice thanks to more electric assist than you would imagine. Battery mode works up to 55 mph in most situations, much like the Volt. That's because most of the electronics and the transmission are shared between them. The tradeoff in battery size keeps the trunk usable, so you have room for family stuff and groceries. Styling is sleek and it stands out in a parking lot. Combined output o the electric motor and the 1.8-liter gas engine is 182 horsepower with 277 lb-ft of torque. The latter is more than most V6 sedans on the market, and it makes for spirited driving along with over 40 mpg. Try as we might, it just sips on fuel. Mileage is rated at 49 city and 43 highway since gas is needed to go faster than 55 mph.It took serious engineering to build an attractive & comfortable sedan that approaches 50 mpg. The price you pay for such a car is $32,730. If you only drive 5 miles a day you may not even need gasoline anymore, what a day to be alive. Stay with us for more reviews.

By Edward Jones – June 13, 2017

New OrangeArt Edition Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupes Coming Soon

Mercedes-Benz is adding even more style to the GLE Coupe with the announcement of the OrangeArt Editions.Each of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe OrangeArt Editions will be available in black, designo diamond white bright, iridium silver, obsidian black, polar white, and selenite grey. These exterior colors were chosen to perfectly contrast against the orange trim lines on the 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spokt light-alloy wheels and lower portion of the front fascia.Inside, the contrasting theme continues with a cabin that features black nappa leather/DINAMICA microfiber and orange piping. Mercedes notes that this very upholstery is exclusive to the OrangeArt Edition. More orange is found on the floormats in the form of the AMG logo and piping.The models available in the OrangeArt Edition lineup include the GLE 350 d 4MATIC Coupé, GLE 400 4MATIC Coupé, GLE 500 4MATIC Coupé, and AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupé. Showrooms will start receiving these models in August 2017.

By Andrew Nabors – June 12, 2017

An Individual Look At The Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive

If you want to view the finer details of a new supercar, you could go to an auto show or your local dealer. But the odds of finding your perfect car in person are slim. That's why Porsche is changing the game when it comes to the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive. Only 500 cars will be built in a stunning gold-yellow metallic finish. SportChrono is now standard on the Turbo S, so you don't need to worry about a lack of power. It will arrive with unique features inside and out, so to make sure interested customers can see the details, two robots will be placed alongside the first example inside the museum in Stuttgart. Interested customers can register on the car's own microsite to take control of the robots for five minutes.The nimble arms have HD cameras to follow a predetermined flight path of the highlights or take control with a virtual gamepad. Your pictures and footage will be broadcast around the world along with a screen in the museum forecourt. If you haven't heard the exclusive news, these 500 cars will arrive with 607 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. All of the other Turbo S goodies like Active Stability, Active Chassis, Rear Wheel Steering, Ceramic Composite Brakes, and Centerlock Wheels are also along for the ride. No, SkyNet is not in the car business so you have nothing to fear. If you are interested, take the robots for a spin and contact our dealers for more information on the new Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive.

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