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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 – February 15, 2017

Jaguar Cars Can Now Pay for Gas

One of the best aspects of owning a luxury car is the added value in all the unseen areas. Jaguar and Land Rover are diligent in providing every conceivable convenience in their automobiles, and their latest effort is probably a foreshadowing of how we will purchase fuel in the future. To be released on an update to the InControl software, examples of the XE, XF and F-Pace integrate PayPal or Apple Pay into the communication system. Working with Shell, payment for a pit stop will be conducted on the car's touchscreen, allowing for a quick "gas 'n go." After the initial release, it will be offered across the Jaguar and Land Rover lineups, with payment for parking lots and drive-thru coming in the near future. The press release was aimed at English motorists, because we have some slightly silly laws about fuel payment.If you have ever had your debit card skimmed by a sleazy station you might like the idea. But if you can't fathom the idea of your car generating high-frequency communications around volatile fuels, we understand. Either way, it is a clear example of forward-thinking to allow fuels to rush in where angels fear to tread. Ok, that was our only poetic reference today so take a look at how the system works in the video below and stay with us for all your updates from Jaguar-Land Rover.Jaguar For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2017

McLaren Excites Us About the New 720S With a New Engine

We've seen McLaren's M838T engine over and over again, and that's probably because it's a superb piece of machinery. However, it seems that McLaren is ready to move on as far as powerhouses go for their upcoming 720S Super Series model.In a new press release from the English automaker, McLaren Automotive announced that the new M840T engine will be powering the new 720S. This 4.0-liter V8 engine comes with two turbochargers attached. They say that this engine will take the car from 0-124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and also allow it to run a quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds.(McLaren 650S Predecessor Teased in New Photo)“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter-mile in 10.3 seconds,” commented McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”Additionally, McLaren also stated that this new engine will be attached to a new exhaust system. This new exhaust system is said to "match the extreme performance of the engine, with the further options of a sports exhaust."The McLaren 720S will be unveiled in its entirety on March 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.McLaren For Sale Related Video:

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2017

Ford GT Goes Skinny Dipping

Wet weather driving is something most supercars will never encounter, but Ford wants everyone to know what the new GT is capable of. Living in Florida, we are accustomed to flooded roads and the calamity they cause. In order to breath cool air most new cars are bottom breathers. The engine's air intake is mounted low to take advantage of high pressure generated by the front bumper. So inevitably rain water is sucked into a few unlucky cars and its game over.Hydro lock is when an engine is destroyed by water. It can happen to any car in the right situation, especially supercars with low ground clearance. In a move that would kill most cars, Ford Performance decided to ford a river by plunging the GT into a splash test. In a test trench usually reserved for trucks, the GT makes swimming look easy. The rear mounted 3.5 liter engine has intakes located behind the cockpit, so you would have to work very hard to get water into the cylinders. We inquired with them about replicating this test at our facility, but for some reason we have yet to receive a reply. Please don't try this at home, and if you do please send us the footage. Stay with us for all your Ford GT updates.All Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2017

Pagani Reveals Huayra Roadster

A proper recipe for the perfect convertible has always involved the same ingredients: Reinforcements to the chassis and restyling the body. But Mr. Pagani doesn't follow the crowd when it comes to the Huayra, which is why the Roadster is revolutionary. Just released, the official information is breathtaking. While it may look identical to the coupe on the outside, the roadster rides on an all new chassis of Carbo-Tanium. The patented material was invented by Mr. Pagani and it has been the foundation of his cars. When layered it makes for a strong material, but for even more rigidity the engineers have laid it on 3 opposing axis. Carbo-Triax is the new composite, and it allows the roadster to be lighter and stronger than its predecessor. Attached to the central monocoque are tube frames of chrome moly, which allow for 1.8G of lateral grip. The Mercedes-AMG V12 is rated at 764 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, and since the car only weighs 2,821 lbs it will be a brutal speed machine. Your choices for a rear mounted, naturally aspirated V12 are scarce these days so expect to learn more about the new Huayra Roadster and other exotic cars after the Geneva auto show.

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2017

Extreme Offroad Luxury: Mercedes-Maybach G650

If you are looking for an exclusive SUV, your search is over. Mercedes-Maybach is planning a limited run of convertible G wagons based on the 4x4². To be formally unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, the official name will be G650 Landaulet. The first 4WD to bear the Maybach name, it features a convertible soft top for the rear passengers. To be worthy of such an exclusive name, it borrows the finest elements of the S class to make a very luxurious interior. Driver and front passenger can be silenced by invoking a glass partition, and it has the same electro-chromatic abilities as the Magic Sky Roof found on the SL.Rear passengers are also treated to dual 10" screens in the partition wall and massaging seats from the S class. The wheelbase needed a stretch of 22" in order to accommodate all the pleasantries, and nothing was left out. The rear cup holders are heated and cooled for the ultimate in top-down motoring, and the seats have all the massaging features we have come to love. Power comes from the venerable twin turbo V12, offering 630 hp to three locking differentials. Hopefully, Jay-Z is on the waiting list because only 99 examples will be produced. No word of US availability was mentioned, but we will have updates after the unveiling. Stay with us for all your Mercedes news.All Mercedes G Class For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2017

Tesla Model S P100D Sets New and Insane Record

We all talk about hypercars and how quick they are, but it's been proven once again that the Tesla Model S P100D is an absolutely insane vehicle with a 0-60 mph time worthy of world records. And it does it all with four doors.Motor Trend recently tested the P100D with the Ludicrous Mode engaged and have set an insane new record. According to their blog post, no car during their testing has ever gone 0-60 mph faster than 2.3 seconds. That is, until they tested this Tesla with latest firmware (v8.0 release 2.52.22).(Related - Tesla Model S Avoids Accident by Going Really Fast)When tested, they recorded the Model S P100D's 0-60 time at an unbelievable 2.275 seconds! I think the correct term to call this feat would be ludicrous.Motor Trend noted that this car's acceleration when in Ludicrous Mode "snaps your body in a manner that is utterly impossible to replicate in any other street-legal production car on normal tires and dry asphalt at a mid-$100,000 price point." For a four-door sedan with ample storage space, that's downright impressive.Tesla Model S For Sale Related Video:

By Edward Jones – February 07, 2017

Designo Edition and RedArt Edition Mercedes-Benz Models

From Daimler's February 6 press release:Exactly six weeks before the start of spring in Europe, Mercedes-Benz is launching its automotive springtime with attractive editions of its SL and SLC Roadsters. Customers can choose from the SLC RedArt Edition as well as the SL designo Edition. While the compact SLC special model emphasizes sporty dynamics, the SL is tailored towards exclusivity and fine interior design. SLC RedArt Edition...Expressive: Mercedes-AMG SLC 43* RedArt EditionThe AMG RedArt Edition for the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 provides expressive highlights with stylishly placed red elements. The exclusive special paint finishes in designo selenite grey magno and designo iridium silver magno make the SLC top model into quite the eye catcher. Customers can choose from six other colours. Red trim elements on the front and rear apron, the red front splitter, red flics in the AMG bumper and the red fins in the wings lend the Roadster an eye-catching look. Striking 45.7 cm (18-inch) AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with red rim flange as well as red brake callipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering dominate the vehicle's side design. SLC RedArt EditionSeats are designed in black leather with silver pearl nappa leather inserts with exclusive upholstery, head restraints in carbon-embossed leather and embroidered Edition logo. The red contrasting topstitching and the red borders on the AMG floor mats match the overall look. Alternatively, upholstery variants in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre as well as Exclusive nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre, among others, are available. Seat heating as well as AIRSCARF neck-level heating for driver and front passenger ensure high levels of comfort. A multifunction sports steering wheel with carbon-embossed leather inserts, the AMG E-SELECT selector lever with nappa leather insert and embossed AMG logo as well as the aluminium trim element with dark carbon grain are also part of the exclusive range of appointments. SLC RedArt Edition...SL designo Edition with even more exclusivityThe legendary Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster gains even more exclusivity with the new designo Edition. The special model is characterised by stylish elements and high-quality materials on the exterior and interior. The metallic finish in brilliant blue, the 48.3 cm (19-inch) or 50.8 cm (20-inch) AMG 10-spoke forged wheels as well as the chrome flics in the front apron ensure a special exterior look. The badges with the designo Edition logo placed laterally between the chrome badges subtly reference the Roadster's special status.Mercedes-Benz SL-Class For Sale SL designo Edition- End

By Edward Jones – February 07, 2017

2018 Dodge Durango SRT: "Most Powerful 3-Row SUV"

Are you driving around in a Dodge Durango and find yourself wanting more power? Well, I've got great news for you: Dodge has just announced the new 2018 Durango SRT.The American automaker is noting that this new SUV is "America's fastest, mort powerful and most capable three-row SUV." How did Dodge make this happen? To put it simply, they threw their 392-cubic-inch HEMI V8 under the hood. This engine gives the driver of the SUV the ability to unleash 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Dodge notes that this engine will give the car a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds.“The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “This is what you get, when you take everything great about the Durango and combine it with the performance of the Charger SRT: a 12-second quarter mile, toy-hauling, three-row muscle car.”What's pretty awesome about purchasing this Durango is that every buyer gets a one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. This experience will allow them to really test out its "Track Mode" and unleash every ounce of power it has on tap.If you're interested in picking one up, they will be at Dodge dealerships in Q4 2017.Sports Cars For Sale 2018 Dodge Durango SRT

By Andrew Nabors – February 06, 2017

Lady Gaga's Lamborghini Huracan in Houston

Never missing a chance to please her fans, Lady Gaga decided to pose with her Huracan on Saturday. In Houston for the big game, it looks like she was caught getting ready for a run. The multi-platinum recording artist has collaborated with everyone from Tony Bennett to Beyonce. Her ride is a late model Lamborghini Huracan. Available in four configurations, the Huracan can be had in Spyder or Coupe body styles, with rear or all-wheel drive. The 5.2 liter V10 is rated at 580 metric horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is a 7-speed dual clutch, and it makes for a relaxing experience. The beauty of the Huracan is that you don't need to be a celebrity to own one. Our dealers have great leasing options for 2016 models, and great deals on new arrivals. Stay with us for all your celebrity car news.All Lamborghini Huracan For Salehttps://twitter.com/RickLeventhal/status/827247899557892096

By Andrew Nabors – February 06, 2017

Optional Aerodynamics for the Koenigsegg Regera

Sweden may be enduring the depths of Winter, but they are building the world's hottest hypercars. The Koenigsegg Regera makes use of hybrid assist to eliminate the transmission, because who needs gears? Not only does the direct drive allow it to put more power to the ground, it also really comes alive at triple digit speeds. With a 2.73 differential, most gearheads know that such a low ratio allows for incredible top end power. A combination of twin turbo V8, three motor generators, and an innovative torque converter allow the Regera to offer 1,500 hp and around 1,475 lb-ft of torque. And to keep such power glued to the track, an optional aerodynamics package includes dive planes on the nose and more exposed carbon front to rear.A new Rendering of the Regera has been unveiled each week, giving Koenigsegg employees a chance to show their ideal build to the world. Last week we saw a raven black example from Art Director Lisa, and this week it is a Grey & Carbon design from Prototype Manager Mattias Vox. A fan of natural tones, he chose a Roe Deerskin interior. The exterior is perfect camouflage for foggy mornings, with carbon fiber being separated by white stripes. He chose this example to unveil the new aero because a "certain motor show" they are preparing for. Undoubtedly Koenigsegg and team will have something wild for Geneva, so stay with us for complete coverage of the show.

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