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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 Edward Jones – October 20, 2016

AM-RB 001 Will Be The Most Insane Aston Martin Ever Made

When released, the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar will be the most extreme car that the English manufacturer has ever released, by a wide margin. Not only is it absolutely bizarre looking, it's also going to be extremely fast, rare and expensive. How do we know this? Wall Street Journal recently had a conversation with Adrian Newey, CTO for Red Bull Racing, and learned quite a bit about the car.As far as performance goes, the 001 is going to be no slouch, but we already suspected this. According to Newey, the car's V12 engine will produce 1,000 hp. This speed, along with its weight of just 2,200 lbs, the 001 will run 0-200 mph in just 10 seconds. What's more, it will stop from 200 mph in around 5 seconds. That means the car can take you from 0 to 200 to 0 in around 15 seconds. What in the world?For those expecting the car to have a massive big wing, you're going to be disappointed, because Newey is not a big fan of big wings. Instead of relying on a wing, the 001 relies on pure aerodynamics and active suspension. The car's computer will determine how close to ground the car needs to be, provide the necessary downforce when needed.As for how much you'll have to drop for a 001 and how rare they'll be, I've got bad news for those who were saving their pennies: it's going to be expensive and very rare. But really, we all knew this was going to be the case. Newey noted that 175 examples of the car will be made, with 150 being street-legal and 25 meant for just the track. As for its price, it will be around $3 million per.All Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2016

Porsche Turbo S vs Nissan GT-R vs McLaren 570S vs Audi R8...

In another wild drag race, Top Gear has surprised us with an unlikely victory. Four of the world's fastest cars lined up for a quarter-mile shootout. Each contender has around 600 horsepower, but that is the only common factor between them. McLaren's 570S is the shining star of their Sports Series. It has a mid-mounted 3.8 liter V8 with twin turbos and rear wheel drive. The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S is also 3.8 liters, but in the form of a flat six with forced induction.(Related - Koenigsegg Agera R vs Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Drag Race)If you are noticing a trend, engines of this size are becoming the norm thanks to fuel economy regulations and clean air laws. Japan was represented by the revised 2017 Nissan GT-R which (shockingly) arrived with a 3.8 liter V6 and turbochargers. Audi's latest R8 is a 5.2 liter V10, being the largest engine in the race. All four cars have the latest in launch and traction controls, but the McLaren is at a disadvantage without AWD. If you prefer manual transmissions look elsewhere, the dual-clutch automatic is a great equalizer. While some might not agree with the winner, the numbers speak for themselves. Stay with us for more Top Gear updates.Supercars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2016

Revealed: duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8

Everyone has been asking about the wild Audi R8 from our booth at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas. Last Thursday we unveiled one of the most powerful cars in the world. Below is the text from our press release:The car you see here is not exactly what it appears. On the surface, it’s an Audi R8- but this is no ordinary R8. Instead, it’s a specially-built, twin-turbocharged Audi R8 that is more than capable of holding its own against the latest generation of million-dollar exotics by just about every measure of objective performance. More than that, though- this is the first ever example of an ultra-limited run of duPont REGISTRY-branded ultra-luxury cars that are meant to represent the current state of the art of bespoke supercar manufacturing.“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” says Will Chapman, VP and Director of Special Projects at the world-famous duPont REGISTRY media brand that’s best-known for showcasing premium automobiles as well as fine luxury homes and yachts. “We’ve always distinguished ourselves by simply presenting products to buyers without distractions. It’s just been the buyer and the seller, and we’ve simply been a vehicle, if you’ll pardon the pun, to make that interaction possible. We’ve never stepped outside of that role to point to a product and say ‘This is the one we would buy,’ and that’s very exciting.”Fitted with upgraded hardware developed by Speedriven- a high-performance tuning firm located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois- Audi R8s fitted with the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition performance PKG can deliver performance that challenges the limits of credibility. A zero-to-sixty sprint, for example, can be completed in about 2 seconds. From a standing start, the car will cross the finish line at the end of a quarter mile drag strip in about nine seconds at more than one-hundred-and-fifty miles per hour- and the car is still accelerating.“You can see how consistent the power delivery is in our dyno videos,” explains Speedriven’s Jo Borras. “The shifts happen so fast that the straps holding the car back never slacken. That just shows how effectively all of that power is getting to the ground, thanks to the drivetrain upgrades built into the duPont REGISTRY performance package. It’s a very efficient package.”The efficiency that’s built into the Limited Edition duPont REGISTRY Audi R8 isn’t the kind of efficiency that’s built into, say, a Toyota Prius. It’s an efficiency of purpose. This is a car that’s been built to set the standard for real-world performance, and Chapman believes it’s an emphasis on drivability that sets this offering apart. We wanted to deliver an ‘extreme’ level of performance, but we wanted it to be as accessible as possible, so that a driver could get in the car and have a thrilling experience without getting in over their heads.”To that end, the cars are shipped to Speedriven in Chicago, where the R8’s V10 engine, transmission, and magnetic ride suspension are pulled out of the chassis, and its transformation begins. Speedriven tears down the Audi’s 5.2 liter aluminum V10 block completely before it goes into the CNC machine to be bored out and blueprinted. High-strength pearlitic cylinder sleeves reinforce the lightweight block, and all-new, forged internals go back in. Once that’s finished, the engine is ready to handle up to three times the amount of horsepower the V10 rolled out of the factory with- which is a good thing, because Speedriven has equipped the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a pair of massive, billet-wheel, ball-bearing turbochargers that utilize the latest and greatest in compressor and turbine wheel technology to deliver a smooth, responsive power curve that may just make you forget that “turbo lag” was ever a thing.Helping to get all the power from that beefed-up engine to each of the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi’s rear tires will be a heavily reinforced version of Audi’s own S-Tronic clutch system fitted with upgraded friction plates, steels, and heavy-duty billet aluminum clutch baskets. Those upgrades make for lightning-fast gear changes and consistent standing-start launches. Dennis & Richard from Gas Monkey GarageMassive power, however, calls for massive planning to make effective use of it. To that end, Speedriven has fitted the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a custom-built set of lightweight, forged aluminum wheels with 20” up front, and a wide, shorter set of 18” wheels in the rear- and that staggered wheel set up is just one of the keys to this car’s mind-bending speed. “We needed to be able to get a certain amount of sidewall flex into the tires,” added Jo. “You need some flex and some softness at the rear to grip the road. There’s a lot of torque going to the front of the R8, thanks to its Quattro all-wheel drive, but with more power comes more weight transfer to the rear, so you need more and more grip to keep the launches predictable.”“Smooth. Consistent. Predictable.” Those were the words that kept coming up when we were talking about what this car needed to be,” explains Chapman. “We didn’t want to make it too easy to drive, because when you have a car that’s too computerized the experience becomes very sterile, and that’s not a rewarding experience. What we wanted was to strike a balance, and deliver a car that the client could climb into and immediately drive it fast. You don’t have to have be a Formula 1 or IndyCar driver to get that fast 0-60 or quarter-mile time you read about in the magazine- but if you do have some talent, and you decide to dedicate some time to getting to know the car out on a racetrack, then you will be able to have that kind of ‘next level’ encounter. That’s the magic. That’s the balancing act.”Sports Cars For SaleWith power and performance like that, the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Performance PKG equipped Audi R8s will be very special cars. To ensure that their special-ness isn’t lost on the casual observer, however, each of the limited edition run of twenty-five cars will feature exclusive duPont REGISTRY badges on the outside, as well as “dR” center caps and a custom “dR” fuel filler cap machined from a solid bar of aluminum while, inside, each of these cars will carry special, laser-etched, “Limited Edition 1 of 25” dash plaques. As slick as those are, it’s what’s in the R8’s glass-covered engine bay that really grabs attention.Topping off the race-ready, SD-built 5.2-liter engine is a bespoke, CNC-machined billet aluminum intake manifold armed with massive fuel injectors aimed directly into each of the Audi’s ten cylinders. Parked alongside a “standard” R8 with its factory-supplied plastic intake manifold, it’s immediately obvious that this duPont REGISTRY special means business. “Once the Speedriven guys made it clear that it would be necessary to change out that factory part, though, we decided to go with a billet piece instead of a sheet metal intake. It’s overkill, in a way, but it was a decision that’s very much in keeping with the rest of the car. We wanted to do the job right, and we wanted these cars to stay true to their Audi heritage. That’s all-wheel drive. That’s turbochargers. That’s aluminum. We’re putting all of that Audi racing tradition front and center here, and we’re using our tradition of showcasing the world’s finest cars in the duPont REGISTRY to bring these special cars to the attention of people who can truly appreciate what they are, and what they’re capable of.”For more information, pricing, and options, please contact Speedriven at 708-477-3230 or email info@speedriven.com. We are aiming for consistent 8-second passes in the quarter-mile, and you will see it first here on Autofluence.

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2016

You Can Now Pre-Order the 2017 DeLorean

Dust off your hoverboard, the DeLorean DMC-12 has returned. Like a Phoenix from the ashes, it has taken a few decades to realize the potential of the revolutionary car. Only 8,583 original cars were built from 1981 to ’83, but when the company became insolvent most of the parts were simply boxed up and sold. Historians offer many reasons why John DeLorean’s brand went under, but the simple truth is that the car was from the future.His career started at Pontiac in 1956, but he left GM as the head of Chevrolet in 1973 to build his own car. With cars like the GTO and Vega to his credit, John sought to build a car he would want to drive. Unencumbered by the bean counters of the big car companies, he pulled together the best minds in the world in 1980. An innovative chassis from Lotus and breathtaking styling by Giugiaro have made the car timeless in the eyes of many.With recent advances in CNC machine tools and rapid prototyping, the DMC-12 has returned. Based in Humble, Texas, DeLorean Motor Company is officially taking orders for the 2017 model year. After securing a modern engine supplier, they have enough original parts to build 300 cars. Power was the weakest link of the original design, as the Renault V6 has proven to be an underpowered time bomb.A small piece of legislation was passed last year (HR 22) to allow for low-volume production of replica cars, so DMC has launched a web page for inquiries on the new cars. The only stipulation is that the drivetrain must meet 2017 emissions standards in all 50 states. While they haven’t officially announced the performance numbers, any modern engine will outperform the originals. It could be anything from Hyundai to Hellcat, so tell us what engine you want to see in the comments below. Stay with us for more updates on the reborn DeLorean Motor Company.DMC-12 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2016

BMW Unveils M4 DTM Champion Edition

German racing is popular the world over, but for most of us, it conflicts with a good night's sleep when time zones are considered. The DTM series is basically Stock Car racing and it has been dominated by BMW in the past few years. Team BMW driver Marco Wittmann took home the trophy at the 2016 season's grand finale at Hockenheimring, so the company is celebrating with a special edition of the BMW M4. Only 200 cars will be produced, and each one is receiving a healthy dose of boost along with snazzy graphics.(Related - Pokemon-Themed BMW i8 is Your Childhood Dream) By using the magic of turbochargers, you will have 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque at your command. Sixty arrives in 3.8 seconds but your top speed is limited to only 189.5 MPH. In essence, BMW took the inline six cylinder engine from the M4 GTS and refined it for street manners. Alpine white is the only color to be offered, and exposed carbon fiber spoilers are reminiscent of the aero package developed by the race team. If your E46 just isn't fun anymore, consider the new M4 listings from our dealers and stay with us for all your BMW news.BMW M4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2016

Make Your House Sound Like the Inside of a Bentley

Cleaning the house or relaxing with a nice drink should always be accompanied by the sounds of your favorite songs. But, why listen to music through the speakers of your phone or a little speaker when you can listen to music like you're in a Bentley? Introducing Naim for Bentley's Mu-so and Mu-so qb wireless speaker systems.(Related - Report: The Apple Car is No More)These speaker systems utilize a rotary control that features Bentley's signature knurling, while the wooden speaker cabinet is wrapped in anodized aluminum, creating a natural sound. As for the speakers' grille, they're finished in the signature Bentley color "Portland." Essentially, these speakers were modeled after the styling of Bentley Motors, while creating the richest and most natural sound possible.Now, I did mention earlier that there are two different systems: the Mu-so and Mu-so qb. The Mu-so (minus the qb), delivers 450wattst of power through six speakers, with s 32-bit signal processor that's been tuned in Naim's listening room. As for the Mu-so qb, think of this one as a compact version of the entire six-speaker system that consists of just one speaker, capable of 300 watts of power.Bluetooth connectivity is used to play music on these speakers, allowing customers to use Spotify, internet radio, Pandora, Soundcloud, downloaded songs... You get the gist of it.If you're interested in picking up a speaker for yourself, they're priced at $1,694 for the Mu-so and $1,108 for the Mu-so qb.All Bentley Continental GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2016

Porsche 919 Hybrid and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

For as long as Porsche has been around, they have been creating cars of all shapes, sizes, colors and power ratings. Most people may know them for the 911, but the German automaker is much more than that. In a new video, Porsche set out to show off a side of themselves that is new and will more than likely lead to the future of the company. That side is the electric side.(Related - Porsche 911 Becomes the Perfect Rally Car)In the new video, we get to see their Panamera 4 E-Hybrid driving alongside their 919 Hybrid race car through the streets of London. It's an interesting duo, considering they're both hybrids and are very, very different vehicles. For example, the 919 is powered by a turbocharged V4 engine that works in cooperation with an electric motor to create around 900 hp. As for the Panamera, its has a V6 engine working with an electric motor to create approximately 416 hp. Another major difference between the two is that the 919 Hybrid has won Le Mans...So, there's that.Anyways, check the two Porsches roaming the streets of London by clicking the play button below.All Panamera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2016

2018 Corvette ZR1 Prototype Caught in traffic

To make sure their latest supercar is ready to be a daily driver, Chevrolet engineers were caught testing the upcoming Corvette ZR1 along with several other support cars. The ZR1 will always be the king of GM's product offering, as a fitting tribute to a prolific Chief Engineer. Zora Duntov was a Russian Jew who barely escaped Paris before Nazi tanks arrived. Racing at top speed in his modified Alfa, he and his wife were only a few miles ahead of the advancing German onslaught.(Related - The Grand Tour Hosts Quizzed While Racing Corvette)As Corvette's Chief Engineer from 1955 to 1975, he reserved the ZR1 name for the ultimate street machine. Zora's influence on Chevrolet's performance vehicles also led to advances in racing, as he secretly built five Grand Sport race cars in 1963. Protecting the latest Corvette from spy photographers has been difficult, with many automotive journalists speculating on engine and body changes. Zora and his engineers testing the original ZR1 at Milford Proving Grounds (Photo from GM Heritage Archives)What you see below is the first HD footage of the ZR1 in action. Zora's successor Dave McLellan told me the old man always envisioned the ZR1 as a 7.0-liter mid-engined twin turbo AWD hypercar, but the experimental cars like the CERV and Corvette Indy were killed by the bean counters. Corvette Indy ConceptWe don't like to speculate on the differences, but the most obvious upgrades are a giant rear spoiler and a revised front grille. The Z06 on steroids will hopefully switch to a twin-turbo design instead of the supercharger for improved fuel economy and less heat soak issues. We might have to take a day trip to the Corvette Assembly plant after the Nashville Auto Show (November 18-20) to see if we can catch them rolling off the line. We tip our hats for the clean footage from IndianAutosBlog, so stay with us for more Corvette news.All Corvette ZR1 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2016

McLaren Announces Inaugural Ice Driving Experience

In a press release over the weekend, the hottest news in cold weather driving has the industry in an uproar. Many other manufacturers offer similar programs for their supercars, but most of them only showcase their all-wheel drive models. McLaren's current lineup consists of rear engined, twin turbo, rear wheel drive cars which are a handful in snowy conditions.(Related - Porsche Driving Experience Winter 2017: The Best German Ice Dancing)Last week at the Orange County Auto Show I had an opportunity to drive a new 675 LT Spider and it was obvious that several computers were hard at work keeping the 666 horsepower from overpowering the rear tires in the corners. Needless to say, it will be a handful on sub-zero precipitation. McLaren P13 CETPure McLaren is the brand's events division, and they are heading to Ivalo in northern Finland January 15th to Feb 3rd. It will be an exciting way to experience their Sports Series with instruction from the world's best drivers. Partnering with local Laplanders at Luxury Action, guests will have ample opportunities for entertainment. A Husky safari and snow machine racing will be offered to guests who are afraid of the potent 570S. Pricing starts at £12,500 per person, or $15,234 USD at time of press. It will be the start of McLaren's annual cold weather gatherings, so stay with us for complete coverage of the event.View McLaren 570S For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 17, 2016

Report: The Apple Car is No More

Our dreams of driving around in an auxiliary-jackless car and having Siri close your windows have been dashed as Bloomberg reports that the "Apple Car" will not come to fruition.There have been rumours that Apple was rethinking the idea of building their own car, but this seems to seal the deal. Bloomberg notes in an article released today that Apple has "drastically scaled back its automotive ambitions, leading to hundreds of job cuts." Apparently, the 1,000-person car team has been disbanded, with employees being let go, reassigned or leaving on their own terms.(Related - Mercedes-Benz Autonomous Driving Concept Previewed)However, the idea of an Apple-powered car is not out of the question. Bloomberg went on to report that the California-based tech company is now focusing on creating their own autonomous driving system, which they can provide to various vehicle manufacturers. This may be why many were reporting talks between McLaren and Apple not long ago.One thing worth looking at is how Apple's stock will react to this information. While it may look bad at first glance, it may actually be better in the long run. Bloomberg notes that carmakers typically work with net margins that are well below 10%, while tech companies, like Apple, have much higher margins. By dropping the Apple Car and focusing primarily on the tech itself, investors may either rest easier with their investments or potential investors might find the new direction easier to invest in.So, while we won't being seeing an Apple iCar anytime soon, we still may see an Apple-powered car in the future.Related Video:

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