Articles

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

Mercedes-AMG E-Class Estate (BR 213) 2016

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 13, 2016

Mercedes-AMG Debuts First E-Class Performance Enhancement...

For the first time, AMG will be working with the Mercedes E-Class to create performance enhanced models for the AMG fan. The E 43 4MATIC Saloon and Estate models will offer AMG design, performance and superior handling-- of of which is to be expected from an AMG Mercedes. Sport and class are both at the helm of design, giving Mercedes-AMG fans just a few more options to choose from when picking their vehicles.The new designs are a part of Mercedes-AMG initiative to expand the AMG line so it can offer more options to its versatile clientele. As stated by Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We have considerably expanded our model range for performance-oriented customers with our new 43 models, creating numerous new ways of entering the world of Mercedes-AMG. The new E 43 4MATIC Saloon and the new E 43 Estate add particularly versatile alternatives for business and recreation to this extensive product range" Both will offer 4MATIC four-wheel drive and power enhancements created by a fusion of technology and turbos. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine is equipped with larger turbo chargers, which amount to 401 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This enhanced power makes for a 0-60 sprint at 4.6 seconds for the Saloon and 4.7 seconds for the Estate. Both models top out at speeds of 155 MPH. Mercedes-AMG states the new E 43 4MATIC package, "guarantees performance on par with sports cars, complete with a noticeably sporty throttle response."Both interior and exterior will model a sporty, AMG design, though no concrete details on styling have been released at this time. Stay tuned to Autofluence for updates as more information becomes available. View All Mercedes-Benzs For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 13, 2016

New Peugeot 3008 DKR Ready for the Dakar Challenge

The Dakar Challenge is undoubtedly one of the most grueling races in the world. The race takes competitors in cars and trucks and on motorcycles and quad bikes across Argentina and Bolivia over the course of fifteen days. Each year automakers come out with new vehicles to take on the race, each of which are incredibly capable, durable and powerful. For this year, Peugeot has created the 3008 DKR, one of the most intense looking trucks that will take on the challenge."The new 3008 symbolizes the next step," said team director Bruno Famin in a press release from Peugeot. "Our goal with this car was to take the weaker points of the existing car and make them stronger, while capitalizing on all the existing strengths to improve them still further. There are also some new regulations, which we obviously needed to comply with."The 3008 DKR is based on the new 3008 SUV from the automaker and is loyal to the company's two-wheel drive philosophy. This two-wheel-drive philosophy began 15 years and nine months ago when the first win for a two-wheel drive car happened.But, the icing on the cake for this desert racer?Air conditioning.

By Andrew Nabors – September 13, 2016

Koenigsegg Agera RSR Spotted in Action

Last week Koenigsegg unveiled the Agera RSR to the world. Taking inspiration from the phenomenal One:1, the latest in the Agera lineup are three bespoke models heading to Japan. In a post to their Facebook page this morning, a happy customer can be seen behind the wheel with the founder riding shotgun. Asking the world where they would go if given the opportunity, it looks to be a foreshadowing of a delivery video. Always improving upon perfection, Koenigsegg has included several updates to the new model. The aggressive rear spoiler is from the One:1, offering more downforce than previous Ageras. A redesign of the roof panel allows it to be stored in the cargo compartment instead of being left at home. Considering these cars will live in the land of the rising sun, we asked ourselves the same question. Our first stop would be Fuji Raceway in hopes of beating an LF-A. Next would be the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line for tunnel action. Finally we would head into the countryside to run down a Bullet Train. Tell us where you would take yours, and stay with us for the video when its released. View Koenigsegg For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 12, 2016

Koenigsegg Offers Factory Tour in September for Awesome P...

Seeing a Koenigsegg in the flesh is something only a rare few will be able to experience in their lifetime. The exclusiveness of the brand makes seeing one on the street highly unlikely. Thanks to the internet, we've all had the opportunity to "see" a Koenigsegg from afar, and it's probably made us fiend a little harder for the up close and personal encounter. Koenigsegg is giving a few lucky people the opportunity to not only see a Koenigsegg, but also tour the factory. On September 16, the car maker is offering a factory tour in English for its English-speaking fans. How much does this tour cost? You might be wondering, right? Luckily, the cost is definitely in line with what most people can afford. $35 is the magic number. That's right, a mere $35 to see the Koenigsegg in the flesh, up close and personal. There is one problem, it seems. Currently, the tour is sold out. If you don't already have your ticket, it doesn't look like you'll be getting one. They could possible open up more availability or add a day, though. If we see that, we'll be sure to update you. Koenigseggs for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 09, 2016

13-Year-Old Steven Aghakhani Can't Stop Winning

Putting in countless hours, listening to a driving coach and putting his head in the game time and again is really paying off for 13-year-old Steven Aghakhani. This time, Aghakhani took to the Willow Springs Raceway where he faced off with several worthy opponents, some of which came equipped with 900+ horsepower vehicles. Considered the underdog of the event, the 13-year-old was a bit nervous, which is rare for him. He's usually incredibly comfortable behind the wheel thanks to extensive training and a natural aptitude for racing.Aghakhani, and his US Race Tronics team brought out his Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo for the event, and he reports hitting a new personal lap time of 1.24.5. He's always been a Lamborghini fan and loves the Gallardo for its grip and downforce. He came out on top at Willow Springs Raceway, which is something the young driver is known for.According to his father, Armik Aghakhani, it looks like his next adventure will be Formula 1 training in a Grand Prix vehicle and will practice with the iconic Porsche Martini Racing team.Check out the video below for more!

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 09, 2016

RM Sotheby's London Auction Finishes with Record Numbers

RM Sotheby has had quite the auction season, starting with massive success at Monterey and continuing with record breaking numbers in London. The London auction, which concluded on September 7, featured popular, low-mileage Porsche collection with many of the models selling for high dollar values. One of the most notable Porsche sales was a 1995 Porsche 911 GT2. One of 52, this pristine, brilliant blue model sold for an incredible £1,848,000 ($2,452,656).Top 5 SalesLot 169 – 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT (CHASSIS NO. DB4GT/0126/R) £2,408,000 ($3,195,416)Lot 132 – 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ99ZTS392064) £1,848,000 ($2,452,656)Lot 134 – 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pinin Farina (CHASSIS NO. 1881 GT) £1,288,000 ($1,709,227)Lot 125 – 2003 Ferrari Enzo (CHASSIS NO. ZFFCW56AX30132648) £1,200,000 - £1,400,000 ($1,592,400 - $1,857,800)Lot 129 – 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ96ZPS479031) £974,400 ($1,293,077)With their success, RM Sotheby looks forward to their October event at the Hershey Lodge in Pennsylvania and their Northern Italy event soon afterward.

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2016

New Hybrid Porsche Panamera Model Revealed

Porsche has added a fourth model to their Panamera lineup: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Creating the hybrid system is a strategy that is based on the 918 Spyder hypercar. The new Panamera's electric motor creates 136 hp at any given time, just like the hypercar. Working in combination with the electric motor is a new 2.9-liter biturbo V6 engine that creates 330 hp. Together, the total power output of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is around 436 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.Even with four doors and a large stature, the AWD hybrid Panamera can run 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds. That's a full second slower than the Panamera Turbo, but much quicker than the 6.0 time of the base model.But, it's not speed that will draw potential buyers to this car. Instead, people will be more interested in its mpg rating and electric capabilities. Porsche states that the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid can run 31 miles in pure electric mode with a limited top speed of 90 mph. As for its fuel consumption rating, it has a combined rating of 94.09 mpg. If you're worried about charging up the battery in order to keep this amazing mpg rating, Porsche says it takes 5.8 hours to fully charged the battery with a standard 3.6-kW charger. With the optional 7.2 kW charger, it only takes 3.6 hours to charge up the battery.Pricing for the new model has yet to be released.View All Panameras For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 08, 2016

Place Your Bid on the Last Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Ever

With the early 2000s came the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The compact, agile vehicle sought to set the standard for affordable, four-door sports cars. In a press release, Mitsubishi stated, " the Lancer Evolution is applauded worldwide for its combination of power, agility and Super All-Wheel Control," in its prime. The Lancer Evo has seen its last days though, and the opportunity to own one is dwindling with each passing day.Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition Specs Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine Horsepower: 303 hp Torque: 305 lb-ft Transmission: 5-speed 2015 Lancer Evolution Final EditionLuckily, the Final Edition was crafted to conclude the line, and the last Lancer Evo Final Edition, which is known as US1600, is available for auction. Mitsubishi is conducting the auction through Ebay, giving potential owners from all corners the opportunity to own the vehicle. The auction is currently live and scheduled to end a week from today, on Thursday, September 15 at 9:00 a.m. PT. To sweeten the deal, all proceeds from the auction of the car maker's final Lancer Evo will be donated to esteemed nonprofit, Feeding America.The Final Edition features a host of upgraded specs including a DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine capable of 303 horsepower and a 5-speed transmission. It is fitted with the Final Edition Badge, dark chrome painted wheels and grille and red accent stitching. You can place your bid for US1600 here. 2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 08, 2016

Sports Cars and Supercars with Apple CarPlay for Your iPh...

Yesterday, Apple rocked the tech world with their announcement of the iPhone 7, which features a new, improved camera, water-resistant body and is missing a notably iconic feature: the headphone jack.Those not well-versed in the tech world (me) wondered why the missing headphone jack was such a big deal. Obviously, it makes things a little difficult when wanting to use wired headphones (oh wait! Apple created an adapter for this known as the Lightning port), but other than that, what's the big deal? As it turns out, removing the headphone jack from the device is such a bold move because these types of jacks have been in place in the tech industry for over 100 years, starting with the old school switchboards where you'd have to call an operator to have her connect your phone line to the person's line you wanted to reach. Once I learned about this history, I understood a little better the frenzy caused by the removal of the headphone jack. But I digress.Listening to music in your car is just as important as being able to plug in a pair of headphones and jam out. In celebration of the newly redesigned iPhone 7, sans headphone jack, here's a list of supercars and sports cars offering Apple CarPlay.Preorder the iPhone 7 (AT&T) | Preorder the iPhone 7 (Verizon) Acura 2017 NSX Bentley2017 BentaygaCadillac 2016 ATS-V 2016 CTS-V Ferrari 2016 488 GTB 2016 488 Spider 2016 California T 2016 F12 Berlinetta 2016 F12 tdf 2016 FF 2017 GTC4Lusso Lamborghini2017 CentenarioMercedes 2016 A-Class 2016 B-Class 2016 CLA-Class 2016 CLS-Class 2016 E-Class Cabriolet 2016 E-Class Coupe 2016 GLA-Class 2016 GLE-Class Porsche 2017 718 Cayman 2017 718 Boxster 2017 911 2017 Cayenne 2017 Macan Which one would be your choice? Let us know in the comments!

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 07, 2016

Bentley Introduces 200+ MPH Flying Spur W12 S

When Bentley sets out to create a new flagship model, they fuse together only the best in performance, dynamics and style. Enter the Flying Spur W12 S. This four-door vehicle, which is the first of its kind to reach top speeds of over 200 mph, now sits at the helm of the Flying Spur range. The luxury vehicle's design incorporates stunning performance without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.Bentley Flying Spur W12 S Specs Engine: 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 Horsepower: 626 hp Torque: 605 lb-ft 0-60: 4.2 seconds Top Speed: 202 mph Power and torque enhancements are provided by a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo W12 engine, which pumps 626 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the increase in power, the new Flying Spur tops out at 202 mph and reaches a sprint from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with, "a new responsive suspension tune" which, "improves handling and provides even more traction" to provide the ultimate driving experience. The new Flying Spur W12 S is designed for the astute driver who wants the best in power, performance and luxury, without having to compromise one for the other.When it comes to styling, Bentley incorporated tradition and athleticism to channel the versatility of the vehicle. These details, when fused together create a look, which is both characteristically Bentley and simultaneously edgy. According to a press release,Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED daytime running lights, subtle blackware elements and a choice of stylish alloy wheels afford the Flying Spur a modern, contemporary feel. Exclusive leather stitching, LED daytime running lights, black gloss accents and a versatile color palette bring the new look together. The Flying Spur W12 S is also technologically inclined, offering riders a Touch Screen Remote and full infotainment system as well as built-in WiFi technology.Though no official release date or price has been announces, deliveries will begin at the end of the year.Bentley Flying Spurs for Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe