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

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 02, 2016

The Capable, Comfortable, Beastly US Specialty Rhino GX

The guys from YouTube channel The Smoking Tire took the US Specialty Rhino GX out to the middle of nowhere to show what the armored steel powerhouse was made of.Even though the Rhino GX is considerably heavier than the average SUV, it is quite agile and handles well. Even in soft sand, the vehicle easily adjusts to any road condition and steering is a breeze. The guys in the video hit the throttle in soft sand that would probably make another vehicle's wheels dig in and get stuck, but not the Rhino GX.Additionally, the Rhino GX has a towing capability of 12,000 lbs, take steep hills like a champ and make it through intense flood waters thanks to its 38" tires and four-wheel drive. Donuts? Absolutely. Through it all, the ride remains relatively smooth and comfortable.Check out the full video to see the Rhino GX in action, and don't forget, you can get yours today.US Specialty Rhino GXs for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2016

Your Next $1.3 Million Kit Car: Glickenhaus SCG 003

If you need a race car that can be driven home after winning, James Glickenhaus has your next ride. His quest to build the world's most capable street legal car began in 2013 and has culminated in the SCG 003. Two versions of the car were originally planned, but Road & Track joined his team at Monticello Motor Club for an update on the project.Many of us have always wanted to build our own production cars, but our watchful Federal Government makes this almost impossible. Extensive testing at the 'Ring and on the street have led to three distinct models. In order to avoid crash testing such expensive cars, they will be sold as kit cars in all 50 states. The street version, or Stradale, will be fully DOT compliant with turn signals and ABS. In order to meet emissions laws they chose a 4.4L twin turbo V8 which was already EPA certified. With a target of 800 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, it will be a very potent street car.The mid-level offering will dispense with interior pleasantries in exchange for race-ready instrumentation. The SCG 003 CS stands for Competition Stradale and it features DOT legal tires developed by Dunlop. Suspension and braking have multiple combinations and a new collision avoidance radar will make for safer track days. Both street legal versions will use a 7 speed dual clutch transmission from Cima.If you only care about lap times, the Competition model hasn't changed much since last year. Running a Honda derived 3.5L twin turbo V6, it is limited to 545 hp by the Balance of Performance. With a target production of ten cars, the pricing is expected to start around $1.3 million. For that small sum you will have access to an SCG team member who will fly to your shop to assist in final assembly. Hopefully the Stradale will be offered without engine or transmission, because an LS swap along with a manual transmission would make for the ultimate daily driver. If you current track car lacks any street manners stay with us for production updates from Scuderia Glickenhaus.View All Race Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2016

Forza Horizon 3 Car List

Updated: 8/3/2016On this page is the full Forza Horizon 3 car list as it is revealed. These vehicles include off-road SUVs, trucks, supercars, hypercars, classic cars and much more. What's more, the page will also be updated as Turn 10 announces more cars for the game, so be sure to check back.The game will be released on September 27.Pre-Order Now Third Release (August 3, 2016) 1980 Abarth Fiat 131 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1948 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta 1985 Ford RS200 Evolution 1977 Ford Escort RS1800 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina 2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept 1969 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 2015 Lexus RC F 1953 Maserati A6GCS/53 Pininfarina Berlinetta 1997 McLaren F1 GT 1958 Plymouth Fury Second Release (July 27, 2016) 2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine" 1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V600 2011 Audi RS 5 Coupé 2011 BMW X5 M 1981 BMW M1 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 2011 Ferrari FF 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra 1956 Ford F-100 1991 GMC Syclone 2016 Holden Special Vehicles GTS Maloo 1951 Holden 50-2106 FX Ute 1974 Holden Sandman HQ panel van 2012 Infiniti IPL G Coupe 2015 Jaguar XFR-S 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV 2014 Lamborghini Urus 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged 2005 Lotus Elise 111S 2013 Mazda MX-5 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2010 Renault Megane RS 250 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi First Release (July 20, 2016) Year Make Model Notes 1968 Abarth 595 esseesse 2010 Abarth 500 esseesse 2001 Acura Integra Type-R 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Stradale 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C 1971 AMC Javelin AMX 2013 Ariel Atom 500 V8 2016 Ariel Nomad 1964 Aston Martin DB5 2010 Aston Martin One-77 2012 Aston Martin Vanquish 2006 Audi RS 4 1983 Audi Sport quattro 2013 Audi RS 4 Avant 2013 Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI quattro 2016 Audi R8 V10 plus Tier 4 Reward Car 2014 BAC Mono 2015 Baldwin Motorsports #97 Monster Energy Trophy Truck 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed 1997 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo 1986 BMW M635CSi 2012 BMW M5 Tier 5 Reward Car 1995 BMW M5 2014 BMW M4 Coupe 2014 BMW M235i 2012 Bowler EXR S 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 1987 Buick Regal GNX 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 1970 Chevrolet El Camino Super Sport 454 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport 409 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 1970 Datsun 510 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 2013 Donkervoort D8 GTO 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 1992 Ferrari 512 TR 2002 Ferrari Enzo Ferrari 1987 Ferrari F40 1995 Ferrari F50 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia Tier 6 Reward Car 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 1957 Ferrari 250 California 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari 2014 Ferrari California T 2016 Ferrari FXX K 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB 1975 Fiat X1/9 2015 Ford Falcon XR8 2005 Ford GT Tier 10 Reward Car 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II 2000 Ford SVT Cobra R 2009 Ford Focus RS 1973 Ford XB Falcon GT 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan 1973 Ford Capri RS3100 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 2014 Ford Ranger T6 Rally Raid 1975 Ford Bronco 2017 Ford GT 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Game Reward Car 2014 Ford FPV Limited Edition Pursuit Ute 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R 1983 GMC Vandura G-1500 2012 Hennessey Venom GT 2014 Holden HSV GTS 1977 Holden Torana A9X 1992 Honda NSX-R Tier 2 Reward Car 2009 Honda S2000 CR 2006 HUMMER H1 Alpha 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track 2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge 1961 Jaguar E-type S1 1956 Jaguar D-Type 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 1945 Jeep Willys MB 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2015 Koenigsegg One:1 VIP Reward Car 2013 KTM X-Bow R 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 2008 Lamborghini Reventón 2013 Lamborghini Veneno 2014 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Tier 9 Reward Car 2016 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale 1982 Lancia 037 Stradale 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 2010 Lexus LFA 2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport 2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter Game Reward Car 2012 Lotus Exige S 2011 Lotus Evora S 2009 Lotus 2-Eleven 1961 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed 3 1972 Mazda Cosmo 110S Series II 1993 McLaren F1 2013 McLaren P1 Tier 8 Reward Car 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG 2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 2015 Mercedes-Benz GT S 1965 MINI Cooper S 2013 MINI X-Raid All4 Racing Countryman 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition 1993 Nissan 240SX SE 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 442 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster 2012 Pagani Huayra 2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge 1973 Renault Alpine A110 1600S 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith 2004 Saleen S7 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe 2013 Shelby Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Shelby 2013 SRT Viper GTS Tier 7 Reward Car 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2013 Subaru BRZ 2014 Tesla Model S P85D 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex 1998 Toyota Supra RZ 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR 1997 Volvo 850 R 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z Tier 3 Reward Car 2016 Ford #66 Racing GT Le Mans Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2014 Audi #45 Flying Lizard Motorsports R8 LMS ultra Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2014 Chevrolet #3 Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2014 Dodge #94 SRT Motorsports Viper GTS-R Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2014 Ferrari #51 AF Corse 458 Italia GTE Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2015 Nissan #1 NISMO MOTUL AUTECH GT-R Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2015 Lamborghini #63 Squadra Corse Huracán LP620-2 Super Trofeo Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2016 Holden #22 Sharkbite HRT VF Commodore Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2016 Ford #55 Supercheap Falcon FG X Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2014 BMW #55 BMW Team RLL Z4 GTE Forza Horizon 3 Motorsport All-Stars Pack 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV VIP Car 2016 Koenigsegg Regera VIP Car 2015 Ultima Evolution Coupe 1020 VIP Car 2015 Ferrari F12tdf VIP Car 2015 Ford Falcon GT F 351 VIP Car

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 02, 2016

BAC Debuts First Ever Graphene Constructed Vehicle

For a lightweight, durable supercar boasting speed and agility carbon fiber reigns king in the supercar world. The material is lightweight and versatile, making a supercar that much more dynamic and functional, not to mention visually appealing. BAC made full use of carbon fiber in its creation of the 2016 BAC Mono. The Formula 1 vehicle's lightweight construction provided the catalyst which resulted in a 0-60 surge in a mere 2.8 seconds.Not to be outdone by their own creation, though, BAC stepped up the game with a new edition to the Mono line. In fact, their new Mono is the first vehicle of its kind, with panels fashioned out of lightweight, futuristic graphene--- the first car in the world made of the material.Strength and lightweight qualities that surpass that of carbon fiber make graphene the potential game-changer in the car world. According to a BAC press release, graphene is, "made of sheets of carbon just one atom thick, and is significantly lighter than standard carbon fibre. It is also stronger than carbon fibre, meaning that it can bring weight reductions of around 20% while being 200 times stronger than steel."This high-performance material could become the new standard in car building, and BAC wanted to make sure they led the pack.View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2016

In the Driver's Seat: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

One of the main reasons for Hyundai's continued success here is staying ahead of the curve wit standard content. The Elantra is all new for 2017, so they sent us one directly from the factory. Although it was designed in South Korea, North American Elantras are assembled in Montgomery, Alabama.Styling is a blend of Genesis and Sonata, with clever use of racing technology to improve fuel economy. A small front spoiler is used to direct airflow around the front wheels, which improves aerodynamics under the car. Our test car was the fully loaded Limited model, which arrived with the Ultimate package on top. We didn't know lane keeping assist and automatic braking were available, and they are just two of the features that set this compact apart from its competitors.This is the first Hyundai we have experienced with Smart Cruise and 8 speaker Infinity audio. While it might not have the best sound insulation or 20 way adjustable seats, Elantra proved to be a sensible commuter car. Around town, the 2.0L didn't feel strained, and it sips on fuel. To achieve 37 mpg on the highway, this engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, which holds the intake valve open later into the compression stroke. This allows it to use less fuel and air than a normal Otto cycle 2.0L, but low-end power is lost in the process. With driver and fuel, it is possible to weigh in under 3,000 lbs, which is another key to great mileage.Cushy MacPhereson struts up front and a twist-beam rear axle are the standard for compact sedans, and they do a great job of isolating the body from most annoyances. The six-speed automatic transmission has 3 driving modes (Eco, Normal & Sport) with their own shift parameters. Pushing hard into a corner will evoke understeer, so we recommend against it. The most remarkable parts of the Elantra are all the smaller details you don't expect to find. The door handles have hidden LED approach lights. Instead of gauges, the instrumentation is handled by a 4.2" TFT screen. All four seats are heated, with the driver's having adjustable lumbar and memory settings.Backed by a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, Elantra offers everything you could need in a daily driver. The price as tested was $27, 710, and for that you will receive all the safety and technology of the big guys without depreciation being such a concern. If you don't need the size and weight of a mid-size car, Elantra is your next car.

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2016

Top Gear USA: Cancelled

With a heavy heart, we learned that Top Gear USA will not be returning after this season. Rutledge Wood announced on Twitter last night that the final episode will be airing this week. Many initially derided the program because perfection can't be improved upon. But with the impending launch of The Grand Tour, A&E figures that prime time shouldn't be filled with automotive content. I'm very sad to say, but Tuesday night's #TopGear on @History is the last TG US that we have shot for you. I'm not saying Top Gear USA is done, but it's done for the immediate future on @History . I remember the day that I got the phone call to ask if I'd be interested in talking to one of the producers about possibly being one of the hosts of the US's version of the world's most iconic car show. It's been an amazing ride for sure, and although I don't think the show is done, it appears that it's done with our friends at History, and we're incredibly grateful for being a part of the A&E Networks family. I have had so much fun with Tanner and Adam, they really are like brothers to me. We've traveled this amazing country and to some of the coolest places on earth together, and even in the hardest moments, it's been a total dream come true. The three of us will stick together and hope to bring you much more Top Gear USA, albeit it somewhere else it appears. To the FANS- we cannot say enough how much we truly appreciate each and every one of you. You have always been there for us in great numbers, and we really do love you all. You are the reason shows like ours exist, and you're also the reason we've been so lucky to do this show for so long together. We never dreamed how many families would sit and watch our show and laugh together. We never knew how many couples would sit and watch three goofballs go out and try to make each other laugh. And yet, you all watched...and you told other people and shared in the joy. To everyone who worked on TGUS- thank you. For everything. You're our family and you're the reason we got to do this for so many years together. So here's a toast to all of you out there. I hope you'll watch Tuesday night and enjoy the last show we made for you. We took a trip of a lifetime down to Cuba and drove classic American cars from the 50's down there, and I can tell you it's one of the coolest things we have ever done together. Cheers and lots of love, Rutledge A photo posted by @rutledgewood on Jun 26, 2016 at 7:25pm PDT Eight years is a good run for cable, but Rutledge alludes this could just be a hiatus. Regardless of where your allegiances lie, tell us your favorite scene from TG USA below in the comments. Stay tuned for all your motoring entertainment news.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 15, 2016

Dubai's Police Seize 81 Vehicles For High-Speeds In One W...

Dubai is known for fast cars and reckless abandon, which means the police force needs a little more than just a Ford for high-speed chases. Over the weekend, the Dubai police seized a total of 81 vehicles for reckless driving.We're going to assume the Dubai police used their supercar fleet to catch all the culprits, since most of the cars seized were really, really fast.Street racing, which has always posed an issue for Dubai's roadways, is becoming increasingly more popular among Dubai's youth, particularly in the wealth Gulf emirate region. Media reports state drivers were clocked at up to 186 mph, some of which were driving without headlights on or number plates. In Dubai, those participating in illegal street racing must pay fines up to $27,000. When it comes to bikes, illegal racing poses a $13,600 fine. And those figures are just for the drivers. If the driver isn't the owner of the vehicle, another $13,000 will have to be paid by the owner before the vehicle is released.(Also Read: Ken Block's Gymkhana Eight Tears Through Dubai)Owners of the seized vehicles must come to pay their fines and collect their cars withing three months or the police department has the authority to sell the vehicles. Pretty sure I wouldn't want to be the parent that owned one of the seized vehicles right about now...

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 03, 2016

This Car Color Might Attract Your Perfect Woman

Obviously, I realize the mere color of your car won't attract the girl you want. Im fully aware it'll take a little more than color choice to attract the kind of girl you're looking for. Let's hope you accompany said car with some style, some grace, intelligence, humor and respect. Now we're talking.But let's roll with this for a moment. Let's say the color of your car could attract the woman of your dreams. With a some research and a little fun, here's what we've come up with:1. The Highly Successful Business Woman Blue She's classy, intelligent and highly motivated, She's likely interviewed people for a job and worked diligently to stay ahead of the game in business. Interview Rules 101 state avoid wearing red to an interview, because it could signify a domineering or rebellious personality. Blue though, blue is the way to go. Blue, according to Style Caster, implies credibility, trustworthiness and the ability to work well as part of a team. Choose blue and show her you're trustworthy and understand the importance of working together as a team. This pristine, tech-heavy Mercedes-Benz S600 has the amenities she's used to and plenty of room for last-minute client dinners. View Listing 2. The Country Cowgirl GreenThis meadow-frolicking, horse-riding lover of nature knows a thing or two about enjoying the greenery around her. She's addicted to line-dancing, loves a good pair of boots and wants to ride through the mud on big wheels with a fun-loving stud beside her. In fact, she might drive you. Go with green for this one. Green is the ultimate symbol of the natural environment she loves and cherishes. And don't come with anything too pretty. This girl wants to live careless and free in a vehicle equally as fun.This earth-toned, green Jeep Wrangler has everything your country cowgirl could want... in a vehicle, that is. View Listing3. The Bronzed Beach Beauty OrangeShe craves the sunset and the feeling of the salty air in her hair. She'll no doubt serve as a bright spot in your life, and she knows how to have a good time. She's all about saving the sea turtles and can tell you the name of each shell beneath her feet. Orange is a good choice for this oceanic maven. The symbol of warmth and happiness, orange is one of the main hues adorning the sunset. It's fun, carefree and tantalizing, just like she is.She's a top-down, cruise-down-A1A kind of girl, so this bright orange Bentley Continental GTC is a perfect choice. View Listing4. The Ultra-Cute Tech Nerd WhiteShe's all about the latest device and loves how tech is enhancing everything from our communication to how things operate. She can tell you all the pros and cons of all the tech brands, she builds her own computers and she's in the process of putting a handy robot together to find her missing socks---just for fun. The more the better, but what this tech-cultured lady loves is how clean modern tech has become. For that reason, white is a great color to go with. It's clean and crisp, just the way she likes her devices.Chances are she's all about electric, which makes this Tesla Model X a stellar choice. View Listing5. The Car Girl RedShe gets it. The speed, the horsepower, the start-up sounds, the exclusivity of the exotics. She'll talk cars with you into the wee hours of the morning. She understands what makes a classic stand out and can pick out a supercar by make and model from a mile away. She requires something exclusive. Something she won't see everyday. As for color though, she's as classic as they come. If you're coming with a supercar, she wants to see it in red. Rosso Corsa to be exact.The only way to go with a true car girl is a Rosso Corsa Ferrari Enzo. Bring together the legendary and the notoriety for this one. View Listing6. The Free Spirit Earth TonesShe's all about organic. You'll find her at music festivals and among the artists of the world. She'll tell you about the value of minimalism and wants experiences rather than things. It won't be easy to impress this one. If you're coming with something ultra-flashy, she's not interested. She has her own garden, doesn't believe in plastic and expresses herself through art and music. When it comes to cars, she needs something earth-saving or retro-stylish. Bring her back to the 60's and 70's and you might just have a chance. Stick to an earth tone-- symbolic of her favorite element.Take it back to 1973 with this retro, Sepia Brown Porsche 911. View Listing7. The Comic Book Lover Specialty Paint Job She doesn't do main stream. She's all about the heroic, but don't mistake her for a damsel in distress. She can hold her own without a problem and loves a little nerdy comic-con fun. She's not your average girl so she doesn't want to see an average paint job. She's not easily impressed by the "standard flashy", so it'll take something truly special to entice her. For this one, try a specialty paint job--- something with a story behind it.This Kaves Art Basel Edition Aston Martin Vanquish Volante could do the trick. View Listing8. The Track Day Girl YellowShe lives for the high-revving, high-octane day at the track. From circuits to drag races, she's ready to roll. She's not one to ride passenger, though, so expect her to have her own ride out there on the track. She's seen it all, so make sure you stand out and make an impact. She wants to see something with a little racing history of it's own, and don't even think about feeding her a line. She'll leave you in the dust. Yellow might just get her attention.This yellow, Ferrari 458 not only has the color down but also carries with it a little track history. View Listing9. The Stiletto-Wearing Mystery Girl BlackShe's a mystery in black stilettos. She draws a stare wherever she goes. She wears a sly smirk dotted with red lips to match her red bottoms. She's caught your attention, but it'll take something truly special to catch hers. She's not about the mundane, and she won't bat an eyelash at anything ordinary. She's all about understated elegance with a little surprise, though, so hit her with black. But not just any black. Want to show her something special? Show her how you'll match her style.This super black Rolls-Royce Wraith with red leather interior will be sure to spark her interest. View ListingLadies, what color makes you look twice? Anything to add? Let us know in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2016

In the Driver's Seat: 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali

GMC has been building trucks and SUVs since 1909. William Durant used his profits from Buick to buy several small truck manufacturers and combined them to form GMC Trucks. Although GMC and Chevrolet have shared chassis and many body parts since 1920, stylists and marketing wizards have kept them from overlapping.The latest generation of GM's full-size boxes all share a common chassis, but that is where the similarities end. Two years ago GMC sent us a 2015 Yukon XL powered by the 5.3L V8. Because it was one of the first of this generation, they promised to send us a fully loaded Denali once production got up to speed.Better late than never. We recently spent a week with a new 2016 Yukon XL Denali. The Inuit name for the highest mountain in North America, the Denali, is loaded with much more content than lesser trim levels. I won't elaborate on the additional features, because they are very similar to the Cadillac Escalade.We like the 5.3L V8 because we have several older trucks and SUV's around the office equipped with these reliable small blocks. Denali comes standard with the 6.2L V8, and it feels more capable than a Caterpillar D9. New for 2016 is the eight-speed automatic transmission, and it is light years beyond the six-speed box it replaces. Sharing many internal components with the transmission found in the Corvette Z06, it is able to skip multiple gears and cruise just above idle at highway speeds.Cadillac Escalade For SaleIn summary, Yukon Denali uses Chevrolet for power and Cadillac for luxury at a competitive price point between the two. Our fully loaded example carried a sticker price of $78,520. Escalade was less than $12 grand more, but the only real differences between them are styling and the audio interface. To make it even more confusing, Suburban beats them both on price with only slightly less content. Print this out and take it to your local GM dealer and use it as your bargaining chip. You can't make a wrong decision because they are all great SUVs. Stay tuned to Autofluence more reviews from In the Driver's Seat.

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2016

Apollo Arrow: The World's Newest Hypercar

Apollo Automobili, the automaker formerly known as Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, has introduced a brand new model into their upcoming lineup, the Apollo Arrow.Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Arrow is being called a hypercar by Apollo and from the looks of the car, that moniker is deserved. When they started building the car, they put an incredible amount of effort into having the most fluid aerodynamics possible, while keeping the target dry weight of the car at 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs). As for the final design, they landed on an exterior that was "inspired by the carnivorous ruthlessness of the ocean." Yes, it's the shark of the road.Under its hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 986 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, those are most certainly hypercar numbers. This power flows through a 7-speed sequential transmission with a twin-plate clutch configuration. With massive power, a quick transmission, and lightweight, the Arrow can shoot from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.8 seconds and to a top speed of 224 mph.Could the Apollo Arrow be the next big contender in the hypercar segment? Only time will tell, but the specifications are quite telling of a formidable opponent.Apollo Arrow Specs Engine: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 986 hp Torque: 737 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds Top Speed: 224 mph

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe