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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2018

Terradyne GURKHA vs a LANDMINE

Many armored cars protect their occupants from small arms fire. Being able to stop a 30 Caliber round is nice to have in your daily commute. But what would happen if you drove over a landmine? That is what the engineers at Terradyne wanted to know about their latest GURKHA. So they selected a random model and sent it to Oregon Ballistic Laboratories for a "simulation".A.J. Burnett’s 2016 Terradyne Gurkha RPV For SaleI use that term in the loosest sense, because the truck is real, and inside are a family of dummies. They were wired with pressure and acoustic sensors, and OBL's cameras were placed behind acrylic shields. Upon detonation, a shaped charge sent molten metal and vaporized earth into the undercarriage. But watch this in slow motion- The thick armor plates used to protect the driveline are at 45-degree angles.This sends the blast outwards, tossing rocks farther than the cameras. The result was a crater and bumpy ride, and everyone survived. No shrapnel, no broken eardrums, just an inconvenience that would have destroyed every car around it. Terradyne has been building the ultimate armored vehicles for over a decade. Each one has B7/ NATO Level 2 protection. Not only can it take a mine in any location, it will also shrug off a 155mm shell explosion at 330 feet away. If your Ex has a howitzer aimed at you, tell her to step her game up. If your family needs the best protection in the world, this video speaks for itself. Claymores and Bangalore torpedos are no match for the GURKHA, and they won't even bother your Spotify streaming.On a personal note, every time we feature a GURKHA at an event, no transporter is capable of hauling it. They drive down from Ontario, cruising at 80 mph without any worries. I have been above 80 mph in a silent and luxurious interior. The 6.7 Powerstroke and 4.88 gears are perfect for city or highway thanks to the six-speed HD automatic transmission. Ford supplies the driveline from the F450, so it is clean burning and 50-state legal. Click the link below to learn more and some peace of mind to your daily commute.Find Your Terradyne GURKHA Here! That was annoying, let's go home!

C7 Corvette Z06 Specs look great in any situation

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

Hertz will rent you a Corvette Z06!

Hertz has been renting cars almost as long as cars have been sold. To mark their Centennial Anniversary, they have teamed with Chevrolet to offer the 2019 Corvette Z06 at a few of their larger locations. Renting fast cars is nothing new to them, and they even had a "rent a racer" program with Shelby for the 1966 GT350 Mustang. Urban legend says a few of them were returned with normal Mustang engines wearing Shelby parts. 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Specs, Price, Photos & Review No, they won't rent you a manual transmission. But believe me, the 8-speed automatic is plenty of fun. The front spoiler has also been removed because it is carbon fiber and not cheap to replace. The yellow and black paint scheme is the same used on Hertz Corvettes in the past, and we're glad it returned. Under the hood is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. They will soon be arriving at: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco and Tampa. Before you go thinking about returning it with a Camaro engine, I have already done the math... I don't have enough friends to help me this weekend. Your Z06 Is Waiting For You

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

James Glickenhaus Teases the SCG004C

Back in March we were scambling to set up our booth at the Amelia Island Concours. While moving supplies into our hospitality tent, we literally bumped into Mr. Glickenhaus. He gave us a few insights into the upcoming SCG004 series, but we won't spoil his fun until his team is finished.2019 SCG 004S is Glickenhaus’ New Entry-Level SupercarScuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has been given manufacturer status by the DOT, and they are in the final stages of building the new race car. The SCG004C will be a competition car doing battle at tracks around the world, flying the red, white & blue. It will also strongly influence the street-legal version.Glickenhaus Approved as Manufacturer, SCG003 Has Multi-Million Dollar Price TagThe SCG004CS will be fast, it will offer unprecedented performance, and it will be legal in all 50 states. What sets them apart from other cars, is that he encourages buyers to drive them. He drives every car in his collection, even the Ferrari P3/4, and the yellow 1967 Ford MKIV GT40. Their previous car, the SCG003 was breathtaking in any situation. As soon as we have pricing and specs you will see the SCG004 here first, so stay with us for all your SCG updates!Check Out Their IG Page Here!

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

Chevrolet Unveils Premium Plus Tahoe & Suburban

We're glad that full-size SUV's are hot again. Crossovers are cheesy excuses for minivans, and they handle like shopping carts. The Chevrolet Suburban turns 84 this year, so it's about time for a few nice upgrades. In a press release yesterday, Chevy outlined the new Premium Plus editions of the Suburban and its smaller sibling. Last year, the Tahoe RST was introduced and it was a hot seller.Sultan of Brunei Car Collection is at 7,000 Cars & GrowingThe notion of borrowing the Camaro SS drivetrain is music to our ears. The Premium Plus models will arrive with 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, along with the 10-speed automatic. It is a little more potent than the 1935 Suburban, which had a 3.4 liter straight six and a 3-speed manual. But they both have the same target audience. This is a bold move that places both models closer to the Escalade and its Tahoe-sized ESV model.Chevrolet Unveils Luke Bryan’s Concept SuburbanAll Premier Plus models will arrive with black/mahogany leather interior and magnetic ride control suspension. Polished 22" wheels and chrome badges will set them apart from lesser models. The Tahoe will start at $74,100 and big brother will be $76,900. Costco members will receive a $4,500 incentive that includes a $300 Costco card. Having this much power, please be careful when shopping. Going hammer down will shatter eggs and flatten bread. Costco still doesn't have grocery bags, so Chevy has made the cargo organizer standard equipment. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Chevy news.See the USA in your Chevrolet

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

Rolls-Royce Unveils the Silver Ghost Collection

Every automaker has built a car that put them on the world stage. For Rolls-Royce, it was the Silver Ghost. The car was a hit, and it had a 20-year production run between 1906 and 1926. They are among the most coveted cars on Earth, so the company decided to pay tribute to where it all began.Michael Fux Car Collection is on Instagram and it’s AmazingIn a press release this morning, we've learned the details of the Silver Ghost Collection. Only 35 examples will be produced, and all will bear the AX201 Hallmark of their predecessor. The mark is emblazoned on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy. She is cast of sterling silver and surrounded by a gold-plated collar. Under the hood is an insert of hammered copper, which is another throwback to the original cars. It also wears the new version of the AX201. Along with the black grille, it is just one of many references found on and in each car.No mention of a US version was made, so we hope a few cars are built with left-hand drive. If you don't need a Ghost with the most, our dealers have great offers on new & pre-owned Ghosts. Click the link below to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news.Don't Be Scared Of These Rolls-Royce Ghosts

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

Infiniti to Unveil Electric Concept at Pebble Beach

Usually, a concept car is built with the intention of inspiring a production model. Infiniti likes to do things a bit differently, and they give their artists free reign to build works of art. In a recent press release, we've learned that Concept 9 will make its debut at Pebble Beach.Sultan of Brunei Car Collection is at 7,000 Cars & GrowingA deadline has been set by the brand. They are fully committed to introducing several electric models by 2021. To show just how fun an electric roadster can be, this retro ride is inspired by their Prototype 9 e-roadster. These teaser shots also show glimpses of the Q Inspiration, another stunning concept in their lineup.This build was a collaboration between teams in Japan, England, and the US, and we'll have live coverage on our Facebook page next Thursday. So stay with us for all your Infiniti updates and concept car news.Find Your Infiniti HerePrototype 9 (2017)

By Edward Jones – August 15, 2018

Highly-Optioned Ferrari F12tdf Heading to Monterey 2018

Mecum Auctions will be having a one-of-a-kind 2017 Ferrari F12tdf roll across their block at their Monterey 2018 auction. When it was first announced in 2015, the F12tdf was touted as the fastest, road-legal, front-engined Berlinetta. Only 799 of them were ever produced, so they're each exclusive, but the one Mecum will be offering is highly optioned.This specific F12tdf comes with just 446 miles clocked on its odometer, making it a close-to-new example. The owner opted for this Berlinetta to be finished in Grigio Ferraro with Rosso Scuderia stripes and, of course, Scuderia fender badges. It consists of over $104,000 in additional options that include carbon fiber trim pieces on the interior and exterior. There's also the suspension lifter, colored seat belts, Adaptive Front Light system, front and rear parking cameras, and a whole lot more.View This Ferrari's Listing

By Andrew Nabors – August 08, 2018

AEV JK350: What's Coming Next?

This might resemble a Jeep Wrangler. It has similar lines, and it even shares a few dozen parts. But American Expedition Vehicles has far surpassed the factory's (and the world's) expectations. Being an event manager, I have driven every flavor of the Wrangler. From death wobble to fake carbon fiber, I thought I had seen it all. But this year's Baltimore Auto Show changed my notions of what the aftermarket is capable of.Dave Harriton began modding his and his friends' cars in a small garage in Missoula. From basic repairs to fixing factory imperfections, his work made an impact. By thinking outside the box, he and his team have become an OEM supplier, located just outside Detroit. Their Brute is the ultimate truck bed conversion for the JK Unlimited. The thick-wall construction is rust-proofed on all sides and capable of hauling anything you need.What really shocked me about their builds is the quality of the products, and the engineering behind it. All AEV vehicles ride on their DualSport suspension. Offroad shocks and springs will beat you up on the street unless it has their logo. One of their managers threw me the keys, and asked me to make it act like a typical modded Jeep.The DualSport is not a generic lift kit. Dave and his team reverse-engineered every moving part under the frame. Nobody else has ever taken the time to produce progressive-rate coil springs along with shocks that are valved to match. Their brackets and track bars don't keep the factory caster angles, they improve it to be more stable in any situation. The roll-center remains at the stock ride height, which negates almost all body roll. Even if you can't afford their kit please don't combine brand X springs with brand Y shocks, you will be asking for an unstable and unsafe ride.Going hammer down on a HEMI powered JK350, it launched out of the hole like John Force, with the cornering abilities I would compare to a Cayman GT4 Clubsport. This is not hyperbole, the factory could have done this, but the big automakers have bean counters to keep the budget on target. Try as I might, the harder I pushed, the more I was rewarded.Every AEV build starts with a stamped front bumper of 3/16" steel. It is powder coated on both sides and integrates a Warn 9.5cti winch. It is the only Jeep aftermarket bumper to meet DOT crash standards. That's because the fabricated steel ones everyone else makes do tremendous damage to both cars in a wreck. Their rear bumper holds 5 gallons of water, and the rear tire carrier is mounted directly to the frame. That is because it holds a full-size spare, brake light, rearview camera, and their 10.2-gallon fuel caddy. These parts are made in the USA and made from the best steel and alloys in the world.What does this mean for Jeep's new JL chassis? AEV is building a few wild creations for SEMA, but I will let Mr. Harriton tell you all about it in the clip below. If you are interested in anything for your Jeep, click the link below get ready to be amazed.American Expedition Vehicles

By Edward Jones – July 26, 2018

Rezvani Tank Military Edition is as Tough as Nails

The Rezvani Tank was unveiled as a luxury, yet tough SUV, but it looks like the company wanted to take the "toughness" up a notch. Introducing the Rezvani tank Military Edition. This new SUV comes ready and willing to take on just about any treacherous instance. Its exterior protects passengers with full B7-level bulletproof armor, while the battery, fuel tank and radiator are all wrapped in Kevlar for protection. Even the underside is protected against explosive devices. Not enough protection for you? Rezvani also equipped the car with a smokescreen ability, which will deploy a cloud of smoke out of the rear to help you lose anyone on your tail. There's also military-grade run-flat tires, electrified door handles, magnetic dead-bolts, a security survival kit, thermal/night vision system, strobe lights, sirens and a full intercom system. What I'm trying to say is that anyone who buys this Tank is set. Mil-Spec: Hummer Specialists Release an H1 Revival For the Military Edition Tank, customers can opt between two different powerplants. The first is a 6.4-liter V8 that pushes out 500 horsepower. Respectable. But if you want that extra power for sticky situations, there's the optional 6.2-liter V8 engine that comes from the Dodge Hellcat. Combine that 707 hp and with this SUV's security features and you'll be virtually untouchable. Interested? Rezvani Motors has the base price of the Tank Military Edition set at $296,000. Of course, that doesn't include any extra features that you'll surely tack on.

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: SUPERFAST

In the mood to go fast? What about super fast? If you are, then check out the ensemble we've put together down below. It starts off with one of the many Ferrari 812 Superfasts for sale, which is a super fast car that goes over 211 mph. Paired with the car is an outfit that's perfect for someone wanting to go fast. The coup de grâce of the outfit is the Givenchy shirt that has large flames printed on it. It may be a rumor, but I've heard that flames add horsepower to anything which is why this is a perfect fit. Put this all together and you'll have a one-two punch of style and power. Show up and show everyone you mean business. In the word of Guy Fieri: "What you see is what you get with me. There's no show." Ferrari 812 Superfast Shop 812 Superfasts Now Prada Cat-Eye Sunglasses Shop Now Givenchy Blazer Shop Now Givenchy Flame-Patterned Shirt Shop Now Balmain Jeans Shop Now Gucci Bobcat Brixton Loafers Shop Now

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