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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 – November 03, 2016

Businessman Pays $9 Million for... a License Plate

Here in Florida, it costs $225 to get a license plate transferred to a new vehicle, not included the $2 lien and registration fees. If you want to get fancy, you can get a custom license plate for a $25 annual fee. All-in-all, you can get a license plate for a new car in my home state for around $300.For one Indian businessman, his license plate cost about 30,000x more than a typical Florida plate for a new car. That's about $9 million, or 33 million dirhams.The buyer was Balwinder Sahani and the plate he paid for says "D5". This guy was so happy after winning at an auction for license plates. It cost 33million dirhams..... And he was happy with the win. pic.twitter.com/rD1IyATV5c — 104.8 Channel 4 (@channel4dubai) October 9, 2016 According to Independent, Sahani owns a property management company and the purchase took place during a Dubai government auction. They also noted that the proceeds from this sale will go to Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority.If you think $9 million is crazy for a plate, back in 2008 the "1" license plate was purchased for 52.2 million dirhams, or about $14,200,000 USD at today's current exchange rate.

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2016

How to Crash Test a $2 Million Hypercar

Whenever a very expensive car is announced, I always get asked about how these automakers crash test the cars. Do they build million dollar cars just to crash? For Koenigsegg, it's as simple as building one car and rebuilding it after every test. (Related - Koenigsegg Agera R vs Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Drag Race) In a video by /DRIVE, Christian von Koenigsegg details how they crash test their upcoming Regera hypercar. Instead of building multiple cars to test, they've stuck with just one example to test in order to cut costs. They did this by creating a specific car for "abuse testing." von Koenigsegg notes in the video that while bigger companies have multiple examples, they just have one car that was designed so the monocoque won't be damaged. Instead, all they need to replace after testing are the body panels and other less critical parts. He also gives /DRIVE an in-depth look into the first customer car of the Regera. One neat feature he pointed out was the "electrical exhaust," which is used for the electric coolers. He notes that you won't be seeing any smoke coming from it, but during the colder seasons you may see some "hot smoking air" coming from it. Be sure to click play below to get some behind-the-scenes looks at the new Koenigsegg Regera.

By Andrew Nabors – November 03, 2016

Audi Unveils Laser Headlights on 2017 R8 V10 Plus Exclusive

If you wonder what keeps our government awake at night, it is taking pleasure in denying us from having the latest in technology. Audi patented laser headlights a few years ago, and they are optional equipment on several European models. But our NHTSA takes years to evaluate changes in the industry. To celebrate this new legislation, the first car in the US to be equipped with laser lighting is their flagship R8 V10 Plus. We are just now becoming accustomed to LED lights, which will continue as standard equipment on lesser models.(Sports Cars For Sale) The R8 V10 Plus Exclusive edition's LED matrix will be augmented by a small laser with a blue wavelength of ~450 nm. Both the full laser lights and the LED units aim the powerful beams at a phosphor element which produces a brilliant glow. Other new features of the Exclusive edition are Quantum Gray paint with titanium black accents. The interior is awash in black leather with signal orange accents. They even lined the luggage compartment in Alcantara, soft bags only, please. We've been waiting for the ten-cylinder R8 to move up-market for some time, but only 25 cars will be built. The MSRP of $229,200 is a bargain for the power and quality, so be sure to stay with us for a feature when they arrive.All R8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2016

World Series MVP Ben Zobrist Presented With 50th Annivers...

They did it. That Chicago Cubs have won the World Series in a stunning fashion.If you didn't watch last night's game, you missed out. I'd have to say that it was one of the most exciting sports matches I've ever watched, and I watched the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>.To put the Cubbies in the lead was Ben Zobrist, a former Tampa Bay Rays player. With a swing of the bat and a crack at the ball for a double, he sent home Albert Almora Jr., resulting in runs that would create history. Naturally, he was selected as the World Series MVP. Zobrist comes through in 10thWorld Series MVP, Ben Zobrist. #FlyTheWPosted by Chicago Cubs on Thursday, November 3, 2016 As with most tournaments like the World Series and Super Bowl, the MVP is always presented with a car. For Zobrist, Chevrolet presented him with a 50th Anniversary Edition Camaro SS Convertible.“In this historic matchup, Zobrist’s performance on the field truly embodies the same ‘Never Give Up’ spirit that drives the Chevrolet team to innovate every day and that has made us the Most Awarded Automotive Brand two years in a row,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Marketing, in a press release issued early this morning. “We are proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of Zobrist with the MVP award and the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition convertible.”Making the 50th Anniv. Edition Camaro SS Conv. special are a slew of additional features, like the exclusive 20-inch wheels, unique grille, front splitter, orange brake calipers, black leather interior, badging and an RS Appearance Package.I'd like to take this time to congratulate Ben Zobrist and Joe Maddon, two former Tampa Bay Rays that we all love here at duPont REGISTRY, the entire Cubs organization. Of course, I also want to thank the Cleveland Indians for giving it their best and fighting until the very end. We won't see another World Series like this one ever again.All Camaro For Sale Cubs win 2016 World SeriesHistory.The Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series. #FlyTheWPosted by Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, November 2, 2016

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2016

Ford Releases Performance App and Mustang GT4 at SEMA

Keeping track of your lap times can be a hassle at track days. If the idea of a trustworthy friend and a stopwatch seems too old fashioned, there is Ford's new Performance App. It uses the SYNC system to import video and engine data and creates a file that can be shared on social media or with your defense attorney. Only the new Ford GT will have this ability at first, but the press release hints that it will migrate to other models early next year.(Sports Cars For Sale) If your track day machine has seen better days, Ford is also releasing a new Mustang GT4. In full compliance with FIA regulations, this turn-key race car uses the wild 5.2 liter V8 from the GT350. Instead of a six-speed manual, the GT4 arrives with a Holinger six-speed sequential transmission. Paddle shifters are never as much fun, but it will keep your focus on overtaking the competition. Chassis tuning was done by Multimatic Motorsports, the same engineers who took the Ford GT from concept to reality.To put the power to the track, Forgeline rear wheels measure in at 18" x 11". The car is based on the Shelby GT350R-C, which took the win for this season's IMSA SportsCar Challenge series. Any factory built Mustang that arrives with a roll cage invites comparison to the legendary Boss 302, and shifting at 9,000 rpm will keep you in 1st place. Stay with us for complete coverage of this year's SEMA show.All Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2016

The 2017 Camaro Slammer by Chevrolet

Love them or hate them, big wheels aren't going anywhere. We sell and install truck-loads of custom wheels next door at BLVD customs. From Asanti to Vossen and everything in between, they are a great way to improve the looks of your ride. To show potential Camaro customers that giant wheels can be fitted to the 2017 model, Chevrolet released the 2017 Camaro SS Slammer last night. Pushing the styling of the latest Camaro to the extreme, they turned to none other than John Cafaro. As the director of Chevrolet Global Design, he is responsible for such hits as the Gen 4 Camaro and C5 Corvette.(Sports Cars For Sale)The press release mentions modifications to the body were needed in order to fit 22" x 9" wheels up front, and 24" x 10" on the rear. Tires are 245/30/22 and 275/25/24, which have just enough side wall to be comfortable. Because larger rolling stock transmits more road feel into the body, the Slammer rides on air suspension at all corners. Much like the Chevelle Slammer concept unveiled yesterday, the air bags allow the car to lay frame when parked and offer a menacing rake while cruising. We are big fans of air suspension because dropping your car from an app on your phone is addictive. While the Slammer Chevelle is not bound by clean air laws, the engine of the Slammer Camaro was left untouched in order to keep the car 50 state legal. Along with the 2017 Camaro COPO and the SS Drag Race Development car, it makes for a potent display at SEMA.Adding a few hundred pounds of weight to the car will make it porky in the corners, but you can't deny the visual appeal of this build. We have done several late model Camaros with big wheels, including a 2012 Camaro SS with 24" wheels front and rear. If you would like more information on how we can do this to your car, contact BLVD Customs here. Tell us how big is too big on late model Camaros and stay with us for more SEMA coverage.Camaro For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2016

Ferrari's Historic Supercar of the 1950's Goes for a Rare...

Piero Taruffi was appointed by Enzo Ferrari to drive the 1952 Ferrari 340 Spider by Vignale in the Mille Miglia in 1952. Being Ferrari's top driver, he was the best choice to drive the automaker's "supercar." This very car would go on to compete after the Mille Miglia, racing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Targa Florio.(Classic Cars For Sale)Now, more than half of a century later, the car is making itself known again. Purchased by Michael Stehle, the 340 Spider has been filmed beautifully thanks to Petrolicious. “I searched for a car to compete in the Mille Miglia. It was quite a long process to find the right car…so I searched, but there was one problem, how to convince my wife?” said Michael Stehle in the video's description. “I convinced her to come with me…I showed her the car…‘Wait, wait, let’s start the engine’— ‘OK, you can start the engine’,” she said back. After hearing the car, she gave the okay to make the purchase.In January, at Bonham's Scottsdale auction, the 340 Spider will be making another appearance as it crosses the block, looking for a new owner. Who will drive away with this history race car? Who knows, but we will surely hear about its hammer price when the time comes. In the meantime, check out the video below.All Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2016

Chevrolet Unveils New Crate Engine in 1969 Chevelle Slammer

History has a way of repeating itself, and it's easy to see at the SEMA show. Back in 1997, Chevrolet released an all-new V8 when the LS1 debuted in the C5 Corvette. Nobody in the aftermarket wanted to support it because it was such a departure from designs of the past. Fast forward to 2017 and the 5th generation small block is all new and this time it packs direct fuel injection. New technology is always hard to stomach at first, which is why Chevrolet Performance has installed it into a familiar package: a 1969 Chevelle. (Related - Chevrolet Unveils 2017 Camaro COPO) To show the public that swapping in the latest engine is not impossible, the new LT376 engine and 4L75 automatic transmission are now available from your local GM parts department. The engine is a throwback to pre-emissions days, armed with a lopey camshaft and CNC ported heads. The complete engine is part number 19355378, and it was developed in the Gen 6 COPO Camaro we mentioned yesterday. The compression ratio is a wild 11.5, which would be unstoppable on race fuel. A pre-calibrated computer controls both engine and transmission, along with outputs for dual cooling fans and A/C clutch control. The new LT1 Hot Cam is a split pattern grind with acres of overlap. It has a few degrees of advancement for stump-pulling torque on the low end while delivering constant power to a screaming 6,800 rpm. With such a potent top-end this setup begs for long tube headers, but the EPA would end that party in a hurry. As for the vintage Chevelle, it has new brakes from the latest Camaro SS and air ride suspension. An interior of Adrenaline Red is a nice contrast to the murdered-out paint scheme. If you enjoy Chevrolet's extensive lineup of LS and LT crate engines, you should be happy. With all the press being directed at the newest engine, prices for junkyard LS swaps will become even more affordable. We always keep a few dozen Chevelles around if you have an itch for a new build, so check out the listings below and stay with us for more SEMA coverage. Chevelle For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2016

Ultimate Surfing Truck by Hurley and Chevrolet

Growing up on the beaches of Florida and spending my spare time surfing when I can (the Gulf coast is not ideal), I know just how incompatible some vehicles are with the surfing lifestyle. For a perfect surfing vehicle, you need space, durability, power and a place to put your dang boards.To create the surfer's dream truck, Chevrolet teamed up with Hurley, the surfing performance, and innovation brand. Introducing the Colorado Z71 Hurley concept. In a press release issued by Chevrolet, the call this truck the "ultimate wave wander" that acts as a mobile beach command center. After reading through the press release, I can easily say I'd do just about anything to have this bad boy on a surf trip.“Colorado is a lifestyle enabler and the Hurley concept demonstrates the personalization possibilities for one of the most thrilling sports,” said Jessica Rogers, Colorado marketing manager, in the press release. “With Chevrolet Accessories parts, the sky — and the surf — is the limit when it comes to tailoring the Colorado to your work or recreation interests.”Alright, so what makes this truck the perfect surf truck? First off are the water-resistant seat covers, which are a necessity after a long day out in the water. Next up is the custom surfboard rack on the roof. You might ask, "why the rack if it's a truck?" The way I look at it is if the boards are up top, you have more room in the back, which brings up the next feature. To store your wetsuits, lunch, water jugs, boardshorts and what have you, there is a special storage system in the truck bed. What I find most important, however, is the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing the passengers to check weather conditions and read the buoys in even the most remote locations.“This concept is all about functionality,” said Ryan Hurley, creative director for Hurley, in the press release. “When we discussed the project with Chevrolet, we didn’t want just a truck with our logo on it. It had to offer solutions for the challenges surfers face at remote locations and that’s exactly what it delivers.”(Related - Here it is: Mercedes-Benz Concept X-Class Truck Revealed)To make this Colorado more capable than ever before, Chevrolet added a few perks. Allowing the driver to see what's ahead during the early morning dawn patrols are the off-road lights. Powering the truck across those back roads is the 3.6-liter V6 engine that has 308 hp and 275 lb-ft on tap. But, of course, you need some decent sized wheels for those dirt roads and that's why there are 17-inch Chevrolet Accessories wheels and Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires.To put it plainly, this is a truck that just about any surfer would love to have in their garage. If you're interested in seeing it for yourself, be sure to head over to SEMA.All Chevrolet For Sale

By Steve Chapman Jr – October 31, 2016

Exotic Pumpkins For Halloween

Hey guys, it's Halloween. Do you know what that means? Pumpkins and spooky stuff. Normally, people carve orange pumpkins to celebrate the day and go trick-or-treating (depending on age), but why not driving around in an exotic pumpkin? No, I'm not talking about a pumpkin from some far off land that you can only get at an organic food store. I'm talking about supercars, luxury car and sports cars all donning an orange body.Below are a few "pumpkins" for you to cruise around in on Halloween. While they won't be scaring anyone, they'll turn more heads than most costumes.2017 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beverly Hills Edition in Orange Metallic 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish in Montana Orange 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Edizione Technica in Arancio Argos (Pearl Orange) 2010 Lotus Exige S 240 in Chrome Orange 2015 BMW M4 Coupe in Sakhir Orange Metallic 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 in Arancio Borealis 3-Layer (orange) 2017 McLaren 570S Coupe For Sale in Volcano Orange 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Orange 2009 Audi R8 Coupe in Metallic Orange 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider in Rosso Dino (orange) 2017 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6X6 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster in Arancio Atlas Pearl Effect 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Lava Orange

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