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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 – September 07, 2016

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta/Spider Spotted in Barcelona

It's been two months since Ferrari announced the LaFerrari Aperta/Spider and we really haven't heard anything on the car since the initial bit of info was released. But with all cars due to be released, especially the more noticeable ones, the LaFerrari Aperta has been spotted.(Also Check Out - No, You Don't Have to Keep Your Ferrari XX at the Factory)On the streets of Barcelona, 6to6motor spotted a red example of the open-top hypercar resting on the side of the road. This is the first time we've seen the model finished in the iconic paint. They happened to snap a picture of the car and posted it on their Instagram account for us all to see. In the comments of the picture they note that they believe the car was there for the filming of a video.I guess we'll just have to wait and see what this LaFerrari was doing there!View All Ferraris For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BKDieNEjE6p/?taken-by=6to6motorFerrari For Sale Los Angeles

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2016

Koenigsegg Agera RSR Unveiled, Only Three to be Made

Three Examples of the Koenigsegg Agera RSR Debuted for Japan Release The variants of the Koenigsegg RS continue to roll in, the latest being the new Agera RSR. This limited edition model was launched at an event held by the Swedish automaker in Tokyo, Japan. Why there? The three Agera RSR models will be created exclusively for Japan. So, what do they get with this new Agera? The car itself is obviously based on the Agera RS, but includes a few modifications that allow it to stand out from the pack. In the rear is a dynamic rear spoiler, as opposed to a more traditional one, similar to the one found on the One:1. Another new feature that's borrowed from the One:1 is the air intake scoop on the roof. (Also Check Out: Koenigsegg Agera RS "Naraya" Introduced, Gold and Diamonds Included) The Agera RSR models were among the first Agera RS models when announced. Koenigsegg notes in their blog post that the solutions created for the RSR models were made available to the other RS models. “Japan has been an important market for Koenigsegg since the earliest days of the company," said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO and Founder of Koenigsegg Automotive AB in the company's blog post. "It brought us great pleasure to work with our Japanese clients to bring the Agera RSR to life. The cars they have designed add a new dimension to the already exclusive Agera RS series.” All three Agera RSR models have been spoken for and will be delivered to their owners soon. View All Koenigseggs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 06, 2016

All-Wheel-Drive Dodge Hellcat Planned, Lineup Changes Com...

American automaker, Dodge, made plans for major changes and complete overhauls of its automotive lineup, which included the Challenger and Charger, but those changes have come to a sudden halt. At this time, Dodge has not provided any reason as to why progress stalled. Changes are still in works though, and the overhauls encompass the majority of the Dodge lineup. Most notably, major revisions to the Challenger as well as a complete redesign for the Charger and the Barracuda.(Related: Chris Harris Drives and Reviews the Dodge Viper ACR)The Challenger will see three new versions, one of which will be an AWD V6. Additionally, Dodge will introduce a rear-wheel drive Hellcat Challenger featuring a wide-body. The Hellcat Challenger will make its debut in 2017 and be known as the Challenger ADR. A third version of the Challenger will debut in 2018 and be designed on the Giorgio platform. It is expected to shed upwards of 500 pounds.The Barracuda, on which production ended in 1974, will make a 2021 comeback. The two-door convertible will, "share the Charger/Challenger platform," according to Automotive News.The Charger redesign will debut in 2018 at part of the Giorgio platform. Automotive News reports the redesign will see a loss of 400 pounds. Some models like the Dart and the Viper are in their last year of production as part of the overhaul.For more information on how other models of the Dodge lineup will change, check out the full Automotive News article here. Challenger Hellcat For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 06, 2016

World's First Chameleon Carbon Fiber McLaren P1

Manny Khoshbin is no stranger to the fine automobile. Don't believe me? Check out his Instagram profile, which is just full of pictures of his supercar collection as the subject. His collection at the beginning of last week was pretty incredible, but with the addition of his new chameleon carbon fiber McLaren P1, it's become even more astounding.(Also Check Out: Chrome McLaren P1 Goes Through McDonalds Drive-Thru)His new McLaren P1, which he calls the MK Edition, was the star of the show at Lamborghini Newport Beach's Supercar Show. Videographers, photographers and enthusiasts gathered around the car as it sat in front of the dealership. Jaws were dropping left and right the closer guests walked toward the car. From afar, one might think that the color-changing effect was coming from paint, but upon closer inspection you can see it's naked carbon fiber with an overlay. And if you look even closer, you can see that the bottom of the car has a matte finish, while the top is glossy.Khoshbin's P1, along with CJ Wilson's, has to be the most insane example yet. Check it out in the video below.View All P1s For Sale (NSFW Language in the second half of vid)

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2016

Cadillac Will Teach ATS-V and CTS-V Owners How to Properl...

Owning a powerful car without having the skills to control it makes for a useless purchase. When the Cadillac V series began in 2004, owners were given a handshake and an owner's manual, but no instruction on how to push the big sedan to its limits. I have spent four years of trial and error (and tires) to learn the capabilities of '04 V, so I'm glad Cadillac has stepped up for new buyers.To help customers get the most from their 2017 ATS-V or CTS-V, a two day training course will be offered. The V-Performance Academy will be held at Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club, with ground transportation provided to the airport in Las Vegas. A two night stay includes breakfast and lunch at the longest road course in the US. Our recent experiences in both V models were an overload in performance features, and Chief Engineer Brandon Vivian explained why: “The V-Series are the most-track capable Cadillac models ever, using exclusive technologies tuned by a select group of dedicated engineers,” The Performance Traction Management system on the V series has a myriad of settings for wet, dry, and race modes. Under its control are the transmission shift points, stability system, power steering, magnetic suspension, electronic differential and throttle response. Of course the system can be turned off if you want to do it all yourself, but we found it comforting to have such a competent copilot. The response of each component can be fine tuned to your liking, so what better way to dial in your car than on a race track. If Nevada is too far away, a one day V-Performance Lab will be travelling to a track near you. Our dealers have more information on the program, so check out these V series cars from our dealers below.Search ATS-V For Sale|Search CTS-V For Sale

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 02, 2016

Garmin VIRB Ultra 30: Perfect for the Car Guy

The supercar driver knows a thing or two about quality and is averse to using just anything, especially when it comes to technology. Its only the best and most innovative for the discerning driver, and the Garmin VIRB 30 fits the bill.This nimble, handheld action camera has a host of features including voice activation and a high-sensitivity mic to ensure it catches all the action. Perfect for recording stunts or the perfect 0-60 sprint down the straightaway, the Garmin VIRB 30 is highly capable. Its 3-Axis Image Stabilization feature makes clearer, sharper action videos and photo shots, ensuring you're able to catch life's most exhilarating moments. This one definitely seems like a must-have for the adrenaline junkie.Check out more info about all of the features and options of the Garmin VIRB 30 in the video below and click the button below to get yourself one.View On Amazon

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2016

First MSO McLaren 570GT in Pacific Blue to be Showcased

At the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, McLaren will be bringing a special edition of their most luxurious and refined car to date, the 570GT. This model has been modified by the automaker's own customization branch, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) and is the first bespoke European example of the car to be featured.The car comes with a slew of MSO-specific options, with the most noticeable being the Pacific Blue finish. Joining the brilliant paint is gloss black finish to the side skirts, front and rear ends, and door inserts. McLaren notes that this finish is their Piano Black finish that "exudes an understated elegance and refinement."(Also Check Out: Chrome McLaren P1 Goes Through McDonalds Drive-Thru)Inside, MSO installed a myriad of carbon fiber components that have a gloss finish instead of the satin lacquer used in the standard 570GT.As for the "hardware" upgrades, MSO Defined designed and installed an exhaust system made from titanium. This system is 30% lighter than the standard exhaust and comes with golden titanium nitride heat shields that changes its color to blue/purple hues when it heats and cools.For those wanting to see the car for yourself, check out the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, Sunday September 4 at Domaine Chantilly in France. View All 570s 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

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe (European model shown)

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 01, 2016

Revealed: The New 362 hp 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe

The newly revealed GLC43 Coupe is all about fusion, bringing together the best of, "agility, elegance and everyday practicality," according to Mercedes-Benz. The car maker's SUV gives drivers the best of sports car performance combined with the room and functionality of an SUV.Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe Specs Engine: 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo Horsepower: 362 hp Torque: 384 lb-ft 0-60: 4.8 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph Transmission: 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic The new GLC43 Coupe features 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine, enhanced by AMG, which puts out 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The SUV speeds from 0-60 in an impressive 4.8 seconds and hits top speeds of 130 mph. On the roadways, the GLC43 provides superior drive and handling and off-road, it performs as an SUV should with the ability to increase ground clearance at the touch of a button.The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic, which is AMG enhances, provides a dynamic, fun driving experience, giving the SUV an extra edge in the market. This dynamic experience is further complemented by driving mode options such as "Sport," "Sport+" and "Manual," giving the driver full control over their adventure.To ensure the SUV handles with the sporty performance Mercedes-AMG is known for, the car maker tweaked the suspension to include, "the AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension system," which enhances agility and corner handling.The sporty exterior is highlighted by, "the chrome-tipped diamond-block radiator grille, a louver in high-gloss black with a high-gloss chrome insert and AMG lettering," and the interior features a full-fledged infotainment system, black and red AMG accents and a multi-fuction steering wheel, among other luxury options.The new Mercedes-AMG CLV43 Coupe will debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 28. No price information has been revealed at this time, but stay tuned to Autofluence for updates. View All GLCs For Sale

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