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 Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2017

Audi e-tron Sportback Concept Heading to Shanghai

Recent advances in battery technology have made many manufacturers stop in their tracks. Electric cars that were almost ready for production have been sent back down the line with more power and range at their disposal. Audi likes to play it safe when it comes to launching new technologies, which is why their innovations like laser lighting and OLED displays have shocked the competition. "With great power comes great responsibility", so a new 95 kW battery pack is coupled to three electric motors to offer a 0-62 mph time of only 4.5 seconds. The flat design of the battery offers a spacious cabin and a low center of gravity.Exterior lighting is handled by matrix LEDs and micromirrors that can be animated in different situations. This might seem a bit flashy, but wait until hackers break into the display system and start displaying some crazy stuff on the lights.Audi and VW are planning an all-out attack on the electric industry with a host of new cars in the next few years. The e-tron series is poised to become its own sub-brand in markets like the US and China. The press release says production is aiming for a 2019 launch date. We've seen camouflaged and production ready A3 e-tron wagons emerging from Audi's testing lab a few blocks over, and it's clearly evident they mean business. Tell us what you think of this concept and stay with us for all your Audi updates.

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2017

Jeep Reveals Hellcat-Powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Popular culture wants us to believe that everyone needs a crossover. These unsightly boxes have put a dent into the SUV market, which has made the big automakers go to extremes to keep them viable. This is where the Super SUVs have gained a cult following. Jeep has a history of building powerful Grand Cherokees. The latest example was just revealed at the New York Auto Show, and it packs serious power into a potent chassis.Challenger Hellcat For SaleThe first super Jeep was the 5.9-liter Limited Edition in 1998. It used a modernized version of the Chrysler 360 small block to send 345 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Next up was the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee which packed the 6.1 liters Hemi from 2006 to 2010. They are coveted by collectors because of launch control along with 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. When the Hellcat arrived with 707 horsepower, Jeepers began asking how they could get in on the fun. The usual response would be a "sorry, not sorry" from the engineers because of fuel economy standards, but SRT chose to build something wild.Jeep's 2018 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will arrive with the Hellcat power and 645 lb-ft of torque. The press release also mentions the cast iron block is cooled by a water jacket around the cylinders-- what a groundbreaking innovation! Stuffing a monster motor into a stock Jeep is a recipe for destruction, so the eight-speed automatic transmission was beefed up along with the transfer case and axles. Launch control returns, but now it has an ace in the hole. A new torque reserve system builds boost by killing half the cylinders and leaving the supercharger wide open. Much like a two-step used in drag racing, it allows the engine to launch at full boost.To make sure it stays cool, the fog lights were deleted to direct more air at the radiators. Trackhawk rides one inch lower on Bilstein adaptive suspension. Brembo brakes are the largest ever (13.78") offered on a Jeep to provide a 60-0 of only 114 feet. Gloss black accents in the headlights and rear diffuser offer a menacing appearance, and the quad tip exhaust will be heard for miles. The only response from the competition was Chevrolet announcing the Escalade's 6.2 will be offered in the Tahoe, but it will need a Z06 transplant to even be in the same ballpark. If you want a beastly Jeep, our dealers will have all the info. Stay with us for more Mopar news and coverage of the NY Auto Show.View All Jeep News, Articles and Videos

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2017

Is This The Dodge Demon Test Mule's First Public Quarter-...

One of the main reasons I have hearing damage is the Gator Nationals. The annual gathering of the world's fastest cars takes place in Gainesville, Florida and it was the perfect opportunity for Dodge to summon their sinister creation. Florida Car Culture was quick to recognize a Demon test mule car in the staging lanes and recorded the first quarter-mile pass of the upcoming monster. With sounds of a healthy camshaft, it will be imposing to any competitor. Outfitted with Hoosier slicks and almost no exhaust, Dodge is redefining what we thought was street legal for a production car. One of the most anticipated muscle cars in recent history, the Demon has been teased on YouTube as part of a campaign known as "If You Know, You Know'. Each film has a press release outlining more information on the car, and this morning we learned it will arrive with a TransBrake.If you aren't into drag racing, a TransBrake is a lock inside the automatic transmission, giving it launch control. Some hardcore racers see it as cheating, so they're banned in "foot brake" racing. Usually controlled by a spring-loaded switch, Dodge has integrated it into the shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Since the engine is held at 2,350 rpm, the supercharger is awake and delivering 40% more torque than foot brake cars. I am glad someone got paid to come up with such nonsense because anything that lines up next to a Demon will have a custom torque converter and probably blow its doors off. The Demon will be a great car for those who don't plan on modifying their cars. I never thought they would dive so deep into drag racing so it will be interesting to see how the Super Stock classes respond to the news. No mention of price has been made, but we have several Hellcats for sale if you want to build your own. If you race, tell us if your thoughts on TransBrake vs foot brake in the comments below.P.S. If anyone can decode the license plate by Saturday night we will send you a Cars & Coffee T-Shirt!

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2017

The Dodge Demon Sounds Insane, Unreal and Downright Scary

When the Dodge Demon is finally released, it will most likely be regarded as the most insane production automobile that the American automaker has ever created. Unfortunately, we don't have the specifics on what the Demon's power will exactly be, we now know that all of the power translates into one of the most ferocious exhaust sounds I've ever heard.The video uploaded by Dodge is titled "No Pills." In the video, we see the rear of the Demon as it launches at a dragstrip. The raw sound of power coming from the exhaust is more powerful than that of the Hellcat, which is regarded as the best sounding muscle car on the road today by many. If you don't believe me, click play on the video below to hear it for yourself. If you're like me and hit "replay" a few times, don't worry, because you can download an official ringtone of the car.All Dodge Challenger For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals Official Name of Project AM-RB 001

Saint Patrick's day is just around the corner. Since he pretty much killed pagan religions in Ireland, we needed a brief refresher on Norse Mythology for Aston Martin's latest creation. A Valkyrie is one who decides your path in the afterlife. It is wise to keep them on your good side because they decide if souls are worthy of serving Odin in Valhalla, The prototype was a collaboration between Aston-Martin and Red Bull Racing to explore the future of hypercars. Known as the AM-RB 001, it is a continuation of reserving the letter V for upper-end models. A tradition that dates back to the original Vantage in 1951, and continues with Vulcan and Vanquish.Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve. The connotations of power and honor, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”Cosworth is building a new V12 engine that will be coupled to a hybrid system for instant response. The wild front suspension travels through an open-air channel ahead of the doors, which will probably be difficult to wax without having a lift in your driveway. No word on how many are being produced, so as soon as we have the details from Geneva, you will see them first here on Autofluence.Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2017

Dodge Demon Will Launch Much Harder Than Hellcat

In the latest preview of the new Dodge Demon, drag racing math is explained in detail. Every automatic transmission has a torque converter. It connects the engine to the transmission once you hit the gas pedal. New cars are built with fuel economy in mind, so they will start moving forward under 1,000 rpm. But the first rule in drag racing is to launch when your car makes the most torque. A custom torque converter is the first modification racers usually make. Dodge is taking an old-school approach by building the Demon with a racing inspired converter. Unlike the clutch in a manual transmission, a converter actually multiplies the engine's torque output when provoked. It takes years of experience and some intense math to build the perfect converter, and it can make or break your quarter mile times.(Dodge Demon's Wide Body Finally Revealed)Digging deeper for the perfect launch, the next logical upgrade is the differential. A higher ratio makes the car shift sooner because it goes thru the gears quicker. From personal experience, going from a 2.73 ratio to a 3.73 feels like adding 100 horsepower to your car. The Demon differential will be 3.09, a nice upgrade from the Hellcat's 2.62 gears. To put that power to the ground will be 18x11" rear wheels wearing 315/40 Nitto NT05R drag radial tires. Measuring in at 12.6" wide, these street legal racing tires will be a handful in the rain. The press release outlines each of these features as a percentage upgrade over the Hellcat, with the tires having 15% more tread width than before. The torque converter and differential both offer around 18% each, so it will be a monster coming out of the hole. As soon as we get our hands on one, expect to see some impressive 60' times at our local track, so stay with us for more Demon updates and muscle car news.Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2017

Jaguar Cars Can Now Pay for Gas

One of the best aspects of owning a luxury car is the added value in all the unseen areas. Jaguar and Land Rover are diligent in providing every conceivable convenience in their automobiles, and their latest effort is probably a foreshadowing of how we will purchase fuel in the future. To be released on an update to the InControl software, examples of the XE, XF and F-Pace integrate PayPal or Apple Pay into the communication system. Working with Shell, payment for a pit stop will be conducted on the car's touchscreen, allowing for a quick "gas 'n go." After the initial release, it will be offered across the Jaguar and Land Rover lineups, with payment for parking lots and drive-thru coming in the near future. The press release was aimed at English motorists, because we have some slightly silly laws about fuel payment.If you have ever had your debit card skimmed by a sleazy station you might like the idea. But if you can't fathom the idea of your car generating high-frequency communications around volatile fuels, we understand. Either way, it is a clear example of forward-thinking to allow fuels to rush in where angels fear to tread. Ok, that was our only poetic reference today so take a look at how the system works in the video below and stay with us for all your updates from Jaguar-Land Rover.Jaguar For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 26, 2016

The Dubai Lifestyle: Insane Supercars and Lavish Luxury

Exotic animals, gorgeous views, amazing supercars, lavish parties and an insanely luxurious lifestyle are just a few of the things that come to mind when Dubai is mentioned. The gorgeous Middle Eastern region is so entangled with all things affluent, making it a hub for supercar fans and owners. In fact, the region is so ripe with high performance vehicles that its police force is equipped with its own supercar lineup. Pepper Yandell, and automotive photographer based out of Dallas, TX recently had the opportunity to take his work over to Dubai, and lucky for us, he documented his incredible trip to share with the world. Sportscars For SaleIf you've never experienced the Dubai lifestyle, let's just say it's something to put on the bucket list. For now though, you can check out the video below as Yandell treks across the U.A.E., Bharain and Oman. It's a visual compilation of everyday happenings in Dubai. Rare, amazing vehicles, vibrant parties, exotic animals and breathtaking views color every scene. Check it out below.

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2016

2,400 hp Super Semi Truck by Volvo Going For World Speed ...

With a name like "The Iron Knight," Volvo Trucks' new super semi truck is set to attempt a new international speed record. This truck's power is rated at an astonishing 2,400 hp and 4,425 lb-ft of torque."The Iron Knight is the perfect way to showcase the competence and innovative power of Volvo Trucks. At the same time, our aim was to generate new insights into technical and design solutions. The intention is to transfer some of these to our series-produced trucks," says Claes Nilsson, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks, in an August 17 press release.As of now, Volvo Trucks has only released a teaser for the record run, but will release the full run on August 24. Be sure to check back on that date to see The Iron Knight crush records.View All Volvos For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2016

Electric Hypercar Crushes LaFerrari and Tesla Model S in ...

I first wrote about the Rimac Concept One hypercar three years ago. Since then, there hasn't been a whole lot of news regarding the car, but a new video from Archie Hamilton Racing's YouTube channel showcases the electric hypercar.To test the Concept One's capabilities, the team paired it up against the brutal acceleration of the Tesla Model S P90D and the incomparable LaFerrari specs. If you're unaware of the Concept One's abilities, in the three-year-old article I noted that the car is powered by a 92-kWh battery that sends energy to four sets of electric motors at each of the wheels. This power created equals out to around 1,088 bhp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. With a kerb weight of 4,188, the Concept One can rocket from 0-62 mph in 2.6 seconds (in the old article it's stated that its 0-68 time is 2.8, but the website now says 2.6).Does this new hypercar have the ability to take down the Model S and LaFerrari? If you've read the title, then you know the answer. Check it out below!

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe