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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 31, 2020

2021 Maserati MC20 Teased to Debut September 9th

Today we were hit with back-to-back teasers for something wild. The Maserati MC20 was teased to debut on September 9th, thanks to their Facebook and Instagram pages. The Maserati Corse (Racing) 20 is the successor to the wild MC12. https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/789583078483670 Rumors abound that a new twin-turbo V6 will be mid-mounted, and it could evolve to integrate hybrid technology. The unveiling has been pushed back due to the virus, but this has only served to ensure the car will launch without a hitch. Tell us what you are looking for in a Maserati flagship and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Browse Maserati For Sale https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/311524200299608

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

Pershing to Unveil All-Aluminum 140 in Monaco

Reaching 140 feet is a milestone for any Naval Architect and a skilled shipyard. While their first 140 was an exercise in several metals, Pershing is set to unveil their first all-aluminum 140 in Monaco this weekend. This gorgeous yacht has an ingenious cathodic protection for years of oceangoing pleasure. While the prototype had a movie theater, the owner commissioned this ship to have a full-width bedroom accessed by a private lounge. Piero Ferrari, head of the Ferretti Group worked with architect Fulvio De Simoni for over a year to finalize the details. Here is what it takes to build an aluminum yacht: " width="680"> Three fold-out sides make a nice beach for tanning and an easy way to moor tenders and PWC's. It is the first-all aluminum ship by Ferretti's Super Yacht Yard at Ancona. The Ferretti Group Private Preview is by invitation only from Sunday to Tuesday in Monaco. Literally making waves around the world, their third keel is already laid, with the shipyard planning to launch next spring. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your luxury yachting news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

Amazon Orders 1,800 Mercedes-Benz Electric Vans

With the amount of mileage Amazon drivers are racking up, it makes perfect sense to transition away from fuel. In a move that literally shocked their competition, Amazon has placed an order for 1,800 electric Mercedes-Benz vans. Mr. Bezos and company plan to be carbon neutral in 20 years, and this will undoubtedly force other delivery services to follow suit. Reported by Forbes over the weekend, the order consists of 1,200 eSprinters along with 600 of the smaller eVito vans. Because their fulfillment centers use a hub & spoke model in most areas, fully-charged vans could be loaded and ready when drivers return from their routes. This order is for European deliveries, as it follows on the heels of ordering 100,000 electric vans from Rivian back in February. Amazon has invested $700m into Rivian,who also had a $500m cash injection from Ford last year. Congrats to Amazon on leading the way, and for Mercedes-Benz for stepping up to the challenge. Stay with us for all your EV news. Browse Mercedes Sprinter For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Will Arrive With High Voltage 4WD

Jeeps are usually not loud, but a silent model will keep nature and your neighbors happy. People give offroaders a bad name because they somehow damage the environment. That is all about to change because the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4XE will arrive with high voltage 4WD. There is plenty of room for a battery between the frame rails, but we don't know if it will include a gas engine also. Here's to Jeep for such a bold move, and literally shocking the industry. Our dealers might give you a few hints, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep Wrangler For Sale https://www.facebook.com/jeep/videos/307936906947505

By Andrew Nabors – August 25, 2020

Lexus GX Gains Plush Amenities & Technology

Innovation never stops at Lexus. It seems as if engineers lose sleep over even the smallest details; and that is why the new Lexus GX 460 is gaining plush amenities and technology. Starting off with comfort, the windshield and all side glass is now sound insulated. A new Premium plus package includes Amazon Alexa, a heated wood steering wheel, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system with 4 USB ports. Their flagship 7-passenger SUV retains the 4.6-liter V8 rated at 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs thanks to the standard Trailer Sway Control system. Gray Sapele wood and brushed aluminum coddle you while a 3-zone climate control keeps the family happy. The latest is safety includes pre-collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure alert, intelligent high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. " width="680"> One option you must have is KDSS, it incorporates a sway-bar disconnect with hydraulic accumulators at each corner. They are linked to constantly move fluid to keep the SUV level on steep terrain. It is not unlike what McLaren does for their Super Series cars. A full-time 4WD system uses a TORSEN center differential to lock the power output at 40:60 front to rear. If you need more, it can be locked at 50:50 and you can select 3:1 low range in the transfer case. This enables crawl control to maintain a climb up aggressive grades. The front and rear differentials are "Virtually Locked by the computer modulating the brake calipers, this saves fuel in every situation by not having lockers inside the ring gears. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 24, 2020

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Arrives September 3rd

Ask anyone, nobody has a bad memory of Jeep's flagship. From daily drivers, they have transformed into heirlooms, so restoring them is big business these days. That's why we're happy to announce that a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer is arriving on September 3rd. " width="680"> While the original Grand Wagoneer was the first example of their Family SUV, their 360 V8 engine ran well past 500,000 miles. Overbuilt to be tough and over-engineered to do all Jeep-related things, this new one will be unbeatable. It will be a perfect kickoff for Labor Day Weekend, and you will see it here first. Stay with us for all your Dodge-Jeep-Ram & Fiat-Chrysler news. Browse Jeep For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

2021 Lexus ES 350 Black Line Arrives With Halliburton Lug...

Last month our friends at Lexus gave us a preview of the new NX Black Line, and it amazed everyone. With such an overwhelming response, the 2021 ES 350 Black Line will arrive with the same set of matching Zero-Halliburton luggage. Available in Blue Mica, Obsidian, and Ultra White, it is the only ES to offer a 2-tone leather interior with gray contrast stitching. Lexus LC 500 Convertible: More Than a Beautiful Machine It rides on their new global GA-K chassis that allows the car to be 2.6" longer 0.2" lower and almost 2" wider. Desinged to offer the strongest and most comfrotable ride, the chassis has several overlapping layers of high strength steel and twice the number of laser welds as its predecessor. The strut towers are reinforced below and above, with a brace across the engine bay. It has also gained 2 degrees of positive caster for straight line comfort. " width="680"> Their venerable 3.5-liter V6 has gained port injection to keep the combustion chambers clean and cool. New cam phasers allow it to run on the Atkinson Cycle when cruising, making for an impressive 32 mpg on the highway. It offers 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque to an 8-speed automatic. The ES is the car that started it all, so we're glad it has returned with all the comfort, safety and practicality you deserve. Click the link below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2020

7-Eleven Buys Speedway for $21 Billion

Electricity is the future, and the oil companies are starting to sweat. With OPEC fighting Russia by flooding the market with cheap crude, the price of oil went negative briefly at the end of April. Marathon is great at refining fuel, but their name-brand stations leave much to be desired. Speedway was their flagship brand, often combined with fast-food franchises. So in a shocking report, Bloomberg announced that 7-Eleven has purchased Speedway for $21 Billion dollars. We imagine a future with more Slurpee choices, and the 128 oz Team Gulp for every American. Not to mention 7-11's hot pizza and breakfast is quite tasty. This adds 4,000 locations to their existing global empire of 71,100 stores across 17 nations. Tell us your favorite pit stop in the comments below...and Oh Thank Heaven 7-Eleven! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 21, 2020

Ultimate Supercar Drag Race Part V

Social distancing is a decent excuse to drive a fast car. That is why our email inquiries have been breaking records since the lockdown began. Because Drag Racing has to be done with windows up and more than 6 feet apart, our friends at 888MF have filmed the 5th episode of their Ultimate Supercar Drag Race. The camera crew arrived at an English airfield to find a Ferrari 488 Pista along with an 812 Superfast. Lamborghini was represented by a Huracan Performante, and all would fight for a chance to race a pair of McLaren 720S. For a quick refresher, the Pista has 710 horsepower, the Performante is rated at 640, McLaren lists their horsepower in the name of the 720S, and the 812 Superfast packs a whopping 788 horses. Every car is RWD and represents the state of the art, so tell us who should have won in the comments below! Browse Supercars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Preview Video Series

We are on the verge of something new. Mercedes-Benz is changing the way cars are unveiled, starting with their flagship sedan. In the first episode of "Meet The S-Class, Markus Schafer introduces us to the upcoming S-Class Plug-In Hybrid. With an electric range of 62 miles, it will arrive with the latest in automotive artificial intelligence. The driver's HUD is now an augmented reality system, showing turns and potential obstacles in 3D. In the coming weeks, this series will serve to build anticipation by explaining the revolutionary details on their dedicated site. Our dealers have all the details, so click the link below and stay with us for all your S-Class updates. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale

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