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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 – May 28, 2020

Aston Martin DB5 "Goldfinger" Continuation Cars Revealed

With the outrageous demand for original examples of the DB5, Aston Martin has revealed the DB5 Goldfinger continuation series. Limited to 25 cars, each will be built by hand in the same work stations as the originals, over 50 years ago. EON Productions owns the rights to the James Bond series, and they contributed details of the various gadgets seen on the big screen. Work on the first car is nearing completion, after more than 4,500 hours. It will arrive with the following: Rear smoke screen delivery system Rear simulated oil slick delivery system Revolving number plates front and rear (triple plates) Simulated twin front machine guns Bullet resistant rear shield Battering rams front and rear Simulated tyre slasher Removable passenger seat roof panel (optional equipment) All this can be yours for £2.75 Million, or roughly $3.37 Million. You will have a piece of automotive and cinematic history at the center of your Aston Martin collection. Our dealers have all the info, co click the button below to reserve yours. Browse Aston Martin For Sale https://vimeo.com/423515719

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

Explore the History of the Batmobile

Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Adam West, and others have made cinematic history behind the wheels of the Batmobile. I can attest that the toy version of the Keaton-era Batmobile is easily destroyed by a .22 magnum, and my parents were not amused. Regardless of your allegiance to the Caped Crusader, Warner Brothers have produced an hour of history documenting the black machines. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars Of All Time The eleventh film in the series is scheduled for October 1st. "The Batman" is a reboot starring Robert Pattinson along with an ensemble cast of Zoe Kravits, Colin Farrell, Peter Sarsgaard, and John Turturro. One underlying fact of the movie cars is that a majority of them have been Chevrolet powered. So tell us your favorite Batmobile in the comments below and stay with us for all your celebrity car updates.

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

How Audi Sport Develops the RS Lineup

Most luxury automakers have a high-performance division. While most performance cars are simply a sprinkling of chassis & engine tuning, Audi takes performance to an unprecedented level. Look in the door jamb of any R8 and you will notice something unique. Audi's top-level cars are built by a separate company: Audi Sport. What began as "Quattro GMBH" has been the R&D center for all VW brands. By divorcing luxury and performance brands, each company is held accountable for their separate goals. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Sports Cars Of All Time Of course, most of this is trivial to the average enthusiast. The only way to purchase Audi Sport models is at Audi dealers, but your experience will be more refined. Inquiring about an RS model alerts the staff that you mean business. You want a car that has been tested wide-open on the 'Ring. Audi Sport Manager Oliver Hoffmann had this to say: "RS vehicles have a strong and unique character: spontaneous maximum performance wherever and whenever desired, and effortless performance on long journeys. An RS is a true Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde. It is important for every kilometer, no matter how it is driven, to be an experience. This is achieved thanks to breathtaking design, high-end look and feel, and outstanding quality." Click the links below to find yours and stay with us for all your Audi news. RS 3 For Sale RS 4 For Sale RS 5 For Sale RS 6 For Sale RS 7 For Sale RS Q8 For Sale R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2020

Bosch Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Stability Control

Let me be honest, if you are reading this you have probably avoided a crash thanks to Electronic Stability Control. The Guardian Angel that pulls your car out of a spin debuted on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1995. At the time it took more computing power than several desktops to literally "stay ahead of the curve". Using inputs from the ABS sensors, steering wheel angle, and a 2-axis accelerometer, it uses all four brakes individually along with the throttle to point your car where you want it to go. Their press release mentions that 82% of new cars sold around the world have this system. It has been credited with saving over 15,000 lives in Europe alone, and mine several times here in the Sunshine State. It forms the basis of all Automated Driving systems and is mandatory in many countries. Tell us how ESP has intervened for you, and stay with us for all your industry news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 19, 2020

Chevrolet C8 Corvette Academy Adds 23 New Videos

Now that the first C8 Corvettes have been delivered, the engineers want to make sure everyone can understand how to properly utilize its advanced features. The first films in the Corvette Academy sought to introduce and explain the eigth-generation car to the world. Now with feedback from owners, they have responded by adding 23 videos to the series. C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review In the press release yesterday, we learned the topics start with proper break-in. For the first 500 miles, your new C8 Corvette Stingray will be limited on power. Throttle and spark are delayed to allow the bearings, lifters, valves, and the transmission to all get acquainted. Like all cars, if you beat on it from the dealer your drivetrain won't be as powerful or reliable. The others dive into: Track Prep, Driving Modes, Regular Maintenance, Memory Settings, and other aspects you need to know. Our dealers have trained Corvette Product Specialists waiting for you, so click the button below and find your new C8 Corvette Stingray for sale. Browse New Corvette For Sale https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7ufN7Cep1mHW17loj5tsF4iEBSPOCORB

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2020

UPDATE Joe Bonamassa & VW Live Stream Concert

Update, if you missed last night's concert it is embedded below. Big thanks to Joe Bonamassa and Volkswagen for helping those in need. If you like good music, you will truly enjoy VW's latest press release. We learned this morning that they have joined forces with Fender Guitars to present Joe Bonamassa tonight at 8 pm Eastern Time. This live stream will take place on Facebook, with proceeds going to help musicians affected by the virus. Fender Premium Audio can be ordered in any Volkswagen for sale if you want the best in car audio. Joe Bonamassa opened for B.B. King at the age of 12, and he is an unparalleled guitar virtuoso. Click the button below and set a reminder for tonight, and you won't regret it. VW on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VW/videos/234640781176669/

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Rally in the East: Stage 1

Stage 1 of the “Rally in the East” gathering took place on the East Coast of the United States on Saturday May 9, 2020. Observing all CDC guidelines and a social distant drive for those who loves homologation cars. People drove hours just to be there as nothing like this has ever been done ever before in North America. Photos by Dan Wagner @carsthatlookneat All guests wore masks and were excited to be out & unified for the purpose of homologation cars, driving and meeting new friends! This gathering of high cars is a series of events put on Evan Cygler of Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT and Matthew Ivanhoe and Tom Hale of The Cultivated Collector in New Canaan, CT. To join forces, they combined their passions to get great people together with Rally in the East. Stay tuned! View More Action on Instagram So far, the gathering has featured three Lancia 037 Stradales, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Five Lancia Delta Integrales, Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 555 Edition and a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution. Rally in the East will gather enthusiastic homologation car owners on the East Coast of the United States. They love to drive, drift and celebrate cars of the past and present. For more information please send them email at RallyInTheEast@gmail.com Photos by Andrew Fierman @hudsonhorsepower

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Maserati Unveils MC20 Prototype Dedicated to Sir Stirling...

We lost a legend of motor racing on April 12th. After entering his first race in 1951, Maserati realized the potential of Sir Stirling moss. Putting him behind the wheel of their Eldorado race car, he put it to the test in 1958. To honor his legacy, Maserati has unveileled the latest MC20 prototype dedicated to Sir Moss. New Maserati MC20 For Sale One of his most beloved trophies was from Monaco in '56, driving a Maserati 250F. That is why this unique MC20 bears his signature. In an excerpt from the press release: "The arrival of the MC20 is an important event for the Modena-based company, not only because of the racing comeback but also because it will be the first car to adopt a new engine 100% designed, developed and produced by Maserati itself." Maserati MC20 Prototype Starts Testing For a brief refresher, the MC20 is shorthand for Maserati Corse 2020. Literally translated as the Maserati race car for 2020, development has been delayed by the virus. Power is from an all-new twin-turbo V6 sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch. A hybrid model has been rumored, so it looks like Maserati is prepared to shock the world. Stay with us for all your MC20 updates. Find Your Maserati Here

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

The New Language of Ferrari Design

Enzo Ferrari raced cars. Winning for several manufacturers prompted him to build his own race cars. But in order to fund his team (Scuderia Ferrari), he decided to build street-legal cars. Too busy with the details, he left styling and production to firms like Pininfarina, Scaglietti, and a few other friends. Now that Ferrari is worth more than Ford or GM, they have the resources to do everything in-house. Flavio Manzoni has been the director of Ferrari Centro Stile (Ferrari's Central Design Department) since 2010. Since then, he has blessed us with the 488 Series, F12tdf, 812 Superfast, and the Roma just to name a few. His greatest triumph so far was the release of 5 new models for the 2019 model year. In the most recent issue of Ferrari Magazine, Chris Rees goes into detail about Flavio's inspirations. Maranello still has 2 new cars to be unveiled before 2021, so the future looks bright. Ferrari's styling language is easy to understand in person, so click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

Audi Announces Updates for 2021 Model Year

Audi never stops innovating, and they have a nice array of upgrades for 2021. If you have been on the fence about upgrading to their latest model, here are nice updates we can all appreciate. A4, A5, S4, S5 While being all new for 2020, this year the 4-cylinder models incorporate receive a power increase of 13 horsepower and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system. New for 2021, the A4 40 TFSI is now standard equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive, and an A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro is introduced. The Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and parking system plus (front and rear parking sensors). Perhaps the best news of all is that the Premium Plus trim is now standard equipped with adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, top-view camera system, and hands-on detection steering wheel. Heated rear seats are now standard on the Prestige trim across the A4/S4 model line and the A5/S5 Sportback. A4 For Sale A5 For Sale S4 For Sale S5 For Sale A6 & S6 Premium trim is now standard with 19-inch wheels with all-season tires (2.0-liter engine variants), advanced key, and integrated toll module. The top-view camera system and MMI Navigation High (10.1-inch display) has been added to the optional Convenience package available on the Premium trim. On the Prestige trim, the power rear window and manual side sunshades are now standard. The Black optic sport package is now available on all trims and adds black optic exterior accents, 20-inch bi-color wheels with all-season tires and sport suspension. The 2021 A6 for sale now includes Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist as part of the available Executive package on the Premium Plus trim. The S6 is now standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, virtual cockpit plus, and carbon twill inlays now accent the cabin. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now part of the available S6 Executive package on the Premium Plus trim. A6 For Sale S6 For Sale A7 & S7 Additional standard features and design offerings for 2021 include 20-inch wheels with all-season tires that are now standard on the Premium trim. The top-view camera system and MMI Navigation High have been added to the optional Convenience package available on the Premium trim. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now standard on the Premium Plus trim on every A7 for sale The S7 for sale now comes standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, virtual cockpit plus and carbon twill inlays. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now offered in the optional S7 Executive package. A7 For Sale S7 For Sale A8 & S8 All A8 for sale now have 22-way ventilated front seats, the Audi phone box and top-view camera system with Virtual 360 view. The A8 60 TFSI is now standard equipped with the Sport style exterior kit, HD Matrix-design LED headlights and Valcona leather interior. The available Executive plus packages includes 20-inch wheels with all-season tires, the Driver Assistance package, Cold Weather package, front heated interior surfaces, rear heated seats, and a rear seat remote control. The S8 is now standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires and front heated armrests. The S8 Black optic package includes black exterior trim, black mirror covers, and 21-inch 10-Y-spoke bi-color wheels with summer performance tires. A8 For Sale S8 For Sale Q3 The Audi Q3 45 TFSI® is now offered exclusively in an S line exterior. On the Premium trim, power front seats with lumbar support are now standard, in addition to Audi lane departure warning, progressive steering, and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The available Convenience package now includes an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, heated, driver auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors, and an LED interior lighting package. On the Premium Plus trim, Audi cruise assist, the customizable LED interior lighting package plus, and a stainless steel trunk sill are all now standard equipment. The optional Technology package now includes a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System and traffic sign recognition. New for 2021, an available Parking Assistance package adds a top-view camera and park steering assist. Q3 For Sale Q7 & SQ7 After a major refresh last year, some of the new features include additional driver assistance features. Audi side assist, pre sense rear and pre sense front are now standard on the Premium trim. The available Convenience package on the Premium trim (standard on Premium Plus) now includes a heated steering wheel and top-view camera system with a virtual 360 view. The newly available Executive package on the Premium Plus trim combines the Cold Weather, Warm Weather, and Driver Assistance packages. On the 2021 SQ7, a heated steering wheel is now standard on the Premium Plus trim. The optional Executive package on the Premium Plus trim now includes the leather package, including leather upholstered armrests. Q7 For Sale SQ7 For Sale Q8 Their flagship SUV is now standard equipped with additional driver assistance features and updated packaging. Audi side assist and pre sense rear are now standard on the Premium trim. The available Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and top-view camera on the Premium trim. The Premium Plus trim now includes a heated steering wheel. The newly available Executive Package, offered on the Premium Plus trim, includes Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist, HD Matrix-design LED headlights, heated rear seats, and leather upholstered armrests. Dynamic photo, Color: Daytona grey Q8 For Sale SQ8 For Sale TT The TT family has been updated to feature newly standard equipment as well as a refreshed color program. S sport seats in Fine Nappa leather, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus, Audi Connect, Audi side assist, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system are now standard equipment across the model line. Interiors of the TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS now feature extended leather interior elements as standard. The standard 18-inch wheels are now fitted with all-season tires instead of summer tires, and new 19-inch wheels with summer tires are available as a standalone option. The TT Roadster now features standard neck-level heating, and the TTS is now standard with 20-inch wheels with summer tires. TT For Sale These are only the major upgrades, so our dealers will have all the info. Stay with us for all your Audi news.

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