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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 – January 20, 2020

Hendrick Motorsports Unveils Race-Ready NASCARs for Sale

Hendrick Motorsports built NASCAR Cup Series full tube chassis 1.75” diameter x .090” wall seamless steel tube roll cage with padding Fully adjustable double-wishbone front suspension Adjustable trailing arm rear suspension with heavy-duty 9” differential housing Adjustable and rebuildable gas-pressurized shock absorbers Wedge bolt 4 corner adjustability Multi-adjustable rear track bar assembly Billet 6-piston front & 4-piston rear brake calipers with vented discs. Competition fuel cell assembly with rollover protection Aero Racing 15 x 9.5” steel wheels Goodyear Eagle or Hoosier racing radial tires Transforming a street car into a dedicated road-course machine is no easy task. If your track car has seen better days, Rick Hendrick has the answer. In an unprecedented move, Hendrick Motorsports has unveiled race-ready NASCARs for sale. Because 99% of NASCAR racing is turning left, teams are forced to build one or two road course cars each year. With 12 Championships and over 250 wins, Hendrick Motorsports has dominated road racing for decades. That's why many Chevrolet teams buy their track cars from Hendrick. Now you can too, as two body styles are available for order. The Camaro ZL1 is identical to the car Chase Elliott drove to 1st place at Watkins Glen. Or you can have the Chevrolet SS that Jimmie Johnson used to win the Championship in 2013 and 2016. Everything is NASCAR-spec, from the roll cage to the safety systems. Under the hood is a 7.4L LSX Small Block. As the base-model engine, it offers 627 hp and 586 lb-ft of torque. Backed by an Andrews 4-speed and a 9" rear, you can upgrade to an R07 engine and 6-speed Race Tech billet 6-speed sequential for a few more dollars. The first person to take one on the street will win a lifetime subscription to our magazine! Stay with us for all your Camaro news. Browse All Chevrolet Camaro For Sale " width="680"> Related: Camaro ZL1: Price, Specs, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2020

Aston Martin DBX Arrives at Aston Martin Tampa Bay

By all standards, the first SUV from Aston Martin is poised to shake up the market for luxury utilities. We will jump behind the wheel later this week and try to contain our enthusiasm because the Aston Martin DBX has arrived at Aston Martin Tampa Bay. Being big has its advantages, as Aston Martin Tampa Bay is the flagship brand of Dimmitt Automotive. Only 2 miles away from us, we cooperate on events and social media to promote their brands. For a quick refresher, the 2021 Aston Martin DBX is a family machine with All Wheel Drive. Power comes from the bulletproof Mercedes-AMG 4.0L twin-turbo paired to a 9-speed automatic. Browse Dimmitt Automotive Inventory The manufacturer boasts a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph. We will give it a proper review in the next few days, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. https://www.facebook.com/DimmittUltraLuxCars/videos/533404560717636/

By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2019

Porsche Top 5: Most Iconic Liveries

What comes to mind when you imagine a Porsche on the Mulsanne Straight? Of all the famous paint schemes, the Porsche 917 has worn the most memorable colors. The first car was built to show the world a preview in Green & White. For aerodynamic advantage, the Pink Pig was a butcher's dream come true. Browse All Porsche For Sale The Gulf livery can be found on fast fords, McLarens, and others. Each car has to be approved by the Texas-based oil company before the base coats can be sprayed. That's why it's our favorite. Tell us your favorite in the comments below and stay with us for the next episode of Porsche Top 5! " width="680"> Related: Porsche 993 Specs, Photos, Prices & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2019

Lamborghini Huracan EVO Expedition Cruises Through Malibu

A great recipe for advertisement it to place celebrities in your products. Your goal is to tell us how many people you recognize from this quick trip. In their latest upload, a Lamborghini Huracan EVO expedition cruises through Malibu. In my humble opinion, the Huracan EVO Coupe & Huracan EVO Spyder offers the convenience and reliability of a daily driver, along with supercar performance. Browse All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale No turbos, superchargers, or hybrid assist. This is a bulletproof V10 sending power to all wheels. Great visibility along with rear-steering makes it easy to drive, and the price won't break the bank. Click the button above to experience one for yourself. " width="680"> Related: Lamborghini Huracan EVO Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Indian Motorcycle Introduces Powerplus 108" V-Twin

My Great-Grandmother was Cherokee, and we are considered one of the 5 "Civilized Tribes". No matter how civil you are, it is still advantageous to hit your competitor when he is on the ropes. That is exactly what happened yesterday as Indian Motorcycle introduced their Powerplus 108" V-Twin. This liquid-cooled beast raises the bar for American bikes, offering 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. It is the centerpiece of their new Challenger motorcycle. You better not miss arm day at the gym, because this will rip your rotator cuffs when unleashed. Indian Chieftan Inspired By Travis Pastrana & Evel Knievel No matter if you prefer Sportbikes or Cafe Racers, Indian has gone off the reservation and is about to scalp the competition. Tell us what you think of their newfound power in the comments below. Browse All Indian Motorcycles For Sale " width="680"> Related: Billy Joel Stops by NMOTO Headquarters to Test Fit His New Bike

By Andrew Nabors – October 16, 2019

Prestige Imports Pop-Up Appears in Miami's Design District

If your trip to Florida includes the latest in Performing Art, fashion or dining, head to 3841 NE 2nd Avenue. You will see the latest works from world-renowned creators, and that includes automobiles. To give this popular spot an injection of horsepower, a Prestige Imports Pop-Up has appeared in Miami's Design District. In a Facebook film uploaded on Monday, we've learned the store will be open Monday-Friday 11 AM to 8 PM, and 12 PM to 6PM on the weekend. Owner Brett David chose a few icons of automotive style to become temporary exhibits: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster 2018 Backdraft Racing Cobra 2020 Shelby GT500 by Classic Recreations 2020 Lotus Evora GT 2018 Karma Revero 2016 Pagani Huayra 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder 2010 Bugatti Veyron 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Learn More Any car placed in such a curated setting is bound to build anticipation, but that is why we're here. Click the button above to view Prestige Imports inventory, and stay with us for their future events. Prestige Imports: Spring Cleaning Supercar Shuffle Prestige Imports Announces New YouTube Series: Inside The Lab

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2019

2020 C8 Corvette Z51: No Words, Just the Engine Sound

Now that it's been some time since the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was unveiled, we're learning more and more about the mid-engine 'Vette. Most importantly, we're starting to see the car in action and hear it. Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire recently took the C8 Corvette out for a spin at the Thunderhill Raceway Park. His outing was done for the sake of Road & Track's "Performance Car of the Year." Because he will be giving a full review later on in November 2019, all he could provide us with was the sound of the car. I'll take it. Check it out in action by click play up above. see all corvettes for sale Related Video: " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2019

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 vs 740 HP BMW F10 M5

This one is bound to ruffle some feathers. Allow me to preface this video by saying that Lamborghini and BMW both build amazing machines. I would own both, but I couldn't pass up a great offer on a CTS-V. That being said, what do you think happens when a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 meets a 740 horsepower BMW F10 M5? Browse BMW M5 For Sale In the foreground is a Raging Bull sending over 600 horsepower to all wheels. The Bavarian opponent has a twin-turbo V8 that has a few upgrades. The film was uploaded by cvdzijden - Supercar Videos from the recent SCC500 Rolling50 1000. Lamborghini Murcielago Specs, Price, Photos & Review Roll racing is folks who can't drive, but it clearly shows if a car is geared for acceleration or top speed. Tell us which car you would own in the comments below, and stay with us for more high-speed competitions. " width="680"> Related: BMW M5 Edition 35 Years Unveiled

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2019

Colorado Radio Station Organized Record-Breaking Burnout ...

When you hear burnout and Colorado, you might not think about tires. Nevertheless, radio station KBPI in Fort Collins organized a record-breaking burnout contest. Spinning your tires while holding the brakes is a great way to destroy rubber and rotors. So many of the drag-prepped rides have line-locks to hold the front brakes only. Everyone was welcomed, so we see turbo Buick Grand Nationals, trucks, muscle cars, and a few classics evaporating their treads. Please do not attempt this in public or with people around you. Congrats to the team for breaking the record, and tell us your favorite car in the comments below. Find Your Tire Destroyer Here! Related: BMW M6 For Sale RM Sotheby's Record-Breaking Monterey 2019 Auction VW I.D. R Breaks Goodwood Hillclimb Record Faster Than Formula 1

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2019

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019 Recap

An outstanding week of automotive events around the Monterey Peninsula culminated in the most important car show of the year. First, we would like to thank the Concours for allowing us to display on Peter Hay Hill. Secondly, we would like to show you the highlights of this year's event. Sunday morning had beautiful weather for the Dawn Patrol. This is a chance for spectators to see these amazing cars make their way onto the field. For us, the most significant members of this group was a Nostalgia Motorcycle from NMOTO. They are the first bikes ever allowed onto the Concept Lawn. It was placed next to what inspired it, the 1934 BMW R7. After the cars are in place, the judges waste no time and head into their respective classes. Once their results were tabulated, the awards ceremony began. Here are a few happy entrants that have achieved the highest award in the automotive world. First In Class Winners: American Antique 1910 Marmon 32 Five Passenger Touring Shown by Mike & Sharon Silvera European Antique 1907 Napier 60 HP Roi des Belges Shown by the Louwman Museum American Classic Open 1936 Cadillac Series 90 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe Shown by John D. Groendyke American Classic Closed 1933 Packard 1006 Twelve Dietrich Stationary Coupe Shown by Academy of Art University Packard Open 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan Shown by Ralph Marano Bentley Centennial 3 Litre 1927 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Model Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 4½ Litre 1930 Bentley 4½ Litre Supercharged Vanden Plas Open Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial 6½ Litre 1929 Bentley Speed Six H. J. Mulliner Open Two Seater Sports Private Collection Bentley Centennial Derby 1939 Bentley 4¼ Litre Vanvooren Drophead Coupé Shown by Michel Doret Bentley Centennial Postwar 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Mulliner Sports Saloon Shown by Anne Brockinton Lee & Robert M. Lee Duesenberg 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Disappearing Top Roadster Shown by Paul & Cheryl Petrovich Rolls-Royce Prewar 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Inskip Special Henley Coupé Shown by Lord Bamford Mercedes-Benz Prewar 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Erdmann & Rossi Special Cabriolet Shown by The Keller Collection at The Pyramids European Classic Open 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet Shown by Richard & Melanie Lundquist European Classic Closed 1937 Delahaye 145 Chapron Coupé Shown by Merle & Peter Mullin Bugatti Type 57 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Private Collection Prewar Preservation 1907 Renault XB Labourdette Transformable Landaulet Shown by Steve & Marilee Hamilton Postwar Preservation 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Coupé Shown by William & Christopher Sharples Ferrari Grand Touring 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Scaglietti Spyder California Shown by Lee & Joan Herrington/The Herrington Collection Ferrari Competition 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Scaglietti Spyder Shown by Patrick & Carolyn Ottis Lamborghini Miura 1968 Lamborghini Miura SV Coupé Lamborghini Polo Storico Private Owner Postwar Sports 1960 Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL Viarenzo & Filliponi Coupé Shown by Robert Ingram/The Ingram Collection Postwar Touring 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ghia Supergioiello Coupé Shown by Jonathan & Wendy Segal Zagato Centennial Prewar 1932 Maserati V4 Zagato Spider Shown by Lawrence Auriana Zagato Centennial Postwar 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Coupé Shown by David F. MacNeil Best In Show 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Gurney Nutting Sports Tourer Shown by The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie If you are curious about the order in which the awards were given, we have a treat for you. Below is a birds-eye view of the entire show. We'll see you there next year. " width="680"> Image Source: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

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