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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2022

Lucky Highland Green 1968 Shelby GT500 KR: GAA Classic Ca...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - In 1968 the GT500 KR was offered in both Fastback and Convertible forms. However, only 516 convertibles were known to have ever been produced and only 50 were made in lucky Highland Green. GAA Classic Cars must have all the luck because on February 26th they will auction off this 1968 GT500 KR Convertible. This rare GT500 KR had only 1 owner until recently and went through a comprehensive restoration by Shelby and Mustang experts at Orlando Mustang. This GT500 KR is listed in the Shelby American World Registry and has a documented service replacement 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine block (November 69 Stamp) with the original carburetor. You will find that all sheet metal is original including doors. Much of the interior is original except the carpet and door panels. This GT500 KR has only 72k actual miles and comes with the original window sticker, original build sheet, and an Elite Marti Report. If you are lucky this rare Highland Green Shelby GT500 KR can be yours. See GAA Classic Cars full inventory at gaaclassiccars.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2022

1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350: GAA Classic Cars February...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - Exactly what we like to see in a Shelby GT350 this 1966 is in Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes! Scheduled to cross the auction block on February 26th in Greensboro, NC this GT350 has a frame-off restoration by James Kinney with car shows in mind. It won several 1st place trophies and comes with Shelby invoices. This Shelby has a numbers-matching 289 CID Cobra V8 engine, 4-speed transmission, and a steel hood documented in the Shelby Registry. It was originally shipped to Dockery Ford Morristown, NJ on June 24th, 1966, and this February you can ship it to your garage. See GAA Classic Cars full inventory at gaaclassiccars.com View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2022

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III: GAA Classic Cars Febr...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - In 1969 “The Judge” was introduced as a reasonably priced option to compete with the Plymouth Road Runner. The name was inspired by a comedy routine made popular by comedian Flip Wilson which he borrowed from a burlesque entertainer named Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham. Interesting to learn what inspires the automotive minds when naming their new models. The 1969 advertisements used slogans such as “All rise for the Judge.” Many will rise and take notice of this frame off restored 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III consigned for auction at GAA Classic Cars February 26th. This was 1 of 108 Judge Convertibles built in 1969. The numbers matching 400 CID 366hp V8 L74 Engine is documented and it comes with the PHS documentation as well. This Judge is 1 of only 2 documented in the registry with Expresso Brown paint. See GAA Classic Cars full inventory at gaaclassiccars.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2022

1971 Dodge Challenger Resto Mod: GAA Classic Cars Februar...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - A Pro Touring Dodge Challenger built with a Keith Black 528/760 HP Hemi engine crosses the auction block in Greensboro, NC on February 26th. Motorsport Hall of Fame member, Keith Black was an engineer of world record-breaking racing engines. This Challenger’s engine features aluminum heads, a big Holley carburetor, high-rise intake, valve cover breathers, and an aluminum radiator. The Tremec 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and Hurst pistol-grip shifter makes for a smooth driving experience. The custom raised-blister sport hood and eye-catching yellow paint with black racing stripes complete this powerful Resto Mods exterior. It comes with build documentation for you to review the restoration details when you take it home from GAA Classic Cars auction at the end of this month. See full auction inventory at gaaclassiccars.com View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2022

1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV: GAA Classic Cars February 20...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - This Goat has a Ram! Crossing the auction block at GAA Classic Cars Saturday, February 26th is this Numbers Matching 69 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV. This is just 1 of 14 produced in 1969 and the only one in its color combination Matador Red with white convertible power top. This truly one-of-a-kind “Goat” has PHS documentation and the original window sticker. This is 1 of 10 GTOs in the GAA Classic Cars auction lineup. To see the entire lineup go to gaaclassiccars.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2022

Larry The Cable Guy's 1967 Ford Mustang: GAA Classic Cars...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - Originally a gift to his wife, Cara Whitney, this beautiful Mustang is currently being auctioned off by owner Larry The Cable Guy. We've seen some unique automotive gifts between spouses in recent years as classic cars have risen in popularity and rarity. A vintage Camaro, Charger, Challenger, or Barracuda is the perfect opportunity for any automotive enthusiast to bond with their husband or wife. But, of course, you don't have to take our word for it. Instead, you can trust the honest expression of America's favorite redneck comedian, Larry The Cable Guy. After initially purchasing this incredible 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback as a present for his wife, Larry The Cable Guy and his wife, Cara Whitney, have spent countless hours keeping this beauty in pristine condition. Nowadays, the couple is ready to let the wild horse run free to a new owner. So what made this car so unique that it was worthy of the iconic comedian? First of all, we need to talk about what's under the hood as you know that we Americans love our V8 engines. This thing has just about the coolest one you could get in a 'Stang in its prime, the 302 ci V8. Back in the day, this was the top of the line in terms of performance as it produced 325 horsepower and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. All of that power is sent through an intelligent E.O.D 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, making driving an engaging and graceful experience. Another cool thing about this car is that it sports a set of disc brakes on the front and rear. This perfectly shows the handling-focused attitude that the 'Stang was initially created with. Larry, The Cable Guy, knew what he was doing when he bought this car. Of course, the early days of pony cars were all about providing a ton of performance from a smaller chassis, but how does the exterior and interior styling compare? The answer to that question is quite simple; they're fantastic. These vehicles were already built to last with incredible iconic styling and excellent interior quality, but this car takes it to the next level. Only the best was good enough for Larry The Cable Guy's wife, beautifully reflected by the incredible modern wheels and black leather seats. Other cool interior features include the Bluetooth-capable stereo and fully revamped current sound system. This car is expected to sell fast, so you better " Get' R Done " if you want to get your hands on it. (Article by John Puckett, Motorious.com) View Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 02, 2022

Barrett-Jackson Celebrates Best Auction Ever At Scottsdale

With the help of Mr. Worldwide, Barrett-Jackson had their best auction ever. With nearly 2,000 vehicles sold at a 100% sell-through rate, this past Scottsdale auction was the best one that Barrett-Jackson has ever had. Nearly $200 million worth of cars were sold, and nearly 9 million dollars was raised for charity. The highest seller was a rare and legendary 2004 Porsche Carrera GT, which sold for nearly $2 million, and other appearances on the top ten list included a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, three Ford GTs, and even a 6x6 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. Pitbull came along with a “Mr. 305 Edition” Karma GS-6, and the proceeds from its sale were donated to the SLAM and Selfless Love Foundations, while the very first 2023 Corvette Z06 was sold for an incredible $3.6 million, and the proceeds were given to Operation Homefront. Other cars sold for charity included a De Tomaso Pantera, the first 2022 Shelby GT500KR, the Pope Francis Center Edition Ford Bronco, and a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback. With such a high bar set by the Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach Auction, from April 7-9, bears the responsibility of continuing Barrett-Jackson’s incredible year. If it’s anything like the Scottsdale Auction, we are excited to see what crosses the block. Top 10 Non-Charity Sales 2004 Porsche Carrera GT – $1,980,000 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1,870,000 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder – $1,815,000 2014 McLaren P1 – $1,705,000 2019 Ford GT Heritage – $1,650,000 2019 McLaren Senna – $1,512,500 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition – $1,430,000 2020 Ford GT Carbon Series – $1,375,000 2014 Mercedes Benz G63 AMG 6×6 – $1,210,000 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 CSX 3356 – $1,210,000 Source: Barrett-Jackson

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 02, 2022

RM Sotheby's Arizona Auction Marks Most Expensive 300 SL ...

RM Sotheby’s 2022 Phoenix Auction was a once-in-a-lifetime show. Starting strong for 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold $43.3 million in cars at their Phoenix, Arizona event, with 95% percent of all lots sold. Nearly a quarter of all bidders were first-time bidders for RM Sotheby’s and that’s thanks to there being some truly incredible cars crossing the block. The star of the show was a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which set a price record for the model by selling at nearly $7 million, with its original alloy body and original engine. Another 300 SL, this time a Roadster, took the place of the third biggest seller at $2.3 million, with a rare set of specifications, a full cosmetic restoration, and one owner between 1971 to 2013. The car, manufactured in 1964, was the third to last 300 SL ever produced. Other cars sold at auction included a Duesenberg Model J Tourster, which sold for $3.4 million, yet another 300 SL Gullwing that sold for $1.7 million, a Porsche Carrera GT that sold for $1.5 million, and the original Cizeta-Moroder V16T, owned and created by disco legend Giorgio Moroder, which sold for $1.3 million. With such an exciting start to the year for RM Sothebys, we look forward to the Paris sale on February 2, and the Amelia Island sale on March 5. The 10 Sales From RM Sotheby's Arizona Lot # 159 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing $6,825,000 Lot # 152 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham $3,415,000 Lot # 115 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster $2,315,000 Lot # 135 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina $1,957,500 Lot # 134 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti $1,875,000 Lot # 129 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing $1,710,000 Lot # 148 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder $1,600,000 Lot # 149 1987 Porsche 959 'Komfort' $1,600,000 Lot # 143 2005 Porsche Carrera GT $1,545,000 Lot # 168 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T $1,363,500 Source: RM Sotheby's

By Edward Jones – January 31, 2022

1st C8 Corvette Z06 Sells For $3.6 Million at Barrett-Jac...

Pitbull's Karma also sold big for charity as well. The 2022 edition of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction has come and gone, and that means results are starting to roll in. Without a doubt, the most exciting result has to be that of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 VIN 001 (also the first retail production 70th Anniversary Edition). When the hammer was struck, the winning bid was an astonishing $3.6 million. That entire hammer price, and an additional $100,000 donated by Michelle Mauzy, are all going to benefit Operation Homefront, a charity dedicated to helping military families in need. Another exciting charity lot was Pitbull’s 2022 Karma GS-6 EV “305 Edition” that sold for $500,000. That winning bid, and an additional $200,000 donated by Michelle Mauzy, benefits the Selfless Love Foundation and The SLAM Foundation. In total, Barrett-Jackson raised more than $8.8 million for charity during the Scottsdale event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barrett-Jackson (@barrett_jackson)

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2022

1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Tribute Car For Sale by The Market...

Presented by The Market by Bonhams. The outside of this 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge Tribute car is finished in a bright, glossy, yellow, and features multi-colored blue, red, and pink stripe decals over each wheel. Calling this color scheme bold is certainly an understatement, but it looks fantastic when paired with the muted gun metal gray American Racing wheels at each corner. Flaws in the paint are minimal if any, and it should be noted that the chrome rear bumper is sporting a couple spots with corrosion. The beige half-cloth half-leather interior has been kept in excellent condition over the years. The front and rear seats look as if they’ve never been sat in. The chunky, leather-wrapped steering wheel looks great although the emblem in the center is cracking. The dash pad shows no signs of aging and the dashboard and instrument cluster are without imperfections. This is quite possibly one of the loudest color combinations ever put on a GTO. It looks fantastic. The yellow pairs fantastically with the gray American Racing five spoke wheels. The interior looks completely untouched, as if it’s been preserved in a museum for the past 51 years. This GTO looks ready to go straight out of the box. If you’re in search of a classic muscle car that doesn’t need any work done on it, then this is the GTO for you. View Listing The Market by Bonhams, the online classic and collectible motorcar marketplace, is now live across the US. How it Works - The bidding process is simple: would-be bidders register with their credit card details and are immediately able to bid. Automatic bidding is offered where bidders enter their maximum bid in advance. Winning bidders pay a 5% deposit to The Market by Bonhams and then agree payment terms with the seller before collecting their new vehicles.No Buyers fees and a flat 5% Sellers' Commission - the lowest in the industry - are the key benefits offered by The Market by Bonhams to US clients from launch. The Market by Bonhams US will be headed by General Manager Caroline Cassini supported by US-based consigners and the wider Bonhams motoring team.Bonhams Motoring 24/7 - The introduction of The Market by Bonhams in the US marks the latest development in Bonhams Motoring's 'always on' strategy, with its highly successful and prestigious live sales at Amelia Island, Quail Lodge and Scottsdale, complemented by the platform's daily online auctions, allowing clients to buy and sell collectors' cars on a 24/7 and global basis.

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