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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 – October 25, 2021

GAA Classic Cars November 2021 Auction: 1967 Chevrolet C1...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars – A dedicated team of professional builders and customizers transformed this 1967 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside short bed pickup into an award-winning Resto Mod street machine. The half-ton hauler took home the Goodguys 2019 LMC Truck of the Year Late Finalist award at the Southeastern Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina, and bested 2,800 competitors with a Top 25 Award at Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup. The journey began when the sheet metal was worked to perfection from the smoothed tailgate to the tucked and shaved nickel-plated bumpers. R&R Paint laid down the PPG Switchblade Silver paint, and the hardwood bed features flip-up slats that show off the highly detailed chassis and dual exhaust. Flush-mount glass and billet aluminum tail lamps accent clean C10 style. Speedmaster side-draft velocity stack fuel injection and Holley EFI feeds the Chevrolet LS3 what it needs to push 525 HP through the 4L60E automatic transmission. Concealed wiring and finned valve covers cloak the engine in tradition. Hot Rod Dynamics executed the beautiful sheet metal detailing under the hood. Eddie Black worked the chassis with RideTech StrongArms tube steel double A-arm independent front suspension, a Currie 9-inch rear axle and four-corner RideTech adjustable coil overs for road carving control and down-low stance. Wilwood 6-piston calipers put the clampdown on drilled and slotted rotors for authoritative braking. Allen Carswell of Pro Interiors and Tops reshaped the cabin into next-level luxury with handcrafted leather upholstery from the sculpted door panels and reworked BMW M5 power-adjustable bucket seats to the plush carpet. Dakota Digital speedometer and tachometer gauges blend factory looks with digital technology together, and the center console door hides PCS pushbutton transmission shift and engine start. Air conditioning and a Pioneer stereo deliver four-season comfort and entertainment. This showstopper waits for its next owner to adjust the tilt steering wheel, push the engine start button and power down the road on staggered 20- and 22-inch Billet Specialties alloy wheels with Toyo redline tires. This 1967 Chevrolet C10 Resto Mod will be auctioned off at GAA Classic Cars’ November 2021 auction, which runs from the 4th to the 6th. For more information about the event, click here. View The Listing

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2021

Mecum Las Vegas 2021 Auction Posts Over $22 Million in Sales

Mecum Auctions has just posted incredible results from their recent event in Las Vegas. The results from the Mecum Las Vegas 2021 auction are in. In total, 508 cars were sold during the three-day event for an 86 percent sell-through rate. All of the sales amounted to a whopping $22.3 million. Bids for the lots came from both online and on-site bidders. The top seller? That would be a 2006 Ford GT that sold for $374,000. Following in second and third were Ford Mustang Custom Fastbacks. Below are the top ten results from Mecum's Las Vegas 2021 event. 2006 Ford GT - $374,000 1968 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback - $346,500 1967 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback - $275,000 1959 Chevrolet Apache Custom Pickup - $198,000 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible - $184,250 1975 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Batmobile Replica - $176,000 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback - $159,500 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible - $154,000 2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible - $151,250 2005 Dodge Viper VOI9 - $148,500

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2021

Check Out Vicari Auction's Cruisin' The Coast 25th Annive...

Presented by Vicari Auctions - Vicari Auction Company joins forces with the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center to be a part of the 25th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast event. Vicari Auction will host a Collector Car Auction Oct 6-9, 2021. The auction will include 3,000 memorabilia items and 400 collector cars, each of which is expected to cross the auction block during the extended four-day auction. This year marks the 25th Annual Cruisin’ the Coast with Vicari Auction. Join them Oct. 6-9, 2021 to see all your favorites: Mustangs, Camaros, Cudas, Chevelles, Trucks, Woody Wagons, and car memorabilia items, all of which are FOR SALE. They have something for everyone! Vicari Auction opens its gates Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:30 am. Pre-registration is highly recommended for bidders and consignors, although you may register at the site upon arrival. Onsite financing is available from Keesler Federal Credit Union. Admission is $15.00 and children under 10 are free with a paid adult. Visit VicariAuctions.com About Vicari AuctionThe Vicari Auction Company hosts fast-paced, high-energy auctions in the southern US, offering an entertaining destination to car collectors, enthusiasts and travelers. Vicari Auction strives to have each of our customers feel a part of the family. Vicari Auction is the featured auction company in the TV series Bidding Wars on the NBC Sports Network and has also been filmed for Velocity's Fast and Loud series with Richard Rawlings as well as CNBC's Car Chasers with Jeff Allen. For more information, bidder registration or automobile consignment, contact Vicari Auction at 1900 Destrehan Ave., Harvey, LA 70058; call 504.264.2277; or visit www.vicariauction.com. Contact: Britney Herzog or Stacie Harmon: 504-264-2277

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2021

Sonicbidder.com Presents the Auto Exotix Auction

Presented by Sonicbidder.com - Sonicbidder.com, the world’s most interactive online auction, has made a name for itself. The platform helped hype the Ford vs Ferrari movie craze, with its $3.2 Million auction; which saw a 2005 Ford GT out selling a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS to set the stage. In 2020 Sonicbidder.com hosted the now annual Hershey At Home auction in the wake of the canceled Hershey Auction. Adding to the $5.6 Million in sales was an Amelia Island award-winning 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I York, which sold for over $500,000. JD Pass, the owner of TheVaultMS.com, LLC of Jackson, Mississippi, has catapulted Sonicbidder.com to the preferred auction platform for his collection. Together they've garnered impressive automotive sales. Among those sold were a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, a 1963 Split Window Chevrolet Corvette, and many others. Other established collector car connoisseurs have partnered with Sonicbidder.com platform. Long time known car enthusiast Steven Plaster, the owner of Evergreen Historic Automobiles, recently said, “We’ve sold some of the rarest and finest cars in the world. Sonicbidder.com has given me an opportunity and I want to say, ‘Thank You’.” Other giants in the collector car world like the Audrain Auto Museum, Nobles Family Auto Museum, Gentry Lane (of Canada), Cars Remember When, and more are joining forces with Sonicbidder.com daily. The Auto Exotix Auction is a historical, exotic car auction. Makes such as Ferrari, Porsche, and BMW as well as Formula One race cars from the esteemed Nobles Family Museum in California will be up for auction. Some of the many sale highlights consist of a rare 1964 Ferrari 275 GT-B, a 1960 Scarab F1 once driven by Sterling Moss, Michael Schumacher's Ferrari Motorhome, a 1981 BMW M1 in Inka Orange, and a vast array of Formula 1 race car collection just to name a few. Highly sought after and dripping with Ferrari flare and iconic 60’s style, this vehicle is a definitive MUST have for any Ferrari lover. Your chance to own a premium exotic car is here courtesy of Sonicbidder.com. Pre-bidding is open now. The auction begins LIVE on Wednesday September 29th at 10:30am CST. Visit Sonicbidder.com

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2021

Risky Business Porsche Sells for $1.98 Million at Barrett...

A total of more than $35.4 million in sales. The results are in from Barrett-Jackson's Inaugural Houston auction and they show more than impressive results. Shining as the star of the event was a Porsche 928 from the film "Risky Business," which sold for a wild $1.98 million. That price set a world record for any Porsche 928 sold at auction, ever. Coming in at second and third place for top 10 sales from the auction were 2019 Ford GTs, showing that the collector world is still more than interested in the American supercar. Interestingly enough, there were five Ford GTs in total in the top 10 list. Barrett-Jackson also offered up a pair of NFTs, which sold for a combined $14,000. You can view the entire top 10 list down below. Barrett-Jackson Houston 2021 Top 10 Sales 1979 Porsche 928 “Risky Business” Movie Car – $1.98 million 2019 Ford GT Lightweight – $1,199,000 2019 Ford GT – $1,001,000 1966 Shelby GT350 Sir Stirling Moss Race Car – $495,000 2006 Ford GT – $440,000 2006 Ford GT – $440,000 2005 Ford GT – $412,500 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Custom Coupe – $396,000 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition – $357,500 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition – $330,000 “This was a banner year filled with historic events made up of over 200 world-record auction sales that are forever etched into automotive history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Thanks to our sponsors, consignors, bidders and guests, our Inaugural Houston Auction was an extraordinary extension of this year’s success. We’re far more than a car auction; we’re an immersive automotive experience with exhibitors, thrill rides and activities that rivals any event. We can’t wait for our January 2022 Scottsdale Auction, when we’ll celebrate everything we’ve accomplished over our 50-year history, in true Barrett-Jackson fashion.” Source: Barrett-Jackson

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: Alan Jackson's 1967 Chev...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible comes from country star Allen Jackson's collection. Powered by a matching-numbers 327ci V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The Corvette received a comprehensive restoration approximately 12 years ago and is a real eye-catcher with a white exterior and red interior. Comes with both tops, AM/FM stereo, and dual side-pipe exhaust. GATES ARE NOW OPEN FOR BARRETT-JACKSON’S INAUGURAL HOUSTON NOW THROUGH SUNDAY WITH HUNDREDS OF CARS SELLING WITH NO RESERVE! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GATES AND IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER TO BID IN PERSON, ONLINE OR VIA PHONE. VISIT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM FOR INFO. View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2021

Mecum's Dallas Auction Posts $36.8 Million in Overall Sales

A total of 946 cars were sold in four days. Mecum has wrapped up their Dallas 2021 auction is back with very impressive numbers. In total, 946 vehicles were sold during the auction for a total sell-through rate of 86%. Leading the auction as the top seller was a 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ with 3,150 miles that sold for $660,000. Classic Mustangs came in second and third place, with a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback at $357,500 and a 968 Ford Mustang GT500CR 900C Fastback at $335,500. Be sure to check out Mecum's upcoming Las Vegas auction, Oct. 7-9, for a continuation of these impressive results. Top 10 Sales 1. 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (Lot S154) at $660,0002. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S138) at $357,5003. 1968 Ford Mustang GT500CR 900C Fastback (Lot S77.1) at $335,5004. 1956 Chevrolet 210 Custom (Lot S133) at $253,0005. 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible (F119.1) at $220,0006. 2002 BMW Z8 Roadster (S95) at $211,7507. 1966 RCR Ford GT40 Replica (Lot S126) at $203,5008. 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith (Lot S193) at $203,5009. 1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro (Lot S116) at $200,75010. 1999 Shelby Series 1 Roadster (S130.1) at $189,750 Source: Mecum Auctions

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: 1975 Volkswagen 23-Windo...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 1975 Volkswagen Samba Type 2 has undergone a 12-month professional rotisserie restoration by well-known builder Overland Imports and has been upgraded to a 23-window. The execution is to a high level of craftsmanship with attention to detail throughout. Nothing has gone untouched, and no expense has been spared on this bus. Finished in reverse two-tone colors with a black top and Lotus White bottom exterior over a white and gray interior. The bus features safari front and rear windows, three sets of pop-out windows on each side, a full center retractable ragtop sunroof, double cargo side doors, and seating for nine. Made of Brazilian wood, the front and rear roof racks and ladder provide for additional storage and really add to that classic VW charm. Powered by a 1500cc 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, the complete drivetrain has been rebuilt, including the engine, transmission, and transaxle. The engine was color-matched, and a graduated crank pulley was installed along with an adjustable tensioner and generator pulleys to complete the clean look. A brand-new carburetor was installed along with a brand-new vacuum advanced electronic ignition distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, and wires for reliable spark and fuel delivery. The suspension, steering, and braking systems have also been rebuilt with brand-new parts throughout. The electrical system was also completely redone, from the wiring harness to the generator, voltage regulator, and battery. This 23-window rides on body-color-matched wheels with chrome hubcaps wrapped in whitewall tires. GATES ARE NOW OPEN FOR BARRETT-JACKSON’S INAUGURAL HOUSTON NOW THROUGH SUNDAY WITH HUNDREDS OF CARS SELLING WITH NO RESERVE! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GATES AND IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER TO BID IN PERSON, ONLINE OR VIA PHONE. VISIT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM FOR INFO. View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 15, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: 2021 Dodge Challenger SR...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock features just 8 actual miles and is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The supercharged V8 produces 807hp at 6,300 rpm and 707 ft/lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm. Dodge claims the Super Stock to be among the world's quickest and most powerful muscle cars ever made, and the Challenger more than proves it with a 0-60 time of 3.25 seconds and a 10.5-second quarter-mile. The Super Stock comes with widebody fender flares as standard, adding 3.5 inches to the car's width, and rides on 20x9.5-inch SRT Low Gloss Performance Wheels wrapped in 275/40ZR20 all-season performance tires. Braking comes courtesy of 4-piston brake calipers clamping down on 14.2-inch vented rotors. Finished in Pitch Black over a black interior, this well-optioned Super Stock features a rear seat delete, Redeye badging, satin black rear spoiler and 220 mph primary speedometer. Along with performance features, this Super Stock also comes with its fair share of luxury for an ultra-high-performance car. Interior features include U-Connect 4C with an 8.4-inch display, premium Alpine speakers, 6-way adjustable power driver's seat, heated front seats, SRT leather steering wheel, integrated voice command with Bluetooth and a media hub with two USB and auxiliary ports. Become a bidder today! It’s not too late to register to bid or purchase tickets for Barrett-Jackson's Houston Auction, this Thursday-Saturday at NRG Center. Hundreds of cars are selling with No Reserve! View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 15, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Auctioning Off Two NFTs During Houston Event

Two very special lots will be auctioned off during the Barrett-Jackson Houston 2021 event. While the 1994 Supra "Fast and Furious" movie car and the "Ghostbusters Ectomobile" 1959 Cadillac re-creation were recently sold at Barrett-Jackson's 2021 Las Vegas Auction, they will be making a return at the Houston event in a very different manner. Two NFTs (Non-Fungible Token) will be auctioned off during the event, each one showing the auction of either the Supra or Ectomobile re-creation. Eac hof the NFT auctions will include an illustration, video, and three images of the sale of the car. They will be auctioned off between 7-8 PM CT on Friday, September 17, 2021. For more information: Supra NFT and Ectomobile Re-creation NFT. Source: Barrett-Jackson

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