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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 19, 2015

2016 Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V Crystal White Frost Editions

The upcoming 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan and the 2016 CTS-V Sedan will all see a new and exclusive Crystal White Frost Edition.If this finish is familiar, it's because it first appeared on the models introduced during the world premiere of the new V-Series. Cadillac announced these new editions in an Oct. 16 press release. Apparently, the finish was wildly popular among fans, which pushed Cadillac to make a special edition out of it.(Cadillac CTS-Vs For Sale)Included in these editions are the aforementioned finish, select V-Series wheels and Carbon Fiber and Luxury packages, all of which are options on the standard V-Series models.The ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition Sedan is priced at $71,460 while the Coupe has a $73,660 price tag. The 2015 CTS-V Crystal White Frost Edition Sedan starts at $94,990. These prices include destination charges, but exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.If you're looking into picking one up, they will be very, very limited. A total of 99 Crystal White Frost Editions will be made- 29 CTS-V Sedans, 39 ATS-V Coupes and 31 ATS-V Sedans.ATS-V Crystal White Frost EditionAll 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition sedans and coupes include the following in addition to the ATS-V standard features: Cadillac Crystal White Frost matte-finish exterior paint 18” V-Series wheels – polished forged-aluminum Carbon Fiber Package: Carbon fiber front splitter Carbon fiber hood vent Carbon fiber rear diffuser Composite black rocker extensions Composite body-color extra-aero rear spoiler Luxury Package: Enhanced Cadillac CUE with access to Apple CarPlay and Navigation Sport alloy pedals Universal Home Remote High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting and LED vertical light signatures Split-folding rear seats (ATS-V Sedan only, standard on ATS-V Coupe) 110-volt power receptacle Additional options for the ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition may include, depending on how dealers order the vehicles: Paddle-shift 8-speed automatic transmission RECARO® performance seats Performance Data and Video Recorder Sunroof Dark Gold or Red Brembo® brake calipers Sueded microfiber steering wheel & shifter Safety/Security Package with Head-Up Display CTS-V crystal White Frost EditionAll 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Crystal White Frost Edition sedans include the following in addition to the CTS-V standard features: Cadillac Crystal White Frost matte-finish exterior paint 19” V-Series wheels – forged-aluminum After Midnight premium painted finish Carbon Fiber Package: Carbon fiber front splitter Carbon fiber hood vent Carbon fiber rear spoilerCarbon fiber rear diffuser Luxury Package: Tri-zone climate control Split-folding rear seat with armrest Heated rear outboard seating positions Power rear-window sunshade Manual rear side-window sunshades 110-volt power receptacle Additional options for the CTS-V Crystal White Frost Edition may include, depending on how dealers order the vehicles: RECARO® performance seats Performance Data and Video Recorder Ultra-view sunroof Dark Gold or Red Brembo® brake calipers Sueded microfiber steering wheel & shifter Advanced Security Package (Source: Cadillac) More Cadillac News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 23, 2015

2015 Cadillac Escalade Luxury Sky Captain Edition from Le...

Lexani Motorcars has a penchant for taking cars from the world's top manufacturers and bringing them to a level of bespoke luxury few ever thought possible, and their latest creation is no exception.What began as a 2015 Cadillac Escalade is now the Luxury Sky Captain Edition Escalade, and it's a vehicle fit for first-class private air travel."From the horizontally adjustable walnut and gold trim tables, to the built in Apple computer system and iPad Air 2," describes a Sept. 21 video added to YouTube by Lexani Motorcars. The computer system allows passengers to completely control all aspects of entertainment and comfort from the rear seats, adding an additional level of comfort to any ride in this Escalade.Ferrari For SaleThe rear two seats are ventilated and completely adjustable, coated in a supple white European leather that matches the rest of the interior. Dark walnut wood acts as a striking contrast to the creamy motif, as does the tinted 41-inch sun roof. Gold is also found throughout, on the buttons, handles, vents and more.Entertainment comes from the privacy partition, which features a 48-inch curved 4K Samsung smart TV, completely controlled by the Apple system. A customized surround sound system completes the "home theater experience." For added security, footage from surveillance cameras on the front and rear of the vehicle is displayed on two screens mounted between the right passenger windows.(See Also: Lexani Wheels on a Modified BMW 550i M-Sport)Check out the photos of this stunning new take on the Escalade below and the video above. When you're finished, find an Escalade for yourself from our exclusive listings, then contact Lexani Motorcars at LexaniMotorcars.com to see how they can create a bespoke interior for you.Escalades For SaleGallery (Source: Lexani, YouTube) See More Lexani News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 10, 2015

Cadillac XT5 Introduced Suspended from a Helicopter

In a stunt that will surely go down in marketing text books for generations to come, Cadillac swept through New York Fashion Week with their eyes on one particular prize: winning over millennial consumers while introducing a new model.Yesterday, Sept. 9, Cadillac hosted an event near the Hudson River in honor of fashion week, where an alliance with New York-based Public School clothing was introduced. But the guests at the event didn't know that there would also be a different kind of model arriving. A video shared on the marque's Facebook page today shows the quick preparations for this show, which took most everyone by surprise.The new XT5 was driven onto a platform that was attached to the bottom of a helicopter. It was then flown above the Hudson and toward the Public School event, where all lights were turned off and the car, headlights shining, flew by the window filled with cell phone lights. As Bloomberg reported today, the helicopter used was military grade, and the New York Police Department completely shut down the West Side Highway for the stunt. A new venture. Last night, we announced our alliance with Public School and introduced the ﬁrst-ever #Cadillac #XT5.Posted by Cadillac on Thursday, September 10, 2015If you've ever driven down the West Side Highway, you know that shutting it down is no easy feat. But that's not even the most impressive part of how this was able to come together."It was the first time in 15 years authorities have allowed cargo shipments in the airspace above Manhattan," according to Bloomberg. But all of this worked well to capture the attention of the young crowd inside, described as being "composed almost completely of stylish, under-30 professionals and downtown creative types rather than the standard, suit-wearing auto show fare."A few additional photos posted to Cadillac's Facebook page today show us the XT5 from a few more angles, but we won't see the final results any time soon - it won't be on display at Frankfurt, so we have some time to wait before we learn more.Stay with us to keep up with developments as they are released about the XT5, and find your own Cadillac from their current range from our exclusive listings.Cadillacs For Sale(Source: Facebook, Bloomberg) See More Cadillac News

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2015

2016 Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V For Sale

Our friend John Hennessey is not content to leave any car in its original form. That’s why he unleashed his engineers on the already potent third generation of the Cadillac CTS-V. One of the primary ways to add more power to any engine is to move more air, so first to be installed is a new supercharger pulley that spins the blower faster than before. Since this generates exponentially more heat, a larger air-to-water heat exchanger is installed behind the grille. Equally larger intercoolers are placed in the intake for a chilly shot of air to the back of the valves. Speaking of those valves, they are dancing to a new beat thanks to a proprietary camshaft design. The specs of this cam are more guarded than the recipe to Coca-Cola, because it takes many hours of computer modeling and several prototypes to lock down the final design. Ported cylinder heads and a custom engine calibration complete the package that dynos at 800 bhp. Of course, the package includes a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty along with serialized dash and engine plaques. If you need lessons on how to handle the power, John is always willing to teach you a few new tricks. If a basic CTS-V just won't cut your need for high horsepower, then check out the listing on our website to learn how you can make the 2016 Hennessey Cadillac yours. Hennessey Car Brand Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2015

2015 Cadillac CTS 2.0 Turbo Luxury Collection Review

There’s no denying that the new CTS-V is a force to be reckoned with, but if you don’t need a supercharged V8, Cadillac has a few alternatives. For 2015, the mid-level offering is the CTS Vsport which has the twin turbo 3.6-liter V6 from the ATS-V tuned to 420 hp. Below that is a naturally aspirated version at 321 hp, and for the entry level they offer a 272 hp 2.0-liter turbo four with 295 lb-ft of torque. Last year our friends at Motor Trend named it their Car of the Year, and it's easy to see why. 2015 Cadillac CTS sedan adds connectivity, safety technology to award-winning luxury sport architecture.While we wait our turn to test the new V, Cadillac sent us a 2015 Cadillac CTS 2.0 Turbo Luxury Collection with every possible option. At first glance, it looks like a custom paint job. The amount of metal flake in the clear coat makes for a brilliant display in sunlight, with very little orange peel to be found.Moving to the smaller Alpha chassis, we expected the interior to be similar to GM’s other sedans. This isn’t the case, as the quality of materials and careful styling sets the CTS apart from its stable mates. The center console is dominated by the familiar CUE system. You either love it or hate it, but Cadillac says it's here to stay. The instrument cluster is now an HD screen with multiple display modes. In contrast to the angular exterior, most interior features have flowing lines and curved contours. 2015 Cadillac CTS sedan adds connectivity, safety technology to award-winning luxury sport architecture.On the road, the CTS is as quiet and composed as other premium sedans we have tested. In our urban test loop the front Brembo brakes performed flawlessly and the optional sport suspension offered more grip than we were expecting. The only major issue with the CTS in 2.0 Turbo trim is power availability. We knew it wasn’t going to be a C63 AMG killer, but the procedure to stay in the powerband is rather involved.(See Also: CEO On-The-Go: LCW Automotive's 2015 Escalade ESV CEO)With the optional 3.45 differential, first gear is over in about 10 feet, causing an almost immediate shift to second gear. The computer bleeds off boost during the shift, and the party is over. Yes, the 2.0 Turbo CTS will burn rubber, for a limited time only. Adequate power is available at wide open throttle, but almost underwhelming in traffic. To generate passing power, multiple downshifts of the six speed automatic push the engine speed high enough to spin the turbo, but the car feels restrained by the weight of all the luxuries it provides. 2015 Cadillac CTS sedan adds connectivity, safety technology to award-winning luxury sport architecture.For 2016, all CTS models will have the new eight speed automatic, which will help acceleration and fuel mileage across the board. Pricing will remain constant, with Luxury Collection 2.0 Turbo models retailing for $53,860. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more reviews and Cadillac News.Gallery (Image Source: Cadillac) See More Cadillac News

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2015

CEO On-The-Go: LCW Automotive's 2015 Escalade ESV CEO

For the CEO-on-the-go, LCW Automotive Corporation has created the all-new 2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV CEO Model. The ESV provides a tremendous amount of interior space for your traveling pleasure. Whether you’re an executive traveling for business or a family on a light excursion, travel in luxury and style to any destination with this custom SUV.LCW Automotive puts your comfort, needs and ideas at the forefront of designing your custom Escalade ESV CEO. Each example that they create represents the quality and perfection that each customer deserves, and their attention to detail is infinitely impressive.With numerous options for luxury hardwood, upholstery, audio and visual entertainment, communication, lighting, comfort seating and privacy, you’re sure to make this your home away from home. Instead of dreading traveling, you'll find yourself looking for more excuses to get out on the open road in your LCW Escalade ESV CEO.Cadillac Escalade For Sale In addition to requested additions, there are quite a few standard features that set this Escalade apart from the rest. Enjoy watching a DVD on the 40" Flat Screen television while sipping a drink from the hardwood center console with inlay, ice chest and glassware storage, then set a new direction for your chauffeur through the Hands Free Intercom system, all of which is included.Does security go hand in hand with your privacy needs? Don’t forget to ask about armoring packages, and guarantee that you aren't only comfortable, but completely secure in your travels. Be sure to visit LCW Automotive Corp.'s website at www.LCWLimo.com for more information or click the button below.More InfoGallery Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – May 15, 2015

Lexani Motorcars' 2015 Escalade Concept One Curve w/ New ...

Lexani Motorcars has produced the 2015 Cadillac Escalade Redesign Concept One Curve—the world’s first 2015 Escalade with a built-in 48" 4K Technology Curved Smart TV. The Curve is a revisited version of their latest model, the Concept One, with a television upgrade and electronic rear curtains; it is unmatched in its ability to be a premier theater one minute, and a five-star mobile office the next.Lexani first launched the Concept One Curve last year, but they've just released a new video of the luxury SUV on May 12. Check it out for yourself below.Source:

By Edward Jones – September 05, 2014

Lexani Motorcars 2015 Cadillac Escalade "Concept One"

Lexani Motorcars has recently taken their hands to the new 2015 Cadillac Escalade for their "Concept One" vehicle. The pictures found below were posted to their Facebook page yesterday, Sept. 5, and depict an incredibly lavish and spacious interior.Up to four passengers can be seated inside the Concept One, with two being able to take advantage of the lush reclining seats. Covering the seats is fine leather, while wood trimming is laid throughout. Technology is abundant in the SUV's cabin, adding to its comfort and luxury level.Be sure to give the images below a look to see more and check out the above to learn more about Lexani Motorcars' "Concept One".Gallery Sponsored by See More From Lexani

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