Celebrity Cars

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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Ken Block's Gymkhana Nine Ford Focus RS RX Will Be Auctio...

Ken Block’s Hoonigan garage is filled with vehicles that have seen tremendous track time, holding monumental significance throughout the professional driver’s career. The 2016 Ford Focus RS RX is one that has been viewed by millions with its appearance in the ever-popular Gymkhana Nine video. The Ford displays the notorious hand-painted livery designed by ultra-dynamism artist Felipe Pantone, highlighting the collaboration between the two. Ken Block announced that his Ford Focus RS RX is to be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, all proceeds going to the hurricane relief specialists at Team Rubicon. Ken explains that this will be the first and only race car available for the public to buy. The auction will take place on October 22nd with Ken Block in attendance to hand the keys over to the lucky individual who purchases the race car. A final donut session was posted to Ken Block’s YouTube channel before the vehicle gets shipped off to its final destination. View Barrett-Jackson Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2020

Travis Pastrana's Gymkhana STI is the Craziest Subaru We'...

Travis Pastrana is taking over the role of "mad driver" in the upcoming Gymkhana series for 2020. For his car, he's driving one of the craziest Subarus we have ever seen. The team tasked Subaru with creating a car that would be able to pull of Gymkhana stunts like never before. “When we brought Subaru back to Gymkhana, we knew we had to build something outrageous,” said William Stokes, Motorsports Manager, Subaru of America. “Travis always wants to push the limits, so we knew from the outset we weren’t going to do this with a rally or rallycross car. This was an opportunity for us to redefine what an STI could be, and the results speak for themselves.” The result is an insane STI that features a raw carbon fiber body and an intense aero package. Other modifications include the custom-made Subaru Boxer engine, flame-spitting hood-exit exhaust, new suspension, and more. This is the real deal. “This STI is unbelievable!” said Pastrana. “We’ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero—everything is unlimited, clean sheet. It’s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it.” Stay with us as we await the new Gymkhana series, starring Pastrana in this mad Subaru.

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

LeBron James Just Got an Insane Mercedes-Maybach G650 Lan...

If you haven't heard, and I'm sure you have heard, the LA Lakers beat the Miami Heat last night and are now the 2020 NBA Champions. Taking the MVP award was none other than LeBron James, making this his fourth NBA Finals MVP. LeBron is undoubtedly celebrating his team's win and it looks like he may be celebrating in a new ride. Tony Bet of Driving Emotions Toronto recently posted a gallery on Instagram of an extraordinarily rare Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet with the caption: "Congrats to @kingjames on the championship! Enjoy the new whip @drivingemotionstoronto". You can see the post for yourself down below. So, yeah. It looks like LeBron is now the proud owner of what is most certainly the most luxurious Mercedes SUV. If you haven't heard of the G650 Landaulet, it's a very rare SUV that features all of the amenities you'd expect from a Mercedes-Maybach but it G-Wagon style. The coolest part has to be the rear seats that sit under the folding roof, allowing the passengers to enjoy the fresh air in complete luxury. See All G650 Landaulets For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP11mPpgsF/

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By Edward Jones – October 01, 2020

Ken Block Builds a Vanilla Ice Inspired Mustang for His D...

Ken Block's daughter, Lia, is celebrating her 14th birthday in ice-cold style this year. For her birthday, Ken and his team built a mean Fox Body 5.0 Mustang that she would learn to drift in. The best part? The entire build revolved around Vanilla Ice's love for the 5.0 Mustang. In fact, Ken called up Vanilla Ice and got his thoughts on the build they were embarking on. After stripping the Mustang down completely, they then went to work turning it into a drift machine. From the new quick angle kit to the custom Borla exhaust, so much of this Mustang was updated with new components that will make it a drift monster. When presented with the new Icy Mustang, Lia was not too impressed considering she wasn't a fan of the car since it rolled into the garage. But it's all good because it's not actually her car but it will just be a drift car to learn on when she gets lessons from Vaughn Gittin Jr. The real owner of the Mustang is yet to be decided because Hoonigan will actually be giving it away. So, be sure to check back with us for more news. See All Mustangs For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2020

Future Just Got a Wild Custom SUV

Future, the famous rapper, has just received a wild new custom SUV, courtesy of Ringbrothers. This new SUV is a 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer that's powered by a mean 6.2-liter LS3 engine. In total, this powerplant produces a whopping 430 horsepower. You can hear this power from far away thanks to the Flowmaster exhaust. For its exterior, this custom Blazer is finished in a classic and custom BASF British Racing Green paint and it rides on golf 18-inch HRE wheels. Inside is a custom tan interior with plenty of special touches by Ringbrothers throughout. “We’re humbled that people continue to come to us for special projects like this,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “We realize that our customers could get a new Ferrari or Lamborghini but choose us instead. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly, so we put our heart into each project. We’re glad Future appreciates that.” See All Trucks and SUVs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

Watch Nyjah Huston Skate On Alex Choi's Rally-Ready Lambo...

What do you get when you pair professional skateboarder Nyjah Huston with a custom rally ready Lamborghini Huracán? The answer is incredible content. In a recent video posted by The Berrics, automotive YouTube star Alex Choi stops by the skateboard compound with his custom Lamborghini to test Nyjah’s skills. The Huracán, customized as an all-terrain supercar features an exterior roll cage, which is the perfect spot for the Olympic skateboarder to grind all over. Nyjah only needed a few warmups before successfully grinding the exterior of Alex Choi’s Italian supercar, with the event being captured by all in attendance. As if that would be enough, the duo decided to set up a photoshoot of Nyjah launching off a ramp over the Lamborghini. The video may be gut-wrenching for some to view, but Nyjah Huston is the best man for the job. View All Huracáns For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2020

Paul Casey is Now a Porsche Brand Ambassador

Paul Casey has been a force to be reckoned with in the golfing world for just over two decades. With accolades like being the world's number three, winning the Ryder Cup three times and also sitting at the Top 20, Casey is a name all golfers knows. With prestige, skill and some serious car knowledge, he was a perfect fit to become a Porsche Ambassador. “The name Paul Casey has stood for golfing excellence for around 20 years. He is also a likeable person with a clever mind who, through his bond with Porsche, knows how to sustainably transport the values of our brand. At the same time, the collaboration underlines the importance of golf for Porsche,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “When I was a kid, I dreamt of two things: I wanted to become a professional golfer and to drive Porsche sports cars. I’m so happy at being able to live my dreams,” said Casey. “That my two passions can now be united is just fantastic. It feels such an honor that my relationship with Porsche has come to fruition.” Going forward, Casey's golf bag will now feature a Porsche logo. The first appearance of this bag will be at the US Open which starts on September 17. He will also be attending other Porsche event with his knowledge of golf and cars. See All Porsches for Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 08, 2020

Lewis Hamilton Announces New Extreme E Team

Lewis Hamilton is known for two things, being incredibly successful in the sport of Formula1 and being passionate about the topic of environmental awareness. The champion F1 driver is directing his resources and knowledge to the growing world of electric vehicle racing. Lewis has recently announced the start of his new project Team X44, a racing team that will compete for a cause. Competitions such as the Extreme E Championship will be the stage to both compete and bring awareness to issues that are happening all around the world. The competitions are designed to take place all around the world featuring different climates using 4x4 race trucks powered by electric motors. Lewis acknowledges his excitement of combining his love for racing and the planet as a whole in a recent Youtube video introducing Team X44. Although he will not be directly racing in the events, Lewis is still thrilled to be apart of a new generation of racing. For more information on Lewis Hamilton's Team X44 click on the link below! Learn More " width="680"> Source: Lewis Hamilton / Team X44

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2020

Ken Blocks Drifts the World's First All-Electric Rally Cr...

Ken Block has proved himself as a top-tier drifter and skilled driver in many gasoline-powered vehicles. But now, he's proving himself in the world's first all-electric rally cross car. I'm talking about his Ford Fiesta ERX, which puts down 600 horsepower and over 800 lb-ft of torque. Because it's an electric car, that torque is ready in an instant. In the video down below, you'll see him whip this electric Fiesta around Höljes Sweden. Sure, watching the car drift and jump is exciting, but one of my favorite parts has to be Neil Cole's reaction during his ride-along. Check it out for yourself down below! " width="680">

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Check out Joey Bada$$’s New Porsche 911 GT3 RS

U.S. rapper Joey Bada$$ takes to Instagram to show off his newest purchase from RDS Auto Group: a Porsche 911 GT3-RS presented in Lizard Green. He had recently picked up the highly desired supercar from Porsche of The Main Line located in Pennsylvania. Shortly after he uploaded a take-off video that could best be described as music to our ears. Of course, the first thing that anyone has to do when buying a new car is to show your friends. So, Joey Bada$$ made a trip to visit P. Diddy to unveil the GT3-RS. Diddy posted a picture on his Instagram of the two in front of the Porsche with a friendly caption. For more information on RDS Auto Group and Porsche of The Main Line’s current inventory click the link below. See Porsche of The Main Line's Inventory Image by @filmsbylevi via @joeybadass Image by @filmsbylevi via @joeybadass

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