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 Edward Jones – October 31, 2017

Steve Jobs' BMW Z8 Heading to Auction

Steve Jobs', the man who truly turned Apple into the technological powerhouse that it is today, wasn't known for his cars, but he still enjoyed fine German automobiles. One of his vehicles was this 2000 BMW Z8 that he was convinced to buy, thanks to Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle. It comes with documentation proving Jobs' ownership of the vehicle. He kept the car until 2003 when it was sold to the current owner. RM Sotheby's will be auctioning off this BMW at their New York - ICONS auction (Dec 6, 2017) and it is offered without a reserve. It comes with only 15,200 original miles and full California ownership.David Beckham's 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider To Be Auctioned

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2017

Chevrolet Unveils Luke Bryan's Concept Suburban

Most people don't realize the power of a good name. Chevrolet does, and that is why the Suburban has been in production for 83 years. Chevy has been building trucks for a century, so they've pulled out all the stops for this year's SEMA show. To tap into the hearts of Country Music fans, Luke Bryan was asked to build his ultimate version of the 2018 Suburban.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile TimesIt was revealed in a press release last night, and the details are mouth-watering. Taking a page from his lyrics, it embodies the "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day" lifestyle. Starting where it counts, the offroad 35" tires are wrapped around 22" wheels. A suspension lift was installed for more travel and ground clearance. Instead of the stump-pulling 6.2 liter V8, Luke chose the 5.3-liter as a great compromise between power and fuel economy. It sends 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, and Chevrolet mentions it has been part of their lineup for 60 years. The modern 325 ci V8 shares nothing in common with the classic 327 other than being a Chevrolet option, but the sentiment and heritage are worth their weight in gold.To show off the extensive lineup of accessory parts, it was bestowed with a mesh grille, nerf bars, Thule roof rack, LEDs by Baja Design, and rod holders. The retro-inspired tailgate swings out, along with a full-size spare tire. A rear-facing 3rd-row seat with a fabricated footwell harkens back to the tail-gunner seats of Chevy wagons. Brembo brakes round out the package, showcasing a ton of options available at the dealer. It is just one of the 20 Chevrolet display vehicles at SEMA, so follow our coverage on Facebook for live feeds later this week. If you are looking for a great deal on leftover 2017 models, click the link below and stay with us here at Autofluence for all your Chevy news. Search Chevrolet For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=No9rAthyBNc

By Andrew Nabors – October 27, 2017

Aston Martin Unveils Vanquish S Volante Tom Brady Signatu...

If I was obsessed with the NFL, my home team from Jacksonville, Florida would make it hard to find friends. No matter where a car show takes place, there are always members of Patriot Nation. Aston Martin knows how to pick the perfect fantasy team, so they've partnered with Tom Brady for a limited run of 2018 Vanquish S Volantes. This model year might be the last Vanquish to offer a naturally aspirated V12, as the twin-turbo superstar from the DB11 is primed to be shared across their team.So as a proper sendoff for the 580 horsepower convertible, only 12 examples will be produced. Q by Aston Martin-Commission is a new evolution of their custom shop that was revealed at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It allows the Q division to work directly with the customer to tailor the car in every way. Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman collaborated with Tom on the project, saying: "Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ is the ultimate in bespoke, in fact, it can even go as far as creating an entirely new car. Tom chose the Vanquish S as he recognizes natural athletic performance when he sees it. He has curated a beautiful, tailor-made car that will excite its owners for many years to come.”Aston Martin Launches DB11 Configurator Each example is painted by hand in Ultramarine Black. The interior is Dark Knight leather, stitched by hand. Tom chose carbon fiber with contrasts of "California Poppy" on the shift paddles and embroidery. A unique TB12 logo is found on the headrests and fender badges signify each as one of the twelve.The press release says deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2018, so perhaps it will coincide with another trip to the big game. If you are looking to build your own bespoke Aston Martin, click on the link below to find your closest dealer and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.Find Your Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – October 04, 2017

Race Driver's Wedding Car is a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM

Weddings always end with one thing: driving away in a car. The wedding car is usually a nice, air conditioned luxury car with a chauffeur. For Maro Engel, a German professional race driver, his wedding car was a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM.Instead of opting for air conditioning and plush seats, Engel drove away from his momentous day in a extreme C 63. Engel said that the team offered the car for the event and that he had to discuss it with his wife, Steffi. "I knew, of course, that this is not necessarily the air-conditioned luxury vehicle that you would normally have on the way back to your hotel," said Maro. "Also, climbing into the car as well as the heat in the cockpit obviously present certain challenges."Gordon Ramsay Spotted in his Ferrari California T

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2017

Christiano Ronaldo Shows Off New Bugatti Chiron

Is Christiano Ronaldo the owner of a new Bugatti Chiron? Sure looks like it.It all started back in February 2017 when Bugatti uploaded a video of Ronaldo taking the Chiron out for a spin. Now, seven months later, he's being seen driving the Chiron in a video and photo uploaded to his own Instagram page.https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmKiMCFtZ1/The example he's driving in the new video is definitely different from the one he was shown driving earlier this year. Who knows, maybe that test drive convinced him to buy one, but he probably ordered one a while ago considering he's not a stranger to the Bugatti.Check out the video below to see CR7 showing up in his new Bugatti.https://www.instagram.com/p/BZl9v6YFStc/

By Edward Jones – September 25, 2017

Ken Block Drifts Pikes Peak in 1,400 Horsepower Mustang

Pike's Peak is famous for its scenery, long stretch of twisting roads and treacherous nature. Many have lost their lives while sprinting up the hill climb, including Carl Sorensen, a motorcyclist that passed away on June 25, 2015 at the age of 39.To face the hill climb head-on, madman Ken Block took his 1,400 horsepower through the Pikes Peak hill climb. This insane drift car is actually called the 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2. Yes, this monster is the one-and-only Hoonicorn. What makes this 1,400 hp Mustang even cooler? It's all-wheel drive.Check out the glorious run in the video below. No music. No commentary. Just engine.

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2017

Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals World's First Electric Humm...

The Hummer H1 has always been considered a true gas guzzler. Remember when the Hummer was popular, but gas prices were going up? The massive SUV was the posterchild of the gas guzzler and sales quickly declined. Well, that was years ago and now Kreisel Electric has created the world's first electric Hummer H1. Yes, the posterchild of guzzling gas now has a new diet.Best part? This H1 was revealed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.During the opening of Kreisel Electric's new research and development centerin Rainbach, Mühlkreis district, Upper Austria, Schwarzenegger unveiled the new electric H1. He said: “Kreisel Electric electrified my G-class last winter. And now a Hummer. If Kreisel keeps it up at this pace, I will soon be able to fly here from LA in an electric airplane.” This H1 took Kreisel Electric just two months to develop.Arnold Schwarzenegger Shows Off Electric G-Wagen Powering the H1 are high-performance batteries from Kreisel Electric that have a 100 kWh capacity. This energy is fed to two electric motors on the front and rear axles. Power output is rated 483 horsepower and the top speed is rated at 75 mph. Range? They say it can travel 186 miles on a single charge.A production version of this electric H1 was not noted, but at Kreisel Electric is making great strides in becoming an electric powerhouse in the automotive industry.

By Edward Jones – September 18, 2017

Vin Diesel Stars in New Dodge Demon Ad

Vin Diesel's role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast and Furious movies has made him quite popular in the automotive world, especially to Dodge.In the movies, Dom is known for his beastly 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. This car has been turned into R/C cars, mini cars and is even in video games. Because of this, Dodge has had him promote their brand and their latest collaboration features the new SRT Challenger Demon.The Demon is just about extreme as you can make a production muscle car. Powering the car is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces an astonishing 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. That power launches the muscle car from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. That's faster than most hypercars! Heck, it's so fast that NHRA banned it from competition.Check out the new advertisement from Dodge in the video below.Dodge Hellcats for Sale

By Edward Jones – September 01, 2017

Graham Rahal's Ferrari F12tdf for Sale

Graham Rahal is known for driving fast cars, considering the man is a race car driver in the IndyCar Series. Aside from racing those fast cars, he's owned quite a few. We've covered his new Acura NSX and his exciting green Porsche 918 Spyder.Now, Rahal has revealed that his Ferrari F12tdf is up for sale at Ferrari of Newport Beach. His example is finished in a red paint with contrasting black trim and wheels. This car comes with superior aerodynamics, agility and power, all of which makes the car a race-worthy supercar.Ferrari F40 Fixed Up by Gas Monkey GarageIt's powered by a massive 6.3-liter V12 engine capable of 770 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds. And Rahal's example is one of just 799 examples that were produced worldwide. For more information, be sure to contact Ferrari of Newport Beach.View Price and Listinghttps://www.instagram.com/p/BYeVw61llrw/

By Edward Jones – August 28, 2017

Ian Poulter Gets His New Matte Black Ford GT

Professional golfer Ian Poulter has a good taste in cars, having purchased the five Ferrari halo supercars. Now, he has added the new Ford GT to his collection.He announced the arrival of his new supercar on his Instagram account, showing off the interior and exterior in a series of photos. The exterior color he chose was the dark matte black paint, which was one of the choices in the option box that Ford sent to those eligible to buy a new GT.Just like his drives, the Ford GT is extremely powerful. The new GT revival is forged with a twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine that yields more than 600 horsepower, making it the most powerful EcoBoost engine Ford has ever created.Congrats to Ian Poulter on his new purchase!https://www.instagram.com/p/BYWLsOTBvrR/View the Complete 2018 Ford GT Specs

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