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 – May 18, 2021

This Winning Lewis Hamilton Race-Winning Car Is Set To Be...

The first winning Lewis Hamilton race car to ever come to market. For the first time ever, a race-winning Lewis Hamilton car is coming to market. This specific race car is Hamilton's MP4-25A, which he raced during his time with McLaren. The race he won in this very chassis was the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix where he outpaced Jenson Button and Mark Webber who placed second and third, respectively. It's not often that a GP-winning race car comes to auction, but this auction lot is on a different level when you consider Hamilton's mind-blowing career. If you don't follow Formula 1, all you need to know is that he is now a seven-time World Champion and has even been knighted. Yes, he can be referred to as Sir Lewis Hamilton. This auction will take place on July 17th in cooperation with Formula 1. It's expected to sell for an estimated $5,000,000-$7,000,000. For more information, click here. Image and Info Source: RM Sotheby's

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By Edward Jones – May 18, 2021

Desiigner Checks Out the Apocalypse 6x6 Hellfire

Desiigner enjoys a day on six wheels. Apocalypse 6x6's creations have been catching the eyes of so many people around the globe so it makes sense that celebrities would see them as well. One such celebrity is Desiigner who checked out the brutal Hellfire 6x6. Apocalypse 6x6 posted a gallery of their time with the famous rapper on their Instagram. The Hellfire 6x6 that's photographed is a mean machine. Powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine that pushed out 500 lb-ft of torque, this six-wheel off-roader is ready for anything. It also features a quarter-inch-thick full steel face bumper that houses a 9,500 lbs winch, high-output LEDs, quarter-inch-thick full steel windshield armor, marine-grade hand-stitched leather interior and so much more. If you'd like to learn and see more of the Apocalypse 6x6 Hellfire, be sure to click the button below. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3Uc4LrlYN/

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2021

John Cena Shows Off Fast 9's Mid-Engine 1968 Charger

A mid-engine Charger. Why? Because 'Fast 9'. On June 25, the Fast Sage will return with the new film 'Fast 9'. Like all other "Fast" movies before it, this one will feature some incredible cars. John Cena recently introduced the world to one of the new cars that we will be seeing and it's something you'd never expect: a mid-engine 1968 Dodge Charger. Yes, the muscle car that's always had an engine up front has been heavily modified to host an engine in the rear. It's pretty remarkable to say the least. You can check it out for yourself in the video from John Cena's Twitter down below. Be sure to check out the new film when it's in theaters on June 25, 2021. https://twitter.com/JohnCena/status/1392540101524312065

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2021

24kGoldn Checks Out the Insane BADCobra

Nothing like donuts with friends. 24kGoldn recently visited Brett David at Prestige Imports in South Florida and was given quite the show, thanks to the BADCobra, which is a Backdraft Racing Roadster. In a series of photos posted by the @brett_david Instagram account, we see 24kGoldn in the 1967 Ford Shelby GT500CR "Eleanor" while Brett is spinning up donuts around him in the BADCobra. In the last photos, you can see 24kGoldn sitting passenger in the muscle car with a massive smile on his face. Clearly, he enjoyed the ride that Brett took him on. Then again, who wouldn't love being spun around in that absolute beast of a muscle car? Check out the photos below and be sure to click the button to see the incredible inventory of Prestige Imports. View Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/COvBg_8FHhV/

By Edward Jones – May 10, 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo Visits Ferrari's Headquarters

Maybe we'll be seeing Ronaldo in a new Ferrari 812 Competizione in the near future. One of the greatest football/soccer players to ever grace the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo, recently visited the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello for a tour and more. In an Instagram post from the Italian automaker, we see pictures of Ronaldo spending quite some time at the headquarters. This included a photo-op with Scuderia Ferrari's SF21 Formula 1 race car and its drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. He was also given a tour of the factory and spent some time greeting the employees. When you have legends like Ronaldo walking by, it's no wonder that Ferrari was named the Most Attractive Company Employer in Italy in the Randstad Employer Brand Research 2021 survey. We don't know the reason for his visit, but maybe it was to order a new car. So, if you see Ronaldo cruising around in a new Ferrari, you know when he ordered it! See All Ferraris For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/COs_z5FB2_S/

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2021

Check Out DeMarcus Lawrence's New Bentley

Now this is how you surprise someone. Being a Bentley Ambassador, DeMarcus "Tank" Lawrence knows the automaker's vehicles quite well. Because of that, Bentley Dallas, part of Avondale Group, knew that his first Bentley of the year had to be something that's truly special. The model they went with was a Flying Spur, but the Blackline specification and just about every option were added. It wouldn't be hard to say that this may be one of the best-looking Flying Spurs out there. When it was time to finally present Tank with his Bentley, Bentley Dallas surprised him with it on the showroom floor. To say that he was in love at first sight is kind of an understatement. You can see the surprise for yourself in the video down below. If you'd like to see Avondale Group's current inventory, be sure to click the button below to see what's available. View Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/COimWbUHyDO/

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2021

Watch The New Daniel Ricciardo x GoPro Partnership Video

Daniel trades the racing seat for a director's chair The life of Team McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is action-pack, to say the least, which is why the Australian has partnered with GoPro to capture all of the crazy day-to-day content. Although you would believe that there is a team of high-skill professionals with Daniel to help create the perfect edit, it's actually the complete opposite. In the caption section of the video posted to the Daniel Ricciardo YouTube channel, Daniel recognizes his rather new love for filming and editing, promising to improve his skills soon enough. We here are definitely looking forward to more days in the life of Daniel Ricciardo videos to come soon. Check back in for more Daniel Ricciardo content, and click below to shop all GoPro products and accessories. Shop GoPro For more Lifestyle news, Check out The New Porsche x Martini Racing Collection Is Available Now

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2021

Canelo Álvarez Has A Wild Collection!

Álvarez started from the bottom The mean streets of Guadalajara are not conducive to having a collection of supercars. However, if your appearance strikes fear in any opponent, let's see what Canelo Alvarez has in the garage. If you haven't seen his interviews, Graham Bensinger isn't afraid to ask the tough questions. Heading south of the border, he is greeted by Mexico's greatest boxer. Mr. Álvarez was inspired by the Lamborghini Countach. To fight, and to be the best he could be. From our 36 years showcasing collections like this, its always nice to see the humility. Those who fought adversity in order to be able to afford the finer things in life. Tell us your favorite part of his collection in the comments below and stay with us for all your Celebrity collections.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2021

Check Out Drake's 1/1 Rolls-Royce Cullinan By Chrome Hear...

When Canadian rapper Drake looks to get a new Rolls-Royce, you better believe it is going to be upgraded to separate itself from any other on the road. This is the case for Drake’s new Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a one-of-one example created using upgrades and custom accessories to best display Drake’s style. Along with the body upgrades by Mansory, the Cullinan received custom emblems by Chrome Hearts. The team at Los Angeles luxury brand Chrome Hearts has presented a virtual showing of the Rolls-Royce through its website in partnership with Mansory. Drake’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan by Chrome Hearts and Mansory is currently on display by appointment at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami at its new exhibition. Sign up for your appointment to see the Drake x Chrome Hearts x Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan by clicking the link below. Chrome Heart Rolls-Royce Cullinan For more Celebrity Car news, Check out Inside An Incredible Collection At IKONICK Miami

By Edward Jones – April 14, 2021

Bill Goldberg Sends Brand New Ram 1500 TRX To XPEL For Fu...

Presented by XPEL - Bill Goldberg, a four-time World Champion Wrestler, is a certified gearhead with an extensive car collection. Goldberg's Garage is home to a 1965 Shelby Cobra replica with a NASCAR engine, a former moonshine whiskey-running 1959 Chevy Biscayne coupe, and a 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible – to name a few. Goldberg likes his cars to have power on-demand with the attitude only a V8 can produce. The latest addition to Goldberg's car collection is the new 702-horsepower 2021 Ram 1500 TRX super truck. Ram first introduced the TRX in summer 2020 and did not shy away from its purpose-built intentions – to compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor. The emblem is a velociraptor hanging from the mouth of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It is the first thing you see under the hood of a Ram TRX. The Ford F-150 Raptor has been the king of super trucks since 2011. Now, the Ram 1500 TRX aims to take the crown – by force. The source of its power comes from a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 throwing down 702-hp and 650 lb.-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This giant 6,400-pound off-road pickup truck can hit zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds and reach 100 mph in less than 11. The TRX can reach those speeds while rolling on factory 35-inch off-road tires and 12-inch ground clearance. This pickup truck is as big as a pro-wrestler and moves just as fast. The Ram TRX is Bill Goldberg on wheels! Goldberg took his 2021 Anvil Grey Ram TRX to XPEL San Antonio to protect it from the elements – both on and off the road! " width="680"> Goldberg opted to protect the limited-edition Anvil Grey exterior paint on 2021 Ram TRX with STEALTH™ PPF (Paint Protection Film). This premium paint protection film offers the same high-quality protective barrier as ULTIMATE PLUS ™ paint protection film with a unique feature. STEALTH PPF leaves exterior paint in a satin-like matte sheen. The film will protect the TRX from rock chips, light scratches, and chemical containments. On top of STEALTH paint protection film, the Anvil Grey Ram 1500 TRX was treated with XPEL's FUSION PLUS ™ Ceramic Coating. FUSION PLUS complements XPEL's paint protection film like barbeque sauce on brisket. FUSION PLUS performs directly on factory paint but can also be applied directly to film. FUSION PLUS ™ Ceramic Coating offers hydrophobic properties to protect vehicle surfaces by repelling water, dirt, and chemical contaminants. FUSION PLUS provides the look of a fresh paint job. The last step was applying XPEL's PRIME ™ XR PLUS auto window tint to all the windows. PRIME XR PLUS is a premium auto tint made with ceramic particles to filter the sun's rays blocking up to 98 percent of infrared heat. PRIME XR PLUS auto window tint blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. Visit XPEL.com and use the Installer Locator tool to find the nearest certified XPEL installation center and get a quote on any of our paint protection wraps, home and auto window tint, and screen protection films for electronic devices. Visit XPEL.com

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