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 – December 22, 2016

Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran With a New Fiat

There are Americans out there that have sacrificed their lives and bodies on the battlefield, leaving them wounded for the rest of their lives. One such American is Stephanie Morris, an American hero that survived two RPGs being fired at her. Though she survived, she did end up losing part of her leg as a result of the blast. Since then, she has kept her spirits high and a smile on her face.(Also Read - Jay Leno Teaches Brad Paisley How to Burnout in a 2017 Camaro ZL1)To give back to Morris, a Purple Heart recipient, Jay Leno took her out for a spin in a new Fiat 124 Spider. After taking her out, he let her take the wheel as they made their way to George Washington's house. It was here that they visited the Purple Heart Memorial and had a serious heart-to-heart moment.When they left, Jay surprised her with her brother, mother and nephew, and her brand new ride: the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider. Check out the video below to see the touching moment for yourself.All Fiats For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2016

Conor McGregor Shows Off His "Mutant" Lamborghini Aventador

The Notorious Conor McGregor is now the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two different division at the same time. After his victory against Eddie Alvarez, he has spent his days relishing his champion status by living in luxury. His latest luxurious purchase was his Lamborghini Aventador that he calls "The Mutant".Images of his new Italian ride first surfaced on his Instagram profile. In the images, the car can be seen parked between his Rolls-Royce Ghost and Cadillac Escalade. In one image, he put this into the description: "motivation and inspiration to all of you guys! ☺️ I hope you guys join me on my transformation and have a good morning!" When talking about transformation, could it have to do with the boxing license he recently acquired? All I know is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is having none of it and even threatened to slap McGregor. Uh oh, trouble is brewing in the fighting world.Congratulations to McGregor on his latest addition to his car collection.All Lamborghini Aventador For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BN8bh6Ihiko/https://www.instagram.com/p/BN_ShpJhroJ/

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2016

Jay Kay's LaFerrari in Mysterious Pure Electric Mode

You wanted proof and we have found it. The LaFerrari is capable of cruising around without awakening the V12 engine. McLaren and Porsche are clear to state their hybrid hypercars have EV mode, but Maranello has been mum on the subject. Officially the 163 hp electric motor is not programmed to operate independently, but many enthusiasts believe dealers have updated the software for certain owners. Musician Jay Kay has obtained the cheat code for electric mode as it was spotted by TheTTFJ being loaded at Joe Macari Performance Cars.McLaren's P1 has an electric range of 19 miles and the Porsche 918 is rated at 18 miles. The primary motor/generator is connected to one of the main shafts of the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, and the smaller secondary unit is on the front of the engine in line with the accessory drive. We're not sure how far the lithium-ion batteries could take you, so if anyone would like to loan me their LaFerrari, I will bring it back with a full tank of Florida's finest ethanol diluted 87 octane.If you find yourself near London, Joe Macari has an inventory that will take your breath away.All LaFerrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 12, 2016

"The Fate of the Furious" Trailer Brings the Insanity

Remember the days back when "The Fast and the Furious" was all about tuning cars and winning pink slips? Well, we've come a long way, because the latest film in the automotive movie series is absolute insanity.(Related - Could Paul Walker's Character Make a Comeback in Fast & Furious?)Being called "The Fate of the Furious", the new films sees one of the biggest stars (Dom) turning on his friends. Is he being controlled by someone? What's going on? The exact details are unknown, but we do know that Charlize Theron makes quite an awesome villain. In the first official trailer for the film, we get to see Dom turning on his friends, epic car chases and gratuitous action.Also, check out the image above. See that orange Supra? That might just be an homage to the late Paul Walker and the Supra he drove in the movies.How will the movie turn out? What the heck is up with Dom? We'll find out on April 14, 2017 when the film is released. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2016

Ken Block Drifts and Tears Through London, Extended Cut

Whenever you're out doing as tourists do in strange lands, you always look for the greatest sights to see. Whether it's one of the world's greatest wonders or a shop that has the best food, we always go out of our way to see the sights. Typically, this involves a guidebook or a tour guide. For Matt LeBlanc, it involved a guidebook, Ken Block and his Hoonicorn.(Related - Ken Block's Gymkhana Eight Tears Through Dubai)BBC essentially shutdown some of the biggest roads and attractions in London to provide a clear path for Ken Block to tear through in his 1,400 hp Mustang. They journeyed by St. Paul's Cathedral, went into the underground and even waved hello to the Queen. Their trip was pretty incredible, causing my heart to skip a beat a couple of times. Check it the extended cut of the video by clicking play below and get ready, because it sounds like the two are going to do this again, but somewhere else.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2016

Conan O'Brien Hilariously Goes 140+ mph on the Autobahn

There's no denying the fact that driving fast on the Autobahn is on the bucket list of many automotive enthusiasts. There's also no denying that Conan O'Brien is one of the funniest guys on television. So, what happens when Conan gets behind the wheel of a BMW i8 and goes over 140 mph on the Autobahn? Amazing and hilarious things.(Also Check Out - New Acura NSX Autobahn Top Speed Test)Conan is currently touring Berlin, doing things as the Germans would. And, of course, Germans love the Autobahn so he had to take a German car on the German road. He had Lars come along with him, a rally driver, showing him the ropes of the stretch of road until he was comfortable enough to take it on himself. The nervousness of Lars is visible as Conan took the wheel and went upwards of 140 mph. Check out the video below to see one of the most hilarious drives on the Autobahn.All BMW i8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 23, 2016

Justin Bieber Visits Lamborghini HQ

The man himself, Justin Bieber, took time away from his Purpose World Tour to stop by the Lamborghini Museum and factory. The visit was mentioned in a press release issued by the Italian automaker. During his visit, he met and was photographed with Stefano Domenicali, the Chairman and CEO of Lamborghini. Once he wrapped up, he headed to Unipol Arena for the last part of his tour in Bologna. Better yet? He showed up in an Aventador Roadster.Bieber, whether you love him or hate him, he's been around quite a bit of exotic cars. He's been seen driving around in Lewis Hamilton's LaFerrari, has a Liberty Walk 458 Italia and reports have even said that he's purchased a LaFerrari of his own.All Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 23, 2016

Tommy Hilfiger's Ferrari Enzo Heading to RM Sotheby's Ari...

Fashion and Ferrari have been the motivating forces behind the world's most coveted cars. The founder of the company that bears his name, Enzo always stayed on the leading edge of the industry in terms of style and innovation. As our publisher can attest, naming a brand after yourself is a bold move. Thirty years ago the fashion industry probably scoffed at the idea of an unknown American designer who set out to change the industry. We have Tommy Hilfiger to thank for pulling us out of the despair of 80's clothing with his innovative and classy clothing. As a way to reward himself for becoming a menswear magnate, he purchased the car that changed the automotive world.(Related - This is What Taking Delivery of a Ferrari Enzo is Like) As a fitting tribute to the father of the brand, the Ferrari Enzo was a street-legal F1 car. The body is a one-piece monocoque of carbon fiber draped over a naturally aspirated V12 engine. Inboard suspension and carbon ceramic brakes were taken straight from the racing programs, along with technologies not allowed on the track. Traction control and active aerodynamics are banned in most racing classes in order to level the playing field. But a car worthy of this name is still capable of outperforming almost anything on the street, even thirteen years after it was produced.This 2003 Enzo was a wise investment, as they have been selling for nice profits in recent years. RM Sotheby's upcoming Arizona auction will bring many collectible cars to Scottsdale in January, but this one is predicted to be a show stopper. Ferrari only produced 349 examples of the Enzo, but this one has only seen 3,622 miles since 2003. Driven just enough to keep the battery charged, this is an opportunity to purchase a time capsule.No signs of wear inside or out, the original tires should probably be stored away for posterity. If you have a few million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, this Enzo is probably a wise investment. We will be in Scottsdale patiently waiting for this car to cross the block, so tell us what you think it will hammer for, and stay with us for complete coverage of the event. For more information on the car and how to register, please head over to RM Sotheby's here. We have a few other examples to choose from, so check out the listings from our dealers for a new centerpiece of your collection.All Ferrari Enzo For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 18, 2016

Jay Leno Teaches Brad Paisley How to Burnout in a 2017 Ca...

The new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes equipped with line lock in its Track Mode. This allows the car to do some crazy burnouts with just about no effort at all.(Related - Jay Leno Drives the Ferrari F40 for the First Time)Jay Leno was given a new ZL1 for a few days and invited country singer Brad Paisley out to drive it. During the drive, Leno shows Paisley how to properly burnout by using line lock.After watching the video, Chevrolet did a great job on making burning out easy, even though Paisley did manage to mess up just once. Check out the burnout in the video below and learn how to burnout using line lock in the new 2017 Camaro ZL1.All Chevrolet Camaro For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2016

Jay Leno Drives the Ferrari F40 for the First Time

Jay Leno has driven more cars than any of us could even imagine. From classics to modern hypercars, he featured them all on his show and typically takes them for a spin. However, there's one car he hadn't driven until recently: the Ferrari F40.(Related - 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO for Sale with Reported $56 Million Price Tag)Last week, I wrote about David Lee visiting Leno and them taking the Ferrari halo cars for a spin. While he was only videotaped driving the LaFerrari in that episode, this week he takes the F40 spin.After driving it for only half of a mile, Leno says he "already gets it," noting the car's visceral behavior and connected drive. It was Jeremy Clarkson said that this car's turbos "wake up, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war." It looks like Leno experienced this happening firsthand.Check out the video below to see his drive in action.All Ferrari F40 For Sale

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