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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 – April 26, 2018

Pro Drifts a Ford Raptor Around Nurburgring

Vaughn Gittin Jr. is one of Ford's poster boys when it comes to drifting. He can typically be found drifting his Mustang RTR on circuits across the globe. For one of his latest outings, he and Ford Performance wandered over to the Nurburgring for some fun sideways times in the Mustang RTR. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for them and decided to cover the road in the rain.Vaughn Gittin Jr. Tests Out His New 900 hp Mustang RTRThankfully, Gittin Jr. and Ford Performance came prepared with a new F-150 Raptor truck. You'd expect that at this point I'd tell you they did some off-roading, but no. We're talking about Vaughn Gittin Jr. here! Of course he had to take the truck around the course in a sideways manner, sliding the massive truck around every corner. Check out the action for yourself in the video below and see how a professional drifter can make the best out of a crappy situation.

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2018

Maria Sharapova & Mark Webber Test the Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Maria Sharapova is a Grand Slam winning tennis champion. Mark Webber is a race car driver. What do both of these celebrity athletes have in common? Porsche. Sharapova is a Porsche brand ambassador, while Webber is a former Porsche works driver.The two recently met up at the Porsche Development Center in Weissach for test drives in the new 911 GT2 RS. Each were given time behind the wheel of the most powerful 911 of all time and seemed to enjoy scaring the heck out of each other. It's not that hard to scare someone in the passenger seat of a car that's capable of producing 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, especially when that car can take corners as tight as a race car. Check out their hilarious reactions in the video below.2018 Porsche GT2 RS Price & Specs About the Porsche 911 GT2 RSThe new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the German automaker's most powerful 911 model. It comes packing the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine found in the 911 Turbo S. This engine produces 700 hp an 553 lb-ft of torque. Aiding the power is a customized GT seven-speed double-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). Put this car to the test and it will run 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. As for weight, it tips the scales at 3,241 lbs, but the Weissach package can drop that amount by 40 lbs. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is available to order with a base MSRP of $293,200, not including the $1,050 delivery fee.

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2018

Jamie Foxx's Rezvani Tank Heading to Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno's celebrity status means he has many friends in high places. He has spent decades interviewing celebrities and thanks to his relationship with many, he brings them on to his show "Jay Leno's Garage." One celebrity that's set to make an appearance on his show in the coming weeks is Jamie Foxx. Foxx is known for his car collection, which even includes a Bugatti Veyron. But he also has another vehicle that literally puts him as a celebrity in a high place: the Rezvani Tank. This massive SUV towers over others with its tall stature and wide stance. Jay Leno is set to host both Foxx and his tank for the season premiere of "Jay Leno's Garage," which s set to debut on April 19th. Be sure to tune in and learn all about Foxx's wicked Tank. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhgf5_ZhpOX/

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2018

Gucci Mane & His New Ferrari 812 Superfast

If you want the latest in Supercars, Ferrari is beginning to deliver the 812 Superfast. As the Heir Apparent to the F12tdf, it is priced well above $500,000. It arrives with 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque- along with a 3-year waiting list. You could wait in line to order yours, or have it delivered factory-fresh if your name is Gucci Mane. Ferrari 812 Superfast Reveal – Ferrari of Newport Beach He wanted the best, so he knew who to call. Our friend Obe Okeke, who is known professionally as Dr. Bugatti to the Rich & Famous, has a knack for cutting through red tape. As corroborated by TMZ, he used his patented methods to allow Gucci's new Ferrari 812 Superfast reach the customer ahead of many others. If this comes down to loading the car on an overnight flight from Maranello, he is the king of beating the industry to keep his celebrity clients coming back. Gucci Mane's New Daily Driver This is the same level of service he offers to Floyd Mayweather among other noteworthy celebs. There is a price to be paid to jump over every other collector and dealer waiting in line. If it is to be paid in scorn from Ferrari aficionados or from auction bidders is something we will address in a decade or two. As the next evolution of the F12berlinetta, it packs a 6.5 liter V12 along with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. As for now, we hope your Ferrari 812 Superfast arrives soon because ours is on the way! Until then, take a look at our F12tdf selection for a great deal! Guwop copped the #GuRRarri #812SuperFast if I don’t get it first I don’t want it??‍♂️#EvilGenius A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017) on Apr 8, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2018

Manny Khoshbin's Hermes Pagani Huayra

Manny Khoshbin is the owner of a Lamborghini Aventador SV, Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, Bugatti Veyrons, Porsche Carrera GT and now a one-off Pagani Huayra. (Related - 11 Paganis and an LED Lamborghini Shut Down Japanese Car Show) This new Huayra was unveiled on Khoshbin's Instagram profile where he gave a better description of the car. In one post, he says it's a completely one-off car that was designed by both Pagani and luxury brand Hermes. This is actually the first time that Pagani has done a co-design with a luxury grand. Additionally, this is one of the last Huayra to be made. As for its hardware, the Hermes Huayra has new aerodynamics, suspension, exhaust and larger wheels. Inside is Hermes-developed leather with matching leather bags, H-pattern outer aeration grills and more. The Hermes Pagani Huayra is just the latest purchase made by Khoshbin and I'm sure there will be plenty more. All Pagani For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BM91sOlBaJF/

By Edward Jones – March 30, 2018

Valentino Rossi Mashes a Ferrari 488 Pista Around a Track

Moto GP champion Valentino Rossi may be a master of the two-wheeled vehicle, but how does he fare in a four-wheeled Italian supercar? Ferrari asked Rossi to be their special test driver for the new 488 Pista.During his visit to Maranello, Ferrari took the champion out to the Fiorano track for some hot laps. With the 488 Pista's unveiling being relatively recent, he's one of the very few that's driven the car so far.Ferrari 458 Italias for SaleInstead of the smaller engine of his motorcycle, the Ferrari Rossi was driving has the heart of a twin-turbo 3.9-Liter V8. This engine has had its inner workings adjusted to create more power than the 488 GTB. The result is 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque that's at the ready when the pedal meets the floor.Check out Rossi's test driving skills in the video below from Ferrari.

By Edward Jones – March 26, 2018

Mark Webber Reviews the Porsche 911 GT2 RS

At the Australian debut of the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Mark Webber was able to get behind the wheel of the new sports car and take it for a few laps. The event, Porsche Pole Position, took place at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit where Porsche owners were able to take their cars around the circuit. "For us to have it on our shores here in Australia and be able to have a full track to ourselves, that's been incredible for me," said Webber.Porsche Employees Get Massive BonusThe new 911 GT2 RS would be an absolute blast to drive around an empty track. When compared to the 2011 911 GT2 RS, the 2018 model has 80 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque. The result is an astonishing 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (911 Turbo S comes with 580 hp and .553 lb-ft). That kind of power rockets the car from 0-60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, a quick-sprint that Webber accomplished many times during his laps I'm sure.The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is available to order with a base MSRP of $293,200, not including the $1,050 delivery fee.https://vimeo.com/261487662

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2018

Magnus Walker Visits Porsche Factory

If you're a Porsche fan or automotive enthusiast in general, you know Magnus Walker. Magnus has risen to fame through his love for the 911 and can be seen at just about every automotive event across the United States. His love for the Porsche 911 is real. Now, he's taken his love for the 911 overseas to the Porsche factory in Leipzig.2019 Porsche Cayenne: Price, Specs & PhotosHis visit included a walkaround of the production line where Porsche creates the Macan and Panamera model lines. “It is impressive to see that even in a high-tech series production environment every detail is considered and customer wishes can be implemented directly, like in a workshop,” Walker said. After that, he and 250 other enthusiasts journeyed onto the Porsche Leipzig race track in their own cars. Am I jealous of the 250 people that had a chance to hang out and race with Magnus? You bet.

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

Odell Beckham Jr Checks Out Cristiano Ronaldo's Bugatti

Football/soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo first showed off his new Bugatti Chiron a few months ago. Now, he's been captured showing football superstar Odell Beckham JR his Chiron. In the video below, compiled by YouTube Channel knarty, the two meet up for good times and a drive in the French hypercar. OBJ had a good time starting up the car and seemed to enjoy it, but who wouldn't? I mean, it's a Chiron. He does note that it was "disrespectful" putting the "CR7" on the side of his car, which was more than likely just a joke.Bugatti Chiron Specs and PhotosRonaldo's Chiron is an impeccable machine. Topping out at 261 mph, the Bugatti speeds from 0-60 in a mere 2.5 seconds thanks to an 8-liter, 16-cylinder engine pumping out 1,479 horsepower. Even with its overwhelming speed and power, the Chiron offers a smooth and inviting road experience.

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

Iron Maiden Drummer's Custom ‘Greatest Hits’ Jaguar XJ6

Jaguar has teamed up with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain to create a custom ‘Greatest Hits’ Jaguar XJ6. This car was created to kick off the XJ model's 50th-anniversary celebrations.The recreation of the XJ6 took 3,500 man hours of work to complete with over 4,000 parts that needed to be refinished, replaced or redesigned. “Creating this ‘Greatest Hits’ XJ, and the whole process of bringing someone’s automotive dream to life, has been extraordinarily rewarding for the Jaguar Classic team," says Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director. "It’s been a pleasure to work with Nicko and we’re looking forward to hearing the reaction to this project.” 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Revealed: First Electric Jag SUVJaguar has announced a massive list of new features in this XJ6. These include modified rear door pressings, LED headlights with 'Halo' daytime running lights, modern door sealing, touchscreen, re-trimmed interior, bespoke audio system, starter button, new air conditioning and remote central locking. Basically, this is the most modern XJ6, ever.

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