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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 – August 01, 2016

Prince of Qatar Shows Off His LaFerrari

The LaFerrari is one of the go-to cars for the most affluent citizens in the world-- tt's price, power and elegance is rivaled by only a handful of cars. Qatar's Prince, Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, knows this about the LaFerrari and has purchased one for himself, finished in a stunning white paint.(Related - Epic Hypercar/Supercar Track Day For The Ages)Recently at Juans-les-Pins in Southeastern France, G-E SUPERCARS was on-hand with his camera to capture the prince and his Ferrari. In the video found below, we get a chance to see his brilliant Italian hypercar in action.Check it out in the video below.View All LaFerraris For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 01, 2016

Brandon Marshall Bets His Porsche 911 with Antonio Brown

Just last week we showed you guys Antonio Brown's new Rolls-Royce Wraith covered in a Steelers livery. Today, We're here to tell you that Brandon Marshal just bet his new Porsche 911 against Brown's Wraith.Sports Cars For SaleWhat?https://www.instagram.com/p/BIYeBQljo71/In a video from @bmarshall on Instagram, Marshall tells Brown that whichever of the two get lower receiving yards by the end of the 2016-17 season must give up their car. So, if Brown outperforms Marshall, he gets the 911. If Marshall outperforms Brown, he gets a Wraith. For comparison's sake, Marshall had 1,502 receiving yards last season with the Jets, while Brown was good for 1,834 yards with the Steelers.With over 300-less yards last season, Marshall seems to be pretty confident in himself for this upcoming season. But, who do you think will win the wager? Better yet, do you guys even Brown will accept the offer? According to TMZ, he's down, as long as Marshall gives him a call.View All Porsches For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2016

Afrojack Pulled Over in his Lamborghini Aventador SV

It can be hard for celebrities to hide from the media, but music producer Afrojack has a solution: Camouflage. After taking delivery of a new Lamborghini Aventador SV earlier this year, he decided to wrap it in a deep woods motif for this year's Gumball 3000. In a YouTube video uploaded earlier today, Marchettino has revealed the wild LP 750 being unloaded for a leg of the rally.Driving an Aventador in traffic can be a stressful experience due to the reactions of other drivers, so a matching Bentley Bentayga was brought along in what we assume is a support vehicle. Law enforcement is an essential part of having a safe event, so his encounter with the English constable might have been staged for the press. The logistics of a long distance rally are hard enough in the US, so we can't imagine switching between left and right lane driving in a group of the world's most expensive cars.Lamborghini Aventador SV For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 28, 2016

Dom's Insane Dodge Ice Charger for Fast 8 Sounds Menacing

In the Fast and Furious series, Vin Diesel's character, known as Dom, has been known to be found behind of a Dodge Charger. And, for the latest entry into the series, Fast 8, Dom will be driving his most bizarre Charger yet. Known as the "Ice Charger," this new modified muscle car is powered by an unknown engine up in the front. But in the back of the car is a power source that I can't say I've ever seen before. To me, it looks like Dom had his car modified by Doc Brown, complete with a Flux Capacitor. (Related: Perrelet and "Fast and Furious" Star, Sung Kang, Launch New Timepiece) https://www.instagram.com/p/BHtPRxHh7h5/ While the specifics of the car aren't known, what we do know is that the Ice Charger sounds incredible. In videos from Jada Toys' Instagram page, the sound of the car can be heard as it's being unloaded for the Dub Show. What do you guys think of this new Charger? Is it too much, or just right for Dom? Let me know in the comments below! View All Chargers For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BHp2glNh9c1/

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2016

50 Cent Hopes to save Top Gear

After the untimely departure of Chris Evans, Rapper 50 Cent has offered to boost the ratings of BBC's beleaguered Top Gear. In an interview with Daily Star, Mr. Jackson stated his love for the series and that he was the right person for the job. He knows how to flip properties, like when he purchased Mike Tyson's modest 50,000 square foot home in Farmington, CT and listed it in our real estate magazine. So, maybe he can flip a TV show.(Related - First Top Gear Chris Harris Review: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio)When he is not flipping real estate or writing new lyrics, he also has a passion for fast cars. “There ain’t a car I haven’t owned over the years, my car collection is as good as anybody’s out there,” he said, according to Daily Star. A quick glance at his Instagram page confirms he has an affinity for exotics, muscle cars and even the Smart ForTwo. While the current cast is already pretty solid, we think it would be interesting to bring in someone like 50 Cent.What do you guys think?A few of 50's cars:

By Edward Jones – July 27, 2016

Graham Rahal Gets His New 2017 Acura NSX

American race car driver Graham Rahal participates in the IndyCar Series and has been doing quite well for himself, finishing 4th in the 2015 season. As of writing this, he currently sits in 9th place, but has room to advance.While his job may have him driving cars, and some of us like to separate their work and personal lives, Rahal is still an automotive enthusiast off of the road. Remember back when he bought himself a Porsche 918 Spyder? Well, now he's adding another car to his stable: the new 2017 Acura NSX.In an Instagram post made today, Rahal showed off his new toy, which I assume he purchased from his father's dealership, Bobby Rahal Acura in Pennsylvania. His car comes finished in a stunning white paint that contrasts against the black trimming and wheels.I want to take this time to congratulate Rahal on his latest purchase and can't wait to see him at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this weekend.View Acura NSXs For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BIXXw7VDFDc/

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2016

Jeremy Clarkson and Crew Break Rental Car on "The Grand T...

The filming for the upcoming television show "The Grand Tour" is well underway. In the show, our favorite automotive trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back behind the wheel and in front of a camera, where they belong. It sure has been a while since we've seen them on television, but thanks to uploads to their YouTube channel, it looks like they haven't changed a bit.(Also Read - Chris Evans Leaving Top Gear, Who Should Take His Place?)In their latest video, they appear to be in a desert setting where they were presumably testing some off-road vehicles. One of those cars was most definitely a Range Rover and they most definitely broke it.Clarkson: "You aren't taking it off road, are you?"Hammond and Clarkson: "No, no, no."Clarkson: "A bit."Classic.Yes, it seems as though they put the British SUV through its paces to the point where some had gone awry with the vehicle. As they were standing in front of the camera, the SUV drove by making a "clanking" noise that I can assure you it's not supposed to make. What's more, the Rover was a rental.Check out the clip below and get excited for "The Grand Tour" to hit Amazon Prime!

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 20, 2016

Alfred Morris Still Drives $2 Mazda, Even After $3.5 Mill...

Generally, athletes pride themselves on flashy cars and big homes, especially when they resign contracts with major teams. But Cowboys running back, Alfred Morris, doesn't play by the same book.(Check Out - Acura Restores Ludacris' 1993 Legend to Former Glory) Fox Sports reports Morris and the Cowboys recently reached a two-year, $3.5 million dollar deal, but you won't see Morris flashing a shiny new car anytime soon. In fact, he still drives his 1991 Mazda 626. What's even more impressive is the story behind the Mazda. Fox Sports reported Morris purchased the car from his pastor when he was a junior in college... for the discounted price of $2.00.He named the car "Bentley," and it has been aptly adorned with a Bentley license plate. He's made a commitment to "drive the car till it dies," Fox reported he told Five Points Blue. Source: Instagram/@thoroughbred_fredTo make sure the car has a little bit more life left in it before it does "die," he had the car entirely stripped and possibly rebuilt a little under three years ago. You can see a picture of the car stripped bare just above, posted on his Instagram account. Source: Instagram/@thoroughbred_fred

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2016

The Rock Arrives to "Ballers" Premiere in Custom Pagani H...

For the premiere of HBO's hit television show Ballers, the star of the show, The Rock, showed up in a Pagani Huayra driven by Brett David, owner of Prestige Imports and Pagani Miami.Named "Project Vulcan", this Huayra was built specifically for David. The whole process of customizing his car and having it built took a total of two years, and it was finally delivered to him at the end of last year. “The entire process has been amazing. It’s things like being able to go behind the curtains and seeing what goes on behind the scenes that makes ordering a Pagani so special," said Brett. "Instead of feeling like a dealer, I felt like a customer for once.”Learn More About This Pagani Huayra Source: Instagram/@brett_davidKnowing just how rare and special this car is, it's fitting that it was the ride of choice for The Rock when traveling to the premiere of his show that is all about living a lavish life. And it's even more fitting that the premiere took place in Miami, where the show takes place. In the show, he's driven cars like the McLaren 650S and a custom Porsche Panamera.What's funny about the whole scenario is that the massive actor surely had to struggle to get out of the car. In an Instagram post he said in the caption: "0-60 in 2.9 seconds. And it took me 16.8 seconds to exit the vehicle cause I don't f*ckin' fit in it." View Paganis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 14, 2016

Patrick Dempsey Introduces the 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo

When he is not acting, Patrick Dempsey enjoys winning races. As an owner/driver he currently competes in the Tudor United Sports Car Series in his 911 GT America. As a global ambassador for the brand, he invited Porsche inside his elegant home for a retrospective interview. Uploaded earlier today, this unique format is a series of still photos and short videos that require a lot of scrolling.His addiction began at age 18 when he bought a 1963 Porsche 356 Speedster, which he still owns. Moving on to the Panamera Turbo, he contrasts the advances of the new model and addresses some of the weaker points of the previous generation. Under the hood is a new 4.0L V8 with reverse-flow cylinder heads that place the turbos in the V. Mercedes will probably call them a copycat, but you can't argue with 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. For the complete interview click here.More than just a spokesperson, he took the car to Goodwood earlier this month. Offering the engineers critical feedback at the hill climb is just one of the reasons why the new Panamera is light years beyond its predecessor.Panameras For Sale

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