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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 Caitlin Duffy – August 06, 2015

Q&A With Graham Rahal: Racing, His New Green 918 Spyder ...

At only 26 years old, Graham Rahal is already on top of the world. He's the racecar driver currently ranked second in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series, is engaged to drag race phenom Courtney Force, races for the team his father started and has more experience with cars than most people accrue in a lifetime. Courtesy of Grahm Rahal's Facebook pageAnd, with some help from Isringhausen Imports, he recently added a Viper Green Porsche 918 Spyder to his collection.We had a chance to catch up with Rahal just after his Aug. 2 victory during the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, a huge boost for his team in the Indycar points championship. Read on to learn about why the 918 caught his eye, the other cars in his collection and what his next steps in the racing world might be.Autofluence: What made you pick out the Porsche 918 Spyder?Graham Rahal: I picked it because my family's ties to Porsches goes back to the mid '60s when my grandpa raced with them. My dad has always been a big Porsche collector, and I wanted to follow suit. To go with my very rare Sand White Carrera GT, I knew the 918 was the right one. Not to mention when I drove it, it was absolutely incredible and so fun to drive. I love it. AF: What was the delivery process like?GR: Well, I am not very patient, but it was great. David Donahue and the folks at Porsche were second to none. I had a great time through the entire process, and Isringhausen made it seamless once it was here. The car was delivered through Isringhausen, then sent straight to Byers Imports in Columbus, Ohio to get new HRE Wheels put on it, and to get a brand new Xpel Ultimate custom clear bra done by Shane and the folks at Entrotech in Columbus. It couldn't have worked out anymore perfect! AF: What was your first thought when you finally saw the car in person?GR: In love, unreal. I've seen 918s before, a lot of them, and nothing compares. The Viper Green color is the only in North America, and possibly the world. The interior accent touches are perfection, looks amazing. AF: How does the 918 Spyder's driving stack up against your race car's?GR: It's completely different. But the 918 is special because it has so much speed, combined with daily driving capabilities. The hybrid system works well, but you probably won't find me in any mode but race mode! The race car is so rigid and uncomfortable to drive as it's built just for extreme speed, the 918 has it all. AF: What other cars do you own?GR: I have a 2005 Sand White Porsche Carrera GT which I am the only registered owner ever which is cool, a 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans edition, 1964 Mini Cooper S that I restored myself and absolutely love, a Signal Green 2015 paint to sample BMW M4 and lastly a Vesuvius orange paint to sample 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR that's the only one in the world, and lastly a Red on Red 2002 Acura NSX with 16k miles that's one of 8 ever made in that paint scheme. I love all the toys, but they are all used a lot otherwise there's no point in having them! AF: What's your favorite car?GR: I have to say the Carrera GT has always been my favorite. The noise of it, the looks of it, the purity, cars just aren't built like that anymore. AF: Is there another car you have your eye on for your next purchase?GR: I am extremely excited for the new Acura NSX. Being that I drive for Honda I know a lot of the background with the car, but I am really thrilled to get in it and enjoy it. AF: Congratulations on your current second place position in the IndyCar Series. With so much momentum, what's next for you and your racing career?GR: I am focused heavily on winning this championship. Coming off of 2 wins in the last 4 races, and 9 points away from Montoya in the championship, it's time to put more pressure on and try and get it. It would be amazing for myself and for my family, so we are definitely focused forward right now!View Isringhausen Imports' Inventory Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the Verizon IndyCar Series as the IZOD IndyCar Series. The text has been updated to reflect the current name.Gallery See More Celebrity Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – August 05, 2015

Ferrari FXX with Guy Martin at the Wheel

Guy Martin has been in some high-speed situations, but nothing seems to have blown him away quite like a Ferrari did.Supercar Driver in the United Kingdom is known for hosting some of the most incredible gatherings of supercars and their owners this world has ever seen. The weekend of August 1, they hosted their Red Arrows Diamond 9 event, and included among the attendees was a rare creation indeed.The Ferrari FXX was the first XX creation to come from Ferrari, and the one that attended is one of the few in the world modified to be a street legal version. So, of course, British motorcycle racer Martin needed a chance to get behind the wheel. Luckily for us, we get to see his reaction to the ride in a video added by Supercar Driver today."I've been in fast things, right, I have never been in anything like that," Martin says when he's done. "I'm shaking, I'm bloody shaking."Check out his fright-inducing run in the video above, browse the images from RiadArianeMedia below and stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.Ferraris For SaleGallery (Source: RiadArianeMedia, YouTube) See More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – August 04, 2015

Arnold Schwarzenegger Spotted in his Bugatti

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been spotted around California cruising in his Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse many times before, most recently in May, but this most recent spotting shares some footage rather than a quickly snapped picture.Starting with a quick drive past the Veyron's right side and ending with a clear shot of it parked in front of a Beverly Hills hotel, this July 31 video from DLMphotos covers almost every exterior angle of Arnold's prized silver Bug. And, as the caption tells us, it was Arnold's 68th birthday, July 30, when the cameraman and actor-turned-politician crossed paths. Both Arnold and the Bugatti seem a little out of place sitting in traffic on a crowded road. With 1,014 hp and 994 lb-ft under the hood and Schwarzenegger's history as weightlifter, actor and governor, the combination of the two is certainly out of the norm. But then again, if it was your birthday, would you stick with driving your daily, or take out that exotic and celebrate? Check out the video above, and find your own Bugatti from our exclusive listings below. Bugattis For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Celebrity Car News

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2015

Deadmau5 Unveils the Purracan

Producer Joel Zimmerman, also known as Deadmau5, is an automotive enthusiast that loves fast vehicles on four wheels. His collection includes a Tesla Model S P85D, McLaren P1 and, now, a Purracan.Okay, so the Purracan isn't really a model, but it is his Lamborghini Huracan with a Nyan Cat wrap, similar to his Ferrari 458 turned Purrari. The Purracan, posted on his Instagram and Twitter accounts, was customized by Sekanskin, an automotive customization shop based in Ontario, Canada.To go along with the wrap, they painted the brake calipers pink, added custom badging and, of course, a custom "Purracan" Ontario license plate.Check out the images below and a video of the car's delivery (warning: explicit language).The Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 in itself is one of the Italian automaker's latest and most impressive models. It features a V10 engine that produces 602 hp and 412 lb-ft of torque. It can launch from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of over 202 mph.Huracans For Sale Gallery (Source: YouTube, Instagram, Twitter) See More Celebrity Car News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – August 03, 2015

Don Draper's 1965 Cadillac Coupe deVille Up for Auction

How do you know that you've made it in the advertising business?According to Roger Sterling, played by John Slattery, and Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm, you know when you can afford yourself a brand new Cadillac. The premise of episode seven, "The Gold Violin," during the second season of "Mad Men" was that Don has finally arrived at the level of partner, and it's time for him to act the part.He had the beautiful wife, darling children, a stunning home in the suburbs outside of New York City, and now, Roger tells him, it's time to buy that 1965 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. Stunning blue with a white top, it's the perfect symbol of his success, and now it can be a symbol of yours.From now until August 6, you can place your bid on Screenbid.com to own the very Cadillac that Hamm's character purchased in the show. There are currently 55 bids placed, with the current bid sitting at $25,250. A certificate of authenticity will be provided by Lions Gate Entertainment upon purchase, guaranteeing this will forever be a collector's car.(See Also: Clarkson and Top Gear Team Sign with Amazon for Show)There's still time for the price to be driven up quite a bit, so keep an eye on this auction and place your bid before it's too late. Or, find your own Cadillac, perhaps one a few decades newer, from our exclusive listings below.Cadillacs For Sale (Source: Screenbid via Autoweek) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 30, 2015

Clarkson and Top Gear Team Sign With Amazon for Show

Update 7/31/15: According to an article published by Mirror.co.uk today, Amazon paid £160 million (approx. $250 million USD) for the Top Gear trio.It's an announcement the enthusiast community worldwide has been waiting for anxiously since the BBC cut ties with Jeremy Clarkson, and today it came: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are returning to host another show for petrolheads.The story first broke in The London Evening Standard and social media feeds this morning, as well as on Amazon Prime's website. After Amazon Instant Video shared a Tweet at 5:53 EST this morning, Clarkson was the next to hit Twitter with the announcement, then May, then Hammond. A post to the Amazon Instant Video UK's Facebook page told viewers, "Get your engines revving. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are back on the track in 2016! #OnlyOnAmazonPrime #Drive2Prime." I'm very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with .@AmazonVideo — Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 30, 2015 Set to begin production imminently and begin airing in 2016, the show will be exclusively available to Amazon Prime customers, and promises to give full creative control to the team and their long time producer Andy Wilman. I've got a job I've got a job I've got a job. Haircut, clean jeans and practice driving again. Forrrrwaaaaaaaard!! — Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) July 30, 2015 "As well as the substantial financial rewards on offer, the three are said to have been attracted by a pledge by Amazon to give them a free creative rein to make the shows they want," describes the Evening Standard's article announcing their return. While undoubtedly bound to create some amazing shows, that level of freedom could make for some more controversial statements from Clarkson. Good news! I've got a job with @AmazonVideoUK. Bad news! So have the other two. #AmazonPrime #ItSaysHere — James May (@MrJamesMay) July 30, 2015 On June 16, it was announced that radio host Chris Evans would be taking over the original BBC show after Clarkson's dismissal following a "fracas" with a producer. As an April 7 BBC article covered, the producer, Oisin Tymon, suffered a split lip after Clarkson returned from a day of filming and was reportedly upset that no hot food was available. Via Amazon Instant Video UK's Facebook pageWith two new versions of Top Gear emerging in 2016, it will be interesting to see which manages to capture more viewers - the old TV format with a new host, or the old TV hosts with a new digital format.Stay with us for more news as it is released.(Source: The London Evening Standard, Facebook, Twitter, BBC News) See More Celebrity Car News

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2015

Chris Pratt's Motorcycle from Jurassic World Up For Auction

If you haven’t seen Jurassic World yet, you are truly missing out. Amazing special effects aside, the film features a host of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models along with a trail-ready Triumph Scrambler ridden by raptor wrangler Chris Pratt.(See Also: The Mercedes-Benz Cars of “Jurassic World”)According to a July 20 press release issued by MotorsportsNewswire.com, Triumph built three bikes for the film. One is on display at their corporate headquarters; one was given to the leading actor; the final will be auctioned off on eBay with proceeds going to The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. These motorcycle gatherings raise money to fight prostate cancer, with attendees dressed in the finest vintage fashion.The Scrambler is essentially a highly modified version of their classic Bonneville. These small and nimble Café Racers were made popular by British biker gangs, such as the Mods and the Rockers.To see it in action, watch the video below, uploaded by Universal Pictures May 29, of Chris Pratt riding the motorcycle being auctioned off.The auction will run for ten days and starts at 7 pm tonight. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more vintage and collectible motorcycles.(Source: Motor Sports Newswire & Universal Pictures) See More Celebrity Rides

By Caitlin Duffy – July 15, 2015

Deadmau5 Reveals New McLaren P1 Wrap

Deadmau5's cars never seem to stay one color for very long, and after decking out his McLaren P1 and 650S for the Gumball 3000 Rally, it was time for a new appearance.Automotive custom shop Sekanskin in Mississauga, Ontario helped create a new look for the Meowclaren P1, applying a matte black wrap with subtle but bright orange accents on the front and rear wing, with orange brake calipers to match. So deadly! Thank you @sekanskin ! Driving this bad boy home! A photo posted by deadmau5 (@deadmau5) on Jul 14, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT In a photo posted to Sekanskin's Facebook page July 14 and a few posts to Deadmau5's Instagram account the same day, we get to see this new look, as well as a few hints at what may be next for his Lamborghini Huracan, also known as the purracan.";) nyanyanyan," reads the caption of one post, showing a new spin on Lamborghini's logo. ;) nyanyanyan A photo posted by deadmau5 (@deadmau5) on Jul 14, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT Stay with us to see more updates about Deadmau5's ever evolving car collection, and find your own Meowclaren or Nyanborghini from our exclusive listings below.P1s For Sale Huracans For Sale (Source: Facebook, Instagram) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 09, 2015

1964 Morgan Plus 4 & Stephen Colbert on Comedians in Cars...

It's the season finale of Jerry Seinfeld's series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," and the pairing of guest and car couldn't have been more spot on."Come and see yourself as a sports car," Seinfeld says to Stephen Colbert on the phone, driving up to Colbert's Montclair, New Jersey home in a 1964 Morgan Plus 4. A model made the same year Colbert was born, it's a perfect fit for a grey Jersey morning and a hot cup of coffee.(See Also: Keith Richards' Bentley "Blue Lena" Set for Auction at Bonhams)The two drive to downtown Montclair and visit the Bluestone Coffee Company, discussing the car itself, Colbert's early years and plans for his future in late night TV, then end the day by driving back home with Stephen behind the wheel. He's a bit rusty working the stick shift, much to his own amusement and Seinfeld's despair.Check out the episode by visiting Crackle.com, and find your own Morgan model from our exclusive listings.Watch Now Morgans For Sale (Source: Crackle) See More Celebrity Car News

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2015

Dario Franchitti Races a Porsche 918 Spyder Through Goodwood

IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti may not have raced for Porsche professionally, but that doesn't stop him from being a fan of their cars.At the recent 2015 Goodwood Festivals of Speed, Franchitti put the Porsche 918 Spyder through its paces for the annual Hill Climb event. Porsche uploaded a video to YouTube today of his run in the German hypercar.(Related: LaFerrari vs. 458 Speciale Drag Races)In the video Franchitti states, "Porsche are doing it almost better than anybody else right now. I think this car is doing everything right." It's clear to see that he's a fan of the car and the brand, and he even notes that he actually has a Carrera GT of his own.Check out the video below to see the champ in action in Porsche's greatest supercar yet.(Source: YouTube) See More Celebrity Car News

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