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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 – June 15, 2021

Kim Kardashian's Lamborghini Urus Gets Covered in "Fur"

Even the wheels are covered in fur. Kim Kardashian recently posted pictures on her Instagram of her Lamborghini Urus, but it was wearing a new... coat of "fur." The images in the post-show the Urus wrapped in a fur-like fabric. While this may sound odd, it makes sense when you learn that this post was made to promote Skims. You see, Skims is Kim Kardashian's shape wear line and many of their products feature a 'Cozy' fabric that is actually 76% polyester and 24% nylon (no fur found here). While the fabric was intended to be worn by people, they wrapped the Urus in the fabric, inside and out. The entirety of the exterior and interior is covered in the fabric for the photoshoot, with even the wheels getting the same treatment. Lamborhgini Urus Top Speed, 1/4 Mile, Horsepower: Must Read You can check out Kim Kardashian's Lamborghini urus in the post down below. See All Lamborghini Urus For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_F5G-AI2o/ Source: @kimkardashian/Instagram

By Edward Jones – June 14, 2021

David Beckham Checks Out the Maserati MC20

The new brand global ambassador for Maserati checks out their supercar. It was in April that Maserati announced David Beckham as their newest brand global ambassador. Now, in June, he's checking out their most extreme creation to date. The famous footballer recently spent some time with the Maserati MC20, the automaker's new supercar that is an absolute hit with everyone it meets. Maserati posted images of the Beckham with the supercar on their Instagram, which you can check out down below. While Maserati doesn't say whether or not Beckham will be getting his own MC20, it seems to be that the two are a perfect pair. See All Maseratis For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CQFAC2HtK2W/ Source: Maserati/Instagram

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2021

Adriana Lima Takes the Apocalypse 6x6 Off-Road

For a good cause. Adriana Lima recently partook in a photo shoot for the new Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sorai. Her ride for the photoshoot was none other than a mean Apocalypse 6x6. The choice of vehicle is perfect when you consider the meaning behind the Big Bang UNICO Sorai. Hublot is a proud supporter of the conversation of rhinos, which this watch signifies. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this watch will be donated to Care for Wild, the largest rhino sanctuary in the world which is also support by SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India). With rhinos being found in Eastern and Southern Africa, those who work with them need a capable vehicle for transportation. That's where a vehicle like an Apocalypse 6x6 would come in. With six wheels and plenty of power, an Apocalypse 6x6 could handle anything the African grasslands could throw at it-- even a charging rhino. You can view more from the photoshoot down below. Apocalypse 6x6s For Sale Source: Apocalypse 6x6 https://www.instagram.com/p/CP3Ka-1tLJ6/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CPLw3EVHjmr/

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2021

Floyd Mayweather Just Bought His Team $1 Million in Cars

Now that's a boss move from a boss. Just before the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul event, the former world champion bought his team just around $1 million worth of cars. This news comes from TMZ Sports who spoke with Towbin Auto Group in Las Vegas. They told TMZ that Mayweather had purchased nine cars in the week prior to the event, which totaled in at nearly $1 million. The cars purchased included a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2021 Mercedes-Benz S560, Mercedes-Maybach Sedan, 2021 Dodge Journey, two 2021 Dodge Charger, and three 2021 Dodge Challengers. Another source also told TMZ that Mayweather purchased a second Ghost shortly thereafter. Towbin Motorcars has plenty of other exotic cars for sale, which you can see for yourself by clicking the button below. View Towbin Motorcars' Inventory Source: TMZ Sports

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2021

David Beckham Just Invested in an Electric Vehicle Company

The soccer star is putting his hat in the EV market. Lunaz, a technology company that can upcycle and convert vehicles with their proprietary electric powertrain, has just announced that David Beckham has taken a 10 percent stake in the company. Beckham is joining Reuben and Barclay families, and Alexander Dellal, as well as founding investors Navid Mirtorabi and CJ Jones as an investor. You may have seen Lunaz's extraordinary work in the form of electrified versions of a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, 1961 Bentley Continental S3 and Range Rover Classic. Lunaz is also aiming to electrify industrial vehicles, allowing fleet operators to cut costs drastically. Expect to see much more from Lunaz in the near future. Source: Lunaz

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

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/

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