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 – April 30, 2020

Batmobile Designer Creates a New Hoonicorn for Ken Block

The new Batman film is featuring an all-new Batmobile that's unlike any other before it. That's because of the man behind the design as Ash Thorp, a famous graphic artist and design. Thorp recently sat down for an interview with Ken Block and Brian Scotto to talk about what may be the next Hoonicorn Mustang. It was Thorp who designed the concept, which is based on the beloved Fox-Body Mustang. It's a wild creation that looks ready to go on a hooning adventure. While there is no word about them creating the car as of yet, Block does say in the interview that he's going to start looking into getting it created. Check out the interview down below to see some insight behind the design and the crazy liveries that Thorp designed for the "Hoonifox." Shop Mustangs " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 27, 2020

Tiger King Joe Exotic Zoo Replica Van and Matching Tiger ...

If the hit Netflix series "Tiger King" has taken a hold of your attention span, then we have the perfect vehicle for you. Listed for sale is a one-of-a-kind replica 2004 Chevy "Joe Exotic" Zoo van with a matching tiger trailer. This van was fan-built and is not affiliated or part of the zoo or Netflix and was not featured on the show. This is, however, a wild replica van that any fan of the show would love to cruise around in. It features plenty of Joe Exotic imagery, including tigers, Jeff Lowe "driving the van", and even images of the "cold case" that's been reopened. Behind the van is a replica "tiger cage" trailer with a fake tiger hanging out inside. We don't recommend you put a real tiger in there... If you're interested, it's for sale with a $295,000 price tag, but 100% of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to animal charity. View Listing

By Edward Jones – April 22, 2020

Ride in a Lamborghini Speedboat With Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman is auctioning off a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon all in the name of charity, thanks to Fanatics' "All-In Challenge." This auction is for an exciting afternoon with Rodman in Miami, Florida. It starts with a ride, with a guest, on the Burger Fi Lamborghini Hypercar. This performance boat is one of the fastest and most advanced out there-- it can reach speeds of over 200 mph! That would surely run you out to a fishing spot in no time... https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QZD7VAQyh/ After the high-speed cruise out on the water, it's time for lunch. The winner and guest will join Rodman for lunch, with their mode of transportation being one of his beloved Lamborghini supercars. If this afternoon happens to fall on the second Saturday of the month, you'll also be able to attend Supercar Saturdays Florida with Rodman and his supercar friends. This experience is being auctioned for a great cause, as 100 percent of the money raised by this auction will directly benefit Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. For more information, be sure to click the button below. You should also check out the other incredible sweepstakes and auctions in the All-In Challenge. Learn More Source: Fanatics.com

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2020

Meek Mill Donates His Rolls-Royce Phantom for "All-In Cha...

Fanatics is currently putting on the "All-In Challenge," meant to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This allows everyone to either enter to win fan experiences for just $10 per entry or bid on auction items and experiences. One of the items that have been added to the auction portion comes from Meek Mill, who donated his prized 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom to the cause. This all-black Phantom was actually mentioned in his debut album "Dreams and Nightmares" and it comes with just 5,041 miles clocked on its odometer. From the auction's descriptions: "When he bought it, they said it was leased. When it becomes yours? Haters rest in peace. Luxurious, exotic and elegant, Meek Mill's personal Rolls-Royce Phantom is unmatched in technology, design and style. In Meek's debut album, "Dreams and Nightmares," this baby is the dream. On the streets of Philly, seeing Allen Iverson roll past his childhood neighborhood in a Phantom offered Meek a glimpse at the portrait of success." When the winning bid is set, 100% of the money will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. Now that's an awesome cause! Click the button below to see the auction page for yourself and maybe drop a bid. View Auction Page https://www.instagram.com/p/B-9-yFJJbwV/ Featured Image via Rolls-Royce Motorcars NA

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2020

Chris Brown's Lamborghini Gets a New Look

Just last month, in March 2020, we covered Chris Brown's Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster and it's brilliant purple to teal wrap. Now, he's back at it again with yet another wrap for this Aventador. This time, he went with a red to black fade but he's also changed out a few components. For instance, the widebody panels are gone, as are the wheels. However, it is mentioned in the video below by RDB LA that they have ordered new wheels and are just waiting on those to arrive. In the video below, you'll also hear the scream of a Ferrari 812 Superfast with a full RYFT exhaust system. It's downright brutal. All Aventador SV Roadsters for Sale " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 03, 2020

Ken Block Shreds Toyo Tires With His Ford Escort Mk2

Ken Block and the Hoonigan Team were able to get some tire testing done just before we were all told to hang up our keys and stay home. Recently announced, Gymkhana Grid is making its way back to the United States in November of this year, so the guys took to The Burnyard to find the best tire setup from Toyo Tires. The test vehicle is Block’s personal MKII 1978 Ford Escort that has been heavily modified for rally racing and includes a custom rocket bunny widebody kit. Block and the team set up an obstacle track at where they tested Toyo Tires’: RR, R888R, and R1R. Before filming, Ken Block had not driven the MKII in over two and a half years, but after watching you would think it’s his daily driver. Click below to check out Ken Block shred Toyo tires off the MKII Ford Escort at 9000 RPMS! " width="680">

By Dylan Orluck – March 31, 2020

Art for Life With Daniel Arsham Featuring Ted Gushue

If you like cars, good photography, or spend a decent amount of time on Instagram, you will probably recognize Ted Gushue’s (@tedgushue’s) work. He travels the globe attending automotive events from St Moritz to Bangkok and makes each adventure look more thrilling than the last. Ted’s travels are portrayed through his incredible photographs that tell a story about the location, the relationships and the cars in a way that is totally unique. Ted Gushue lives a life similar to James Bond, but in a cooler car: a Porsche. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9rmWLOgC5D/ His focus on all things Porsche helped bring @type7 to life, which takes Ted’s recipe for success on social media and gives the public a curated look into the aesthetics of the Porsche brand. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QGRqdFSdB/ Today at 3pm est, Ted will be sitting down to chat with the one and only Daniel Arsham, another name you should know if you’ve had your eyes open this past year. Daniel is a New York City based artist known for taking the familiar and reimagining it to uncover a new dimension of the art. His work brings the elegance of antiquity into the modern age and lands somewhere in the middle of architecture, sculpture and performance. This can be seen in his latest automotive pieces, the functional 992 Porsche and the DeLorean that was featured in a recent DIOR campaign. https://www.instagram.com/p/B31kMqOgMws/ Be sure to tune in and get a deep dive into the minds and lives of these two incredible people. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZU7xUgL4L/

By Edward Jones – March 31, 2020

"SKRRT With Offset" Coming to Quibi in April

On April 6, 2020, Quibi will be launching as a new video platform that will specialize in shorter shows with "big stories." Joining the star-studded list of shows to launch in April on Quibi is "SKRRT With Offset," a new automotive show starring, you guessed it, Offset. This new show comes to us from the producer of "Top Gear." Starring in the show is rapper Offset, who will be joined by various other rappers and some wild cars. They'll be racing, drifting, showing off collections and a whole lot more. For instance, in the trailer below, Offset goes out for some drifting lessons from T-Pain in his Pickle Rick Nissan 240SX. There's no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a very entertaining show so be sure to check it out when it drops on Quibi on April 6.

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2020

Lego Technic Unveils Dom's 1969 Dodge Charger

We were looking forward to the 9th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise. The virus has wreaked havoc on Hollywood, so we will have to wait until next year. In the meantime, our friends in Denmark have added a timeless classic from the first movie. We're happy to announce Lego Technic has unveiled Dom's 1969 Dodge Charger. If you live your life a quarter mile at a time, click the button below to get yours before this limited edition is gone. Click Here To Order

By Edward Jones – March 30, 2020

Virgil Abloh Customizes Drake's Private Jet

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-TKln2lKMC/ Last year, Drake unveiled "Air Drake," his private Boeing 767. This lavish jet has a stunning interior that has plenty of room for both Drake and his crew. When it was first unveiled, the jet had an exterior that featured his OVO and 6 God logos, but now he's changed it up with the help of Virgil Abloh. In an Instagram post, Drake unveiled a new look for the Air Drake that was designed by Virgil Abloh. If the design looks familiar, that's because it was inspired by Drake's "Nothing Was the Same" album cover. It's a stunning look for the plane and it will surely blend in the with the skies and clouds above as Drake travels from show to s how. Featured Image Source: Instagram/@champagnepapi

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