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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 16, 2019

Keanu Reeves' Motorcycle Collection

Keanu Reeves is one of the coolest guys in the world. Fact. He's been in some of the best movies, is genuinely an awesome guy, is a beast at gun courses and has his own motorcycle company, Arch Motorcycle. Not only does he a co-founder of Arch, but he's also a self-proclaimed motorcycle-guy and has been riding for quite a long time. GQ recently sat down with Keanu to talk bikes at his Arch Motorcycle shop and uploaded their time with him. In the video, seen above, we get a chance to see the inner-workings of Arch Motorcycle and even a new prototype model. Keanue also shows off his most prized motorcycles, including a Ducati that was used in "The Matrix Reloaded." Ducati finished this bike in a very special green paint, giving it the perfect touch for a Matrix bike. Check out the video and be sure to check out reddit.com/r/keanubeingawesome to see just how some he is. see motorcycles for sale now

By Edward Jones – April 03, 2019

Billy Joel Stops by NMoto Headquarters to Test Fit His Ne...

Billy Joel has been known for decades as one of America's great singers and songwriters. He took the world by storm with his hit song "Piano Man," a song that will is hard to not sing along with, no matter your age. Unbeknownst to many is the fact that Billy Joel is also an avid motorcycle rider and collector. In fact, his love for motorcycles almost ended his music career. Back in 1982, he crashed a motorcycle, pulverizing his thumb and damaging his wrist. Thankfully, that didn't stop his music or his love for bikes. Just the other day, he took a visit to the NMoto headquarters to test fit his new Nostalgia bike. NMoto's new Nostalgia is inspired by the classic BMW R7 prototype. Unlike the pre-war motorcycle, the Nostalgia is fitted with modern features that make it a ride like no other. Billy Joel's new motorcycle is definitely going to be a great addition to his collection! visit NMoto.com Source

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2015

Lewis Hamilton and MV Agusta Dragster RR LH44 Superbike

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has teamed up with MV Agusta to create a special edition superbike called the Dragster RR LH44.This Italian superbike's bodywork is mostly comprised of carbon fiber with a matte finish. Popping against the matte bodywork is the bright red metal tubing, which gives off an amazing visual."I have a huge passion for bikes, so the opportunity to work with MV Agusta on my own Dragster RR LH44 Limited Edition has been a great experience," said Hamilton in a press release on his website. "I have really enjoyed the creative design process with the MV Agusta team; the bike looks amazing- really aggressive and with fantastic attention to detail, I am truly proud of the result. I love riding this bike; it is so much fun. I hope its new owners love it as much as I do."While it may not be as fast as one of Hamilton's race cars or Pagani, it's still speedy as heck. Underneath the body is a three-cylinder 800cc engine capable of 140 hp at 13,100 rpm - ample power for exciting times on the road.The bike, co-designed by the F1 champion, will have a limited run of only 244. Making each of these bikes even more special is Hamilton's signature adorning each one.Motorcycles For Sale (via LewisHamilton.com)(Image Source)

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 – June 03, 2015

William Shatner's Rivet Motorcycle Cross-Country Journey ...

The legend himself is embarking on an eight-day journey across the United States, and a first-of-its-kind creation is carrying him safely from destination to destination.We are, of course, talking about William Shatner and his cross-country road trip on the Rivet motorycle, the creation resulting from Shatner's partnering with American Wrench. First announced in December of last year, the Rivet is the result of a long existing desire to take a motorcycle across the nation.“I’ve been across this country on my thumb, in sports cars, in trucks, with a dog, with a family, but I’ve never been across the country in a motorcycle,” says Shatner in the Vimeo video that first unveiled the project. But the right motorcycle for the job never appeared, so he and American Wrench set out to create it.A June 1 press release from American Wrench has announced that this three-wheeled motorcycle is now complete, and the countdown to Shatner's journey has begun. Slated to start June 23 in Chicago, the ride will cover approximately 2,400 miles before ending in Los Angeles, with plenty of stops along the way.(See Also: World's Fastest Hyperbike (Kawasaki H2R) vs. Veyron, 12C and 1,350 hp GT-R)Shatner will be joined in his drive by members of The American Legion Riders and the team at American Wrench, and their stops in cities like St. Louis, Kansas, Amarillo, Flagstaff and more will all provide opportunities for Legion members to meet William and for the public to see this revolutionary bike.Inspired by a B-17 bomber, the Rivet motorcycle is powered by a powerful V8 - one that can create upwards of 500 hp, as Shatner said to Gizmag in an April 8 article. Be sure to stay with us for more updates from this trip as they are released, and keep an eye on their journey for your chance to see the Rivet in person.(Source: American Wrench, Gizmag) See More Motorcycle News

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