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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 – November 22, 2019

Carlos Sainz Picks Up His McLaren 600LT Spider

At last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz came in third place, putting McLaren on the podium. This was Sainz's first top-three finish this season, but we hope it isn't his last. Sainz's week became even better after his recent visit to the McLaren Technology Center. It was there that he picked up his new McLaren 600LT Spider that he ordered earlier this year. Check it out for yourself in the Instagram gallery down below. SEE ALL MCLAREN 600LT'S FOR SALE https://www.instagram.com/p/B5GOp6Fpx3h/

Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover )

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

John Mayer Helps Debut the Land Rover Defenders in L.A.

Land Rover held an event celebration for the new Defender models after their debut in Los Angeles. A lot of celebrities showed, including John Mayer who is actually a Defender enthusiast. Mayer played his hit songs "New Light," "Carry Me Away" and "Waiting on the World to Change." This appearance was made possible thanks to a new partnership between Land Rover and The Atlantic. There were a few Olympians in attendance, including Lindsey Vonn, Meghan Duggan, and Chris Corning. Rag & Bone CEO Marcus Wainwright, as well as actors Wilmer Valderrama and Max Greenfield were also in attendance. Land Rover also announced the new Defender pricing during the Los Angeles debut. SEE ALL LAND ROVER DEFENDERS FOR SALE Former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Wilmer Valderrama (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Wilmer Valderramar (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (L) and former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Chris Corning (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Meghan Duggan (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Image Source: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2019

Drake's New Rolls-Royce Has a Golden Owl Hood Ornament Wi...

Drake is now the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Phantom that is a stunning piece of automotive art from every angle and aspect. The man behind this creation is none other than Tony Bet, Drake's exclusive vehicle designer. For the body itself, it has Bushukan package from Mansory that was installed by Driving Emotions Motorcar in Toronto. Within this package are body components that transform the look of the ultra-luxury automobile. Gracing the finished body is a beautiful two-tone paint scheme. Let's be honest, two-tone paint jobs are perfect for Phantoms. The shining star of Drake's new Rolls-Royce has to be the hood ornament. Tony Bet came up with the idea for this one-of-a-kind hood ornament based on the "OVO" logo. He wanted to add something to this car to make it the perfect gift for Drake and this was the incredible result. Pulling off the creation of it was both Raffi Jewellers and Hearts on Fire Diamond Company. This gold owl has a ton of diamonds around its feet, as well as two large diamonds that make up the owl's eyes. The jewelers who created this ornament engraved Drake's name into the base of the ornament and placed two more diamonds between his name and OVO. It's easy to say that Tony Bet has created an undoubtedly stunning Rolls-Royce for his friend Drake. This is a true one-of-a-kind automobile that was only made possible through fine craftsmanship and creativity.

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2019

See Gordon Ramsay Drive His Car Collection on the Track

Gordon Ramsay's car collection is quite extensive and involves some serious automobiles. We've covered cars of his like is Ferrari 812 Superfast and Monza SP2, but he has so many other incredible cars. Don't believe us? Check out the new video from his YouTube channel. In this new video, we see Ramsay's entire car collection on the tarmac at Brands Hatch. This includes his Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, McLaren Senna, Porsche 918 Spyder, BAC Mono and plenty of others. While we don't get a chance to see him drive all of his cars, he does give his impressions of the Senna, 918 Spyder and LaFerrari Aperta. Check it all out above. SEE EXOTIC CARS FOR SALE And if you have the time, you should check out the rest of the videos on his YouTube channel if you're a fan of cooking. A lot of hours can be lost just learning to cook from his video recipes.

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

Muse Band Members Take Lamborghinis Out to Race

The international phenomenon known as Muse was recently invited out to Sant'Agata Bolognese to test their driving abilities behind the wheel of Lamborghini Huracan Performantes. Members Matt Bellamy, Dom Howard and Chris Wolstenholme were interviewed after their outing by Lamborghini, expressing their passion for cars. In fact, they featured a Lamborghini Countach in their recent 'Something Human' music video from the album 'Simulation Theory'. You can read the entire interview by clicking here. see all lamborghinis for sale

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

Buy YouTube Star Edmond Mondi's Lamborghini Murcielago

YouTube star Edmond Mondi is selling his incredible 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago coupe at iLusso located in California. However, this Murcielago is unlike any you've seen before. In fact, it's one-of-a-kind. This specific Murcielago is the only red (Rosso Andromeda) gated-manual LP640 coupe in existence. It's also one of just 18 6-speed manual LP640 coupes produced during the car's 2007-2009 production run. On top of this paint is a custom wrap that Mondi had installed before it went to Europe for the Summer. iLusso notes that this Murcielago has recently been served and comes with a new clutch that was installed in later Summer 2019. For more information, be sure to click the button below. view price and more info

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

Peace & Quiet: Felix Jaehn and the Mercedes-Benz EQC Edit...

The Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886 is the German automaker's first battery-powered crossover. Why the "1886" in the name? It's an homage to the first car Mercedes ever made, which was created back in 1886. Unlike the first Mercedes, this new EQC is incredibly quiet thanks to its electric propulsion system. Taking advantage of the EQC's quietness is Felix Jaehn, a music producer that travels the world playing music for adoring fans. After playing music throughout the night, it must be nice to get into a car like the EQC and experience true silence while on the road. Check it out his video up above and listen to his music here. all mercedes-benz for sale

By Edward Jones – October 16, 2019

Jay Leno and Matt Damon Talk 'FORD V FERRARI' Movie

Coming out on November 15 is the highly anticipated film 'FORD V FERARRI'. This film tells the story of the famous rivalry between Ford and Ferrari during the 1960s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Playing the role of Carroll Shelby on the Ford side of this film is none other than Matt Damon. Jay Leno recently had the chance to talk with Damon for an episode of 'Jay Leno's Garage'. They talked about a lot of the history regarding the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, as well as Carroll Shelby himself. Leno personally knew Shelby, so it was great to hear him say how well Damon played his role in the film. Check out the talk above and get your tickets for the film now! see all ford gt's for sale Also Check Out: New ‘FORD v FERRARI’ Trailer Brings the Drama The “FORD v FERRARI” Trailer is Finally Here Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ford GT in the 1/2 Mile

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2019

Tyga Just Bought a Ferrari LaFerrari

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Voj-Hgh34/ Tyga, the famous rapper from California, looks to have just purchased a new Ferrari LaFerrari. This news comes to us after our friends at Ferrari Beverly Hills posted an image of Tyga with a red hot LaFerrari. Tyga's new car is an extremely limited Ferrari hypercar that's actually a hybrid. It's powered by a 6.3-liter V12 engine, as well as an electric motor powerful by the HY-KERS system. It has a combined power output of 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. To see all of Ferrari Beverly Hills cars for sale, be sure to click the button below. view ferrari beverly hills inventory

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2019

James Bond 25 "No Time To Die": All Aston Martin Cars Ann...

On April 8, 2020, the 25th James Bond film will hit theaters, "No Time to Die." Just like every other Bond film before this one, there will be plenty of exquisite cars featured throughout. One automaker that we consistently see in Bond films is Aston Martin, who has supplied a long list of cars. For the 25th Bond film, Aston Martin is continuing the tradition and supplying four different cars. They include the DB5, V8 Vantage, DBS Superleggera and Valhalla. As you can see, they went half-and-half with modern and classic models. Check them all out down below. Aston Martin DB5 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Aston Martin Valhalla Source: Twitter

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