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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 Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2018

Burt Reynolds' Last Cars Heading to Barrett-Jackson Las V...

It was a historic moment back in Scottsdale in 2016. Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson gave the mic over to The Bandit. Burt Reynolds was 80 years old, but his most famous role is timeless. One of the hero cars from Smokey & The Bandit hammered for $550,000, something he could have never foreseen 4 decades ago.In a press release over the weekend, Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions announced Mr. Reynolds last 3 cars are heading to their Las Vegas auction. First up is an '87 Chevrolet Crew Cab Dually. It is identical to the race truck used in 1981's Cannonball Run. Originally equipped with a carbureted 454, it has been restored with a fuel-injected 496 along with A/C and a 4L80E overdrive transmission. Next up is a red 1978 Firebird Formula. It is a tribute to the '78 film 'Hooper'. The plot involves the world's greatest stuntman and a rocket-powered Pontiac. Finally, the star of the show is a '78 Bandit Edition Trans-Am. From the Hurst-edition T-tops to the police scanner, every detail was researched by analyzing the film frame-by-frame. Reynolds and his friend Gene Kennedy formed Bandit Movie Cars to authenticate the promotional cars along with help from the film's director Hal Needham. These are the last 3 vehicles owned by The Bandit, so follow our coverage of Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas this weekend. The 1978 Firebirds were built to celebrate 50 years of Pontiac, and they are the most cherished cars the brand ever produced. If you want a piece of history, click the link below to find one for yourself.Browse Firebird Trans-Am For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2018

Muhammad Ali's Rolls-Royce Being Auctioned

Bonhams is set to offer up a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Mulliner Park Ward Convertible that was originally owned by Muhammad Ali. It was one of only 272 left-hand driver Convertibles produced. The car was originally purchased back in 1970 when he had his boxing certificate re-awarded to him after it was taken away due to his refusal to join the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. Ali owned the Rolls-Royce for several years, but it was eventually sold to an enthusiast in Holland and it has remained there since then. Bonhams states that the car is in "beautifully original condition." The car is expected to sell between $47,000-$71,000 with no reserve. The car will be at Bonhams' "The Zoute Sale" on October 5, 2018. Source: Bonhams

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2018

Rent Baker Mayfield's RV For an Exclusive Browns Experience

Well, the Cleveland Browns finally did it. They won a game. The Browns actually did it. To put the win into perspective, they haven't won a game since Obama was in office. Yeah, it's a bid deal. It's just a big deal, in fact, that Bud Light places fridges in bars around Cleveland packed with free beer, but they couldn't be opened until the Browns won a game. Making all of this possible was backup quarterback Baker Mayfield's performance after taking over for Tyrod Taylor. He managed to lead the team to a 21-17 victory over the New York Jets. Mayfield was the very first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and was given a multi-million dollar rookie contract with the Browns. This allowed him to purchase a 2018 Forest River Georgetown Class A RV. He would park this RV at the training field during the offseason, allowing players to relax and nap in it. The RV became quite popular and Brad Paisley was actually given a tour of it on HBO's Hard Knocks show. Now, you can rent this RV as part of an all-inclusive tailgating package from Neff Bros RV. The package includes the RV, a personal driver, seating, tables and more. Interested? It'll cost you $4,900. Learn more about it here.View All RVs For SaleSource: NeffBrosRV.com via Motor1.com

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2018

Post Malone's New Lamborghini Aventador SV is a Screamer

Post Malone's days are getting better after being in a plane that had its tires pop and having a car smash into his Rolls-Royce. To start, he purchased himself a new Rolls-Royce Phantom to make up for the wrecked Rolls. Now, he's taken delivery of a wild new Lamborghini Aventador SV. That car was modified by R1 Motorsport in Los Angeles, California and it's a beauty. The exterior of Post's Lamborghini has been enhanced with Novitec's carbon fiber kit and lowering springs, as well as Brixton Forged wheels. However, the cherry on top of this supercar has to be the new exhaust system from R1 Motorsport. When the car was delivered, the driver gave it a few revs. The result was deafening to the point where Post had to cover his ears. Post Malone's Car Collection is Epic https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-OoYRB24O/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn959O6hSF0/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9XQJKBdH3/ Featured Image via Instagram/@R1Motorsport

By Andrew Nabors – September 17, 2018

Magnus Walker's Favorite Porsche 911

Magnus Walker has a goal: he wants an example of every Porsche sports car to be in his collection. No matter how many cars he eventually aquires, nothing compares to #277. What started life as a 911 T from 1971, it began a transformation to resemble a '73 RS Carrera. Once he realized the potential of this masterpiece, he raced the car 40-50 times a year. Porsche uploaded the video to YouTube, and it sparked a debate about low-mileage collectibles vs cars that actually get driven.Timelapse Build of Magnus Walker’s Porsche EngineI bought my dream car back in 2001, and it's approaching 100,000 miles. And like Magnus mentions, it is therapeutic to get behind the wheel of an old friend. You know every control without looking, and you also know how hard it can be pushed on the street. Tell us your thoughts on his ideology in the comments below and stay with us for all your Porsche news.Find Your Porsche 911 Here

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2018

Post Malone's Rolls-Royce Gets Wrecked, Buys a Bigger One

Post Malone is going through a lot right now. He was recently on a plane that had to make an emergency landing after two of the plane's tires popped, someone crashed into his Roll-Royce Wraith, and three armed robbers broke into his previous house asking where he was and stole around $20,000 worth of goods/cash. Needless to say, he's having a rough go of things. To treat himself during it all, he's replaced his wrecked Rolls-Royce Wraith with a bigger Phantom (not the exact one pictured above), according to a video from TMZ (found below). Does he deserve it? I'd say so. You always have to remember to treat yourself and Post has definitely done that. In the video, he says that the new Rolls-Royce is "bigger one and a funner one." The person recording also asks him about drug issues in the celebrity world, as well as the Cardi B/Nicki Minaj beef. I'll also warn you that there is explicit language in the video. Source " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2018

RIP Burt Reynolds: 1936-2018

Somewhere between Texarkana and Atlanta, The Snowman and the Bandit are together again. Burt Reynolds passed away earlier today, September 6, 2018, from a heart attack. He was immortalized to the automotive world by playing the lead role in Smokey & The Bandit, its sequel, and Cannonball Run. Pontiac chose to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a Black & Gold Trans-Am, and over 30 of them were used in the first Smokey film.Burt Reynolds Introduces The New Bandit Trans-AmThe cars became known as "Bandit" editions, and Burt was the guest of honor at the annual Bandit Run. This gathering of Firebirds from around the world is one of the most polite automotive rallies you will ever attend. This year they chose Jupiter, Florida to visit Burt at his home. Our friends at Trans-Am Depot employed Mr. Reynolds as their spokesman for the 5th Generation Trans-Am, complete with T-Tops and an optional CB radio.We have lost a friend, a football legend, and a talented actor. Rest In Peace BanditFeatured Image via Barrett-Jackson

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 05, 2018

Tour David Lee's $50 Million Ferrari Collection

We've covered David Lee and his incredible collection before. There was the time he put five generations out on display in front of his jewelry store in California. And then there was the time he gave us a little preview of his Ferrari Collection on YouTube. Now, we bring you YouTuber, Furious Pete, who gives us the full walk-around of Lee's $50 million collection.Check out the LaFerrari in all it's glory, followed by the various other models Lee owns. Pete is even joined by Lee as he goes over some of the rare Ferraris he owns. The Pete asks which Ferrari model is worth the most, there's some deliberation before Lee steps in and points out the iconic 1964 250 Lusso Competizione. This, he says, because of its rarity (only four were produced, according to Lee) and history, will probably garner the most dollars should he sell it. An avid and serious collector though, Lee probably won't be getting rid of the one-of-a-kind example anytime soon.Ferrari F430 For SaleCheck out the video below for over 10 minutes of touring Lee's amazing collection.Ferrari for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 29, 2018

Tony Robbins Visits Pagani Miami

One of the most successful authors and motivational speakers of our generation is Tony Robbins. His methods have inspired people to become better versions of themselves, and it has allowed him to become a figurehead of modern philanthropy. He has also made an impact on our friend Brett David, the owner of Pagani Miami.Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewBrett left the annual Pebble Beach Car Week to give Robbins a special private viewing of the new Pagani Huayra Roadster. Is he looking to buy himself one? We'll have to wait and see!Pagani Miami has a hotline to the factory in Italy, along with the only Pagani service department on the East Coast. If you want to experience what the brand is capable of, they can render your car in 3D, with every detail customized to your liking. Tell us how you would build your Huayra in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Pagani Miami news.Browse Pagani Huayra For Sale Flew back early from Pebble Beach Car Week for a special private viewing of the Pagani Huayra Roadster to our dear friend & mentor @tonyrobbins! One incredible human. #prestigeimports #paganimiami #teamprestige A post shared by Brett A David (@brett_david) on Aug 27, 2018 at 7:46am PDT

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2018

Drake Performs Song With LaFerrari Floating in Air

Do you remember when Pusha-T put out a scathing diss track all about Drake? Well, Drake doesn't seem to recall or even care, because he just keeps on showing the world he's at the top. The recent stunt involved Drake's recent purchase, a yellow LaFerrari.During his recent performance of "Yes Indeed" with Lil Baby, he was joined by his LaFerrari hypercar. However, his car wasn't parked on the ground. No, he had the stage engineers hook up his LaFerrari so it would float in the air. I'm serious. If you ever want to talk about a performer going an extra mile to show off, this is a perfect example.Drake's LaFerrari is finished in a rare Giallo Modena paint, complete with the optional black glass roof. Inside is black Alcantara with black leather seats, yellow piping and yellow deviated stitching. Powering this hypercar is a hybrid drivetrain that consists of two electric motors/generators and a 6.3-liter V12 engine. When all of the power is combined, Drake's floating Ferrari able to put out 949 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque.View the Laferrari Prices and Specs Here View Our LaFerraris for Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BmaAzfnAM6c/

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