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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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 20, 2016

Alfred Morris Still Drives $2 Mazda, Even After $3.5 Mill...

Generally, athletes pride themselves on flashy cars and big homes, especially when they resign contracts with major teams. But Cowboys running back, Alfred Morris, doesn't play by the same book.(Check Out - Acura Restores Ludacris' 1993 Legend to Former Glory) Fox Sports reports Morris and the Cowboys recently reached a two-year, $3.5 million dollar deal, but you won't see Morris flashing a shiny new car anytime soon. In fact, he still drives his 1991 Mazda 626. What's even more impressive is the story behind the Mazda. Fox Sports reported Morris purchased the car from his pastor when he was a junior in college... for the discounted price of $2.00.He named the car "Bentley," and it has been aptly adorned with a Bentley license plate. He's made a commitment to "drive the car till it dies," Fox reported he told Five Points Blue. Source: Instagram/@thoroughbred_fredTo make sure the car has a little bit more life left in it before it does "die," he had the car entirely stripped and possibly rebuilt a little under three years ago. You can see a picture of the car stripped bare just above, posted on his Instagram account. Source: Instagram/@thoroughbred_fred

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2016

The Rock Arrives to "Ballers" Premiere in Custom Pagani H...

For the premiere of HBO's hit television show Ballers, the star of the show, The Rock, showed up in a Pagani Huayra driven by Brett David, owner of Prestige Imports and Pagani Miami.Named "Project Vulcan", this Huayra was built specifically for David. The whole process of customizing his car and having it built took a total of two years, and it was finally delivered to him at the end of last year. “The entire process has been amazing. It’s things like being able to go behind the curtains and seeing what goes on behind the scenes that makes ordering a Pagani so special," said Brett. "Instead of feeling like a dealer, I felt like a customer for once.”Learn More About This Pagani Huayra Source: Instagram/@brett_davidKnowing just how rare and special this car is, it's fitting that it was the ride of choice for The Rock when traveling to the premiere of his show that is all about living a lavish life. And it's even more fitting that the premiere took place in Miami, where the show takes place. In the show, he's driven cars like the McLaren 650S and a custom Porsche Panamera.What's funny about the whole scenario is that the massive actor surely had to struggle to get out of the car. In an Instagram post he said in the caption: "0-60 in 2.9 seconds. And it took me 16.8 seconds to exit the vehicle cause I don't f*ckin' fit in it." View Paganis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 14, 2016

Patrick Dempsey Introduces the 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo

When he is not acting, Patrick Dempsey enjoys winning races. As an owner/driver he currently competes in the Tudor United Sports Car Series in his 911 GT America. As a global ambassador for the brand, he invited Porsche inside his elegant home for a retrospective interview. Uploaded earlier today, this unique format is a series of still photos and short videos that require a lot of scrolling.His addiction began at age 18 when he bought a 1963 Porsche 356 Speedster, which he still owns. Moving on to the Panamera Turbo, he contrasts the advances of the new model and addresses some of the weaker points of the previous generation. Under the hood is a new 4.0L V8 with reverse-flow cylinder heads that place the turbos in the V. Mercedes will probably call them a copycat, but you can't argue with 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. For the complete interview click here.More than just a spokesperson, he took the car to Goodwood earlier this month. Offering the engineers critical feedback at the hill climb is just one of the reasons why the new Panamera is light years beyond its predecessor.Panameras For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 14, 2016

Gravity Payments' Employees Buy CEO a Tesla Model S

Before you cry foul at employees buying a CEO a car, you have to learn about this company's situation first.Dan Price is regarded as one of the world's greatest CEOs after he announced that he would pay his employees at Gravity Payments a minimum salary of $70,000. What's more, he even dropped his own compensation down to $70,000 in order to make up for the increased wages. Since this change in pay, Price has been all over the news, urging other companies to follow suit.With the drop in pay, it's natural to think Price wouldn't be out picking up new cars left and right, and would stick to more practical means. But, thanks to his employees, he now has a new car-- his dream car, in fact.Today, Dan Price posted on his Facebook page that his employees had saved up and pitched in over the past six months in order to by Price his very own blue Tesla Model S. He had this to say in the Facebook post:"Shocked. Still in disbelief. Never imagined this was possible. Gravity employees saved up and pitched in over the past six months and bought me my dream car. A brand new, gorgeous blue ‪#‎Tesla‬. Still in shock. How do I even begin to say thank you?" View All Model S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2016

Linkin Park Livery on Mercedes-AMG GT3

Mercedes-AMG and Linkin Park have joined forces again for the upcoming 24 hours of Spa. A few months ago, the band traveled to the AMG driving academy to get acquainted with the new GT-S. It obviously left an impression, as they will be featured prominently on Team Black Falcon's factory-backed GT3 car. As part of the Blancpain Endurance Series, it will be unveiled at the 24 hours of Spa later this month.(Also Check Out - Revealed: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R)The first example of the AMG GT3 was a collaboration with Cigarette Racing Team, and it was built to dominate. Instead of the new reverse-flow 4.0L twin turbo, they dusted off the 6.2L from the SLS. Mr duPont bought the first SLS AMG roadster in the US back in 2011, and its hand-built V8 was simply incredible. GT3 racing is one of the most demanding forms of motorsport, because all teams are limited by intake restrictions that level the playing field. At least the drivers will have a great soundtrack to play for the race later this month. Stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG news and full coverage of the race.Mercedes-AMG GT-S For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2016

Vice President of Google, Benjamin Sloss, Gets His Ferrar...

As a Google executive, more specifically the Vice President, Benjamin Sloss has quite a bit of money. But we're not here to look at mountains of cash. No, we're here to see what he recently purchased with his earnings: a Ferrari F12tdf.Sloss is no stranger to the supercar lifestyle, having bought his wife a Ferrari FXX K, buying himself a LaFerrari and taking them out around the track. One detail each of his cars have in common, including his new F12td, is the yellow hue of the paint. Now we get to see four of his V12 supercars parked all next to each other, each dressed in their finest yellows and blues. It's quite a sight to see.I want to take this time to congratulate Mr. Sloss on his latest acquirement and be the first to say that I can't wait to see him tear it up on the track.View F12tdf For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BHiT1BlhAmo/https://www.instagram.com/p/BHjFGLrhXlj/https://www.instagram.com/p/BHjFGcMBPDV/

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2016

Cars of Transformers 5: The Last Knight

Since they came into the world, Transformers have captured the imagination of kids and adults alike. Their ability to transform from an object, like a supercar, to a fighting robot has spawned some of the most loved toys in the world, blockbuster movies, hit television shows and more. And now, Michael Bay is looking to introduce a new theatric take on the franchise with Transformers: The Last Knight.(Related: Transformers Bugatti Veyron Autobot Edition)With each of his movies, he has had the pleasure of picking out vehicles for the Autobots and Decepticons to transform into. These forms range from a Pagani Huayra to a custom-built resto-mod Camaro. Now that Transformers 5 is set to release in 2017, Bay is set out on yet another adventure to find cars for the robots to transform into. Below are the cars that have been picked out for the new movie and their Autobot/Decepticon names.Get Your Tickets Now!Mercedes-AMG GT R - Drift (Autobot) (Source: Facebook/MichaelBay)Mercedes AMG GT S For SaleCustom Ford Mustang Police Car - Barricade (Decepticon) (6/13/2016) Source: MichaelBay.comCustom Chevrolet Camaro - Bumblebee (Autobot) (6/6/2016) Source: MichaelBay.com

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 28, 2016

Fast 8 Cars Revealed and it's All About the Ice

Thanks to a recent Facebook post, we've been given insight into key details about the new Fast 8 movie: location and cars. Judging by the photos, the team will be leaving their previously warm and sunny locations for something a little more icy.The Fast & Furious Facebook page confirms filming in Iceland, and the crew is equipped with the autos it needs to withstand the harsh environments. Thanks to social media, we no know exactly what some of our favorite characters will be driving. Check it out:DomTrue to the favorite bad boy's classic style and iconic choices, Dom will be driving the Dodge Ice Charger.LettyHer quick temper and agile driving technique are perfect in the Rally Fighter. (Did you know Michele Rodriguez loves a good track day in real life?) Can't wait to see her in this one.TejHe brings the smarts and loves to make sure everything's safe and taken care of, which makes the Ripsaw the perfect ride for Tej.RomanFans live for Roman's antics, and he's known for a little flash. The Orange Lamborghini compliments his style and personality well.HobbsWe wouldn't expect anything less than brawn and power from Hobbs, and the Ice Ram will suit him well.How do you feel about the lineup? Looking forward to the new look and feel for Fast 8 or are you missing the street racing vibe?

By Edward Jones – June 14, 2016

Thank You Top Gear: Chris Harris Series Announced, "The D...

When Top Gear announced that Chris Harris would be joining the television show, I was more than ecstatic. The way Harris can explain the intricacies of a car's drive with an easy-to-understand expert tone always made his YouTube videos a pleasure to watch. However, Harris' time on the Top Gear television has been short lived, aside from the most recent episode where he drove a Ferrari F12tdf. To appease his fans and provide an online expert opinion, Top Gear has announced today that he will have his own online show, "The Drift," available on TopGear.com.(Also Read: Chris Harris Reviews the Ferrari 488 Spider)“Obviously I’m thrilled to be making beautiful films like the F12tdf piece for the Top Gear television show,” says Chris, “but the longer-form, more detailed web films I’ve made with Neil Carey over the years remain my natural format, and broadcasting them through TG’s huge online audience is a dream come true. If you want to know even more technical details about cars, hear more in-depth analysis, I hope we’ll be the perfect destination. I want the films to be just as they were on Chris Harris on Cars. With added slow-motion slides."Should you be excited? Heck yes. This means Harris will be able to create the videos he loves to make, all with a BBC budget. If you want a teaser of what it should be like, be sure to watch his magnificent special on the hypercar holy trinity below.

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2016

Perrelet and "Fast and Furious" Star, Sung Kang, Launch N...

Perrelet, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker, has just launched their latest timepiece, the Turbine Sung Kang, made in collaboration with famous actor Sung Kang and limited to 350 examples. You might know Kang from the Fast and Furious films where he played the role of Han Lue or from Live Free or Die and Ninja Assassin.The Turbine Sung Kang was designed to "provide drivers with improved legibility," according to Perrelet. For this reason, Kang, a self-proclaimed automotive enthusiast, worked with the watchmaker to design the watch. Ensuring the visibility are some significant changes made to the watch. The key feature wearers will notice right away is the placement of the 12 o'clock hour marker, which has been moved to the position of 2 o'clock. By doing this, drivers can properly view the time even when shirt sleeves hide part of the dial when gripping the steering wheel. Additionally, Perrelet protected the dial assembly with glareproofed sapphire crystal so the sun won't deter you from telling time when out for a drive.The Turbine is comprised of 10 anodized aluminum blades with tungsten counterweights beneath five of them. This ensures the blades always return to the same position, with the blade donning the "SK" signature always returning to the 4 o'clock position. The 44 mm diameter case is made of black PVD-coated stainless steel, with a sapphire crystal case back and a fluted caseband with an integrated crown. Holding the timepiece snug to the wearer's wrist is a black rubber strap, which features a black PVD-coated stainless steel pin buckle showing off the Perrelet logo.To launch this new watch, Perrelet and Sung Kang teamed up for a two-part event. On June 4th, Kang attended JCK, the North American jewelry trade show. The day after, he and the watchmaker journeyed to Cars and Coffee Las vegas. Here, the actor showed off his love for automobiles, signed autographs and showed the world the fantastic new Turbine Sung Kang watch. What's more, he brought Fugu Z with him, a 1973 Datsun 240Z project car which was on display at the 2015 SEMA Show.If there was an optimal way to introduce an automotive-inspired watch, Perrelet has done it. For more information, be sure to click the button below.Learn MoreRef. A 1098/2 Movement:Manufacture Perrelet P-331 caliber based on the P-321. Automatic mechanical movement.Vibrations per hour: 28,800 (4 Hz)Jewels: 25Power reserve: 42 hoursBridges: SandblastedRhodium-plated oscillating weightFunctions:Hours, minutes and central seconds handsCase:Round in stainless steel with black PVD coatingDiameter: 44 mmThickness: 13.3 mmFluted casebandIntegrated crown at 3 o'clockSapphire crystal glareproofed on both sidesEngraved individual limited series number on the back (XX/350)Case back secured by 6 screwsWater-resistant to 5 ATMDial:Anodized aluminum turbine (10 blades) with 5 rear tungsten counterweights.“SK” engraving on the blade at 4 o'clock.Black under-dial with circular-grained center and brushed silvered ring.Black printed Arabic numerals 10-20-30-40-50-60, indicating the minutes on the under-dial.Minutes indicated by a scale with a yellow background between 6 and 8 o'clock and a red background between 8 and 12 o'clock.Hours indicated by Arabic numerals combined with hour-markers applied to the flange.12 o'clock indication moved to 2 o'clock.Hours and minutes hands covered in Super-LumiNova.Yellow central seconds hand.Strap:Rubber, with black PVD-coated stainless steel clasp featuring the Perrelet logoLimited Edition:Limited edition of 350 numbered timepiecesAvailable from:August 2016

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