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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 – January 14, 2019

Howard Panes' Vibrant McLaren Senna is a Must-See

There are plenty of automotive Instagram accounts out there, but Howard Panes' (@howardpanes) is one that you should definitely be following. Panes is the founder of one of the most popular e-cigarettes, Logic, and Stealth Body Fitness. With his success, he's afforded himself some of the world's wildest cars. His garage has seen cars like the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1, Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder, 1,000 horsepower Hennessey Performance Hellcat, the first Hennessey Venom F5 (coming soon), McLaren 675LT Spider, Ferrari 458 Spider, Mercedes-Benz G 550 4x4 Squared, Ferrari 812 Superfast, Tesla Model X P100D and now the McLaren Senna. Panes' new Senna has to be the most vibrant example of the supercar, yet. It's blue/orange color scheme was accomplished through a litany of MSO options. Basically, every bit of orange that you see was chosen by Panes to complete the color scheme he sought out. Why did he pick these colors? Because he loved the way it looked. It's as simple as that. He told me that the color scheme he went for had no purpose other than to look "badass" and energize everyone when he drives by. "These colors just give off so much energy," said Panes. I'd definitely agree with him. The energy provided by the exterior can also be found in the cabin. It's inside that car that you're presented with a pair of seats that match the exterior trim accents. He even had the gear shift paddles, floor mats, door struts, steering wheel center band, and seatbelts colored in orange to finish the color scheme. Panes' wild Senna is one for the ages. It will be easily recognizable for years to come and will be the highlight of any show it attends. Cheers to you Panes for bringing this energetic McLaren into the world. shop for your own exotic car https://www.instagram.com/p/BrtX5s2nC2i/

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2019

Jay Leno Drives his 1957 Corvette

Chevrolet was uncertain about the Corvette's future in 1957. The car was launched four years earlier with only 300 sold. But sales began to become profitable by 1955, when the ancient six-cylinder was replaced by the new V8. After fighting in the brutal Korean war, a soldier rewarded himself by ordering this 1957 Corvette in Inca Silver. In order to save weight, he ordered the car without the convertible top, heater, radio, or even courtesy lights. This featherweight supercar is the epitome of 50s performance, so its amazing to watch Jay Leno Drive his 1957 Corvette. Inca Silver was Corvette's first Acrylic Enamel paint, thanks to DuPont owning a majority stake in General Motors. Corvette gained a posi-traction rear differential, and Chevrolet Chief Engineer Zora Duntov made it the first American car to have 1 horsepower per cubic-inch. The 283ci engine with 283 horsepower was not only revolutionary, it launched the plastic fantastic to a winning streak that continues today. A 3-speed manual was the base-model transmission, so the owner opted for the 4-speed with a 4.11 differential, options that were both new for '57. Although the first-generation (C1) Corvette was produced through 1962, the 57 is universally accepted as the defining year. Stylists added tons of chrome and polished stainless for 1958, and the front end became much more haughty. What makes this one even more significant is that it was restored as part of Jay Leno's Collection. That means everything part is in better condition than the factory, and the only upgrades are the vintage Halibrand wheels with modern radial tires. Jay opted to preserve the original 4.11 gears and install a set of 3.54, which lower the rpm and allow for highway cruising. A fully loaded 1957 weighed in at 2,840 lbs, so this car is easily over 1,000 lbs lighter than a new Corvette ZR1. We have several dealers who specialize in Corvettes of all ages, so click the link below to find one near you. View All Corvettes For Sale Related: See all the Corvettes in Jay Leno's Collection Jay Leno's Restored 1963 Corvette Split Window 2019 Corvette Specs, Price & Review

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2019

P.J. Tucker's Rolls-Royce Cullinan And Matching Custom Shoes

I've heard of people wearing clothes that match their car. But what about getting a pair of kicks that were custom designed around a new car? That's exactly what P.J. Tucker of the Houston Rockets did and the result is phenomenal. You see, when P.J. Tucker's new Rolls-Royce Cullinan had arrived at Post Oak Motorcars, he went to pick it with a special pair of shoes. The shoes were custom made by none other than Jake Danklefs, who is a true master at custom footwear. They're a full reconstruction on a Jordan 3 silhouette with a white exterior and red interior... just like Tucker's new Cullinan. Danklefs even included the Rolls-Royce logo on the tongue to finish it all off! Check them out down below and be sure to check out Danklefs' account for more amazing custom footwear. Want a Cullinan of your own? Click the link below because we have 'em listed! See all Rolls-Royce cullinans for sale https://www.instagram.com/p/Br6S6AghuKP/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Br6Q0AgBqPD/ Featured Image via @postoakmotorcars Instagram

By Edward Jones – January 07, 2019

Marshmello Just Got a New 6x6 Truck From Diesel Brothers ...

DJ Marshmello's truck just got unveiled and I'm sitting wondering if we'll ever see Post Malone's Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 race it. Marshmello, the famous producer/DJ has become a worldwide hit that's easily recognizable thanks to his massive helmet. Now, he's going to be even easier to spot out thanks to his new custom Ford 6x6 truck from the Diesel Brothers. This new truck was delivered by the Diesel Brothers to Marshmello and his manager, Moe Shalizi. Dave Sparks of Diesel Brothers posted an image of the truck, as well as a video. In the description of the video, he throws in the hashtag "#velociraptorkiller" as a call-out to Hennessey's 6x6 truck. You know what that calls for? A drag race between the two trucks. Duh. Maybe we can toss in a tug-of-war between the two. Which one do you like better, Post's truck or Marshmello's? Let us know in the comments below! shop trucks/suvs now https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLhzlvAYNa/ Featured Image Via Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – January 04, 2019

Jason Statham's 2014 Ferrari F12berlinetta For Sale

Being one of the most popular actors on the big screen has its perks, and fancy Ferraris are certainly at the top of the list. Jason Statham and his Girlfriend Rosie Huntington-Whiteley became parents in 2017, so 2-seat cars became unpractical. Even though Jason Statham's Ferrari F12berlinetta was ordered with $130,626 in custom options, a baby seat is not among them. So our friends at West Coast Exotic Cars are offering this gorgeous & unique 2014 Ferrari F12berlinetta for sale. It might look like normal Grigio paint at a distance, but Tailor-Made upped the metal flake to develop Grigio Titano Metallizato. The body was blessed with several stages of base & clear and color sanded to perfection. We would usually list the options if it was a normal F12berlinetta. But being a savvy buyer, Mr. Statham's ride has everything. This car has AFS lighting to an Alcantara trunk with every possible customization. It has a window sticker of $446,514, which makes it among the most expensive F12berlinettas ever produced. With only 20,929 miles on the clock, it is a bargain at $229,990, West Coast Exotic Cars is located in Murieta, California, so click the link below for all the information. Click Here To Learn More

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2019

Floyd Mayweather Takes a Walk in His All-Black Car Garage

Floyd Mayweather Jr. just won a bout against Tenshin Nasukawa with what looked like an incredibly easy-to-come-by TKO. That fight netted him a cool $9 million. He mentions on Instagram that he called the fight a "9 minute walk thru." It seems he wasn't bothered or worried about the fight at all. Actually, it looks like he had a more difficult decision picking out which car to drive in another Instagram post. In the post, we see a video of Mayweather strolling through his car garage full of all-black cars. They include a Ferrari 488, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Phantom, Phantom Drophead, Wraith, and Mercedes-Maybach S600. Yeah, we'd have a tough time choosing which of these cars to drive as well. https://www.instagram.com/p/Br3TKk3BRWm/

By Edward Jones – December 24, 2018

Post Malone Gets Massive Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 for C...

Back in October, Post Malone posted a pic to his Instagram of him with John Hennessey. Now, if you're familiar with John Hennessey, you know that he is the madman behind the Hennessey car brand. They specialize in some of the craziest cars, like a 1,000 horsepower Cadillac CTS-V and 1,200 horsepower Dodge Demon Redeye. Hennessey Performance has also created the VelociRaptor 6x6, which was apparently what John and Post were meeting about in the pic he posted up earlier this year. See Post Malone's Exotic Car Collection Hennessey Performance revealed on their Facebook page that they have delivered a gorgeous white VelociRaptor 6x6 to the famous Post Malone. " width="680"> This custom Ford Raptor comes with an extra set of rear axles that turn the truck into an off-road monster. Whether Post opted for the twin-turbo upgrade is unknown, but I would not be surprised he went for the additional power. Congrats are in order for Post on his new truck, because it's a beauty! Images by Taylor Sanger Photography via Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2018

Hulk Hogan and Mecum Auctions Join Forces for a Great Cause

Pro-Wrestler Steve Chamberland started the 50 Legs Foundation to help amputees get the necessary care they need. Veterans and amputees find often themselves at the mercy of bad prosthetics or caught up in the healthcare system. 50 Legs Foundation aims to provide amputees with prosthetics and care that they could otherwise not afford. The organization is based in Tampa, so it receives a healthy dose of Vitamin H (for Hulk Hogan). The Hulkster will be joining the Mecum Kissimmee Auction along with a classic 1952 Ford truck, which was donated by the seller. Proceeds from the sale of this classic F1 will go to 50 Legs, so we hope it brings six figures. It has a flathead V8, dual carburetors, front disc brakes, and a gorgeous wood bed. Inside you will find a beautiful interior finished in grey and red. The original 3-speed manual with restored gauges and controls. Finding an unmolested F1 is getting very hard to do, so dont miss this opportunity. Click the link below for more details and be sure to tune in to Mecum on their YouTube channel starting January 3rd. View Price & Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 18, 2018

Deadmau5 Takes Delivery of New McLaren Senna

Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) is no stranger to melodic tunes, video games or cars. In fact, a quick look at his Instagram will show you that he's constantly posting about those three things, with cats peppered in between. One of his latest automotive purchases that will surely be shared on his Instagram is a McLaren Senna. The news of his purchase comes from George Farquhar's Instagram. Farquhar is actually the VIP Relations Manager over at McLaren Automotive. Zimmerman actually revealed earlier in 2018 at E3 that he had ordered a Senna. https://www.instagram.com/p/Brf8eB6gCUH/ The new McLaren that Zimmerman ordered is a truly wicked one. It has a black exterior with green trim found on the centerlock wheels, sides of the massive rear wing and on the front active aero. As for the car itself, it's powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 789 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That power will launch the Senna from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and will go on until it hits a top speed of 211 mph. Congratulations are in order for Deadmau5/Zimmerman in regards to his latest acquisition. It's a beauty! Also Check Out: Deadmau5 Buys a New McLaren 720S Supercar Deadmau5 Unveils the Purracan Deadmau5 Reveals New McLaren P1 Wrap Featured Image via Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2018

Gymkhana TEN: The Ultimate Tire Slaying Tour

The Hoonigans have done it again. With major support from Ford, Gymkhana TEN has destroyed tires around the world. It was uploaded 10 days ago to Amazon Prime, and now it is live on YouTube. Starting off in Luleå, Sweden, Ken Block takes his 2018 season Ford Fiesta WRC across a frozen lake. Then we get to see an old favorite. The streets of Detroit are decimated by a refreshed version of the Hoonicorn Mustang. RTR updated the AWD Mustang to make 1,400 hp scream through Motor City. Going south of the border, Guanajuato, Mexico is paralyzed by the Focus RS RX Rallycross car. Drifting though the narrow streets and tunnels from the colonial era are a brilliant blend of Hooning and history. Then it's back to LA where Ken climbs into his favorite machine. His beloved Cosworth lost some rubber along the way, with a few scenes showing steel sparking across the improvised course. Ken Block's Hoonitruck Secrets Revealed The grand finale is in Shamrock, Texas. A sleepy town east of Amarillo was besieged by the1977 F-Series Hoonitruck, with flames spewing from the turbos of the Roush-Yates EcoBoost V6. A press release from Hoonigan Racing credits Detroit Speed, Forza, Toyo Tires, Pennzoil, Monster Energy, Can-Am, and the Hoonigran crew who spent over 2 years preparing for the shoot. Tell us your favorite scene and be sure to watch what happens after the credits! Related: Ken Block Takes on Britain in the Hoonicorn Ken Block’s New Gymkhana Show Gets a Trailer

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