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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 – October 26, 2016

Vice President Joe Biden Burns Out in his 1967 Corvette S...

As the 2nd in command for the nation, Vice President Biden has not been allowed to drive his 1967 Corvette since he took the oath of office. The Secret Service has strict safety rules that do not involve fiberglass roadsters or carburetors, so it took none other than Jay Leno to get the VP back behind the wheel. Mr. Biden is the original owner of the Stingray, as it was a wedding gift from his father. It has been in storage for the past few years, so his sons surprised him by rebuilding the 327 V8 engine with a few modern updates.(Related - 2018 Corvette ZR1 Prototype Caught in traffic)As the base model engine, the 327 (or 5.3 liter) V8 was the only small block offered that year. Four versions of the 427 (7.0-liter) were offered at extra cost, which has led to many base model cars being transformed into clones of the high-performance models. The running joke in the Corvette world is that more 427-powered cars are currently for sale than ever left the factory. Aside from almost 500 lbs in weight advantage, the small block Stingray is simply more comfortable. Your shoes aren't melting from a 300-degree floor pan, and the sports car actually rotates through corners while transferring weight on acceleration.He has only had three opportunities to drive his own car in the last seven years, so they had to make due with the Secret Service training compound somewhere near DC. While the small block might not have the stump pulling torque of its larger brethren, dumping the clutch produces the same results. They won't ever be as fast or collectible as big blocks, but they aren't missing out on the fun. The VP has obviously done this a few times, because his control of the drift is excellent. Tell us what your ideal early Corvette would be, and be sure to check out the listings from our dealers below.Corvette ZR1 For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2016

Jon Olsson's Monster Lamborghini Delivered: Fastest in Eu...

Jon Olsson, the professional skier/owner and driver of some of the coolest cars in the world, has just added a monster Lamborghini Huracan to his collection.About 7 months ago Olsson revealed a new addition to his collection: a white Huracan. In the pictures revealing the car, body panels on the car were taken off and he was alluding to a complete makeover of the car. We weren't exactly sure what that meant, but now we know what he had plans for.For this car, Olsson had Stertman Motorsport install a VF engineering supercharger kit as the base and then had them tweak the kit. In a blog post made on October 22 by Olsson, he notes that normal VF cars have around 800+ hp on tap, but this specific car is "quite a bit more extreme." SourceOther additions made to the car include an Akrapovic exhaust system, Eventure carbon fiber air intakes, K&W suspension, Girodisc brakes, 56Nord ski box and, of course, the camo wrap by Wrapzone.Will Olsson take this Lamborghini up a mountain? Will he take it on a rally? If his previous antics are any testament, then yes, he most certainly will but we'll have to wait to see it all happen.All Lamborghini For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2016

Ken Block to Tear Up Pikes Peak in 1,400 HP Mustang Hooni...

Ken Block's new 1965 Mustang Hoonicorn RTR V2 is the definition of a road monster. Its V8 engine is twin-turbocharged, it's fueled by methanol and it has 1,400-freakin'-horsepower on tap. That means this little Mustang has more power than the Bugatti Veyron.(Related - Jon Olsson's Lamborghini Murcielago Gets Spiked Tires For Race Up Mountain)To show off the car's capabilities, Ken Block has teamed up with Toyo to take on the legendary and dangerous Pikes Peak road course. I say it's dangerous because five people have passed away on the course and massive crashes aren't uncommon. With such treacherous twists and turns, it's going to be quite thrilling to see Block take this monstrous Hoonicorn up 14,000 feet of road.Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the Summer of 2017 to see the full run, but luckily Toyo Tires has released a teaser video for the event. This teaser can be found just below. Check it out!All Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2016

David Lee Shows Off Part of His Multi-Million Dollar Car ...

Saying David Lee is one of the coolest car collectors is a pretty big understatement. His Instagram account is as entertaining as can be, his car collection is unbelievable, he's down-to-Earth and he also had Sammy Hagar sing him "Happy iBrthday." Yeah, THE Sammy Hagar.To show off one of the things that makes David Lee who he is, Seen Through Glass featured him in the latest episode of #DrivewayGoals. In this new video, Lee takes us around one of his garages, which looks to be one of his most important ones considering it holds his Ferrari Halo car collection.Some of the highlights of this collection are his previously mentioned halo car, 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Competizione, 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS worth $3.5 million, Porsche 911 R and Pagani Huayra worth $5 million. Click play on the video below to see Lee's collection for yourself.Buy Your Own Car Collection

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2016

Ken Block's Hoonicorn V2: 1,400 hp, Twin Turbo, AWD Mustang

Are you jealous of Ken Block? Join the club. The man gets to race professionally, film some of the most insane videos and drive the wildest cars. Heck, he even has his own car, the Hoonicorn. If you haven't met the first Hoonicorn before, don't worry, because the Hoonicorn V2 is all you need to worry about.(Related - Vaughn Gittin Jr. Tests Out His New 900 hp Mustang RTR)The new Hoonicorn V2 was teased on Ken Block's official Facebook, where he could be seen roasting marshmallows with the car's flames. In the description, we learn that this new Hoonicorn is packing 1,400 hp thanks to a twin-turbo, methanol-fed V8 engine. What's more? It's all-wheel drive.We'll be learning more about this car as the day goes on, so be sure to check back with Autofluence.Mustangs For Sale Hoonicorn V2: turbo marshmallow roastHoonicorn V2: see and (more importantly) HEAR the sounds of two turbos bolted to a methanol-fed V8. And since it shoots fire, I thought it would be perfect for a quick marshmallow roast last night! A 1400 horsepower marshmallow roast. All filmed with GoPro Hero5. #twinturbo #AWD #hoonicornboostedonmeth #1400hp #methmallows #HoonicornV2 Posted by Ken Block on Tuesday, October 11, 2016

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2016

Wayne's World "Mirth Mobile" AMC Pacer Being Auctioned Off

Whenever Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" plays over the speaker, everyone has to sing along. No matter what. Think of it as a blessing and a curse. One of the reasons why we always have to sing along to this song is because of one special scene in "Wayne's World" when they're driving in the 1976 AMC Pacer that's known as the Mirth Mobile. See the video above if you need a refresher or want to experience some good 'ol nostalgia.For those hardcore Wayne's World fans that want to experience this scene for themselves, I have great news for you: the Mirth Mobile is going up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event.According to the lot's description, this is the original car used in the movie. It comes with all of the modifications made for the movie, including the baby blue paint with flames, steel plates for camera supports and, of course, the hole for the licorice dispenser.It's set to go under the hammer with no reserve. The auction starts on October 13 and ends on the 15th. For more information, click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2016

The Grand Tour Trailer is Everything We Missed About Top ...

Were you left inconsolable when Jeremy Clarkson and team left Top Gear? Did you try to find alternatives but were left with an empty feeling that only Jezza, Hamster and Captain Slow could fill? Were you scared that The Grand Tour wouldn't live up to the hype? Don't worry, because the official trailer for the new show has been released and it looks to be everything that we've been hoping for.(Related - The Grand Tour Hosts Quizzed While Racing Corvette)In The Grand Tour we'll be getting the same humor that we've come to know and love from the trio, as well as skilled driving, fast cars and the occasional stall out in an Aston Martin Vulcan. Unfortunately, the Dacia Sandero made no appearance in the trailer. To make up for the legendary car's absence is the production quality, which is better than ever before.Click play below to see what you can expect from the season, which starts November 18. If you still need an Amazon Prime membership to watch it, click the button below.Free Amazon Prime Trial

By Edward Jones – October 04, 2016

The Grand Tour Hosts Quizzed While Racing Corvette

On November 18th, The Grand Tour will be released on Amazon Prime and Top Gear fans around the world will rejoice. The downside to this? That's still over a month away. Until then, we will all have to do our best to fill the gap that the trio has left in our heart with reruns and promotional video like this one.(Related - Jeremy Clarkson and Crew Break Rental Car on The Grand Tour)Clarkson, Hammond and May recently visited the Willow Springs Race Course with The Late Late Show host, James Corden. Now, they didn't visit the track just to see who could complete a lap the quickest. Instead, they had to race around the track in a new Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and answer questions correctly. For each question they get wrong, Corden added one second to their final time.Who made the fast lap? Was it Captain Slow? The Hamster? Jezza? Click play to find out. And, for those who still need Amazon Prime in order to watch The Grand Tour, click the button belowFree Amazon Prime Trial

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2016

Three Elvis Presley Cadillacs For Sale

Fan of the original rock and roller Elvis Presley? Then I have your dream Cadillacs right here that will have you dancing in your blue suede shoes. The three are can be sold together, so whoever plucks the first string on this deal will have their own Elvis automobile collection sitting in their garage.First up is a pink 1959 Cadillac "Flattop" Sedan. This car won first place at Graceland for the best Elvis Presley tribute car. It comes with custom airbrush graphics, including a Graceland mural on the trunk, platinum records on the hood and the entire lyrics of Heartbreak Hotel on the side. 42,000 original miles are clocked on the odometer. For just this vehicle, the price tag is $49,000.Learn MoreNext up is a pink 1956 Cadillac Sedan that's called the "Elvis Presley Tribute Car." It has custom airbrush graphics of the King himself and has also been awarded Best in Show at Graceland. It comes with 97,000 original miles and it available for $39,995.Learn MoreLastly, we have the 1960 Cadillac “Bubble Top” Elvis Presley Tribute (Memphis) Police Car. According to the seller, this is the only Cadillac Police Car in the entire world, with the emergency equipment still working flawlessly. Also included with this car is a life-sized mannequin of Elvis Presley dressed in his trademark white, rhinestone outfit, complete with jewelry. It has 34,000 original miles and is available for $29,995.Learn MoreIf you're interested in buying all three of these together, the seller is offering them for $100,000, which knocks off almost $20,000 off of the total value. For more information, click the buttons above to contact the seller.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 20, 2016

Could Paul Walker's Character Make a Comeback in Fast & F...

Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Connor, was noticeably cut short in the most recent installment of the Fast Franchise. Fans who mourned his untimely death in November 2013 have questions about how the franchise will continue on without him. According to a recent article from Entertainment Weekly, it's possible the franchise hasn't seen the end of the beloved Brian O'Connor.In the article, Walker's brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, spoke about their brother's character returning to the films down the line, which could definitely be possible given there are three more movies already contracted. In the article, Walker's brother, Caleb, talks about a phone call he'd had with Vin Diesel in which they discussed the possibility of Walker's character returning. The brothers, the rest of the cast and Universal want to ensure that if the character does return, Walker's memory and image are respected.Fast 8 is scheduled for release in April 2017, and though the brothers stated O'Connor could appear "down the line" in the films, we be fans are wondering if he'll make an appearance in the new film. For now, here's a video of some great Brian O'Connor scenes from the movies.

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