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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2020

Graham Rahal Announces A New GRP Membership Track Series

Any automotive motorsport enthusiast can agree that although watching drivers like Graham Rahal race around a track at high speeds competing for victory is entertaining. The real fun lies behind the wheel for themselves. Graham Rahal and the team at Graham Rahal Performance, are proud to announce a chance to participate in a structured race membership GRP Track Series open to the public. The new venture allows people of all ages and driving experiences to race on a track beside Graham Rahal. The new public track series includes nine scheduled track days on seven different U.S. courses using the member's vehicle. The membership also includes: a one-on-one driving instruction with Graham Rahal, 10% of GRP labor during the length of membership, breakfast and lunch for each on-track day, a one-night hotel stay at each track, GRP technician on-site at each event, and membership-exclusive experiences. The Graham Rahal Race Membership can be purchased online for $8,000 with a 50% non-refundable deposit required, and the remaining $4,000 due by March 15th, 2021. Registration and additional information are on the GRP Track Series website. Learn more and register for the Graham Rahal Performance Track Series by clicking the link below. Visit GRP Track Series

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2020

See the Epic Porsche 911 from Cyberpunk 2077 Go for a Spi...

In the new Cyberpunk 2077 game, one of the main characters that you will get to know very well is Johnny Silverhand. This character is played by none other than Keanu Reeves, a man I'd consider to be among the coolest dudes ever. That's why it's a good thing that Johnny Silverhand's "cool" personality matches Keanu's, all the way down to the rides they drive. While we mostly see Keanu on one of his Arch motorcycles in real life, Johnny's ride of choice is a classic Porsche 911 that the automaker just so happened to recreate in real life. You can see the real-life version of this 911 in action in the video down below. Shop Cyberpunk 2077 on Gamestop.com

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2020

Help Jon Olsson Pick Out His Next Car: Audi, Lamborghini ...

After Jon Olsson sold his insane Audi RS6, he's left with a presumed empty space in his garage that he's looking to fill. To help him decide what to get, he's turned to his massive Instagram following. In the running for his next car are three different vehicles, each sporting Mansory kits, Brixton Forged JO01 wheels and 900 horsepower. They include a Porsche Panamera, Audi RS Q8 and Lamborghini Urus. Each of the renders he posted online looks fitting for a Jon Olsson ride, so I can see why the decision is tough. Help him decide by leaving him a comment on his Instagram post found down below. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlpSmMHAEB/ Featured Image Source: @jonolsson1/Instagram

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2020

Kris Jenner Has Been Delivered the First 2021 Rolls-Royce...

O'Gara Coach has just announced that they have delivered the very first 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost in North America to none other than Kris Jenner. This new Ghost joins the other bespoke Rolls-Royce vehicles Kris has already commissioned. The spec she ordered is absolutely stunning and will surely catch some eyes when on the road. Landing on the west coast, this 2021 Ghost was delivered the day before Thanksgiving. The delivery took place at the O'Gara Motorsport facility located inside the Thermal Club Private Track in Palm Springs. As you can see from the pictures, the new Ghost has a long list of visual updates that give it a fresh and stylish new look. But it's not just looks that make the new Ghost so exciting to customers. Rolls-Royce has added a litany of new features that make the Ghost most attractive and accessible than ever before. For example, there is the new illuminated fascia as well as the power opening/closing doors and a true focus on a silent ride. The new 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost is truly a remarkable vehicle that defines what an ultra-luxury automobile is. View Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills Inventory Source: O'Gara Coach, Images by Grubbs Photography

By Edward Jones – December 07, 2020

LeBron James Spotted Driving a Porsche 918 Spyder

While TikToker and Instagram account @e30alex99 was cruising down the street, he noticed something quite peculiar: a Porsche 918 Spyder. Naturally, they pulled out their phone and record a video of the hypercar and as the car drove past, the driver could be seen. The driver was none other than LeBron James. That's quite the car to be driving considering they sell for well over $1 million and have a 0 to 60 mph time of around 2.2 to 2.4 seconds. It's also an incredible car to have in his collection. I also noticed that he has the top off, but that may be due to his height of 6'9". Check out the video that @e30alex99 captured down below and click the button if you want to see other Porsche 918 Spyders for sale. READ: Porsche 918 Spyder Price, Specs & Review See All Porsche 918s For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CIgOq6dhrab/ Featured Image Source: @e30alex99/Instagram

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

Prince's 1984 Purple Rain Tour Bus Heading to Auction

Back in 1984, Prince was venturing across the nation in a specially built 1983 Eagle Model 10 motorcoach for his Purple Rain tour. Now, Mecum Auctions is offering this very tour bus in their upcoming Houston event (Dec 3-5). As expected, this motorcoach's primary color is purple-- both the exterior and interior feature this color quite often. Mecum notes that its been a private coach since it was new and that it's never been used for commercial service. There have been a few additions since Prince owned it, including a 40-inch LED TV. One of the most important facts, other than Prince rode it in, is that it's in great condition. Inside and out, it's in great condition and is ready for road trips. If you're a fan of Prince and road trips, I don't think there is any better vehicle for your than this one right here. If you're interested, it will be crossing the block at Mecum's Houston 2020 auction, which runs from December 3-5. For more information, click the button below to visit Mecum's website. See on Mecum.com Image Source: Mecum Auctions

By Andrew Nabors – November 25, 2020

Nico Rosberg's First Drive Of Rimac C_Two

Last week we shared the news that he was embarking on a new journey. Going behind the scenes, the racing superstar extolled the virtues of a powerful electric supercar, and now we can witness Nico Rosberg's first drive of a Rimac C_Two. Nico Rosberg Builds New Rimac C_Two Mate Rimac and his team began by offering solutions for electric power to the world's biggest automakers. Now at the close of their first decade, they are empowered by learning how everyone else does it wrong. Having an objective look at the industry gives them freedom to change the rules, and it is this bold nature that caught the eyes of Porsche. Now with a 15% stake in the company, Rimac has done much of the legwork for the Taycan and even the Koenigsegg Regera. Nico seems to have a top spot on the reservation list, so stay with us on Rimac updates as their latest car approaches production. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 17, 2020

Zion Williamson's New Custom Ford Raptor is a Beast

NBA Draft Week is upon us and to celebrate, Dreamworks Motorsports shared a custom Ford Raptor that was delivered to none other than Zion Williamson on their Instagram. This Raptor comes packing a long list of custom features that were tailored just for Zion. This includes the red leather upholstery with custom embroidery, starliner with shooting stars and ghost lights, all of which feature Zion's logo. There's also a full JL Audio sound system with a custom enclosure that reads: "Let's Dance." Other custom modifications include the Addictive Desert Designs bumpers, Rigid Industries LED light bars, 22-inch Fuel Rebel wheels in gloss black, 35-inch Toyo OOpen Country MT tires, Icon Vehicle Dynamics leveling kit, full satin black wrap and more. This is truly a one-of-a-kind truck that's perfect for the NBA superstar. See All Ford Raptors For Sale Image source: Instagram/@dreamworksmotorsports

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2020

Join DJ Envy At The Drive Your Dreams Virtual Car Show

The current pandemic affecting the world is putting a hold on car events all over, leaving enthusiasts without their weekend fix of hyper and supercars. Music producer and co-host of The Breakfast Club, DJ Envy, is here to help with the first-ever virtual version of his annual Drive Your Dreams car show presented by Lincoln Tech and TopGear Imports. Source: DJ Envy Drive Your Dream Virtual Car Show The event will take place on November 28th, with viewing from 12 PM to 7 PM via the Eventbrite website. The show features an interactive family-friendly experience for all to see some of the hottest cars in the automobile industry. Join the virtual car show presented by DJ Envy, as he does full exterior and interior walkthroughs of his own and celebrity friend’s exotic cars. The vehicles range from Bugatti to Ferrari, and everything in-between, allowing for an up-close look at some of the details that only owners see. Buy Tickets Now Tickets for DJ Envy’s Drive Your Dreams Virtual Car Show can be purchased through Eventbrite for $9.99 as an early bird special or $29.99 for a day of general admission. A $49.99 VIP package is available and includes behind the scenes footage and a special gift package in addition to the event. In a world where car meets and shows are at a standstill, DJ Envy and The Drive Your Dreams Virtual Car Show are here to deliver premium content of the most exclusive cars straight to your screen, which has never been done before!

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2020

Marshmello's 6x6 Truck Was Stolen and Taken on a High-Spe...

Last year, in 2019, Marshmello received an absolutely insane Ford 6x6 truck from the Diesel Brothers. This monster of a truck is incredibly intimidating thanks to its enormous height and length. That's why it's incredibly surprising that someone stole Marshmello's truck and took it for a joyride. Even crazier is that the truck ended up being in a high-speed chase with police. One of the builders of the truck, Dave Sparks of Diesel Brothers, posted a video on Instagram of the chase which you can find below. He notes in the post that Marshmello actually texted him to tell him that it was stolen and involved in a chase. I can tell you that this truck would definitely not be an easy vehicle to use the pit maneuver on. See All Ford Raptors For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CHMuTOogCsg/?igshid=yl33wmbcv4h0 Featured Image Source: Instagram/@heavydsparks

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