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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 – October 30, 2020

Watch Bubba Wallace And Danny Hamlin Reveal New Jordan Car

Next season, Bubba Wallace will be driving the Toyota for Michael Jordan and Danny Hamlin’s 23XI team in the NASCAR Series. Bubba revealed the racecar that will be touching the tarmac sporting the iconic #23 in a red, black, and white design. The Toyota is currently open with spaces for possible upcoming sponsorships from Beats by Dre, Columbia Sportswear, and DoorDash. The partnership between Michael Jordan and NASCAR represents a push forward into the future, bridging the gap between different areas of professional sports. We are definitely looking forward to seeing Bubba Wallace race the new Toyota, as well as seeing Michael Jordan at the track. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 28, 2020

Former CEO of Patrón Spirits, Ed Brown, Talks Cars and Su...

Ed Brown once told his dad that he'd never get into the alcohol business. Well, Brown managed to become the CEO of Patrón Spirits and brought the company to a completely new level of success. But, he's more than just a successful businessman. You see, Brown went on to become a professional race car driver and race Le Mans Prototype cars. In the latest episodes of Varoom TV with Omar Periu and Scott Zankl, Brown sits down and talks about cars, motorsports, business and what it takes to be successful in all things. You can view parts one and two of the interview down below. They're definitely worth the watch because Brown has some incredible insight and stories that he's gathered throughout his life. What's more, the videos take place in the gorgeous showroom of Excell Auto Group in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by exotic cars. View Excell Auto Group's Inventory Part 1 Part 2 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2020

Ludacris Shows Off His New Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

An increase in demand for luxurious sport utility vehicles has left manufacturers such as Mercedes-Maybach to design its version. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 focuses its efforts on providing ultimate comfort for the driver and passengers with features such as an active air ride for entering and exiting the vehicle. American-Gabonese Rapper, Ludacris, took to Instagram to show off his personal Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 presented in a blue and silver exterior with a sparkling white interior. The luxury SUV by Mercedes-Maybach is currently available with a starting price of $160,500 before options. Ludacris’ posts reveal that he is more than excited about the new addition to his fleet of vehicles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGvPAIhBhKV/

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2020

See Lando Norris Test Drive the McLaren Elva

Lando Norris, the Formula 1 driver and famous streamer, knows how to handle a car. If you don't believe me, just check out his podium at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix. With such knowledge, McLaren let Norris loose on the track with the new Elva at Silverstone. During his time with the Elva, he learns all about the car and tries his best to repeat what he's learned. While his ability to repeat the specs isn't the best, he can definitely handle the Elva's 804 horsepower. I must admit, driving the McLaren Elva looks like such a great experience. The feeling of being so free and out in the open while you rip through circuits at blistering speeds has to be incredible. See it for yourself in the video down below. See All McLarens For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 20, 2020

Hoonigan Reveals Travis Pastrana's Subaru WRX Livery

After unveiling Travis Pastrana's Subaru WRX STi in bare carbon, we now get to see it all wrapped up with a new livery. The result is beautiful. Hoonigan took the Subaru with its new look to Subaru of America technical partner Vermont SportsCar’s headquarters located in Milton, Vermont. Underneath the livery is an extreme car ready for whatever Gymkhana or its racing future throws in its path. It's powered by a completely bespoke 2.3-liter Subaru Boxer engine with a billet block. The sound that this engine puts out is absolutely beastly. “This STI is unbelievable!” said Pastrana. “We’ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero—everything is unlimited, clean sheet. It’s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it.” Needless to say, I can't wait to see Travis Pastrana and his new Subaru take on Gymkhana.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Ken Block's Gymkhana Nine Ford Focus RS RX Will Be Auctio...

Ken Block’s Hoonigan garage is filled with vehicles that have seen tremendous track time, holding monumental significance throughout the professional driver’s career. The 2016 Ford Focus RS RX is one that has been viewed by millions with its appearance in the ever-popular Gymkhana Nine video. The Ford displays the notorious hand-painted livery designed by ultra-dynamism artist Felipe Pantone, highlighting the collaboration between the two. Ken Block announced that his Ford Focus RS RX is to be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, all proceeds going to the hurricane relief specialists at Team Rubicon. Ken explains that this will be the first and only race car available for the public to buy. The auction will take place on October 22nd with Ken Block in attendance to hand the keys over to the lucky individual who purchases the race car. A final donut session was posted to Ken Block’s YouTube channel before the vehicle gets shipped off to its final destination. View Barrett-Jackson Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2020

Travis Pastrana's Gymkhana STI is the Craziest Subaru We'...

Travis Pastrana is taking over the role of "mad driver" in the upcoming Gymkhana series for 2020. For his car, he's driving one of the craziest Subarus we have ever seen. The team tasked Subaru with creating a car that would be able to pull of Gymkhana stunts like never before. “When we brought Subaru back to Gymkhana, we knew we had to build something outrageous,” said William Stokes, Motorsports Manager, Subaru of America. “Travis always wants to push the limits, so we knew from the outset we weren’t going to do this with a rally or rallycross car. This was an opportunity for us to redefine what an STI could be, and the results speak for themselves.” The result is an insane STI that features a raw carbon fiber body and an intense aero package. Other modifications include the custom-made Subaru Boxer engine, flame-spitting hood-exit exhaust, new suspension, and more. This is the real deal. “This STI is unbelievable!” said Pastrana. “We’ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero—everything is unlimited, clean sheet. It’s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it.” Stay with us as we await the new Gymkhana series, starring Pastrana in this mad Subaru.

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

LeBron James Just Got an Insane Mercedes-Maybach G650 Lan...

If you haven't heard, and I'm sure you have heard, the LA Lakers beat the Miami Heat last night and are now the 2020 NBA Champions. Taking the MVP award was none other than LeBron James, making this his fourth NBA Finals MVP. LeBron is undoubtedly celebrating his team's win and it looks like he may be celebrating in a new ride. Tony Bet of Driving Emotions Toronto recently posted a gallery on Instagram of an extraordinarily rare Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet with the caption: "Congrats to @kingjames on the championship! Enjoy the new whip @drivingemotionstoronto". You can see the post for yourself down below. So, yeah. It looks like LeBron is now the proud owner of what is most certainly the most luxurious Mercedes SUV. If you haven't heard of the G650 Landaulet, it's a very rare SUV that features all of the amenities you'd expect from a Mercedes-Maybach but it G-Wagon style. The coolest part has to be the rear seats that sit under the folding roof, allowing the passengers to enjoy the fresh air in complete luxury. See All G650 Landaulets For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP11mPpgsF/

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2020

Ken Block Builds a Vanilla Ice Inspired Mustang for His D...

Ken Block's daughter, Lia, is celebrating her 14th birthday in ice-cold style this year. For her birthday, Ken and his team built a mean Fox Body 5.0 Mustang that she would learn to drift in. The best part? The entire build revolved around Vanilla Ice's love for the 5.0 Mustang. In fact, Ken called up Vanilla Ice and got his thoughts on the build they were embarking on. After stripping the Mustang down completely, they then went to work turning it into a drift machine. From the new quick angle kit to the custom Borla exhaust, so much of this Mustang was updated with new components that will make it a drift monster. When presented with the new Icy Mustang, Lia was not too impressed considering she wasn't a fan of the car since it rolled into the garage. But it's all good because it's not actually her car but it will just be a drift car to learn on when she gets lessons from Vaughn Gittin Jr. The real owner of the Mustang is yet to be decided because Hoonigan will actually be giving it away. So, be sure to check back with us for more news. See All Mustangs For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2020

Future Just Got a Wild Custom SUV

Future, the famous rapper, has just received a wild new custom SUV, courtesy of Ringbrothers. This new SUV is a 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer that's powered by a mean 6.2-liter LS3 engine. In total, this powerplant produces a whopping 430 horsepower. You can hear this power from far away thanks to the Flowmaster exhaust. For its exterior, this custom Blazer is finished in a classic and custom BASF British Racing Green paint and it rides on golf 18-inch HRE wheels. Inside is a custom tan interior with plenty of special touches by Ringbrothers throughout. “We’re humbled that people continue to come to us for special projects like this,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “We realize that our customers could get a new Ferrari or Lamborghini but choose us instead. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly, so we put our heart into each project. We’re glad Future appreciates that.” See All Trucks and SUVs For Sale

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