Celebrity Cars

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 – July 27, 2020

Mercedes-Benz x Virgil Abloh Present: Project Geländewagen

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Virgil Abloh, the famous fashion designer and creative director, to create artwork that's inspired by the G-Class. This new endeavor is being called "Project Geländewagen." Abloh and Gorden Wagener, the Mercedes-Benz Chief Design Officer, are working together for the project in an effort to combine both fashion and art with the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. “Mercedes-Benz is a brand that stands for luxury and exceptional performance,” says Virgil Abloh. “Truly a perfect chassis to interject modern artists’ ideas of what the future can be stylistically, within conceptual car design.” The artwork will be launched on digital platforms on September 8, 2020, at 10AM EST. A one-of-a-kind replica of the artwork will be auctioned off after the launch, with proceeds benefiting a charity that supports the arts. For more information, stay with us for more information.

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2020

Adam Levine and Ferrari Are Teaming Up for a Great Cause

Ferrari is teaming up with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo for a fantastic cause. Together, they will be auctioning off one of the earliest examples of the Ferrari Roma in North America to help benefit the 'Save the Children' organization. The car will be auctioned off this fall. Levine's involvement in this auction makes perfect sense considering he has owned quite a few Ferraris, including a 1966 330 GTC, 1969 365 GTC, 1971 365 GTB/4 "Daytona," 1963 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, 1965 375 GTB/2 and recently a Tailor Made F12tdf. "Behati and I couldn't be happier to be a part of this unique project and ultimately help a charity that we are fully supportive of," says Levine. "As so many other parents worldwide, during this time we have been focused first and foremost on taking care of our girls, and Save the Children is helping countless children and families with crucial education resources." For more information, click the button below. Learn More About This Auction About Save the Children - Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding over 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of over 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

By Edward Jones – July 23, 2020

Jamie O'Brien's Baja Surfari Polaris General is the Most ...

Jamie O'Brien recently set off to explore the lost coast of Baja California in search of unknown waves to surf, but he needed something special to allow him to traverse the deserts. For that job, he had the wicked Baja Surfari Polaris General UTV built by UTV Underground. This UTV is anything but stock and is full of enhancements that make it a perfect vehicle for a Baja surf trip. The UTV itself is a Polaris General, but the upgrades have turned it into the Baja Surfari General. UTV Underground added a custom cage and front bumper just in case they saw a perfect wave break, got psyched, and didn't see a boulder in front of them. The custom UTV also has custom graphics, BFGoodrich tires around KMC Wheels, HCR Suspension Long Travel Suspension Kit, XDR Exhaust, plenty of lights to brighten up the Baja trails, PRP RS Suspension Seats, PRP 4.3 Harnesses, Rockford Fosgate audio system, radio communications, fire extinguisher kit, waterproof first-aid kit, fridge freezer, winch, tool kit, rinse kit, and, of course, surf racks. With all of those components combined, the Baja Surfari Polaris General is the perfect vehicle fora Baja surf trip. Don't believe me? Check out the video below to see J.O.B. take it out to some incredible point breaks in Baja California. Just imagine being on this trip and surfing these waves without having to worry about being snaked. What a dream. Source: UTV Undergound via HiConsumption

By Edward Jones – June 25, 2020

Yankees Pitcher Aroldis Chapman Just Bought an Insane 6x6...

Aroldis Chapman, known as the "Cuban Missile," has added a new ride to his collection and it's undoubtedly is most insane one yet. Chapman's new ride is a brand-new turbo-diesel, six-wheel-drive E 6x6 Jeep from South Florida Jeeps that was made just for him. This specific 6x6 Jeep has an exterior that's covered entirely with Kevlar, allowing it to withstand just about anything... maybe even a fastball from Chapman. Inside, his new Jeep has a weather-resistant, hand-stitched red leather interior that looks fantastic against the all-black exterior. If any MLB player has ever wanted to show up to the stadium and prove a point, having a massive 6x6 Jeep like this is the vehicle to roll up in. But even if you're not a professional athlete, you can still buy your own 6x6 Jeep by checking out South Florida Jeep's inventory down below. View Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2wNFxDxGB/

By Edward Jones – May 27, 2020

Tom Brady's Stretched Cadillac Escalade is For Sale

Tom Brady has left the Patriots and has joined us in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. With this moved, he's listed a house for sale and now his 20-inch stretched Becker Automotive Design Cadillac Escalade ESV Mobile Office. Yes, that's right, you can actually own Tom Brady's Escalade. So what exactly makes this SUV so special, aside from the fact that it's owned by one of football's greatest? View Listing It starts off with the stretch, which makes getting into and out of the rear doors easier. And you'll want to get in quick because the interior is phenomenal. There are two 6-way electric reclining seats with leg rests that look at a 32-inch screen, which a 12-inch screen rests behind them. There are two aviation-style tables in a burl wood finish, one for each seat. Passengers will also be able to utilize the high-end mobile router that can connect them to multiple service providers on-the-go. Altogether, this Escalade was $350,000 when new but it's asking price is now at $300,000 (OBO). For more information, click here. " width="680"> Source: Becker Automotive Design

By Edward Jones – May 27, 2020

Travis Pastrana Takes Over Gymkhana 2020 for Ken Block

Yes, you read the title correctly. This year's Gymkhana will, for the first time in Gymkhana history, will not feature Ken Block but will instead star his friend and rival Travis Pastrana according to a press release from Hoonigan. What's more, this iteration of Gymkhana will be starring a Subaru, just like the very first Gymkhana from years ago, which you can view below. It should be noted that this is not permanent and Block is not giving up his throne as the Gymkhana king. Instead, Hoonigan says they're doing this to "take Gymkhana to the next level." The location, exact car, and date of the new Gymkhana are still unknown, but we will be finding out more soon. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime - but they're also some big shoes to fill," says Pastrana. "It's equally as exciting as it is scary. Expectations are at an all-time high, but I know with Ken's help, the full team at Hoonigan and Subaru behind me, we can build off what Ken created and make it even more exciting." For this Gymkhana, they will be teaming up with both Subaru (for the car, assumedly) and Yokohama (they're going to shred a lot of tires). Hoonigan will also be teaming up with Omaza yet again, giving the winner a trip to the set of the new Gymkhana and a cameo in it as well. This Omaza campaign will benefit Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that "utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams." For more info, click here. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Red Skelton's 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E For Sale

One of the most famous comedians of the 20th century was Red Skelton. Writing this makes me feel old, but he put a smile on millions of faces. The Red Skelton Show ran from 1937 and 1971, and he frequently appeared in celebrity roasts, HBO comedy specials, and cameo appearances. Needless to say, he was a wealthy entertainer who liked fast cars and this 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E became his around 1997. What you see here is an incredibly rare car. Only 1,505 were built for the U.S. because it was a unique collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. While development of the S-Class was taking up all the engineering efforts, a small team decided the 500 needed the massive new 5-liter. Porsche was in a bit of a slump, as the 911 had not changed much in three decades. So, Porsche took over the work on the model and assembled them after Mercedes-Benz did the initial design. As with all Canepa cars, everything from the floor mats to the tailpipes is clean enough to eat your dinner on. Take this one to an auction and make some money, or keep it as a perfect investment. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing Canepa inventory. View Listing

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2020

See Ken Block Teach His 13-Year-Old Daughter How to Do Do...

There comes a point in every kid's life where they have to learn how to drive. Typically, this is done in parking lots and the car is a family car. For Ken Block's daughter, she has already learned to drive at the age of 13, but she's now learning how to do donuts. Like other kids, she's learning in a family car, which happens to be a race car, and in a parking lot... well it's a massive open area at the Utah Motorsports Campus. To be more specific, Ken is teaching his daughter in his 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 RS, a RWD race car that's one of the easier cars in his fleet to drive. Watching the master teach his daughter how to do a donut is pretty wholesome, just like his recent video. At the end of the day, she learns to do donuts but that's expected for a girl who is already getting podiums in UTV racing and learned how to drive a manual in a Ford Focus RS three days before driving her dad's race car. Check it out for yourself down below! Visit HOONIGAN.com " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2020

Ken Block Family Gymkhana is What We Needed

Even though Ken Block and his family are staying home, that doesn't mean Gymkhana has to stop. Block recently uploaded a video to his channel that shows off his most recent Gymkhana, which took place at his house. Helping him create the course and film it all was his entire family. Each of them had their own jobs to do, including his wife who was driving the forklift holding up his burnt Escort rally car. His vehicle of choice for the course was his Can-Am Maverick X3, an insane off-road vehicle that looks like it's too much fun to drive. Check out the video down below to see his creative course that took place entirely at his house.

By Dylan Orluck – April 30, 2020

Gucci Mane's New Custom Ferrari F8 Tributo is One of the ...

The Ferrari F8 Tributo is one of the latest models out of Maranello and it touts improved aerodynamics and downforce over its predecessor. Powering the sleek Ferrari is a powerful twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine that pumps out 701 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. With such impressive specs and stylish design, it's no wonder that celebrities are getting their own F8 Tributos. As Gucci Mane once said, “she asking weird questions, Why yo engine in the rear, Switchin' gears then I'm outta here”. From his early music videos to his latest Instagram posts, Gucci has always made sure he’s on top of the automotive game. He can be seen all over social media sporting the latest exotic and luxury cars. In his most recent post on Instagram, he gave his followers a sneak peek at his latest acquisition. Chances are, you haven’t seen a Ferrari F8 Tributo on the streets or even at any dealer. There are only a handful that have touched down in the country. Gucci Mane managed to get his hands on one and took things a step further by putting it on matching red wheels with “1017” written on the center caps. Contact our very own celebrity car broker, Dylan, (@racecardyl) if you want to hit the streets like Gucci. See All Ferraris for Sale https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_iMDuFjQZO/ Source: Instagram/@laflare1017

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