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 Caitlin Duffy – July 09, 2015

1964 Morgan Plus 4 & Stephen Colbert on Comedians in Cars...

It's the season finale of Jerry Seinfeld's series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," and the pairing of guest and car couldn't have been more spot on."Come and see yourself as a sports car," Seinfeld says to Stephen Colbert on the phone, driving up to Colbert's Montclair, New Jersey home in a 1964 Morgan Plus 4. A model made the same year Colbert was born, it's a perfect fit for a grey Jersey morning and a hot cup of coffee.(See Also: Keith Richards' Bentley "Blue Lena" Set for Auction at Bonhams)The two drive to downtown Montclair and visit the Bluestone Coffee Company, discussing the car itself, Colbert's early years and plans for his future in late night TV, then end the day by driving back home with Stephen behind the wheel. He's a bit rusty working the stick shift, much to his own amusement and Seinfeld's despair.Check out the episode by visiting Crackle.com, and find your own Morgan model from our exclusive listings.Watch Now Morgans For Sale (Source: Crackle) See More Celebrity Car News

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2015

Dario Franchitti Races a Porsche 918 Spyder Through Goodwood

IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti may not have raced for Porsche professionally, but that doesn't stop him from being a fan of their cars.At the recent 2015 Goodwood Festivals of Speed, Franchitti put the Porsche 918 Spyder through its paces for the annual Hill Climb event. Porsche uploaded a video to YouTube today of his run in the German hypercar.(Related: LaFerrari vs. 458 Speciale Drag Races)In the video Franchitti states, "Porsche are doing it almost better than anybody else right now. I think this car is doing everything right." It's clear to see that he's a fan of the car and the brand, and he even notes that he actually has a Carrera GT of his own.Check out the video below to see the champ in action in Porsche's greatest supercar yet.(Source: YouTube) See More Celebrity Car News

By Edward Jones – July 06, 2015

Lewis Hamilton Drifts Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG on Track

It's fun to be a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but it's even more fun when the driver is Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.In a video uploaded by Fryman KikoMan July 3, Hamilton can be seen whipping the E63 around a track. The passengers in the car must be new to drifting and the capabilities of a driver such as Hamilton, because one exclaims, “I didn’t realize a car could spin like that. That’s amazing!”Watch the video below to see what the famous driver can do with an E63 AMG on the track. E63 AMGs For Sale(Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans.com) More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 30, 2015

Chris Brown's "The Dark Knight" Aventador Before & After

At the beginning of this month, on June 3, Chris Brown and Jc Customz both began posting photos to Instagram of Brown's Aventador after some special treatment.His Aventador LP700-4 became "The Dark Knight" after its original orange color was covered and its entire structure modified. DH Wraps gave it its matte black appearance, Misha Designs' body kit made it more fierce than before and Savini' Wheels' 18k gold Forged SV59-D wheels added an exclamation point of color, all supported by Pirelli tires. Jc Customz assembled the final product.(Related: Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Production Confirmed at Goodwood)A post to Savini's news and blog site shared the details of its construction and photos of the final result, while some posts from Jc Customz to Facebook April 10 and 28 give us a good look at the Aventador from Lamborghini Newport Beach before undergoing its transformation. Misha Designs also shared a photo of the finished Dark Knight June 23 to their page.Check out the before and after shots of this Lamborghini below, and when you're finished, find yourself another Aventador from Lamborghini Newport Beach by browsing their listings at the button below. When you find your perfect car, let us know in the comments what your plans are for customization.Lamborghinis For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook, Savini Wheels) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 26, 2015

Maria Sharapova Test Drives Porsche's Boxster Spyder

Though the world's attention is turned to Goodwood and its annual Festival of Speed, Maria Sharapova has been spending some time with Porsche in London ahead of the Women's Tennis Association's pre-tournament party. Maria Sharapova drops in at Porsche Mayfair to go for a spin in the UK’s only brand new Porsche Boxster Spyder, on her way to the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens.A release issued by the marque today shows us a few photos from her visit, when the brand ambassador took out the new Porsche Boxster Spyder for a spin.“I love that this new Boxster Spyder is like a classic sports car, but at the same time feels so modern and sophisticated," said Sharapova in the release. "It’s a fantastic car and I need to get one!”(Related: McLaren P1 “Alain Prost Edition”)Unveiled April 1 at the New York International Auto Show, the Porsche Boxster Spyder features a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine capable of producing 375 hp, which makes for a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. As an homage to classic design, it's only available with a manual transmission, and the soft-top fabric roof can only be opened or closed by hand.It's a purist sports car if there ever was one, making it a perfect pairing for a pure athlete like Sharapova. Check out the images of her test drive below, and then find yourself a Boxster Spyder from our exclusive listings.Boxster Spyders For SaleGallery (Source: Porsche) See More Celebrity Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – June 16, 2015

Ten Cars for Forbes' Ten Wealthiest Athletes

There are few people that make it onto a Forbes list, and there are few people who make it into the world of professional sports as an athlete. To make it into both of those categories requires an unthinkable amount of savvy and dedication, a lifetime of hard work and smart decisions regarding investments, sponsorship choices, management and much more.It's a rare achievement to reach the financial top of professional athletes, but in a June 10 list, Forbes has compiled the top 100 people who have done so.(See Also: James May Reviews the Ferrari 488 GTB)Check out our list of transportation suggestions for these athletes below, and let us know in the comments if you think there's another car more suited to the person.Kobe Bryant | $49.5 Million 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Image via listing on duPontREGISTRY.com/autos/A car fit for a king representing true LA Lakers style. View Price & DetailsTiger Woods | $50.6 Million 2012 Ferrari FF Courtesy of FerrariSubtle, sporty and incredibly good looking, the FF is the perfect pairing for one of the world's most famous men to ever wield a club. View Price & DetailsPhil Mickelson | $50.8 Million 2015 BMW i8 Courtesy of BMW's Facebook pageTrack-capable performance figures with an average consumption of 76 mpg - what's not to love? View ListingsKevin Durant | $54.1 Million 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz's Facebook PageAs a fan of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it only makes sense that Durant would own the model's successor. View Listingss LeBron James | $64.8 Million 2014 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz's Facebook PageTough enough to take anywhere, with enough leg room to accommodate James' height. View Price & Listing Roger Federer | $67 Million Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Image via listing on duPontREGISTRY.com/autos/Sleek, stunning and a car with a reach that can compete with Federer's serve. View Price & Details Lionel Messi | $73.8 Million 2005 Maserati MC12 Courtesy of McLarenLionel Messi has already confirmed that he's a fan of Maserati, and especially of his GranTurismo MC Stradale. But it's hard to compete with the prestige of the MC12 - one of these would make a fine addition to his collection. View Listings Cristiano Ronaldo | $79.6 Million 2015 McLaren P1 Courtesy of McLaren Newport BeachThere doesn't seem to be a particular type of fine car that Ronaldo has an interest in, but that's not to say he doesn't know a fine car when he sees it. He took a ride in the P1 and seemed to enjoy it, so perhaps it's time to add one to his list. View Price & Details Manny Pacquiao | $160 Million 1965 Icon D200 Dodge Crew Cab 4x4 Custom Courtesy of ICONHe's shown a penchant both for SUVs and high performance supercars, so a custom Dodge from ICON might be right up this boxing star's alley. View Price & Details Floyd Mayweather | $300 Million Ferrari LaFerrari Courtesy of GFWIlliams PhotographerMayweather's collection is legendary, but with the recent sale of his Enzo, perhaps it's time for another monumental Ferrari to enter circulation. View Price & Details (Source: Forbes) See More Celebrity Car News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 16, 2015

Rafael Nadal Wins Mercedes-AMG GT S

He's acquired countless awards and accolades over his impressive 29 years, but Rafael Nadal can add one more prize to his collection: a tennis ball yellow Mercedes-AMG GT S.The Stuttgart Open drew to a close on June 14 with Nadal declared the winner, and with matte black wheels his prize rolled out onto the grass court. Though it wasn't the playing surface Nadal is notorious for winning on, he defended his position as 10th in the world ATP rankings with this victory in Germany. View image | gettyimages.com Reports from USA Today and CNN tell us that he accepted the prize with more than a healthy dose of modesty, though likely because of conflicting interests; Nadal has been sponsored by Kia for nearly 10 years, sparking his comment, "it's not a Kia, but it's still good."Of course, the exterior is certainly unique and noticeable. The base color matches almost perfectly the fluorescent shade of a tennis ball, and is complete with white curved lines mimicking the ball's white seams. View image | gettyimages.com While this may not be the best appearance for a GT S, it's not what's on the outside that counts; under the hood is still the same AMG 4.0-literV8 biturbo engine that has made this model so highly desired. But not only is the engine completely new and designed for this vehicle, the GT S is only the second car completely designed by Mercedes-AMG. Performance is at its core, and you don't have to like its color to enjoy the drive.Check out our listings of exclusive Mercedes-AMG GT S models by hitting the button below, and stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.Mercedes-AMG GT S Listings (Source: USA Today, CNN via Jalopnik, Getty Images) See More Celebrity Car News

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2015

Sylvester Stallone's 1968 Corvette is For Sale

If Rocky Balboa and John Rambo were to build a Corvette, this would be it.Aside from being a renowned actor, painter and boxing promoter, Sylvester Stallone likes his cars. He bought this wild 1968 Corvette at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction back in 2009, and it has a heavy hitting list of modifications.Built for a discerning owner, this convertible features a 510 cubic inch, or 8.3-liter, Donovan Big Block making 660 hp. Torque is not listed, probably because the Brodix heads make enough turning force to shatter the Lakewood bellhousing. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to a custom 5-link coil-over rear suspension.Because early Corvettes used the fiberglass body as a stressed part of the suspension, the entire frame was boxed with thicker steel to prevent the car from shattering upon launch. Anti-lock brakes and fuel injection bring this car into the modern era, along with air conditioning and power steering.A build of this caliber demands a sizable investment, with the power train costing over $30,000 on its own. If you need a convertible Corvette with no expense spared, Taggart Autosport of Cary, North Carolina is asking only $129,900 for the Corvette that was once Stallone's. Though it's had one other owner since Stallone's purchase, included with the sale is his autographed registration and a photo of Sly behind the wheel.(See Also: James May Reviews the Ferrari 488 GTB)This prize fighter may be old, but it packs enough power and prestige to go 12 rounds with any production car we can think of. For more information, hit the button below.View Listing Gallery Sponsored by: See More Celebrity Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – June 15, 2015

Floyd Mayweather's Ferrari Enzo is For Sale

Cars come and go through Floyd Mayweather's collection faster than styles go out of fashion, and even some of the finest cars produced in automotive history can't count on staying in his garage long.Case and point, his Ferrari Enzo. As we reported Jan. 26, Mayweather added the pinnacle pony to his collection, posing for a few photos with it the day it was delivered by Fusion Luxury Motors.(Related: The Rise of the Ferrari 575M Superamerica)But June 11, Fusion's Facebook page showed the Rosso powerhouse back at their showroom."HIS NAME IS 'ENZO' !" states the caption of its photo. The next day, June 12, they shared a video of the Enzo driving up to the dealership, and shortly after it appeared on their website's listed inventory.Check out the photos below to get a closer look at this piece of Ferrari's history, and hit the button to learn more about purchasing details.View Listing and PriceGallery

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2015

James May Reviews the Ferrari 488 GTB

Now that the Top Gear we once knew is long gone, the hosts are able to do "their own thing." What does James May, Captain Slow, want to do with his free time? Cook and test drive Ferrari's new mid-engined turbocharged sports cars: the 488 GTB.(Related: Keanu Reeves Drives a Ferrari 488 GTB During Maranello Visit)In a YouTube video uploaded June 9 by Sunday Times Driving, the ex-Top Gear host takes the 488 GTB for a ride around the Italian countryside and the Fiorano test track. Overall, he seems very receptive to the car, with his only gripe being the placement of the door handle.However, this review may be bad news for May. If he really does have an affinity for Ferrari's latest, he might have to consider trading in the 458 Speciale he just ordered for a 488.Ferraris For Sale (Source: YouTube) Click Here For More Celebrity Cars

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