Chevrolet

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 Khris Bharath – May 24, 2026

Chevrolet Blows Out Birthday Candles at 90 MPH for U.S. 250th as Corvette ZR1X Leads Indy 500

On Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, GM development engineer Cody Bulkley drove a Stars & Steel-liveried Corvette ZR1X at 90 mph within inches of a 186-foot cake assembled on the infield, extinguishing all 250 candles in a single pass. The red ZR1X carried a cluster of black stars across its hood, drawn from Chevrolet's Stars & Steel collection, a design package spanning five models: the Corvette, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Silverado EV, and Colorado. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Corvette (@corvette) The Corvette Stars & Steel Limited Edition is capped at 250 units across all variants, coupe and convertible. For every Stars & Steel vehicle sold across the full lineup, Chevrolet donates $250 to nonprofits supporting veterans and military families. A one-off Stars & Steel ZR1X that crossed the Barrett-Jackson block in January reinforced that commitment, raising $2.6 million for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Corvette ZR1X, which broke cover last year as the most powerful Chevrolet ever built, was announced as the Pace Car for the 2026 Indy 500 in late April. Later today, a dual-color Stars & Steel ZR1X will lead the field to the green flag at the 110th Indianapolis 500. That car runs one side in Arctic White and the other in Admiral Blue, tied together by American flag-inspired details and exposed carbon fiber. <- Gallery -> The ZR1X's 1,250-horsepower hybrid powertrain, built around a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 paired with a 186-horsepower front electric motor, makes it the most powerful car ever to lead an Indy 500 field. It runs the Carbon Aero package, generating over 1,200 pounds of downforce at speed. With a quarter-mile time of 8.67 seconds, the ZR1X is America’s Quickest production car. The connection between GM and Indianapolis goes back decades, and today marks Chevrolet's 37th overall pace car appearance at the Brickyard and the 23rd time the Corvette has led the field since 1978. The ZR1X represents the furthest the nameplate has ever pushed into hypercar territory, and GM is choosing the most-watched single-day motorsport event in the country to showcase that. View All Chevrolet Corvettes For Sale Images: Chevrolet

By Khris Bharath – March 27, 2026

2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X join C8 Lineup

At Sebring last week, General Motors, in a surprise move, previewed a new Grand Sport Corvette based on the C8. Finished in heritage-inspired Admiral Blue with red and white accents, it appeared alongside historic models, hinting at what was coming next. Now, General Motors has officially revealed the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport. Alongside it comes an all-new Grand Sport X, a hybrid variant that replaces the E-Ray and expands the Corvette lineup in a meaningful way. This is the first time the Grand Sport badge has been applied to a mid-engine Corvette, marking a major moment in the model’s history. The name traces back to 1963, when Chevrolet built five lightweight race cars to compete internationally. It later returned on the C4, skipped the C5, and then found its modern identity on the C6 and C7. In those generations, the Grand Sport became known as the most balanced Corvette, combining the base engine with Z06-level chassis upgrades and wider bodywork. For 2027, that formula evolves with a new powerplant with an all-new LS6 small block, a 6.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaces the outgoing 6.2-liter LT2 that offered 495 horsepower, and now serves as the standard powertrain for the entry-level Stingray as well, representing the most significant update to the base Corvette since the C8 launched in 2020. The Z06 will continue to deliver 670 horsepower from the LT6 5.5-liter flat-plane V8. At the top, the ZR1 and ZR1X utilize a turbocharged version of that engine, i.e., the LT7, pushing up to 1,064 horsepower. The Grand Sport, with its LS6 output, fits directly between these models, reinforcing its role as the most balanced Corvette. The increase in displacement on this new LS6 comes from a longer stroke, paired with a larger throttle body and a redesigned intake system. The engine also runs a higher 13.0:1 compression ratio and features dual injection, combining direct and port systems for improved performance and efficiency. Internally, it uses forged components, improved oiling, and revised cooling to handle increased loads. The Grand Sport remains true to its core identity as a rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated driver’s car. Standard Magnetic Ride Control, touring suspension, and Michelin all-season tires ensure everyday usability. A touring setup prioritizes comfort, while sport and optional track-focused packages introduce more aggressive tires, braking systems, aerodynamic elements, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. The Grand Sport X expands the formula with electrification. Pairing the LS6 with a front-mounted 1.9 kWh electric motor, it produces a combined 721 horsepower through an all-wheel-drive system. For some context, the outgoing E-Ray hybrid offered 655 horsepower. The setup enhances traction and corner-exit performance while maintaining the mid-engine platform's balance, with selectable performance modes including Endurance, Qualifying, and Push-to-Pass. This model replaces the E-Ray and integrates hybrid performance more directly into the Corvette lineup. Visually, the Grand Sport leans heavily into heritage while embracing the proportions of the mid-engine platform. The stance is wider and more planted, with Z06-derived bodywork, staggered wheels, and available carbon-fiber aero that includes a front splitter, dive planes, side rockers, and a prominent rear wing. Signature hash marks move from the front fenders to the rear for the first time, a direct nod to the engine now sitting behind the cockpit. Admiral Blue returns alongside new finishes like Pitch Gray Metallic. Inside, the cabin builds on the C8’s driver-focused layout with a more expressive execution. A Launch Edition introduces a Santorini Blue-dipped interior with red stitching and accents across nearly every surface. Headrests feature embossed Grand Sport graphics, while the center spine and driver display hood carry matching red detailing. An asymmetrical Santorini Blue and black interior is also available, adding another layer of personalization. Production begins this summer, with the Grand Sport expected to start under $90,000, with the Grand Sport X most likely near the $100k mark, placing it squarely in the middle of the Corvette range. The Stingray starts around $75,000 where as the Z06 range starts around $120k. The result is a lineup that feels more structured than ever. The Stingray evolves with a new engine, the Grand Sport continues to define balance, and the Grand Sport X introduces a new layer of hybrid performance, all built around the same mid-engine architecture. View All Chevrolet Corvettes For Sale <- Gallery -> Images: Chevrolet

By Khris Bharath – March 23, 2026

Chevrolet Unveils 2027 Corvette Grand Sport in Surprise Sebring Reveal

This past weekend, GM unveiled the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport in a surprise appearance at the 12 Hours of Sebring, marking the return of one of the most important names in Corvette history, a driver-focused model that bridges the gap between accessibility and high-performance. The unannounced debut caught enthusiasts and insiders off guard, reinforcing the American automaker’s deep connection to endurance racing and its own heritage. This debut carries added weight through its connection to Roger Penske, who served as Grand Marshal for the 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring IMSA race, where Porsche Penske Motorsport secured a 1-2 finish, with the #7 Porsche 963, running a special Mobil 1 livery during the event, claiming the team’s 20th overall victory in Florida. But long before building one of the most successful teams in motorsport, Penske competed at Sebring in 1964 alongside Jim Hall, securing a class victory in a Corvette Grand Sport, helping establish the car’s reputation following its development under Zora Arkus-Duntov, who is considered the Father of the Corvette. “It is an incredible opportunity to be reunited with the Corvette Grand Sport C2 here at the Twelve Hours of Sebring – an event and a track that has always carried special meaning for me and for our race teams over the years. Congratulations to Chevrolet on launching the new era of the Grand Sport program. It is truly special to see the C2 and the other generations of the Corvette Grand Sport, including the new C8, here at Sebring.” - Roger Penske For the occasion, Chevy also brought together the full Grand Sport lineage, including the original C2 race car from 1963, the 1996 C4 tribute, and later C6 and C7 variants, positioning the new C8 as a direct continuation of that bloodline. Visual elements such as the Admiral Blue finish, white center stripe, and red hash marks also served as a direct reference to this heritage, while the widened stance reflects the C8 platform’s modern architecture. The 2027 Grand Sport also marks a major milestone as the first mid-engine Grand Sport, built on the C8 Corvette platform. This shift introduces a new level of balance and performance while preserving the core identity that has defined the badge for decades. Within the current Corvette range, base Stingray and E-Ray models pack a 6.2-liter LT2 cross-plane V8 producing 495 horsepower. The Z06 moves to a 5.5-liter flat-plane LT7 delivering 670 horsepower, while the ZR1 and the ZR1X employ a turbocharged version of that engine producing 1,064 horsepower and 1,250 horsepower, i.e., the most powerful Corvette ever made. As for the C8 Grand Sport, rumors point to an all-new naturally aspirated V8 delivering performance in the 500 to 550 horsepower range, paired with a widebody chassis and track-focused hardware. But we won't have to wait much longer, as Chevrolet will release full specifications this Thursday, on March 26. Watch this space. View All Chevrolet Corvettes for Sale Images: General Motors

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2023

1st 2024 Corvette E-Ray Sold For $1.1 Million At Barrett-...

The entirety of the hammer price will benefit the DonorsChoose nonprofit organization.

By Gabriel Vega – March 22, 2023

Chevrolet Camaro Discontinued After 2024 Final Collector'...

Chevy says, "this is not the end."

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2016

Callaway's New 610 hp Camaro SC610

Reeves Callaway, founder of Callaway Cars, has been adding boost to Chevrolet's sports cars since the early 80's. Setting numerous speed and endurance records since then, he and his team have introduced an intimidating version of the 2016 Camaro SS.Superchargers generate a significant amount of heat by compressing air into the engine. While many would be content with adding additional heat exchangers and radiators, Callaway solved the heat issue with a simple solution: cut a hole in the hood. By exposing the lid of the blower to outside air, they are able to run more boost than anyone before. This is how the new SC610 is able to add 155 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque to the already potent Camaro, resulting in 610 hp and 610 lb-ft.Aside from the big 2.3-liter supercharger, the air intake is also new in order to feed cool air into the blower. Each car comes with carbon fiber bodywork, forged wheels, and is backed by a 3 year/36,000 warranty. The package is available for coupe and convertible, for both automatic and manual transmissions. The new Callaway SC610 has a sticker price of $54,290 and is available through authorized Chevrolet dealers. Considering the price of the ATS-V coupe and the Stingray, the latest Callaway Camaro is a bargain.Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Camaro news.Camaros For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2016

Top 10 Reasons Why You Need A New Corvette Z06

If you're on the fence about the latest super Corvette from Chevrolet, allow us to distill our favorite features of the new plastic fantastic. The latest generation of Corvette was the first clean sheet redesign since 1997. Engineering and design were given a blank canvas to work with, and what they produced puts Chevrolet on-par with the most potent cars in the world. Here is why we think the Z06 should be your next car.1) The 2016 Corvette Z06 is available as a coupe and a convertible. This is the first time Chevrolet has gone topless with their supercar.2) If you like power, Z06 arrives with 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Many owners are finding the published numbers are slightly underrated, and you could be at 700 hp with a few basic mods.3) Technology is in abundance with features such as the Performance Data Recorder and password protected valet mode. Apple CarPlay and 4G LTE are both standard for 2016.4) If you cherish a smooth ride, the magnetic suspension is able to change from silky smooth to track mode faster than you can blink.5) Sixty mph arrives in under 3 seconds. You won't find another car anywhere near $79,000 capable of doing that6) Build it yourself. For a small fee, you can spend the day at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, KY. After helping the assembly line crew build your baby, you take delivery next door at the National Corvette Museum.7) Slick shifting: The new eight speed automatic is faster than most dual-clutch boxes, and the optional seven speed manual has triple cone synchros for smooth shifts.8) Customization is an understatement for the Z06. Chevy has 3 aero packages and several interior trim levels, allowing you to build the car exactly to your liking.9) If you plan on taking your new Z06 to the track, you will need a new trophy case. These cars were built to dominate, and their recent 1-2 finish at the Rolex 24 in Daytona is another reminder of its abilities.10) For the time being, gas prices are enjoyable, but once they start to climb, Z06 rewards you with 22 mpg on the highway. Considering the fuel economy of its closest competitors, it will save you a few dollars at the pump.Corvette Z06s For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2016

Win the Most Powerful Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Ever

Now, you have the chance to drive away with a dream car, the Camaro 2SS, the top-of-line model of the car just named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 2016.On Saturday, February 27th, one lucky recipient will win the 2016 Camaro 2SS in the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction. (Presence at the drawing is not required to win.) Only 2,000 tickets at a $100 donation each will be sold (Enter Now). Little Girl with Type I DiabetesThe proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Diabetes Foundation (DFI), a 501(3) organization dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for people with diabetes. DFI provides short-term diabetes medications to needy people with diabetes, offers support services that provides information and resources for diabetes self-management,presents free diabetes education programs and sends children with diabetes to summer camp.Enter Now duPont REGISTRY AUTOS

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Dyno Tested

For years, Chevrolet has rated the Camaro’s V8 as being slightly less powerful than Corvette, in the name of keeping the natural hierarchy in order. To build a host of new performance packages for Camaro’s latest generation and bring it up and above a stock Corvette, Mr. John Hennessey of Hennessey Performance needed to know exactly just how much power the new car puts to the ground.So, he strapped a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS to his dyno.This car is so new that the piston rings were still getting acquainted with the cylinders- if it wasn’t broken in yet, it is by now. Listen along as this SS spins the rollers for impressive results by watching the video below.Keep in mind both the Corvette Stingray and Camaro SS are both rated at 455 hp for 2016, so tell us which one you would choose, and why. If you are not a fan of the new body, our dealers are heavily discounting the 2015 cars to make room for the new ones, so be sure to click the button below.Right now, the engineers at Hennessey Performance are working their magic with forced induction and computer tuning, so stay tuned to Autofluence to see the results.Camaros For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2015

Chevrolet Corvette Police Car You Can't Run From

For every good tuning shop, there are a dozen amateurs that are guaranteed to butcher your car. In order promote safe & legal modifications, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and their National Association of Automobile Tuners (VDAT) chose to build a wild Stingray Corvette Police Car for this year’s Essen Auto Show, according to WorldCarFans.com.They turned to TIKT Performance for the build, and they set out to push their build to the limits of German motoring laws. The first matter to address was body styling, and they built a carbon fiber kit utilizing Z06 hardware and that of their own design. Hella supplied the Police-spec lighting kit, and the car was wrapped in Polizei livery.Engine modifications in Europe are subject to federal pollution regulations, so the powertrain was left alone- the 6.2-liter V8 and seven-speed manual are more than enough to run down evading suspects. Hankook supplied their latest Vertus tires on 19”/20” wheels to give this American plenty of grip on the Autobahn.For more details of the build, check out the video below and stay tuned to Autofluence for more wild (and legal) builds.Corvettes For Sale Gallery (Source: WorldCarFans.com, TIKT Performance Parts/Facebook)

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