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 Edward Jones – June 05, 2018

New "Bumblebee" Movie Ditches Camaro

There's a new Transformers movie coming out and the trailer just dropped, but its title only mentions one Transformer. Heck, the title is his name, "Bumblebee." Yes, this upcoming film will revolve entirely around the goofy, yellow Autobot. But, there's one thing that many will see if very different about this Bumblebee: he's a Volkswagen Beetle and not a Chevrolet Camaro.Many will cry foul regarding this change because 2007's "Transformers" film made the yellow Camaro somewhat of a symbol. But those who know the history behind Transformers will note that this is a return to the true original Bumblebee that's decades old. Another thing that many will find missing in this movie is Michael Bay's presence as a director. In fact, this will be the first Transformers film in the current generation that does not feature Bay as a director. That role will be held by Travis Knight who made his directorial debut with "Kubo and the Two String" in 2016. Bay will instead be a producer in "Bumblebee."Cars of Transformers 5: The Last KnightIf you're missing Bumblebee as a Camaro, don't worry because you can still rewatch all of the other Transformers films and get your fill. You can also buy a Camaro of your own and pretend it transforms. Might I suggest a Camaro ZL1?(Also, John Cena is a bad guy in the movie?!)

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

Chevrolet Unveils Restyled 2019 Camaro Lineup

You might've noticed the snazzy new Mustangs roaming around your neighborhood. Ford has given their pony car a new fresh look, so that means Chevrolet's Camaro is close behind. This Cat & Mouse game goes back to 1965 when Ford beat Chevy to the market with the Mustang. Since then, they have battled for the newest & sleekest design.A press release this morning shows that Camaro's 6th Generation was all-new for 2016, sharing updated suspension with the Cadillac ATS and power from the Corvette. Only 3 years in, designers have sculpted a leaner visage with enhanced abilities for all models. First off, the Flowtie is now standard equipment. Instead of Chevrolet's signature bowtie emblem, it has been hollowed out to increase airflow. To differentiate the RS package from the base-model LS cars, the new headlights are LED with light bars, and the grilles have Galvano-chrome inserts. Along with specific 20" wheels, it will make the Camaro RS package a must-have.217 MPH in the Hennessey Performance Exorcist CamaroEvery Camaro has a new rear end. LED taillights and specific rear diffusers for each model allow the dual-mode exhaust to sing to the masses. Yes, even the 4-cylinder Camaro is improved. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. But now it can be ordered with the 1LE suspension package previously only offered on the V6 and V8 cars. The ZL1 10-speed automatic is standard on the upper-level cars, but if you want a Turbo 1LE, the six-speed manual is your only option.1 of 11 – 1968 Yenko RS/SS Camaro Heading To Florida AuctionThe Turbo 1LE is the only 4 cylinder car on the market to offer 20" tires in 245/40 and 275/35 front to rear. Brembo brakes and stiffer suspension change the weight bias to almost 50/50. A flat-bottom steering wheel allows for aggressive driving. The latter is offered by the driving mode selector. Other new features include a revised performance data recorder, backup displays in the rearview mirrors, and an 8" touchscreen. Camaro 1LE has always been aimed at performance on the track so it would be nice to compare the original 1LE to the new Turbo to see how they compare. Tell us what you think of the new Camaro in the comments below and stay with us for all your Chevrolet news.Find Your Camaro Here

By Andrew Nabors – November 30, 2017

First 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Heading to Barrett-Jackson

If you have been waiting for a new American supercar, the Corvette ZR1 has returned. As they do with each new example of the plastic-fantastic, Chevrolet announced that the first example will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson's Collector Car Auction. A press release this morning states the proceeds are going to the Stephen Siler Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which builds smart houses for our severely wounded veterans.2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: Most Powerful ‘Vette Ever ProducedThe new car is the 4th Corvette to wear the ZR1 badge, which began in 1970 by Chief Engineer Zora Duntov. It uses a giant supercharger and no-less than 13 radiators to surpass the 650 horsepower Z06. The car is rated at 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque, with aerodynamics that are equally as impressive. In light of the new car's performance, Chevy is offering almost $10,000 off new Stingrays. We will be live streaming the event from the Muscle Lounge in Scottsdale, so we hope Mr. Hendrick has his bidder credentials ready. As always, stay with us for all your Corvette news and highlights from Barrett-Jackson.Browse Corvettes For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 26, 2017

Chevrolet Unveils 2018 Camaro COPO & Hot Wheels Package

Is your drag car worn out? If so, Chevy has a few nice upgrades for the new 2018 Camaro COPO. In a press release last night, the new Hot Wheels package will coincide with the release of an identical Hot Wheels car. The color is named "Supercrush" and it will be available on upper-level SS and RS models. They celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous diecast toys, and the package will add around $4,000 to the window sticker.Ford GT Vs Camaro ZL1 At Mid-OhioIn another unprecedented throwback to 1968, Chevrolet Performance has revived the 302 cubic inch V8. As an option for 2018 COPO Camaros, the new engine combines the big bore of the SS' 6.2 liter and a very short stroke crankshaft. The same recipe used in 1968 to create a 9,000 rpm screamer. It will complement the other NHRA legal engine options that include a 7.0 liter (427ci) and a supercharged 5.7 liter (350ci).Also returning is the solid rear axle and spherical suspension bushings. The COPO is aimed at winning the Stock Eliminator class, and it's much cheaper than building one from a street car. As always, the COPO cars have no VIN and are not legal to drive anywhere except North Korea. If the Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary brings back memories of childhood, our Chevy dealers are ready to take your order. More Chevrolet updates are coming in preparation for the SEMA show, so stay with us for complete coverage.View Camaros For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 22, 2017

America! 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Sets Record at Nurburgring

The automotive world is already very well aware that the Camaro ZL1 is an incredibly capable car. However, it seems that the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE is a surprising amount more capable when compared to the ZL1 without the 1LE package.Chevrolet announced today that the ZL1 1LE has beaten the ZL1's Nurburgring Nordschleife record by an astonishing 13.56 seconds, completing the lap in 7:16.04. That's... insanely impressive.The difference between the two cars is the "1LE," which is more than just three characters in the model name. This designation means the car has added racing suspension, new aero components, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R summer-only tires, and a lighter weight. Ultimately, these leads to better performance, as the lap time clearly states.“With chassis adjustability unlike any vehicle in its peer group, the Camaro ZL1 1LE challenges supercars from around the world regardless of cost, configuration or propulsion system,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “To make up more than a second per mile on the Nordschleife compared to the ZL1 automatic is a dramatic improvement and speaks to the 1LE’s enhanced track features.”Want the fastest Camaro around Nurburgring in your garage? The 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE will have a $69,995 MSRP when it releases later this summer.

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2017

Hennessey Camaro Runs 0-60 in 2.7 Seconds

Do you want to go 0-60 mph in under three seconds in a Chevrolet Camaro? Well, you're not going to do it in a production version. Because of this, it's best to leave it to an aftermarket tuner like Hennessey Performance who has a monstrous upgrade for the American muscle car. The HPE850 upgrade for the 2017 Camaro ZL1 takes the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and pushes its power all the way up to 725 hp and 706 lb-ft of torque (858 hp and 830 lb-ft at the motor factoring a 15% driveline loss through factory manual transmission). How to they do this? With a pretty lengthy list of upgrades that can be found on their page dedicated to the package. After Hennessey Performance installs the new package on a Camaro, they claim that it will run 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, run a quarter-mile in 104 seconds at 135 mph and hit a top speed of 210 (top speed for examples equipped with 10-speed automatic). Hennessey does not that these "acceleration times are achieved by using optional rear drag radial tires on a prepped dragstrip."

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2017

SVE Unveils 800 Horsepower Yenko Camaro

Known for building some of the fastest Chevrolets of all time, Don Yenko would be proud to see his name living on. Specialty Vehicle Engineering (formerly known as Street Legal Performance, or SLP) have built incredible versions of GM cars since 1992. Back then it seemed impossible to reach 350 hp while keeping the EPA happy but Ed Hamburger and his son David designed a revolutionary intake and exhaust system for Camaro and Firebird. Fast forward to 2017 and they are still as innovative as ever. To take a 2019 Yenko Camaro for sale to 800 hp is no easy task, so the stock 6.2 liter V8 is bored and stroked to 6.8 liters (416 cubic inches). The new bottom end is completely forged and topped by CNC ported & polished heads. The camshaft is a top-secret design, but it probably has a longer intake duration to make use of the boost. The blower is also proprietary to SVE, and it probably moves more air than most V6 engines. To fit all that goodness under the stock hood would be impossible, so a new carbon fiber hood is painted to match the Camaro's factory paint. I can attest to the quality of their paint as I am restoring my 2002 Camaro SS. My hood and rear spoiler look new, while the GM paint has aged in a less than graceful manner. A rarity in the aftermarket, SVE includes a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on the engine, supercharger and body panels. The best feature of the beastly engine is that it's not limited to the Camaro. SVE offers this package for the Escalade, Corvette and Silverado. As soon as we get our hands on one, expect to see some wild footage here on Autofluence. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – April 04, 2016

Watch Out Hypercars: Nelson Racing Unveils 260 mph COPO C...

Tom Nelson and his team have put the finishing touches on a COPO Camaro build for the Texas Mile. Using a 632 ci (10.4L) Big Block and symmetrical turbos. A Lenco 3 speed manual with a Bruno converter send power to a triangulated 9" rear. To be stable over 200 mph, a boost regulator is wired directly to a wheel speed sensor, taking the human out of the safety equation.Two parachutes fill in the license plate holes, and the trunk is filled with two fuel systems. Nelson's patented intake has two injectors for each cylinder. One runs 91 octane (non-ethanol), and the other is race fuel. As the turbos awaken, the computer gradually adds race fuel and timing. Where the fog lights normally reside are the inlets for the turbos. No matter how expensive his microphone may be, it can't translate how loud this probably is on the street. Turn down your volume for a wild shakedown cruise.Camaros For Sale

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 – 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)

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