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

Six white vehicles, including three pickup trucks and three sports cars from the Chevy Honors America’s 250th Anniversary Ultra-Exclusive Stars & Steel Collection, are parked on a wet salt flat with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

By Charles Bradley – December 10, 2025

Chevy Honors America’s 250th Anniversary With Ultra-Exclu...

Chevrolet is gearing up for one of the most significant milestones in U.S. history – the 250th anniversary of the United States – with a patriotic tribute built for collectors, enthusiasts, and luxury-minded buyers. Called the Stars & Steel Collection, and led by its legendary Corvette flagship, this curated lineup of special-edition 2026 models blends American craftsmanship, premium design, and purpose-driven philanthropy into one of Chevy’s most ambitious commemorative offerings to date. Drawing inspiration from the American flag, the Stars & Steel vehicles feature modernized exterior graphics, curated color combinations, and elevated interior treatments that speak directly to collectors who want exclusivity paired with heritage. Every model in the collection is proudly assembled in the U.S., underscoring Chevrolet’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and innovation – fitting for a brand that has called America home for nearly 115 years. With nearly 87 percent of Americans living within 10 miles of a Chevy dealership, the brand’s national footprint remains as strong as the patriotic ethos driving this new series. “The Stars & Steel Collection celebrates a key milestone for the country that not only served as the birthplace of our brand but has also been its home for nearly 115 years,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “Each vehicle in this collection is proudly assembled in the United States and honors the rich legacy of our nation.” Spanning five models – including the Corvette, Silverado EV, Silverado LD, Silverado HD, and Colorado – the collection introduces exclusive appearance packages and premium upgrades across the 2026 lineup. But the halo of the series is unquestionably the Corvette Stars & Steel Limited Edition, restricted to just 250 units across all Corvette variants, from Stingray to ZR1X. Offered only on 3LT/3LZ trims and available as a coupe or convertible, this run includes two striking specifications: Arctic White with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior. Each Corvette features American flag-inspired satin stripes, “250” graphics, unique sill plates, numbered interior plaques, and a suite of red-accented performance details, from Edge Red calipers to model-specific Edge Red engine covers. Buyers can also select Black Gloss, Carbon-Flash, or available Carbon Fiber wheels, depending on the model – luxury touches that elevate the Corvette’s already formidable presence. Chevy has also embedded philanthropy into the collection. For every Stars & Steel vehicle sold, the company will donate $250 to nonprofits supporting veterans and military families. In addition, a “one of one” 2026 Corvette ZR1X finished in Stars & Steel-inspired livery will cross the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Winter Auction on January 24, 2026, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes and financial support to injured veterans and the families of fallen first responders. The public debut of the Stars & Steel Collection is set for one of America’s most tradition-filled sporting events – the 2025 Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, held December 13, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. It’s a fitting stage for a lineup designed to celebrate U.S. heritage, military service, and the craftsmanship embedded in some of America’s most iconic performance vehicles. With patriotic design cues, luxury-leaning details, and a philanthropic mission woven into every model, the Stars & Steel Collection positions Chevrolet at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary – an unmistakably bold tribute from an automaker deeply connected to the nation that shaped it. View All Chevrolets For Sale Images: GM, Chevrolet

A Quail Silver Limited Edition Corvette ZR1X convertible is parked on a paved road near the coastline, with the ocean and greenery visible in the background, evoking the exclusive vibe of Monterey Car Week.

By Charles Bradley – August 06, 2025

Chevrolet Unveils 2026 Corvette ZR1X Pricing, Quail Silve...

In a bold move that redefines the American hypercar segment, Chevrolet has officially announced pricing for the all-new 2026 Corvette ZR1X, alongside the debut of the ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition, an exclusive collector’s model set to premiere at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week on August 15. With 1,250 horsepower from its innovative LT7 twin-turbo V8 and front-axle electric motor, the ZR1X is engineered for sub-two-second 0–60 mph performance – placing it squarely in hypercar territory and beyond anything ever produced by Corvette. For collectors and connoisseurs seeking a deeper level of distinction, the Quail Silver Limited Edition delivers unmatched design, exclusivity, and historical significance. “Corvettes are the pride and joy of their owners – this has been true since we first began selling the nameplate more than 70 years ago. They honor its craftsmanship and design as much as its engineering excellence,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “The ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition presents a highly exclusive option for Corvette customers looking for a collectible item.” Introducing the ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition Exclusively available on the ZR1X 3LZ convertible, the Quail Silver Limited Edition marks a historic return to factory matte paintwork – the first such finish offered on a Corvette since the 1960s. Its Blade Silver Matte exterior draws direct inspiration from Inca Silver, a classic hue featured on the 1957-1959 C1 Corvette. “The Design team is always looking to innovate, and the Blade Silver Matte paint color marks a significant moment for Corvette as the first factory matte paint in 60 years,” said Phil Zak, executive design director of Global Chevrolet. “This new finish creates a distinctly high-end feel and offers a rare chance to own a truly unique expression of Corvette." In addition to the exclusive paint, each vehicle features: A “Limited Edition” plaque on the interior waterfall speaker with its unique build number An interior finished in Sky Cool & Medium Ash Gray with bold Habanero accents, a new-for-2026 color palette Orange-painted brake calipers, black exhaust tips, and Carbon Flash-painted mirrors Buyers can further enhance their vehicle with the ZTK Performance Package, which includes: Stiffer spring rates Revised chassis control calibrations The ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires for maximum grip 2026 Corvette ZR1X: Pricing and Performance At its core, the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X represents the most sophisticated and powerful production Corvette ever, blending American engineering muscle with cutting-edge hybrid technology. It’s proudly assembled at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky using U.S. and globally sourced components. ZR1X MSRP: 1LZ Coupe: $207,395 1LZ Convertible: $217,395 3LZ Coupe: $218,395 3LZ Convertible: $228,395 Quail Silver Limited Edition (3LZ Convertible): $241,395 (excl. destination charges) Production is slated to begin in late 2025, with the Quail Silver Limited Edition offered in strictly limited numbers, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Corvettes to date. Monterey Car Week: The Ultimate Stage for an American Icon The ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition will make its official public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California on Friday, August 15. This annual celebration of luxury, performance, and automotive heritage provides a fitting stage for Chevrolet to showcase both the pinnacle of Corvette performance and a glimpse into the future design inspiration from GM Design. For collectors, Corvette enthusiasts, and luxury performance buyers, the ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition is a modern interpretation of heritage, innovation, and American speed. With ultra-limited availability, historic matte paintwork, and 1,250 electrified horsepower, it’s poised to become an instant icon in the supercar world. Image Source: Chevrolet

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2019

2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Revealed with 495 Horsepower & ...

If you didn't stay up to watch the Livestream, it was an event for the ages. We've been waiting long enough, so the crowd of invited guests went wild then 3 new Corvettes made their appearance. The exotic car world is now on notice, as the 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray was revealed with 495 horsepower and a low price. Starting at the front the low nose and dash offer great visibility. Without an engine in the way, the steering system is 50% stronger than the C7. Moving the cockpit forward puts more weight on the rear tires. This allows the base model to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds. This also puts the driver of mass and rotation very close to the seats. If you want to drift, the car rotates around the passengers. This means you won't feel any G-Forces when cornering. A first for any American car. Not only is the aluminum frame lighter, but it also uses die-cast junctions to be much stronger than the C7. Upfront where the engine used to be, there is room for groceries or luggage under the hood. This is the first Corvette to offer a 5-piece luggage set, and the bigger pieces can be stored in the rear trunk. A deep cargo well behind the transmission can hold the Targa top or almost anything you need to carry. It is surrounded by the first carbon fiber crash structure on an American car. Styling was handled by my favorite GM designer: John Cafaro. He is responsible for two cars I have owned: 4th Gen Camaro (1993-2002) & C5 Corvette (1997-2004). His style is unmistakably Italian, and he was given help by Top Peters. He designed the C6 and C7, so that is where this car gets its angles and inlets. Both of them retired last night, leaving the C8 Corvette as their coup de grâce after decades at GM. C8 Corvette Price and Specs 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Moving forward, the transmission is an 8-speed transaxle developed by Tremec. The first six gears are close ratio for blistering acceleration, and the last two are deep overdrives for highway cruising. The 6.2L V8 is an improvement of the current LT1. It uses gorgeous stainless headers and revised internals to make 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Thrills continue inside. Cheap plastics have been replaced by machined metal. The squared-off steering wheel was inspired by the C7.R racing program, and all controls are aimed at the driver. A 12" screen handles infotainment and various apps, both of which receive updates over the air. Separating the seats is a spine covered in leather. It contains all A/C, seat heat, and comfort controls which keeps the dash free of clutter. Bose developed a 14-speaker system to keep you entertained, and the front suspension rises 2" to prevent scrapes. This system is GPS-linked, so the car remembers where you need to raise the front end and does it for you. The Performance Data Recorder now has higher resolution cameras front and rear, the latter serves as a panoramic backup view in reverse. It appears as if the manual transmission is dead, at least for now. We can deal with this because the price will make you happy. Base model Corvettes will start under $60,000. If this is all too much for you, our dealers are offering great incentives on the remaining C7 models. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Find Your Corvette Here! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2019

Last C7 Corvette Hammers for $2.7 Million at Barrett-Jackson

We were in Connecticut over the weekend, as a sponsor for Barrett-Jackson's Northeast Collector Car Auction at the Mohegan Sun Casino. This event is growing exponentially, so if you didn't catch the live coverage it was an epic event. The prime time cars were poised for Saturday night, and that is when we witnessed the last C7 Corvette hammer for $2.7 Million at Barrett-Jackson. Like we have been mentioning, the next-generation Corvette will be a mid-engine design. This has split enthusiasts into two camps: Ones who embrace what the Corvette has always wanted to be and "That's not my Corvette!" C8 Corvette under camo. Accordingly, the chance to acquire the final production C7 was destined to cause a commotion. Instead of dealers fighting over who would receive the allocation, Chevrolet decided to auction it for charity. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the life of a First Responder who gave it all on 9/11. With all proceeds going to help our veterans, the hammer dropped at $2.7 Million dollars. Frank Siller and the foundation build Smart Homes for injured veterans, and this fully-loaded black Z06 will provide for at least 5 new homes for veterans in need. This car also set a new record for a manufacturer-donated car, and we're glad the money is going to a good cause. Our dealers still have a few C7 Stingrays, Grand Sports, Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes for sale. Click the link below to find one for yourself, and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Corvettes For Sale Related: C7 Corvette Z06 Price, Specs, Photos & Review 2020 Corvette Reveal Event Tickets Being Auctioned For Charity

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