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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 – April 17, 2023

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

By Gabriel Vega – March 22, 2023

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By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2021

Chevrolet Silverado Electric Arrives With Impressive Range

Your truck can do what? For those that need a full-size pickup, the Chevrolet Silverado Electric is coming soon. A teaser yesterday confirms it will be built alongside the GMC Hummer EV in Detroit, and that it will arrive with a range of 400 miles! Known as Factory ZERO, the Hamtramck assembly plant was treated to a $ 2.2 billion overhaul dedicated to building EVs. Now that the 2024 Hummer EV SUV and truck have been revealed, the new Silverado and the Cadillac Lyriq. Taking inspiration from Mr. Musk, GM's leadership is learning how to capitalize on such news on Wall Street. Investors have driven the stock price to an all-time high, so well done to Chevrolet for cutting a clear path to the future. Shop Chevrolet Silverado https://www.facebook.com/chevrolet/videos/507344743611388 Image and film (C) General Motors

FH4 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 01 16x9 WM

By Andrew Nabors – January 12, 2021

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Heading To Forza Horizon 4

Racing in a virtual world saves money while honing your skills. So if you demand the ultimate ride, the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is heading to Forza Horizon 4. Years in the making, it will be available on Thursday, January 14th, with 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The dynamics of having a mid-engine layout are not overlooked by Microsoft Studios. Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang Price & Specs Their previous efforts allowed Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang to be one of the game's most potent machines, so we guess the Vette will quickly be embraced by players. Tell us what car you want to see next, and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Corvette Stingray For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) General Motors

By Andrew Nabors – December 24, 2020

Chevrolet Offers A Cooler Christmas For Corvette Z06 Owners

You can't deny the appeal of having 650 horsepower and the same amount of torque. But if your car gets a little heated when provoked, Chevrolet is offering a cooler Christmas for Corvette Z06 owners. Our friends at GM Authority say the new warranty protocols cover automatic and six-speed cars for 7 years or 72,000 miles. When your Corvette gets too hot, the engine cuts power and records the event in the computer. C7 Corvette Z06 Price, Specs, Photos & Review Any GM dealer will give you a new, larger radiator along with new programming for the fans and the automatic transmission. The Z06 represents the best dollar-per-horsepower bargain in the supercar world, so click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Corvette Z06 For Sale " width="680"> Source: GM Authority

By Andrew Nabors – October 08, 2020

2021 Chevy Silverado HD Can Tow 18 Tons While Having Fun

Although it took them a few years, the engineers behind the bowtie brand are back on top. With improvements to almost every component, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD can tow 18 tons while having fun. The fun part comes from more standard entertainment and connectivity, centered around Android, Apple, and wireless charging. The real gravy is when it comes to heavy hauling. When equipped with the Duramax Diesel, the new Silverado 3500 HD is rated at 36,000 lbs. https://twitter.com/ChevyTrucks/status/1313858435570688005 To celebrate being back at the top of the towing world, the Carhartt Special Edition will arrive with an all-weather interior. Jet Black and Carhartt Brown leather seats are heated and cooled, and the bed has a Carhartt tonneau cover. Other exclusives are the 20" wheels and Mosiac Black Metallic paint. The unique body color is also found on the grille and bumpers, and its nice to see a special edition that isn't overdone. The other editions include Midnight, Z71 Sport, and Z71 Chrome, and they remain mostly unchanged for the new model year. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button and see the USA in your Chevrolet. Browse Chevrolet Silverado For Sale

General Motors today announced the all-new 350 small-block engin

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2020

Chevrolet Unveils All-New 350 (5.7L) Engines

It has been almost two decades since Chevrolet said goodbye to an old friend. The 350 V8 was the ultimate example of their small block that was introduced in 1955. With so many cars and trucks on the road, the price of rebuilds has risen in the last few years, mainly because of the time and machine work involved are becoming a lost art. That is why GM purchased new tooling to build the first all-new new 350 small blocks in nearly 20 years. Each one is being built by hand in Springfield, Missouri, bringing GM Powertrain jobs back to the U.S. Since 1955, Chevrolet has built over 100,000,000 small block engines, and this is the first one using modern metallurgy, roller lifters and Vortec heads. 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Receives More Colors & Features The blocks and heads are new castings with the latest metallurgy, and the heads are CNC machined. A forged steel crank is held by 4-bolt mains, and the oil pan has dipstick tubes on both sides. This beast will fit every Chevy or GMC from 1955 to 1997 (or 2002 for delivery trucks). It would be a smart move to buy one and save it, as these will be quickly scooped up by collectors. If your classic Corvette or Camaro is tired, these are available at any GM dealer, & backed by a 3 year/36k warranty. Tell us what you would drop this into and stay with us for all your Chevrolet news. Browse Chevrolet For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

Team Chevrolet Wins 100th IMSA Race at Daytona

Later this year, we will be introduced to something unprecedented. The 2021 Corvette Z06 for sale will arrive with a 5.5-liter V8, and it will be Chevrolet's first V8 to feature a flat-plane crankshaft. If you were watching the action this weekend, that new engine is what allowed Team Chevrolet to achieve Pole Position, and win their 100th IMSA race at Daytona. While we first saw the mid-engine C8.R at the Rolex 24, its debut was a learning experience. C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review To put the past behind them, Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor won 1st place in car #3, while Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner drove from the Pole to 5th place. Independence Day, Chevrolet Corvette Stingrays, and Daytona, it was a patriotic evening that proves the potency of every C8 Corvette Stingray for sale. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Chevrolet Corvette For Sale https://twitter.com/CorvetteRacing/status/1279591729776205824

U.S. Army has awarded GM Defense LLC, $214.3M production contrac

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2020

GM Awarded $214 Billion to Build Army's Infantry Squad Ve...

When your squad needs to attack in style, why roll up in a Hummer that is 20 years old? The Army asked every automaker to submit a bid for a light, tough 4WD that could haul 9 soldiers and their gear. A grueling series of 11 consecutive races across all types of terrain saw 434 individual entries. In the end, four vehicles survived, and one stood out from the others. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time GM Defense's Infantry Squad Vehicle is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, which features DSSV suspension by Multimatic. The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel offers 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on the street, but converting it to run on military JP8 has unlocked over 100 additional horsepower. Without a body to lug around, it might even surpass Colorado's 30 MPG. Their target is to build 2,065 examples, with each one sharing 90% of its parts with the Colorado ZR2. All we can tell you is that it and the squad easily fit inside the CH-47 Chinook, so the squad will be gone before the enemy knows what happened. Here's to the squad of UAW Local 2250 in Wentzville, Missouri for winning the contract! Click the button below for great deals on new Colorados and stay with us for all your GM news. Browse Chevrolet Colorado For Sale " width="680">

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV Packs ZL1 Parts

Here is a bit of TV trivia: What is the longest running reality TV star? If you guessed the Chevrolet Police Pursuit Vehicle, you are right. COPS premiered in 1991, and aside from our brave Law Enforcement, the star was the new Caprice PPV. Packing LT1 power from the Corvette, it seems that Chevrolet wants our bravest to have the most power. In a press release earlier today, we learned that the 2021 Chevy Tahoe PPV borrows parts from the Camaro ZL11le. Designed for the world's toughest tracks, the PPV arrives with piston oil squirters, high-flow PCV valve covers, massive oil and transmission coolers. It rides lower than a civilian Tahoe for high-speed stability, and it has much beefier suspension parts. Six-piston Brembo brakes measure 16", and the differential is limited slip. A 200 amp alternator keeps the 760 amp auxiliary battery to power AC for K9 kennels, 31 circuits for the front cockpit, and another 56 separate circuits for the cargo area. If that's not enough, 25 more shared circuits are also wired in on the assembly line. This means adding the lights, sirens, and any other gear can be done with ease. Dynamic fuel management alternates cylinder firing to save fuel at idle, down to running on 2 cylinders while aiming the radar at you. A 140 mph speedometer will have the law on your bumper before you can downshift, so go ahead and pull over. Click the button below to learn more about the new 2021 Tahoe, and here's to all those who keep us safe. Browse Chevy Tahoe For Sale 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle

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