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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 Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

Corvette C8.R Wins Pole Position For Rolex 24

Daytona was overcast this weekend, but it didn't stop the #4 Corvette C8.R from winning Pole Position for the Rolex 24. The latest news from IMSA began with Cadillac Racing clinching a win for the prototype class, and their Corvette Racing cousins also starting from 1st and 2nd positions in GTLM. The new 2021 Corvette Stingray for sale is a perfect mid-engine masterpiece, so good luck to both teams this weekend. Corvette Stingray For Sale Rolex 24 winners receive a gorgeous watch, so check out their new Submariner Collection here. Image (C) INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION, LLC. & NASCAR DIGITAL MEDIA NETWORK

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2021

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Documentary Reveals Engineering In...

When looking back at the first Corvette C8 for sale, development was handled by one man, Zora Duntov. Now that GM is finally going up against the world's best mid-engined cars, a new Chevrolet Corvette C8 documentary reveals engineering insights. 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Receives More Colors & Features Part 1 of Revolution dealt with design, learning how to fit a V8 behind the cockpit while making it look stunning. Last night Part 2 was uploaded with a look at relentless testing at the Nürburgring. Being the most intelligent Corvette to-date, issues relating to traction control also affect the shifting logic of the dual-clutch transmission and response of the electric power steering. There is no doubt that hotter versions of new Corvettes are being tested also, but the editors did a great job at hiding them. Click the button to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Stingray updates. Browse Chevrolet Corvette For Sale " width="680">

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">

Chevrolet Performance's LS427/570 crate engine is based on the L

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2020

Chevrolet Performance Unleashes the LS427

SEMA is coming around again, so its time to make travel plans. Forgive me for being superstitious, but 7 is my lucky number. This year Chevrolet Performance thought so too, so they have a new 7-liter crate engine. It is roughly based on the LS7 that was offered in the 2006 to 2013 Corvette Z06 along with the Camaro Z/28. With a history dating back to 1963, the 427 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 has been on victory row. While the latest production cars rely on 6.2-liter engines with superchargers, most of us enjoy "all-motor" excitement. Available from the parts desk of any GM Dealer, it offers 570 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque with perfect manners in traffic. Given the conservative valve timing, you might also see an increase in fuel mileage for any GM V8 since 1999. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 02, 2020

Fab Fours Unleashes the Kymera

Greek children had plenty of reasons to be afraid of the dark, and the most fearsome monster was the Chimera. The beast written about by Homer was a combination of lion, goat and snake. Splicing together the most lethal parts of each is a recipe for dominance, and that is why Fab Fours has unleashed their Kymera. What began life as a Chevy Colorado shop truck inevitably became a statement to the world of 4WD. Known around the world for their rugged, American made parts, the fabricators began by removing all the stock suspension. Fox Racing supplied a special blend of rock crawling with a hint of Stadium Super Truck. With coil springs taller than your truck, it gives the look of a classic body-drop without cutting up the floors. Before dropping in a Cummins 12-Valve diesel, a roll cage was tied into the frame and suspension mounts. A compound turbo setup offers boost in any situation, with a soundtrack that echoes from Charlotte to Charleston. I have had the opportunity to showcase their builds at auto shows across the country. One underlying fact of each is that the 4WD community hates junk products. The industry is full of foreign-sourced imitations, and they are a recipe to leave you stranded. That's why you should click the link below to see what Fab Fours offers for your truck. Learn More " width="680">

The Corvette C8.R is Chevy’s first mid-engine GTLM race car.

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

GM Enables Free WiFi to Fight the Virus

Every late-model GM vehicle has some form of their OnStar system. It offers the usual concierge functions, but many don't realize it can act as a hot spot for up to four devices. To help everyone stay connected in these trying times, they have enabled free WiFi on every car. As reported by engadget, the reception is limited to 50 feet, and the service is limited to 3 gigabits for the next 3 months. Nevertheless, this is an honorable move that could help First Responders, Hospital Staff, and families stay in communication. P.S. If you are within 50 feet of my CTS-V, I have been coughing a lot lately. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2020

2020 Corvette Owners Manual Confirms Upcoming Hybrid

Proofreading is an essential part of writing anything. Especially when it comes to owner's manuals, as the wrong information could have adverse results. But an intrepid member of Corvette Blogger came across something unique in the fuse box. Browse Hybrid & Electric Cars For Sale On page 244, fuse 7 is for the power sounder. It is a noise generator to warn pedestrians when an electric Chevy is nearby. More shocking is fuse 12, for a Lithium-Ion battery module. So there is no doubt that the 2020 Corvette Owner's Manual confirms an upcoming hybrid. Chevy Dude on YouTube noticed the central tunnel in his walkaround video. Not only does this give the Stingray incredible strength, but its shape is also very reminiscent of hybrid batteries. Not only does it run straight into the engine bay, but the front end of the tunnel also has plenty of room for an electric motor. 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review The frame rails even have mounting points cast into them. Tell us your thoughts on a hybrid AWD Corvette, because it will be here soon. Stay with us for all your Corvette news. What goes in this empty space? Browse All Corvette FOr Sale " width="680"> Images (C) Corvetteblogger & Chevy Dude

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2019

World's First 5-Second Street Car at Hot Rod Drag Week

If your car has doors, lights, and registration, you can participate in the hardest road trip of all time. The world's fastest street legal cars have been chopping down 6-second passes, but this news is resonating around the world. Filmed by our friends at 1320video, you can watch the world's first 5-second street car at Hot Rod Drag Week. World's Fastest Cars For Sale If you have never participated, Drag Week is a rolling tour of the world's fastest cars. Your spare parts, tires, fuel, and tools must be brought along, so the notion of adding a trailer hitch to a pro-mod is not uncommon. Tom Bailey is a Drag Week Veteran, and his pro-mod 1969 Camaro has a tall-deck big block and two massive turbos from Precision Industries. Porsche Taycan Sets New 'Ring Record After a week of driving and racing between Virginia and New Jersey, he learned the exact set up his car was asking for. Using a 2-step and transbrake to build boost, he crossed the top end in 5.99 seconds at 250 mph. What you are about to see is faster than any exotic or hypercar. We now live in a world where street-legal cars can outrun dragsters from just a few years ago. Tell us your fastest pass in the comments below, and stay with us for more quarter-mile world record footage. " width="680"> Related: Colorado Radio Station Organized Record-Breaking Burnout Contest

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2019

C8 Corvette Convertible Arrives in October

As you are reading this, there are 60 examples of the new Corvette driving across the U.S. These GM engineers are working out the final bugs and pushing the cars as hard as possible. I happened to encounter a blue one last night, only a few miles from our headquarters. I have owned one targa top and two convertible Corvettes, so we asked the engineer for specifics on the new drop-top. He was tight-lipped on the mechanism, other than the Corvette Convertible will arrive in October. We have already seen a few teaser shots in their commercials, so I added my shots from last night to the GM teasers. It was a good night finally seeing one in person, and I guarantee you will have the same reaction. A video uploaded by Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle confirms this, as Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande confirms the convertible. Tell us which model you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Corvettes For Sale Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2019

Chevy Teases C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible

With the complexities involved in building the world's first mid-engine Corvette, many enthusiasts figured a drop-top was out of the question. In the latest YouTube upload, team Corvette placed a few subliminal frames to appeal to the subconscious. We see a 2020, or probably 2021 Stingray with the top down. Taking inspiration from abroad, a vertical rear window is shown in the lowered position. Tell us what you think of this car in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse All Corvettes For Sale Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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