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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 – April 12, 2019

New Chevrolet Corvette C8 to be Unveiled July 18th

When he saw the first Corvette, Zora Duntov was so angry he wrote a letter to Chevrolet engineers. A sports car shouldn't have a six cylinder or automatic transmission. They hired him to work out the bugs and he was Corvette's Chief Engineer for three decades. During those years he always wanted to build a mid-engine car, but Chevrolet rebuked him after each prototype was unveiled. Times have changed and his vision has finally been fulfilled. In a press release last night, we learned the new Chevrolet Corvette C8 will be unveiled July 18th. To give the current generation a proper farewell, the final C7 will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Mohegan Sun in June. The black Z06 will be the last Corvette to have an engine up front, and all proceeds will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra said: “GM, GMC and Chevrolet support the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its commitment to injured and fallen military members, first responders and their families,” said Barra. “The sale of this iconic Corvette will help the foundation continue its good work, and pave the way for the Next Generation Corvette that we will introduce on July 18.” If you can't wait for the next generation, our dealers have great incentives on Stingrays, Grand Sports, and even a few Z06s. Click the link below to see for yourself, and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Browse Corvettes For Sale Related: Corvette C8.R Caught Testing at Sebring 2019 Corvette Grand Sport to Pace 103rd Indy 500

The 2019 Corvette Grand Sport will serve as the Official Pace Ca

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2019

2019 Corvette Grand Sport to Pace 103rd Indianapolis 500

If we are to believe the hype surrounding Chevrolet's next flagship, this year's Indy Pace Car will be the last of its kind. In a press release earlier today, Chevy announced their 2019 Corvette Grand Sport will pace the 103rd Indianapolis 500. Presented by Gainbridge, it will be a battle of 33 drivers on May 26th. This car represents the 16th Corvette to pace the race, and the 30th Chevrolet to be chosen as the Indy Pace Car. As to what we alluded to in the 1st sentence, the 2020 Corvette could possible be a mid-engine design. The current C7 Corvette for sale has been in production since early 2013, and it could be the last Corvette to have its V8 up front. Perhaps as a way to celebrate this, 33 additional Pace Cars are being assembled. Known as "Parade Cars" each Indy driver takes part in the IPL 500 Festival Parade. Chevrolet has not done this since 2007, and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to own one. I also had a ponytail and a crummy job at a bank that ends in "of America", so I will save you from an attached image. The reason for that anecdote is that Festival Cars hold their value much longer. Everyone wants to envision bringing the field across the yard of bricks, so contact our Chevrolet dealers below to make sure yours is reserved. View All Corvette Grand Sport For Sale Related: Hennessey HPE1000 Corvette Grand Sport is a Supercharged Beast 2019 Corvette Drivers' Series Announced

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By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2019

1958 Corvette "SpecVette" 001 For Sale

Ask any classic Corvette fan about 1958. You will get hours of lecture and opinion on styling and performance. That's because the 58 Vette represents the height of Bill Mitchell's control as VP of styling. So many features are found on this year alone, it places the 58 among the most coveted Corvette model years. Our friends at Excell Auto Group came across this beauty, and it could be yours! What makes all 58 Vettes unique starts with the grille, 9 teeth replaced 13 to make room for larger bumpers. The hood had (non-functional) louvers inspired by Corvette racing teams. The trunk had polished stainless spears, and the dash had Corvette's first 160 mph speedo. Sadly these features only lasted one year, as 1959 would be toned down. Since it has the most desirable styling, this body was chosen to be transformed into the SpecVette 001. Because the first generation cars had poor fit & finish, this car was stripped down to bare fiberglass. And since the ancient suspension is scary by modern standards, the Roadster Shop provided a tube frame chassis that utilizes late-model Corvette magnetic suspension. To bring the brakes into the modern era, the 4-wheel drums were replaced with 14" Wilwood rotors and 6-piston calipers. They are hidden by forged aluminum wheels that are styled after the original hubcaps. The hood is power-opening and it can be operated by the key fob. This is how you display the new LS7 (427 ci) crate motor. It is the same 505 horsepower aluminum beast that is found in every C6 Z06. It is backed by a Bowler Performance 4L60e automatic, but the customer can choose a TKO-600 manual if desired. Under the fuel door are controls for the hood along with leads for the battery trickle charger. Inside, every interior part is new. Both seats were made by hand and recessed to give you more interior room. It also provides decent head room to the convertible top, something the original Vettes never had. Other highlights include PPG Silver-Blue base-clear coat with Inca Blue coves. Each layer of clear was color sanded and buffed to perfection. Even the radio looks original, but it has modern internals like bluetooth. The trunk and convertible top are supported by gas struts, and power windows are hidden in plain sight. Being the first in a line of SpecVettes, it inspired car #004. This car took home GM's Car of the Year Award at SEMA last year. The asking price of $395,000 includes Z06 power, modern suspension, cold A/C and the most desirable styling in Corvette history. That's why it needs to be the centerpiece of your collection. Click the link below for all the details. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – January 30, 2019

2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE Receives 10-Speed Automatic

When Chevrolet decided to give the 2019 Camaro a makeover, the updated styling wasn't shared with the most powerful model. That's because the Camaro ZL1 1LE is a track-focused downforce machine. Like the Z/28 that appeared in 2015, the top-dog Camaro has been only offered with three pedals. Those days are over, as their latest press release reveals the 2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE receives the 10-speed automatic transmission. It allows the fancy F-body to lap the Milford Proving Grounds 0.5 seconds faster than the six-speed. Since Ford and GM developed it together, it has also proven to be bulletproof in the latest Raptor. The "normal" ZL1 without the 1LE package has offered this since it was introduced in 2017, but it does without the hardcore aerodynamics and with 50 extra lbs. Our dealers have great incentives on Camaros, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Chevy news. Find Your Camaro Here " width="680"> Related: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Finally Unveiled 2019 Corvette Drivers' Series Announced

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2018

Corvette C8.R Caught Testing at Sebring

We are thankful for our WWII Veterans, especially on the 77th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many of those veterans got into motorsports, and General Curtis LeMay allowed races to be held at Air Force bases around the country. That is how Hendricks Field was transformed into Sebring International Raceway. It was a training base for B17 bombers, but it has also fielded top secret projects. Corvettes have been tested to destruction here since the late 1950s. Zora Duntov and his team included young racers like Roger Penske and Augie Pabst. In recent years, Tommy Milner, Ricky Taylor and his brother Jordan have led C6 and C7 Because Sebring is relatively isolated in the middle of Florida, it is the last place the press would be waiting. But thanks to social media, Lanky Turtle was lurking in the infield. The exhaust note is unlike any GM product before, and it some of us are convinced it is a V10. Chevrolet's press release on the Silverado HD earlier this week mentioned an all-new big gas engine later next year, so tell us what it might be. Until then click the link below for great deals on leftover 2018 Vettes from our dealers. View All Corvettes For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2018

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Comes With 910 LB-FT of Torque

If you want to make a statement on the job site, Chevrolet has your answer. The first images of the new Silverado HD hit our inbox from a press release this morning. In order to meet the demands of America's workforce, the only part shared with the 1500 Silverado is the roof panel. In the old days, Chevy and GMC's HD trucks were simply bigger axles and engine options. Now that commercial trucks have the same power as battleships, GM engineers decided to pull out all the stops. A new frame is hydro-formed instead of welding individual sections together. The crew cab has an additional 3" of rear legroom, which translates into more lockable storage for your equipment. They gave us plenty of images of the aggressive exterior, but the engine shots are missing. Of course, the Duramax diesel will be favored since it offers over 900 lb-ft of torque. But the biggest news is an "all-new" gas engine. The current 6.2-liter V8 in the Tahoe and Suburban is the same LT1 found in the Stingray Corvette and the Camaro SS. The only other new GM V8 we know of is the 4.2-liter Blackwing in the new CT6-V. So this new engine really has us baffled. Click the link below to find a Silverado near you and stay with us for all your Chevy news. View Chevy Silverados For Sale Related: Chevrolet Unveils eCOPO Camaro at SEMA Mid-Engine Chevrolet Caught at Nurburgring

Chevrolet introduced 15 factory race components developed by Che

By Andrew Nabors – November 13, 2018

Chevy Performance Unveils Colorado ZR2 Racing Parts

If your Colorado needs to be ready for an adventure, Chevrolet has released 15 new stocking stuffers for your ZR2. Working with Multimatic and Hall Racing, these rugged new parts were tested over 10,000 miles. Starting with a revised set of new shocks, Multimatic delivered new DSSV units at all corners. In a press release this morning, we learned their goals of increasing suspension travel and ride height were achieved. The new suspension is 1" higher, and a 1.5" body lift can be added. The front end has 15% more travel, along with 10% on the rear axle. Hardened steel driveshafts and half-shafts are nice upgrades, as are the new heavy-duty tie rods. Each part of the kit will be sold individually, or in a crate as one part number. Our Chevy dealers have all the info along with great incentives on the 2018 Corvette Z06. So click the link below and stay with us for all your Chevy news. Related: View All Corvette Z06 For Sale Chevrolet Unveils eCOPO Electric Camaro Mid-Engine Corvette Caught At The Ring

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2018

Chevrolet Reveals Electric eCOPO Camaro at SEMA

It has been 50 years since the COPO Camaro dominated the Stock Eliminator drag races. It used the Corvette's 427 (7-liter) V8 to offer 10 second times, something that is difficult even today. So Chevrolet partnered with Hancock & Lane Racing to build a look at the future. The 2019 eCOPO does away with the V8, and replaces it with an 800v electric motor.How many cars are in Jay Leno's car Collection?It is very close to the setup used by Patrick McCue in his "Shock & Awe" electric dragster. It uses a pair of Borg Warner HVH 250-150 motors coupled together under the hood. GM's first 800v battery follows on the successes that Porsche & Rimac have developed for the new Taycan. Each motor makes 300 lb-ft of torque for a total of 600 lb-ft & 700 horsepower. Because the power is available at an instant, the car uses a billet torque converter and the indestructible TH400 automatic transmission.Instead of a solid 800v battery pack, the team placed four 200v modules in all the right places. Two are in the rear seat area, one in the spare tire well, and one directly over the rear axle. The 56% rear weight bias will have the front tires in the air for consistent 9-second quarter-miles. The press release says the eCOPO motor has the same bell housing flange as Chevy's LS & LT V8 engines, so perhaps we will see an electric conversion kit somewhere down the road. The eCOPO joins the other 2019 COPO Camaros in Chevrolet's booth, so stay with us for all your SEMA news.View Camaros For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2018

"Shock Yellow" Chevrolet Camaro SS En Route to SEMA

When the first images of the 2019 Camaro lineup were released, fans and the media were quick to respond to the unconventional styling. Chevrolet has heard our concerns and translated them into a new concept car. In a press release last night, the "Shock Yellow" Camaro SS can be seen for miles. The front end is accentuated by dual-element LED lights and a striking graphics package on the hood.Chevrolet Unveils Restyled 2019 Camaro LineupThe revised front end moves the Bowtie back to the upper grille where it belongs. Also on display will be a new 50-state legal cold air intake, revised aerodynamics, and 6-piston Brembo brakes. Upgrades to the 10-speed automatic include launch control with an integrated line-lock. Several new colors for 2019 include Crush, Riverside Blue Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic, and Satin Steel Grey Metallic. A new rear-view mirror acts as a full-screen backup camera, and the 4-cylinder turbo model is now available with race-ready 1LE suspension.View Camaros For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2018

Chevrolet's New Crate Engines Heading to SEMA in Classic ...

If you want to take the hassle and heartache out of an engine swap, Chevrolet has 3 new choices for power. To show the world what they are capable of, three classic Chevys were chosen to showcase modern power. First up is a 1967 C/10 truck with the ZZ6 350. This is the ultimate evolution of the original small block, and it uses fuel injection to make 420 horsepower. Next is a 1978 Silverado with the 6.0-liter L96 engine. It is a spicy version of the iron-block LS series that was used in everything from the Escalade to the Camaro SS for over a decade.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile CarsThe crown jewel of the collection is a NASCAR inspired 1973 Laguna. It has received the supercharged LT5 from the Corvette ZR1. Rated at 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. This takes Chevrolet's crate engine program to almost 50 unique offerings. They have replacement units ranging from the 2.2-liter Ecotec to the 8.1-liter big block and everything in between. These three builds will be featured at Chevrolet's SEMA booth, so stay with us for complete coverage of the event.View Chevrolet For Sale

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