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

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 05, 2020

Amelia Island Concours Highlights Mid-Engine Corvette His...

For a proper 25th Anniversary, this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance highlighted mid-engine Corvette history. As a native of this tiny barrier island, I have watched Bill Warner's small gathering evolve to rival Pebble Beach in attendance and significance. Realizing over six decades of Corvette development, Chevrolet stepped up to showcase each step that led to the C8 Stingray. Amelia Island is no stranger to the Plastic Fantastic, even I have owned four examples here over the years. Not only does the 25th Anniversary of this show make me feel a little old, the world got a glimpse of Zora Duntov's dreams become reality. Back in 2003, the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton hotel was the first time all 5 original Grand Sports were together in one location and we thought that would never be overshadowed. 2020 Amelia Island Concours Recap In terms of significance, this year we saw Corvette Experimental Research Vehicles (CERV I & Cerv III) along with the 1968 Astro II. However, the most rewarding part of the show was seeing the new Corvette in person. Amelia Island is how I first experienced the world's best car magazine in person, and it led me to the best career I could ask for. Click the button below to find your new Corvette for sale and stay with us for all your Amelia Island updates. Browse Chevrolet Corvette For Sale

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">

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

By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

Stock Hennessey C8 Corvette Laps Circuit of the Americas

Before he built the world's first twin turbo Corvette, John Hennessey wanted a baseline on the track. So he called up SCCA racing legend and Assistant Corvette Chief Engineer John Heinricy. When John and John are at the same track, you are destined to see amazing performance. Turn up your volume and watch a stock C8 Corvette lap the Circuit of the Americas! " width="680"> P.S. Your car can't do this in the rain!

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 23, 2020

2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Twin Turbo by Hennessey Perform...

After only owning the car a few days, John Hennessey and his talented team have worked their magic on the latest plastic fantastic. After protecting the paint with masking tape, the bumper was removed to reveal the mufflers. " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> After they were deleted, the factory downpipes received V-band connections and two honkin turbos. So turn up your volume and listen to the first 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Twin Turbo by Hennessey Performance. " width="680"> Browse All Corvette For Sale

2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

C6 Corvette Z06 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

C6 Corvette Z06 Price If you demand the very best from your American supercar, the only logical choice is the C6 Corvette Z06 for sale. It arrived in 2006 as a distinct model from the normal Corvette, with production ending in 2013. Innovation is why the C6 Corvette Z06 price started a hair under $70,000. Inflation and depreciation have taken their toll, and that is why a showroom condition C6 Corvette Z06 for sale will be half its original price. C6 Corvette Z06 Review For a proper C6 Corvette Z06 review, you will have the most fun on a closed course. Because it is lighter and stronger than its predecessors, you will not approach the limits of this car on public roads. Thanks to the 3.42 differential gears, the C6 Corvette Z06 horsepower can be felt in any gear. With 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, the driver can easily shift using only half the gears. 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 are not a problem for the big engine. Because the LS7 engine was bred to win LeMans, it is very efficient on the highway. While cruising in 6th gear, it is not uncommon to achieve 30 miles per gallon. Used Corvette For Sale By Owner C6 Corvette Z06 Specs Option code Z06 began in 1963 as a performance option. What it boils down to is the most powerful engine and removal of luxuries like radio, heater, and insulation. Times have changed, so the C6 Z06 Specs include dual climate control, Bose surround sound, and a six-speed manual transmission. Even with such amenities, the C6 Corvette Z06 top speed is 198 mph. With sticky tires, the C6 Corvette Z06 0-60 can be 3 seconds flat. Fancy footwork will allow the 1/4 mile to arrive in 10.98 seconds. Make no mistake, this car was built to move. C6 Z06 Corvette Specs: Price: $70,000Engine: 7-liter V8Transmission: 6-speed manualHorsepower: 505 hpTorque: 470 lb-ft0-60: 3.0 seconds1/4 Mile: 10.98 @ 123 mphTop Speed: 198 mphWeight: 3,130 lbs C6 Corvette Z06 Engine Now we come to the heart of the beast. When Chevrolet designed the LS series small block in the '90s, their intention was to make big-block power while offering world-class efficiency. Each example was assembled by hand at GM's performance center in Wixom, MI. Hennessey Unleashes HPE1000 Corvette Z06 Starting with a stronger casting, steel liners are pressed in to handle the high compression. The crank is forged and it spins titanium rods and flat-top pistons. Each cylinder is honed with a deck plate to simulate the heads being torqued down. The heads have CNC ported intake, exhaust, and 70cc chambers. Hydroformed exhaust manifolds resemble aftermarket headers and allow for high-rpm flow. C6 Corvette Z06 Transmission Connected to the engine by a torque tube, the C6 Corvette Z06 transmission is mounted at the rear axles. From 2006 to '07 it was the Tremec T56, a hardened version of the C6 transmission with triple synchros. Introduced in 2008, the Tremec TR-6060 has a stronger case and a revised shifter. Stronger shift forks and linkages made the C6 Corvette Z06 easier to drive. 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition: Price, Review, Photos & Specs Even though 5th and 6th gear are overdrives, it is possible to start in 5th gear by feathering the clutch. It will take you all the way to 198 mph without shifting. If you are looking for an automatic, the C6 Corvette Z06 transmission was manual only. C6 Corvette Z06 Interior From first glance, the only unique features of the C6 Corvette Z06 interior are the embroidered headrests. But engineers were on a quest to shave all unnecessary weight. Therefore, the carpet is thinner and lacks insulation. Both floorboards are made of balsa wood and carbon fiber sandwich. Not only is this sustainable, but it also offers superior heat and sound insulation while keeping weight at a minimum. Navigation, heads-up display, and heated seats were also unveiled in the C6 Corvette Z06 interior. C6 Corvette Z06 Brakes Another first for the plastic fantastic is the unique C6 Corvette Z06 brakes. Instead of a larger 4-piston design, the front calipers have six pistons to grab a rotor measuring 14" in diameter and 1.3" thick. The rears are 4-piston with 13.4"x 1". Although servicing the brakes is more expensive than other Corvettes, their massive size allows for long intervals of worry-free stopping. C6 Corvette Z06 Standout Features In the quest to build the ultimate Corvette, the C6 Z06 was the first to feature an aluminum frame. This mandated a fixed roof that can't be opened. A magnesium engine cradle mounts the LS7 lower and to the rear compared to a base model. As a true driver's car, there was only one transmission, a six-speed manual. Thanks to the prodigious torque, it is possible to slowly start in 5th gear and accelerate to 198 mph without shifting. Browse All Corvette Z06 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

Regular production of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2020

First 2020 Corvette Stingray Rolls Off Assembly Line

Congratulations to UAW Local 2164 for turning dreams into reality. Zora Duntov was Corvette's Chief Engineer from 1954 to 1975, and he never stopped pleading with GM to build a supercar with a mid-engine V8. It has taken a few years and over 100 test cars to reach this moment, and we're happy to announce that the new 2020 Corvette Stingray for sale has rolled off the assembly line. Zora tested several mid-engine Corvette prototypes, but they were dangerous without modern computer control Bowling Green Assembly Plant was nearly sold out for the 2020 model year, which will run until September. That's when GM decided to add a graveyard shift to turn them out around the clock. Highly-optioned orders will be filled first, so its going to be Z51 with all the trimmings for the time being. Why to Buy a C7 Corvette Stingray Unless your local dealer has invested thousands in new tools and training, they won't be able to sell one. Our dealers are Corvette-certified, and they are offering tremendous C7 Corvette discounts before the new cars arrive. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Find your Corvette Dealer Here " width="680"> Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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