Concept Cars

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 Adrian Padeanu of Motor1.com – May 26, 2022

Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo Debuts With Hayabusa Engine An...

It's included with the free May update for GT7. This article originally appeared on Motor1.com. Joining the 2021 Toyota GR010 Hybrid and the Roadster Shop Rampage Camaro as part of the free Update 1.15 for Gran Turismo 7, the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo is an old-but-new virtual race car. It's based on the GSX-R/4 concept from 2001 (pictured in the second photo gallery) but thoroughly updated to keep up with the times. The two-seater speedster is technically mid-engined since the ICE sits between the two axles, behind the front wheels. Rather than having an engine borrowed from a car, it uses the high-revving inline-four taken from the Hayabusa sports bike. The 1.3-liter mill works with three electric motors, two driving the front wheels and one mounted at the back to give the Suzuki Vision Gran Turismo an all-wheel-drive layout. The combined output is 426 horsepower (318 kilowatts) at a screaming 9,700 rpm and a peak torque of 610 Newton-meters (450 pound-feet). The hybrid machine weighs only 970 kilograms (2,138 pounds) and features a design clearly derived from the Swift Sport. From the two-tone alloy wheels to the Champion Yellow body color, the latest VGT is essentially a hot hatch turned into a roofless sports car that sadly exists only in the virtual realm. On the Gran Turismo official website, we get to learn a Gr.3 version will follow at a later date. As with the other VGT cars before it, Suzuki's digital creation has zero chance of entering production. Hopefully, a real car will be built to be showcased at public events such as the Tokyo Auto Show. We'd argue it represents a vast improvement over the original and somewhat quirky concept from more than two decades ago. Source: Gran Turismo

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 24, 2022

Austrian Brand DEUS Automobiles Is Revealing An Electric ...

A new electric hypercar is entering the ring. Coming from Vienna, Austria, a new brand was established in 2020 that set out to create an incredible and luxurious all-electric hypercar. Combining the design know-how of Italdesign and the innovation, motorsport experience, and electric technology of Williams Advanced Engineering, DEUS Automobiles might be new to the game, but its talent certainly isn’t. And finally, DEUS is ready to introduce its first car, which will be fully unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, on April 13 at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. MUST READ: Watch The $2 Million Rimac Nevera Hypercar Crash Test The car, named after its brand’s home city, Vienna, will be called the Vayanne, and DEUS has released some images as well as a teaser video to give us an idea of what the car might look like. From what we can discern, the car’s proportions suggest a hypercar, and we also get to see the lights of the car. One interesting detail is the rear, where we can see what looks to be a large section of a rear grille, surrounded by a continuous strip of light. Still, nearly three weeks remain before we get to see the car in its full glory, and once we do, the fierce competition of futuristic and incredible electric hypercars may well become fiercer. Source: DEUS Automobiles

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2022

New Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX Unveiled: 620-Mile Range on...

The most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle that has ever been created. Mercedes-Benz is going all-in on electrified vehicles and their latest unveiling shows just how far they're they've come. The new Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is an all-electric concept vehicle that pushes the boundaries of what's to be expected from an electrified automobile. It boasts an astounding range of over 620 miles on a single charge, blowing past the range of the EQS 450+ (350 miles). Mercedes' engineers also managed to ensure the power efficiency is top-notch, allowing the EQXX's electric drive to push 95% of power from the battery to the wheels. Speaking of the battery, Mercedes used their expertise in Formula 1 and motorsports to drop the size of the battery pack (50% less volume and 30% lighter than the battery pack in the EQS). Dropping the weight of the battery pack is a huge deal as they are known to be quite bulky and heavy. Other fascinating features of the new VISION EQXX include the roof with thin solar panels, an interior crafted by sustainable materials, aluminum alloy brake discs, a user interface that acts as a sidekick by "helping" the driver, and a drag coefficient of 0.1716. That last fact is actually pretty amazing when you consider that the EQS has a drag coefficient of 0.20 and a football is at 0.18 to 0.2. The last bit I'll leave you with is that it's amazing range, the VISION EQXX could technically travel from New York City to Cincinnati, Ohio on a single charge. That's all thanks not only to the battery's capacity but its efficiency - the EQXX uses less than 10kWh of energy per 100 km. Again, this is a concept car with no word of production but the technology that the VISION EQXX will certainly find its way into future Mercedes-Benz models. Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2021

Meet the $14.4 Million, 3,000 HP Ultracar Named "Chaos" f...

Coming all the way from Greece. Greek automaker Spyros Panopoulos Automotive (SP Automotive) has just unveiled their new ultracar that's been named "Chaos." As you may notice, Chaos is referred to as an "ultracar" and not a hypercar or megacar, and that's because this vehicle packs a truly "ultra" amount of power- 3,064 horsepower. So, how does an automobile like the Chaos get all of this power? SP Automotive notes that it is powered by a 4.0-liter V10 engine that gets an extra boost from a hybrid system. However, SP Automotive has not disclosed how much power is coming from either the engine or hybrid system. It should be noted that the 3,046 hp output is found in the Zero Gravity version of the Chaos, and there's also an Earth Version that produces a bit more... tame... 2,048 hp. When it comes to acceleration, high-end Zero Gravity Chaos will run from 0 to 62 mph in 1.55 seconds and the Earth Version will complete the sprint in 1.9 seconds. The top speed of the Chaos is stated to be over 310 mph for both versions. It's plain to see that SP Automotive's new Chaos ultracar is primed to be a groundbreaking vehicle in terms of power and speed, but it also has some other cool features like the 3D-printed wheels, augmented reality UI, and fingerprint recognition. The Chaos' price is set at $14.4 million for the high-end version, while the other comes in at $6.4 million. SP Automotive is planning on creating around 15 to 20 examples each year but will raise that number up to 100 if needed. Supercars For Sale Images: Spyros Panopoulos Automotive/Facebook

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2021

See Two Airspeeder Flying Electric Cars Take Off Together

This is going to be the absolute coolest race. If you're unfamiliar with Airspeeder, it's set to be the world's first racing series that consists of manned flying electric cars. No, this isn't the future -- this is now. Each of the Airspeeders (Alauda Mk3 racing eVTOLs) that will be racing has four rotors, a long body, and a cockpit towards the rear for the pilot. Not only is the idea of an Airspeeder itself wildly awesome, but the crafts themselves are also equally impressive. While we've seen the Speeders take off by themselves in the past, a new video has been uploaded of two of them taking flight. This is the first time that the Alauda Mk3 racing eVTOLs have been able to be in the air and maneuver around each other in close range. In the description of the video, Airspeeder notes that we are drawing close to their first "remotely-flown races." So while we will have to wait a bit for manned races, we will at least be able to see these machines race each other. View Race Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2021

New Porsche Mission R Concept Revealed as Wild Electric R...

A look into Porsche's electrified racing future. Making its debut at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich is the exciting new Porsche Mission R Concept car, an electric race car that boasts power, sustainability, and style. The overall design of the Mission R is heavily influenced by the Taycan, but with major modifications. Necessities for a race car like a massive rear wing, cooling vents, front splitter, and rear diffuser all combine to give the Mission R its race-ready appearance. Underneath the aggressive body of the Mission R is two newly developed electric motors that provide a total of 1,073 horsepower when in "Qualifying Mode." In race mode, where constant power is needed for a longer period of time, the power is set at around 671 horsepower. Porsche notes that the Mission R will be able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 mph. Another quick fact about the Mission R is that its battery can charge from 5 to 80 percent during the span of a 15-minute break from racing. In regards to the use of sustainable materials, Porsche has used natural fiber reinforced plastic (NFRP), a material sourced from flax fibers. This material is used for the front spoiler lip, diffuser, side skirts, as well as in interior. While the Porsche Mission R is a concept car, it gives us a good look as to what we can expect in the future. And, to be fair, this looks ready for production. See Porsche Taycan Turbos For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 17, 2021

Tour The Concept Car Line At Pebble Beach Concours d'Eleg...

Alongside some of the most historic and iconic vehicles in the world, The Pebble Beach Concours also welcomes future concept designs from all automotive manufacturers. While the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was packed full of rare and exclusive historic vehicles that played significant roles in the automotive world, manufacturers were also on-site to display some of the newest concept vehicles. Circling the putting green of the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course are the latest and greatest in concept vehicles. Concept Car Line is the main attraction of the event, as it is a chance for collectors and enthusiasts to take a glimpse at the most exclusive super and hypercars looking to launch onto the market soon. Koenigsegg Jesko duPont REGISTRY The Koenigsegg Jesko inherits the mantle left by the Agera RS as the leading track-focused, road-legal car for those looking for the ultimate in vehicle performance. Bentley Mulliner Bacalar duPont REGISTRY The all-new Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is the rarest two-door Bentley of the modern era. It is the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury, this definitive Grand Tourer spearheads a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilder in the world. Gunther Werks Speedster Providing an exceptional analog driving experience on any road or track, Gunther Werks developed a new open-air model that not only heightens the experience with the rush of wind through your hair, but also pushes the boundaries of performance to build a stronger, lighter, faster car. For it's unveiling, the Speedster is presented in Cannes paint (provided by PPG Paints) over Dawn Orange leather. Lincoln Navigator duPont REGISTRY The Lincoln Navigator Concept is engineered to provide drivers peace of mind. It features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivering more than 400 horsepower and smart new technologies to make this SUV even more sure-footed on different road surfaces and in changing weather conditions. Ford GT Heritage As a tribute to the Ford GT supercar, the prototype vehicle that gave life to the program more than a half-century ago, Ford is introducing the 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition. The limited-edition vehicle is inspired by the 1964 Ford GT prototype that debuted at the New York International Auto Show on April 3, 1964 and went on to become America’s only Le Mans-winning supercar. Mercedes-AMG GT R Speedster duPont REGISTRY The Mercedes-AMG GT R Speedster is the German auto manufacturer's newest concept roadster following the iconic SLR Sterling Moss. The AMG GT R Speedster features a quarter-height windshield with a structural carbon fiber brace splitting down the center between the driver and passenger. Alongside its aesthetically pleasing design and high-performance output, the new Mercedes-AMG even comes with a commemorative helmet to match the supercar. Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 duPont REGISTRY Fifty years since its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, the legendary Lamborghini Countach is making headlines again with a limited-series hybrid supercar celebrating the visionary design that revolutionized modern sports cars forever and laid the foundations of the Lamborghini legacy. This is the new Countach LPI 800-4. Inspired by the past, made for the future. Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien duPont REGISTRY The design of the 992 911 Turbo S-based Marsien was inspired by Paris Dakar Rally era cars. In charge of the design was Alan Derosier who is known by many for his Porsche 908 design study. From the integrated rear wing to the massive side vents and sleek lines, Derosier has created an automotive masterpiece. Maserati MC20 duPont REGISTRY The Maserati Super Sports Car that pushes the boundaries of time. Race audaciously into a brave new future. Mid-engined, fast forward. The light MC20 body ensures a prodigious power to weight ratio, for a jaw-dropping acceleration and top speed. Patented racing-derived technology for a roaring 3.0L V6 621-hp engine makes the MC20 one of Maserati's most powerful chassis. Audi Skysphere Concept duPont REGISTRY The Audi Skysphere Concept is the first in a family of Audi concept cars. The cars were developed with one goal: to envision an automotive future where the car becomes an interactive space and experience device. The electric two-door roadster combines the vision of automated² driving, a revolutionary new interior design, and a fully integrated digital ecosystem. Genesis X Concept duPont REGISTRY The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis. The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models. Acura NSX Type-S duPont REGISTRY Hand-built by master technicians at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) with a limited production of 350 units globally, the new Acura NSX embodies the pinnacle of dynamic driving worthy of the Type S badge. While continuing to honor its lineage with meticulous engineering and striking design, the NSX Type S pushes the boundaries of possibility with more power and more sound for a more adrenaline-fueled drive. Koenigsegg Gemera duPont REGISTRY Ultimate performance has belonged to the world of two-seaters with very limited luggage space, until now. The Gemera is the world’s first Mega-GT and Koenigsegg’s first four-seater. Extreme megacar meets spacious interior and ultimate environmental consciousness. Pininfarina Battista duPont REGISTRY The debut of the production-spec Battista will give US clients a first chance to experience its 1,900 hp performance and to take in its striking Black Exposed Signature Carbon bodywork, exquisitely crafted at Automobili Pininfarina’s manufacturing facility in Cambiano, Italy, and created under the recently announced bespoke personalization program. Hennessey Venom F5 duPont REGISTRY As part of Monterey Car Week, at The Quail - A Motorsports Gathering, Hennessey unveiled the latest Venom F5 to be built, a ‘Mojave Gold’ version of the 1,817 hp V8-powered hypercar. The new model was shown to thousands of automotive fans alongside a Speed Devil Blue F5 ahead of their appearance at Pebble Beach Concours on Sunday.

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2021

What Is The Suzuki Misano?

Enticing is an understatement One of Japan's most powerful families has just shocked the world. Yes, Suzuki is still in the car business, and they just dropped a wild concept. This project was undertaken by the Instituto Europeo di Design in Torino. Our real question is how does it compare to the 2022 Hayabusa? Sponsored by OZ Wheels and Pirelli, it has some fancy shoes. The details were honed by Torino Crea Engineering at the behest of Suzuki of Italy. We'd like to thank PEPE Photografia for the teasers and the film, so tell us your favorite parts of this concept in the comments below and stay with us for all your Suzuki news! Images (C) Suzuki Italia

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2021

Williams & Italdesign Join Forces To Build An Electric Fu...

Composite chassis gain Italian styling Williams Advanced Engineering is a powerhouse in racing. But you might not know they have been working on a new modular chassis for street-legal supercars. The suspension and dimensions will be made to order, and this has piqued the interest from automakers around the world. Their previous electric news was the unveiling of Triumph's new TE1 motor. The EVX will integrate the battery cell into the structure of the car, an optimal way to save weight. The flat surface allows for a variety of bodies and applications, including sports coupes and family haulers. The goal is to offer 10,000 examples per year, with 500 already committed by Italdesign. Room for a 160 kW battery opens the door for a streamlined coupe to potentially offer 1000km (621 miles) of range. Tell us what you would like to see on the EVX in the commets below, and stay with us for all your EV news. Images (C) Williams & Italdesign

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Yamaha Unveils Compact 470 HP Electric Motor

Time to finish your project car When building a car to suit your needs, the engine is often the starting point. Now it's time to take your project in a green direction thanks to Yamaha's new 800-volt motor. Rated at 470 horsepower, it is poised to shakeup the world of hybrids and electrics. The world's biggest companies are in a race for electric supremacy, much like how Porsche has upped their stake in Rimac to 24%. The press release highlights their abilities to power everything from motorcycles to track cars, all you need is a battery and a little time. It is self-contained without the need for cooling pumps or radiators. Instead, the oil filter is mounted on the case for easy maintenance. Their goal is create new opportunities in mobility and fun in the aftermarket, so tell us what you would do with 470 horsepower in the comments below.

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