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 Edward Jones – February 25, 2020

Polestar Precept Concept is Glorious Look Into The Compan...

Polestar will be showing off their Precept concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show, giving guests a look into the company's future. According to a press release issued by Polestar, the name "was chosen to emphasize the vehicle’s role in setting out Polestar’s intent as the contemporary electric performance brand." (Side Note: Lexus Has Created New Moon Rovers Concepts For the Future) This electronic car is quite long, with a 10.8-foot wheelbase, but that gives the rear passengers plenty of legroom. As for style, it's fittingly futuristic in its design, matching the technology found within. For example, the front grille is replaced with what Polestar calls the "Polestar Smartzone." This area houses a number of sensors and driver assistance functions. Another aspect of the Precept that should be noted is that the sustainable materials found in the cabin. The seats are 3D-knitted from recycled bottles, the bolsters and headrests made of recycled cork vinyl and the carpets are actually comprised of reclaimed fishing nets. While all of this is cool, the best part is the name for the LED headlights: Thor's Hammer LED headlights. But that name and technology actually comes from Volvo.

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2020

Czinger Unveils 21 C Hypercar Ahead of Geneva

1,250 HP @ 10,500 RPM Dual Front Electric Motors 1/4 Mile: 8.1 Seconds A team of engineers and artisans in Los Angeles have raised the bar for hybrid hypercars. After years of simulation and testing in a virtual world, their efforts have come to fruition. Celebrate the latest in American innovation as Czinger has unveiled the 21 C hypercar ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. The numbers speak for themselves. A 2.88-liter twin-turbo V8 uses a flat-plane crank to offer 1,250 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. It is coupled to a hybrid motor/generator to power individual motors for the front wheels. Body panels and much of the chassis is 3D printed carbon fiber, with final assembly done by hand. Founder & CEO Kevin Czinger (pronounced "Zinger") wanted a car with every part made in the USA. From seat brackets to lug nuts, each component was designed to be strong and light. With a dry weight of 2,608 lbs, it reaches 62 mph in 1.9 seconds. They also claim a run from 0 to 248 mph to 0 in 29 seconds. Aiming for a top speed of 269 mph, we wish them all the best. Stay with us for more updates from Czinger Vehicles Used Sports Cars For Sale " width="680"> Related: Jay Leno Drives 3D-Printed Blade Supercar

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2020

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 007 LMP1

It has been over half a century since an American car won 1st overall at LeMans. This disheartening fact is made worse by the Balance of Performance restrictions imposed on American cars by the FIA. Jim Glickenhaus hopes to see the Stars & Stripes fly above the Circuit de la Sarthe, so that is why Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has unveiled the SCG 007 LMP1. Last year his team finished 1st in class, and 8th overall at the Nurburgring. A history of 8 finishes in the world's most demanding 24-hour races have led them to this point. Their target weight is 2,425 lbs, with 840 horsepower coming from a 3.0L twin-turbo. The best news is that he intends to offer a limited number of street-legal examples. In the meantime, click the link below to browse supercars for sale and stay with us for all your SCG updates. Browse Used Supercars For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2020

New "Hyper EV" Car by APEX Heading to Geneva

The 2020 Geneva International Motor Show is right around the corner. That means we're going to start seeing a lot of teasers for cars that will be unveiled, like this one. APEX has announced that its new EV concept car will be unveiled at the event on March 3, 2020. Called the AP-0, this new concept car will weigh in at just 1,200 kg (around 2,645 lbs) and have a pure carbon fiber chassis. As for its power train, it will be an electric one. On their website, they called the car the "HYPER EV." Typically, the "hyper" moniker is reserved for the most extreme cars, so here's to hoping this is a new and extreme EV. Used exotic cars

By Edward Jones – February 12, 2020

Czinger 21C Teased as a Revolutionary 21st Century Hypercar

Coming to the Geneva International Motor Show 2020 is the new Czinger 21C. If this sounds like an entirely new company to you, that's because it is. In fact, there really isn't a lot of info on Czinger Vehicles at the moment, but that will all chance on March 3 when the new 21C hypercar is revealed. Czinger says that the new 21C will have "an in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain, in-line seating configuration and iconic design lines." Furthermore, it will have a "cutting-edge chassis" and "bespoke structures." That's basically all we have to go on at the moment. However, a quick search for "Czinger" will pull up information about Kevin Czinger who is the founder and CEO of Divergent 3D. Additionally, he's also the founder and CEO of Czinger. He's currently known in the automotive world for the Divergent Blade, a 3d-printed supercar that weighs just 1,400 lbs. Could these two cars be related? We'll just have to wait to find out. USED SUEPRCARS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2020

SSC Tuatara Has Arrived

Jerod Shelby might not be related to Carroll Shelby, but he is also an American automotive visionary. In my former career in the Corvette aftermarket, he visited me at Eckler's Corvette about supplying finished fiberglass body panels. Carbon fiber was too expensive 15 years ago, so the wait was worth it. That's because the SSC Tuatara has arrived. Engineering and building an American carbon fiber monocoque chassis took decades, as SSC doesn't rely on support from the big 3 automakers. Tom Nelson builds the most powerful racing engines in the world, so the Tuatara makes use of a Nelson Racing LSX 5.9L V8. It has a flat-plane crank and two turbos along with Nelson's patented dual-fuel system. At low boost, it uses 91 octane to make 1,350 horsepower. Dig into the throttle and separate E85 injectors allow for 1,750 reliable horsepower. Because the block and heads are aluminum, the fully-dressed engine is only 428 lbs. This allows the Tuatara to have a dry-weight of 2,750 lbs, even with A/C, power windows, & 5 cameras. Only 100 will be built, so congratulations to SSC for this momentous achievement! Custom Supercars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 02, 2020

Rivian R1T & R1S Show Off Extreme Maneuverability

A turning radius is how far your car can corner from a fixed point. Factors like wheel width, sway bars, and tire compounds all play a part, but rear-wheel steering has revolutionized the world. We figured the latest Porsche 911 or the Lamborghini Huracan would be unsurpassed, but the Rivian R1T & R1S show off extreme maneuverability. With individual motors at each corner, programmers were able to eliminate the turning radius. Both the upcoming Rivian R1T pickup and the R1S SUV can turn on or near their Z-axis. This means the passengers won't feel much G-Force, but that cant be said about your cargo in the bed! With 750 horsepower and range of 400 miles, sign me up! Stay with us for all your Rivian updates. R1T Shown With Optional Extending Electric Cooktop Related: Ford Invests $500 Million in Rivian Rivian R1T Goes Carbon-Neutral Camping

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By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2019

2021 Fisker Ocean to Debut at CES

The Consumer Electronics Show is the best place to show off your latest achievements. That's why we are excited to see the 2021 Fisker Ocean debut at CES 2020. It is the first Fisker for sale to have a partnership with Electrify America. This nationwide network of high-voltage chargers is owned by Volkswagen, who offer discounted rates for Porsche & Audi E-tron owners. Browse All Fisker For Sale The press release says it incorporates the latest DC fast-charge technology. The 80 kWh battery might be capable of 300 mile-range, so stay with us for complete coverage of the unveiling. Related: Porsche Taycan Ventures Into L.A. in New Series Audi e-tron Sportback is Your High-Voltage SUV

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2019

Neuron T-One Concept is Versatile & Modular

Our grandparents were capable of dealing with adversity. It made them adapt to any situation, much like this new electric automaker. The Neuron T-One concept is versatile & modular, as its common chassis offers hundreds of configurations. From a standard cab pickup, it can also arrive as a Semi Tractor, dump truck, or a luxury family machine. Interior options of wood, anodized aluminum and leather are impressive. As is the ability to seat 3 to 6 passengers. Browse Audi E-Tron For Sale Until it reaches production, our dealers have great incentives on the new Audi E-tron. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your electric news. " width="680"> Related: Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Cars

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2019

All-Electric Fisker Ocean SUV Teased

The world will have a new electric SUV in 2022 when the new Fisker Ocean arrives. Fisker has just announced this new luxury electric SUV and also opened reservations for the new model. As for specifics regarding the new model, there isn't a lot so far. What we do know is that it will have four-wheel drive versions and a patent-pending "California Mode." That new mode will allow "passengers to experience the sun, fresh air and an open feeling without being in a convertible." Fisker is also aiming for the Ocean to be "the world's most sustainable vehicle" with features like a solar roof, recycled carpeting, vegan interior and more. All they're asking for is a $250 reservation, which can be done on the Fisker website. Additionally, they will offer multiple ways to get behind the wheel of their new Ocean. First, you can pay $379 a month with a $2,999 downpayment (before delivery in 2022). Or there is the "$0 drive off" option with a financed $2,999 downpayment (depending on credit). Expect more information on the Fisker Ocena in January 2020. Source: Fisker Inc.

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