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 – June 25, 2015

World's First 3D-Printed Supercar: Blade

The future of automobile manufacturing is here and it's focused around 3D printing. One company paving the way for this technology is Divergent Microfactories, who unveiled in a June 24 press release the world's first 3D-printed supercar: "Blade."This prototype supercar was created because Kevin Czinger, founder and CEO of Divergent Microfactories, wanted to find an environmentally friendly way to produce cars. His solution is what is called a Node, "a 3D-printed aluminum joint that connects pieces of carbon fiber tubing to make up the car’s chassis."(Related: Lexus Unveils Working Hoverboard)By using the Node and 3D printing, the work required for assembly of the chassis is dramatically reduced. Additionally, the weight of the chassis is 90 percent lighter than a traditional car's, as well as stronger and more durable. You can watch a video of the chassis being assembled directly below.Based around the Node is Blade, Divergent Microfactories' pride and joy, as well as the world's first 3D-printed supercar. The press release states that this is "one of the greenest and most powerful cars in the world." Powering the car is a 700 hp bi-fuel engine that can utilize either compressed natural gas or gasoline.Being comprised of lightweight materials and powered by a powerful engine, the Blade delivers pure performance. It's claimed 0-60 mph time is a mere two seconds.This is because of the light weight of 1,400 lbs, which makes for an insane power-to-weight ratio.Divergent Microfactories is currently planning on selling a limited number of high-performance vehicles like the Blade. They will be producing them in their own microfactory, hence the name.Gallery (Source: Divergent Microfactories) See More Concept Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – June 17, 2015

Torino Design and ATS Wildtwelve Concept Unveiled in Torino

It promises to pack more than 800 hp into a 12-cylinder engine, but all we want to know is when this concept might make it to production.Unveiled over the weekend in Torino, Italy, the Torino Design ATS Wildtwelve concept car outshone Valentino's Castle at Parco Valentino - Salone & Gran Premio from June 11-14.This Wildtwelve design claims its completed version will be capable of upwards of some quite impressive numbers. The spec sheet lists horsepower at 847 and torque at 677.7 lb-ft, with a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 2.6 seconds. All of this is thanks to a turbocharged 3.8-liter V12 paired with two electric motors behind the front wheels. Carbon fiber defines its composition, and it features AWD, meaning it can navigate with ease on surfaces outside of tracks.(See Also: TVR Returns with Plans for Four New Models)"Essential and harmonic, the design is avant-garde, showing elegant lines studied to remain timeless and to represent its Italian soul at its best," describes the release, and the images of the Wildtwelve certainly confirm that statement. But what's truly intriguing about this vehicle's planned production is the place it will be created - Bugatti's old factory in Campogalliano, Italy. But it will be a rare car to own - only 30 are planned for production.Take a few moments to see this stunning new creation in the images below, and stay with us for more automotive updates.Gallery (Source: Torino Design, AutoWeek) See More Concept Car News

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2015

TVR Returns With Plans For Four New Models

British motoring fans, rejoice! TVR is back, and they have big plans for the next decade.A press release dated June 3 has all the juicy details. A new body penned by design legend Gordon Murray will be powered by a Cosworth V8. The traditional TVR recipe has not been altered. A two seat, rear wheel drive chassis with no provision for an automatic transmission sounds like fun to us. Not much more has been revealed about the car, but this already seems like a promising creation. They also intend to launch an additional three models over the next ten years.The new TVR will be an all British creation, from lug nuts, to light switches, which is a daunting proposition in this age of global auto giants. Les Edgar, TVR’s Chairman, stated that they have ample funding and resources, which have allowed them to work with the best suppliers in the industry.(See Also: SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo Details Released)For those that aren’t familiar with their recent history, in 2004 TVR was purchased and split into separate entities that were not profitable on their own. Production of the Segaris ended in 2006, and the marque's production of cars came to an end. Several attempts were made to restart the brand, but they lacked the capital and engineering until now.Starting with a clean slate hopefully means that a left-hand drive model is not out of the question. The majority of the motoring world demands a new British sports car. Production is slated to begin next year as a 2017 model, and we will have more updates as they become available. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more TVR news.(Source: TVR.co.uk) See More Concept Car News

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2015

PSC Motors Reveals 2,400 hp Hybrid Hypercar: The SP-200 SIN

The American supercar lineup, including the 1,700 hp LM 2 Streamliner by Lyons Motor Car, is getting another addition thanks to PSC Motors. The Las Vegas-based startup has revealed their new hybrid hypercar today, according to an article from MotorAuthority.com.The hypercar, called the SP-200 SIN, looks to be one of the most powerful and fastest vehicles to come out of the United States, or the planet, for that matter. This accolade is all thanks to the claimed 2,400 hp output, which is up from their first claim of 1,700 hp.Powering the car is a twin-turbocharged 9.0-liter V8 engine, as well as an electric motor. On it's own, the V8 engine is said to produce 1,650 hp, while the electric motor zaps out 750 hp. Mated to these power sources is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends all of the power to the rear wheels. With a full charge, the rear-axle-mounted electric motor can propel the car by itself for 60 miles.(Related: Hybrid SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo Concept Teased)With this insane amount of power and a weight of 3,750 lbs, PSC Motors claims the SP-200 SIN will complete a 0-60 mph run in 2.6 seconds and will hit a top speed of 280 mph.As of right now, there are only digital renderings of the car, but PSC Motors is looking to start production in 2016 and are taking orders for the five planned examples of the car now.Gallery (Image and News Source: MotorAuthority.com) Click Here For More Concept Cars

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2015

5 New Concept Cars That Will Blow Your Mind

Even though some of the year's largest car shows are already behind us, automotive manufacturers are still releasing some incredible new concepts. You may think that concepts are just vaporware and will never be created, but these cars are more than that. When manufacturers introduce a new concept to the world, they are gauging the reception of new design and technological features that will shape their future models. Each concept car is essentially a glimpse into the future.Below are 5 new concepts that will surely shape the future for their respective brands.Chevrolet FNR Autonomous Concept Toroidion 1MW Concept The Toroidion 1MW concept comes straight out of Finland. Not much is known about this concept as of right now, but they state on their website Citroën Aircross Concept Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Concept Mercedes-Benz is pushing even farther into crossover territory with the introduction of their new Concept GLC Coupe Audi prologue allroad Concept Recently making its premiere at the 2015 Auto Shanghai Show on April 20 is the new Audi prologue allroad show car. This new five-door concept car See More Concept Cars

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