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 Andrew Nabors – November 22, 2019

2021 Faraday Future FF91 Interior & Features Unveiled in ...

Albert Einstein had a picture of Michael Faraday in his office for decades. It reminded him to never stop looking for new ways to solve problems. Faraday was an English inventor who transformed magnetism from sorcery to proven science. That is why Faraday Future is a clear threat to every other electric car, going back to the drawing board for the utmost efficiency. Now we have a good perspective on their first production model, as Faraday Future has revealed the interior and features of the FF91 in L.A. Their goal is to offer your third connected space. Home and work are already immersed in the power of the internet, so your car should be also. Using the latest Snapdragon processors from Qualcomm, three 4G LTE modems are used to make the FF91 the smartest car ever built. From Artificial Intelligence that learns the preferences of each family member, to fully autonomous driving, the FF91 is capable of immense simultaneous calculations. Their Ace-In-The-Hole is a patent filed in 2016. Solid-State AC/DC Inverter by Faraday Future Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Faraday Future invented an inverter that is at least 30% more efficient than any other automaker. That is how their 130 kWh battery offers 1,050 horsepower and a range of 378 miles. It can also charge from 50% to full in less than 5 hours, on only 240v home current. The FF91 is about to change the world, so stay with us for all your Faraday Future updates! " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

Karma SC2 Concept Unveiled in LA: 0 to 60 in Under 1.9 Se...

And then, out of nowhere, Karma Automotive drops the most surprising concept of the year on everyone. Introducing the Karma SC2 concept. This new concept car showcases where the company is heading and how potent their technology is. The Karma SC2 packs 1,100 horsepower thanks to front and rear-mounted twin electric motors. Being electrically powered, you'd expect a lot of torque. Right? Oh, it has just 10,500 lb-ft of wheel torque. No big deal. Alright, so that's actually a big deal because that's a massive number. That kind of torque is what allows the SC2 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 1.9 seconds. This insane electric powertrain also boasts 350 miles of pure electric range. “Karma’s SC2 is a signpost to our future as a technology-driven brand. More than that, it previews our future design language, and is a thought-provoking expression of Karma’s future Intellectual Property and product offerings,” says Karma Automotive CEO Dr Lance Zhou. “Our open platform serves as a test bed for new technologies and partnerships, where we are to provide engineering, design, technology and customization resources others.” Also Check Out: Aspark Owl Revealed: World’s Quickest and Most Powerful Production Car Power aside, there is one bit of technology in the SC2 that needs to be mentioned and that is its Drive and Play® technology. This feature captures the car's drive through a triple high definition camera found under the windshield. There's also frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar sensors that get a 360-degree capture of the SC2 while it's on the run. All of this information and footage is then replayed by a laser projector and a smartphone acts as a rearview mirror. What htis is meant to do is give the driver a chance to completely relive their most recent drive, braking, acceleration, light simulations, sounds, air temperature, music and all. Think of it like real-life ghost racing that's found in video games. If you want to see the Karma SC2 concept car for yourself, it will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show from November 22 to December 1. see all karmas for sale

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By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

Brabham Announces BT62 Competition

David Brabham and Company show no signs of slowing down. Compiling decades of family racing experience, Brabham has announced the BT62 Competition. The youngest son of racing legend Sir Jack Brabham, David and his brothers are racing legends in their own right. This will be their 3rd model in the BT62 lineup, and it is aimed at hardcore track dominance. In addition to the Ultimate and Street models, the Competition will be part of their planned run of 70 cars. To make it lighter than the Ultimate, the car is wrapped instead of paint, and it will arrive without a passenger seat. The interior has been stripped of all trim to expose the carbon fiber cockpit. Brabham Automotive Announces Street Legal BT62 The chassis is a blend of chrome-moly steel and carbon fiber. Strength is needed to contain the 700 horsepower V8 and a 6-speed sequential transmission. What sets it apart from everyone else is that Brabham will convert your Competition model into Ultimate or Street or vice versa at your request. We can barely wait to see it in action, so stay with us for all your Brabham updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680"> Related: Brabham BT62 Opens Up During Tests

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2019

Lexus is Teasing a Wild Electric Concept Car

Coming to the 46th Tokyo Motor Show is a new Lexus concept car that looks to pave the way for the automaker's future. This unrevealed concept car will be an electric model that's unlike anything they've made thus far. Alongside the electrification, this concept will also feature autonomous abilities. Lexus says this concept "offers a glimpse into Lexus’ future vision, which caters to consumers who are equally passionate about driving and uniquely crafted luxury experiences." Also Check Out: The 2020 Lexus LC 500: World-Class Luxury Coupe Expect the new electric Lexus concept car to be revealed when the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 starts on October 23.

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2019

Electric Rolls-Royce 103EX Returns Home

The Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100, aka 103EX, has returned to its home in Goodwood. This stop is part of the concept car's world tour that involved customer and media events. Rolls-Royce 103EX was unveiled as a fully electric and autonomous concept car in 2016. Additionally, the 103EX contains what Rolls-Royce calls "enhanced artificial intelligence." For Rolls-Royce, this car is a huge step forward as none of their current models contain autonomous technology. see all rolls-royce for sale Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “As our first fully autonomous electric vehicle, 103EX was a huge statement of intent. In its technical innovation, it showed unequivocally that Rolls-Royce regards electric power as the future of automotive propulsion. It also demonstrated our radical vision of effortless, autonomous, connected, spacious and beautiful luxury mobility, with each car as individual as the customer themselves." Also Check Out: Vision Mercedes Simplex Unveiled: Past, Meet Future Audi AI:TRAIL quattro: Exciting New Off-Road Concept Car BMW Concept 4 Revealed: A Glimpse Into BMW’s Future

By Edward Jones – September 19, 2019

Glickenhaus Reveals New LMP1 Hypercar, the SCG 007

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has just revealed the SCG 007, their new Le Mans LMP1 hypercar. Glickenhaus has big plans for this car, according to their website. On the model's page on GlickenhausRacing.com, they note: "It has been over 50 years since a car made in America has won First Overall at Le Mans. We have been working for 50 years to change that. We are ready. It is time." Are you excited? I'm excited. I'm hyped to see this car take on Le Mans. I'm even more excited to hear its 3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine in action. And we're going to get some chances to see this car off of the track, because Glickenhaus says they will offer a limited run of road-legal 007's. Oh yes. see all exotic cars for sale Also Check Out: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Announces New Factory James Glickenhaus Unveils the SCG 2DR Boot

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2019

Vision Mercedes Simplex Unveiled: Past, Meet Future

Mercedes Benz Design brought a very unique and beautiful example of their craftsmanship to the Design Essentials 2019. Called "Vision Mercedes Simplex," this sculpture was inspired by the Mercedes 35 PS from 1901. It blends the German automaker's past with the future and wraps it up nicely in a very stylish manner. see all mercedes-benz for sale "Only a brand that is as strong as Mercedes-Benz is capable of the physical symbiosis of history and future. The "Vision Mercedes Simplex" symbolizes the transformation of the brand-specific luxury of Mercedes-Benz", says Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener. Vision Mercedes Simplex Vision Mercedes Simplex Vision Mercedes Simplex Vision Mercedes Simplex If you take a look at the cockpit of the Vision Mercedes Simplex, you can see where the "Simplex" comes from. To put it simply, it has about as simple of a dashboard as you can get without having a blank piece of metal there. Inside the car is a steering wheel and four switches. If you're wondering where information is displayed, it's projected onto a rose gold colored instrument. Simple, yet elegant. Also Check Out: Audi AI:TRAIL quattro: Exciting New Off-Road Concept Car BMW Concept 4 Revealed: A Glimpse Into BMW’s Future Pebble Beach Concept Lawn 2019

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2019

BMW Concept 4 Revealed: A Glimpse Into BMW's Future

The new BMW Concept 4 has been revealed during the IAA Car Show in Frankfurt. This new concept gives us a glimpse of BMW's future style. BMW claims that this concept is a "future-focused interpretation of the BMW Group's enduring DNA that represents the magic of coupe driving at its most exciting." see all bmws for sale The first thing you'll surely notice is the massive kidney grille. BMW says that the design of this grille was inspired by classic cars, such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi. Within the kidney grille, there are some fine details that need to be seen, like the intricate cut on the horizontal trim. An upcoming generation of the 4 Series range may see a front-end similar to this one. "The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature," said Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design, in a press release. "At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range."

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2019

Glickenhaus Teases New SCG Le Mans Car

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is teasing another car for their lineup, and it may be their most extreme one yet. On their official Facebook page, the company teased the rear of a new Glickenhaus LMP1 car. This car will more than likely be a part of the upcoming hypercar series to take on the Le Mans series, but that's yet to be confirmed. When released, this car will join a growing list of SCG cars, like the SCG BOOT, SCG 004, and the retro SCG 006. Maybe we'll see this car in Monterey this week? Who knows, but we'll definitely be seeing more of it sooner rather than later.

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2019

Tushek TS 900 H Apex to Debut at Salon Privé

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Balkans erupted into a decade of conflict. In today's automotive industry, the children who endured years of adversity are showing the world what they are capable of. Aljosa Tushek is a Slovenian racer who has made big news in the small nation. That is because the Tushek TS 900 H Apex will debut at Salon Privé. Much like his Croatian competitor to the south, the TS 900 has the potential to be a rival to Rimac. That is because it has a carbon fiber body and two electric motors. Those motors power each front wheel independently, but front-wheel-drive gets old after about 5 minutes. So thankfully, the TS 900 H Apex also includes a supercharged 4.2L V8 behind the cockpit. The total system output is 950 horsepower and 1,033 lb-ft of torque. They admit its not the most powerful hybrid, but they have an ace up their sleeve. By using pre-impregnated carbon fiber and a chrome-moly chassis, the car has a curb weight of 3,100 lbs. Aljosa had this to say about his car: "The Tushek team is delighted to be back at Salon Privé. Over the past years we have intensively developed and constructed advanced technological solutions for our new model, the TS 900 H APEX, in particular in the area of electric drive train. Those developments are now incorporated in our latest model and have been successfully tested in race-track conditions over the past months. Our team is looking forward to presenting our supercar to Salon Privé’s elite clientele." The event takes place at Blenheim Castle (England) from September 5th to 8th, so stay with us for more Tushek updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Rimac C_Two Makes Debut at Petersen Automotive Museum

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