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

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By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

Lordstown Endurace Prototype to Race in Baja

A new electric pickup is coming our way. But before production begins, the Lordstown Endurance protoype is racing in Baja. The San Felipe 250 is one demanding lap that is actually 290 miles. April 17th will see trucks from around the world battle across harsh terrain. As the season-opener for the SCORE World Desert Championship series, the team from Ohio will be the first ever electric entry. The alpha test mules have proven the ability to offer 600 horsepower and tow 7,500 lbs, and the race will mark the reveal of their first beta models. The press release also mentions the production version of their crew cab will arrive later this year with a price of $45,000 after the federal tax rebate. LeBron loves his Hummer EV, so it looks like battery trucks are about to takeover. Your move Rivian! Image (C) Lordstown Motors

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2020

Ares Design to Debut 4 Handbuilt Vehicles at Salon Privé

Mass production in the automotive world seems to be perfected. Even economy car factories employ 3D printing and laser welding, so what happened to all the coachbuilders? Ares Design is based in Modena, and they build everything the old-fashioned way. Nothing beats a handmade Italian masterpiece, so they will be unveiling four of their latest creations at Salon Privé. The U.K.'s most exclusive Concours will be the setting for Ares to display their interpretation of a Bentley Mulsanne 2-door coupe, two motorcycles, and the wild Panther ProgettoUno supercar. It was clearly inspired by another Italian, the DeTomaso Pantera. It packs 650 horsepower to reach 62 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed over 202 mph. Next to it will be their Scrambler and Cafe Racer bikes. Co-founder Danny Bahar said: "We are really looking forward to attending this year’s Salon Privé, especially after all the uncertainty of recent months. It will be a great opportunity for admirers to encounter ARES Design. ARES is a brand that you need to experience personally and superb gatherings like Salon Privé gives us a great opportunity to meet everyone and show off our creations in the historic surroundings of Blenheim Palace.” Stay with us for complete coverage of the event and for more wild builds from Ares Design. Browse Supercars For Sale

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 – 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

By Andrew Nabors – August 02, 2019

2020 Karma GT will be Unveiled at Pebble Beach

Peter Hay Hill is a perfect vantage point to showcase amazing automobiles. It overlooks the entrance to Pebble Beach, and it is where we will have a dozen of the world's finest cars on display. Next to our exhibit will be the latest from Karma Automotive. They went back to the drawing board and entrusted the design of their latest model to Pininfarina. What they delivered is a stunning 2-door electric GT. So we're excited that the 2020 Karma GT will be unveiled at Pebble Beach. Don't be confused by the name, Karma still builds the Revero GT, an updated version of their first sedan. Updates to the Revero GT include dropping the Chevrolet engine in favor of the BMW i8's three-cylinder. This engine and generator were purpose-built to be a range extender so expect to see more performance and mpg from their sedan. As for the new Karma GT coupe, battery capacity and cruising range are being withheld until the 15th. We will be there, so be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for all the info. Find Your Karma Here

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2019

GFG Style Kangaroo SUV Unveiled in Geneva

Although they can be a menace, the Kangaroo could be hopping to a dealer near you. When VW Group purchased Italdesign in 2015, legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro left to form his own styling firm. GFG style is a father & son duo with Fabrizio, who are poised to shake up the industry. For that reason, GFG has unveiled the Kangaroo SUV in Geneva. It is AWD and all-wheel steering with a 90 kW battery. It offers 483 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. Ride height is controlled by hydraulics so it can be low on track days and high enough for rock crawling. The carbon fiber chassis is 5.5" above the track in race mode, and 10.2" above the rocks when crawling. With a battery range of 280 miles, does this 'Roo appeal to you? Tell us what you think of this unique build and stay with us for all your Geneva news. Shop Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Great Deals on Hummer H1 For Sale Apollo IE GT1 Teased Ahead of Geneva Unveiling

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2018

Genesis Unveils Essentia Concept In New York

The New York Auto Show is the ideal spot to show off your ideas for the future. That's why Genesis took the cover off their Essentia concept last night. The press release says the new design philosophy is named "Athletic Elegance", and it blends power and precision through artistry.It also includes a quote from Genesis' Head of Design. We didn't realize they were recruiting the best minds in the automotive industry, but Luc Donckerwolke is their Vice President. His former job was head of design for Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini, so he knows a thing or two about transforming emotions into automobiles.Genesis has shocked everyone in that the Essentia is battery powered. It is also mostly carbon fiber, which should offer a decent range. "The Genesis Essentia concept defines our vision for an electric Gran Turismo that integrates Athletic Elegance and Genesis DNA as defining parameters. A Gran Turismo typology highlights our ambition as a luxury car brand for the connoisseurs and it is the perfect base to project our DNA in the future.”2017 Genesis G80 ReviewThe gorgeous body is a one-piece carbon fiber monocoque, the first vehicle of this type to be built in South Korea. The interior is focused on the driver without the clutter of modern systems. Facial recognition is incorporated to preset many functions, and the instrument cluster is an 8" HD screen that only displays essential data while the car is moving.Details of the battery were withheld, but Genesis estimates a 0-60 time of only 3 seconds. The technology and style shown here. If this is a glimpse of Genesis' future, it certainly looks promising. Stay with us for Genesis updates and more coverage of the New York Auto Show.Browse Genesis G80 For Sale

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