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 – December 04, 2020

AC Cars Introduces The Series 4-Electric

Once the war was over, servicemen stationed in England enjoyed the light & nimble AC Ace. One of those veterans was Carroll Shelby, who dropped in a Ford V8 to build his Cobra. Although the automaker might have changed hands a few times since then, AC Cars has introduced the Series 4-Electric. https://www.facebook.com/102556118182006/videos/1643825275799039 In a collaboration with Falcon Electric, this carbon-neutral Cobra offers 617 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. More powerful than almost any big-block Cobra, it would be a formidable contender against Mr. Shelby's Super Snake. Without sacrificing the iconic dimensions, a 54 kWh battery offers 200 miles of range and 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The curb weight is under 2,623 lbs, with an ideal balance front-to-rear. Pricing starts at £168,000, or around $226,500. Click the button below to find your Cobra and stay with us for all your electric supercar news. Browse Shelby Cobra For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2020

2021 Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne Hits The Road

Electric luxury is a bold new battleground for boutique manufacturers. If you want a silent supercar with a Spanish flair, the 2021 Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne has hit the road. Joining the existing production of 14 Carmens, the 5 examples of the Boulogne offer 1,114 metric horsepower to reach 180 mph. The latest in high-voltage batteries allow it to reach 62 mph in 2.6 seconds with a curb weight of 3,549 lbs. Four permanent-magnet electric motors power the rear wheels in 2 pairs. Software allows 1,180 lb-ft of torque to be available from 0-6,500 rpm. A body of visible carbon fiber hides an 80 kWh battery pack. It can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes by DC to offer a range of 248 miles. As technology advances, you will be offered upgrades to keep the car at the cutting edge. Stay with us for the latest in luxury hypercars.

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

Volcon E-Powersports Announces Austin Headquarters

Texas is not playing when it comes to innovation. That's why Volcon E-Powersports has announced their Austin headquarters. In a press release yesterday their website confirms a crowdfunding program along with their first three models. After only a few hours we see over $1.6 Million dollars from 724 investors. Layout Of Volcon Headquarters They want to see the first electric ATV company turn up the heat on gas-powered fun, so the Grunt will start at $5,995. This overland e-cycle has big tires for maximum grip and 75 lb-ft of torque. Weighing less than 200 lbs, it offers a range of 100 miles with a top speed of 60 mph. The battery is charged in 2 hours, or easily swapped for a charged one to keep on riding. Also announced are the Stag Side-by-side and the Beast ATV. This trio will begin production this Spring, so stay with us for more Volcon updates.

By Edward Jones – November 17, 2020

The New MINI Vision Urbanaut is a Mobile Living Room

MINI has just unveiled a new concept vehicle that could easily pass as a mobile living room. The new MINI Vision Urbanaut is a wild concept that honestly looks like it came right out of the 70s. I say this not only because of its design but also because of how popular these kinds of "livable" vehicles were back then. When designing the Urbanaut, the team actually created the interior before the exterior. This allowed them to create an interior that will be perfect for any road trip. Upfront is a driver's area that can be converted into a daybed by lowering the dashboard. The front seats can also be rotated so they can face the rear. In the rear is the "Cosy Corner" that's highlighted by a textile-covered "Loop" that goes over the seat bench that can be optioned with LED backlighting. This would be the perfect spot to sit back, relax and enjoy a book. There's no word on this vehicle becoming a production vehicle, but we'll keep you updated if there's any word of such a move. See All MINIs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2020

Volvo P1800 Cyan Is Ready To Race

What happens when a race team is given a blank check? For Cyan Racing it means a return to their origins, and they have just announce that the Volvo P1800 Cyan is ready to race. This 21st century interpretation of the world's most favorite Scandinavian, it was built by Polestar engineers with the same winning DNA as their S60 TC1. Volvo Will Give Away $1 Million in Cars if there is a Big Game Safety Their 2-liter turbo-four offers 420 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. A new chassis was developed to make the classic lower and wider than before. You won't notice at first that every body panel has been altered to hide the subtle difference. Aluminum control arms and spindles are combined with rack & pinion steering and an independent rear suspension. With a curb weight of 2,182 lbs it will be potent on the track and a blast on the streets. Until it arrives we have a nice array of classic Swedish cars for sale. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Volvo updates.

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

See the KleinVision Flying Car Takes Flight

KleinVision's AirCar Concept has officially taken its maiden flight and all I can think about is a future filled with flying cars. While it may seem farfetched by today's standard, KleinVision is aiming to make it a reality. Their new AirCar concept has the ability to not only drive on the roads when its wings are retracted and tail unfolded, but also take flight when the aforementioned components are in their flying positions. Powering the AirCar in the skies is a BMW 1.6-liter engine that has an output of 140 horsepower. For flight, it relies on a single propeller mounted in the rear. KleinVision says the estimated travel range is about 1,000 km or 621 miles. “The key flight parameters confirmed all theoretical concepts and calculations that the development of the AirCar was based on. Following the completion of all required flight tests in compliance with EASA regulations, we will deliver a model with a certified ADEPT, 300HP engine within the next 6 next months” said Professor Stefan Klein, Klein Vision’s CTO and test pilot. This is an exciting step for the company. Here's to hoping they hit markets soon! You can learn more by visiting Klein-Vision.com.

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2020

Watch the Brutal Rimac C_Two Crash Tests

One thing that every production car has to go through are crash tests. It doesn't matter how cool it looks, how luxury its interior is, or how fast it goes, it still has to go through rigorous crash tests. Rimac Automobili is currently putting their all-electric C_Two through a crash test program before production starts in 2021. Rimac Automobili has actually been going through a crash test program for quite some time, but their most recent full-vehicle tests were necessary to ensure the behavior of the carbon composite during an impact. You can check out the crash testing for yourself in the video down below. Now, Rimac Automobili will begin the last processes before worldwide homologation is complete. This includes producing a total of 13 prototype vehicles and five pre-series production cars. Unfortunately, 11 of those 18 vehicles will be crashed during Rimac's crash testing process. The result, after all of these tests are complete, is the ability to sell the C_Two in every single market around the globe. Rimac Concept One For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2020

Ford Reveals the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig Concept

Ford and Filson have teamed up to raise funds in support of the National Forest Foundation's reforestation programs and their efforts to promote fire prevention awareness. The main star of their collaboration is the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept. This concept SUV is based on the new Bronco Badlands model, but it shows was future firefighting rigs could look like when built around the new Ford SUV. The exterior of this Bronco concept is finished in Forest Service Green that mimics the paint used on the first-generation U.S. Forest Service Bronco. Joining the cool green paint is a long list of gear and components that make this Bronco ready to fight fire. Standard off-road-ready equipment includes the winch, LED light bar and roof rack. For fighting fires, there's a Pulaski (axe and adze combo tool), water tanks, axes, chainsaw, hard hats, high lift jack, drip torch and more. The highlight is the Kimtek FIRELITE Fire/Rescue Transport skid complete with a fire hose reel, high-pressure water pump and 50-gallon water tank. Inside, the cabin is dressed in materials like tough otter green duck canvas and black leather worthy of a Filson's jacket lining. These brands are also raising awareness and funds to help fight wildfires in other ways. Filson has launched a new Ford Bronco collection that supports the National Forest Foundation. As for Ford, they have also launched the Bronco Wild Fund not too long ago, which will donate two Bronco's similar to the concept you see here to support forest firefighting crews. “The Filson and Bronco collaboration was a natural fit, given the deep histories both brands have with the U.S. Forest Service dating back to the midcentury when crews relied on the Filson Cruiser jackets and first-generation Broncos to reach remote terrain and protect them in harsh conditions,” said Doug Thielen, director of marketing at Filson. “Our resilient materials and innovative product designs are the perfect complement for the rugged Bronco SUV, and honor wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and natural resources.” Shop Filson.com Now

By Edward Jones – October 20, 2020

Bugatti is Teasing Something Wild

All I can say right now is that Bugatti is teasing something. I don't know what it is, nor does anyone else except those close to Bugatti. All that's know is that whatever it is, it's coming soon. This tease comes to us in the form of an image that features four taillights in an X-shape. More than likely, this will be a new Bugatti vehicle but will it be a one-off or a production model? Like I said before: no clue. That's it. That's all we know right now. So, be sure to allow your mind to run wild with predictions and assumptions like I'm doing right now, and check back with us for more information as it's revealed. See All Bugattis For Sale

Neue Mercedes-Benz Strategie vorgestellt – Ziel ist strukturell höhere ProfitabilitätNew Mercedes-Benz strategy announced - targeting structurally higher profitability

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX Announced and Teased

Mercedes-Benz has release their new Strategy Update, providing insight on what the company is planning for the future. While it was all quite interesting to read, there was one bit that caught our eye. On one page, the silhouette of an unknown car can be seen with the words "VISION EQXX" overlaid. The Vision EQXX is set to be the culmination of Mercedes-Benz's efforts to build an electric car with increased range and efficiency. For this project, Mercedes-Benz has employed both a team in Stuttgart, as well as specialists from the Mercedes-Benz F1 HPP group in the UK. The latter has expertise in eMotors, as well as "motorsport-inspired development speed." That means we could be seeing the reveal of this new vehicle quite soon, but no official word has been given. And while the car that will be revealed may be a concept, Mercedes-Benz says it will feature "innovations that will quickly make their way into series production cars." See All AMG GTs For Sale

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