Corvette

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 17, 2019

Win A Lingenfelter ZR1 & 1961 Restomod Corvette!

Presented by Dream Giveaway - If you’re like most Chevy fans, having Santa deliver two Corvettes under your Christmas tree has never come true. Well never say never, because this year, the sweepstakes experts at Dream Giveaway loaded up Santa’s sleigh with two matching Corvettes (Yes, we know Santa must have a gigantic sleigh!) and one lucky person will win both of them. To enter, you need to make a donation. Since your donation goes to a federally recognized charity, every donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Save your donation receipt for a good-deed payback come tax time. ENTER TO WIN Since the Dream Giveaway Garage is just down the road from duPont Registry headquarters, I decided to check out these earth-quaking Corvettes. I worked for a decade in the Corvette restoration field, so I have seen the good, bad, and the ugly. Walking into their showroom I was taken aback! The cars are matching, both in color and interior, black and red to be exact. The 1961 is a top-notch restomod build, with modern Chevy powerplant. A new LS376 Crate Engine (480 horsepower) is bolted to a 4L70E automatic. The chassis is by Corvette Corrections, with late-model suspension, brakes & wheels. Other goodies include climate control, power steering, power windows, and 18" wheels. Check Out the '61 Details Here What's the coolest feature? – that’s a tough one but we’d put our money on the powered electric hood. It operates from a stealth switch underneath the steering column, and its a great way to present the detailed engine bay. As the new chassis and suspension were coming together, the body was blasted to reveal any imperfections. Several skim coats and many late nights have made it straight as an arrow. A few base coats and layers of clear were color-sanded for a mile-deep finish! We’ve seen restomod Corvettes like this one causing a commotion at the big auctions so we know that you’ll be extremely happy with it if you’re the winner. Speaking of winning, you’ll also bring home a 2019 Corvette ZR1. That’s right. We’re talking 755 horses of unbridled fury all tucked into Road & Track's Car of the Year. Also onboard is 715 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful car in GM history. As this raffle is sponsored by Lingenfelter, they added a few custom touches inside & out. Here are just a few of its abilities: 0 -60 mph in 2.85 seconds 0-100 mph in 6 seconds Quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds at 134 mph. Top speed of 212 mph 19-inch wheels, front/20-inch wheels, rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires Learn More About The ZR1 Here The seats are heated and ventilated red leather, and the interior has all available carbon fiber. As the last of the front engine Corvettes, it was ordered with the best equipment: 3ZR – Premium Equipment Group CFV – Track Performance Package EYT – Competition Sports Seats J6F – Custom Caliper Color – Red M5U – 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission Since you’re a duPupont Registry fan, you can get double tickets when you use promo code DUPONT by clicking here! – There are only a few days left to enter and our insider elves over at Santa’s workshop tell us there’s not a better time to enter. If you’re the winner, Dream Giveaway will fly you to Clearwater, Florida, to pick up both Corvettes. Get those entries in now. " width="680"> Presented by Dream Giveaway Since 2008 the Dream Giveaway® brand has been licensed by a variety of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations for the purpose of conducting sponsored fundraising promotions. These funds have helped provide important assistance to veterans, hospitalized children, cancer victims, the homeless, victims of natural disasters, and other worthwhile causes. Click here to learn more!

The Corvette C8.R is Chevy’s first mid-engine GTLM race car.

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2019

New Corvette C8.R Race Car Gets Surprise Unveiling

Not only did Chevrolet fully unveil the new 2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible, but they also took the time to reveal the new Corvette C8.R race car. This came as a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. The C8.R comes in as Chevrolet's first mid-engine GTLM race car, an expected feat considering the C8 Corvette is mid-engined. Still, it's an important milestone for the brand. As for the livery on the reveal example of the C8.R, Chevrolet wrapped it in a livery inspired by iconic Corvette concepts. This includes the 1973 Aerovette and 1959 Corvette Stingray Racer. The new C8.R will make its racing debut at the Rolex 24 in January 2020. see all corvettes for sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 01, 2019

2020 Corvette Stingray Arrives Loaded With Bose Audio

Corvette and Bose are like peas and carrots, as a majority of Vettes have the premium audio system. But this wasn't always the case. Back in the late 70's, Chief Engineer Dave McLellan asked Dr. Bose to give the '84 Corvette an amazing audio system. While the Delco/Bose system was great for cassette tapes, it lacked the clarity and power needed to play CDs at a decent level. That has now been solved as the 2020 Corvette Stingray will arrive loaded with Bose audio. Both my 2003 and 2007 Corvettes had the Bose system, but they were not loud enough with the top off. To build the loudest system to ever leave the factory, the cockpit has 14 speakers that are aimed precisely. This staging is combined with a digital sound processor, unprecedented is an understatement. Click the link below for great deals on remaining 2019 models and stay with us for all your Corvette news. Find Your Corvette Here Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review Chevy Teases C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2015

Nissan GT-R vs Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Drag Race

Editor's Note: The previous version of the video stated the Corvette was a Z06, but it was actually a Corvette with the Z51 package. Both the video and article have been updated.It's a battle between the all-wheel drive Nissan GT-R and the rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Corvette Z51.YouTube channel PRonTheRoad was able to catch a drag race between a GT-R and Corvette Z51 package at one of Club 550+'s events. A video of the race was uploaded Oct. 28 by the YouTube channel, and, per the description and title, it seems as though these are two stock vehicles.Assuming that they are stock, let's take a moment to look at the specs of these two. Nissan GT-R Engine: Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6Horsepower: 545Torque: 463 lb-ftWeight: 3,851 lbs0-60 mph: ~2.8 secondsTop Speed: 196 mphGT-R Listings Corvette Z51 Engine: 6.2-liter V8Horsepower: 450Torque: 460 lb-ftWeight: 3,298 lbs0-60 mph: 3.7 secondsTop Speed: N/ACorvette ListingsThe 0-60 mph times are off by just close to a second, but the GT-R definitely edges out the Z51. This quicker acceleration time is most likely due to the GT-R AWD setup, allowing it to grip the tarmac from a standstill.But, if specs aren't enough for you, check out the video below to see for yourself.(via YouTube) More Automotive Videos, News and Pics

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2015

Win a 2015 Corvette Z06 or a 1967 Corvette Stingray

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley Buy Tickets Now - Use Promo Code "duPont" 2015 Corvette Z06 is the most track-capable Corvette in history. It pushes the performance envelope for Corvette with unprecedented levels of aerodynamic downforce. This new Corvette is equipped with a Supercharged 650 horsepower LT4 V8 engine, which has resulted in faster lap times than the C6 Corvette ZR1. The charity’s Corvette Z06 is equipped with the 3LZ premium equipment package and the Z07 Performance Package. If there’s option available from the factory, this car has it.The Drawing for the 2015 Corvette Z06 will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015.By participating in the Ronald McDonald House’s Annual Car Drawing you help families cope with the physical, emotional and financial burdens of having a seriously ill child in the hospital. Without the Ronald McDonald house, many families would be forced to sleep in cramped hospital rooms, pay for weeks at a hotel or even sleep in their cars. You give families a warm, comfortable place to call home during such a difficult time in their lives.Ticket Prices$3 for 1$5 for 2$10 for 5$20 for 15$30 for 22$50 for 40$100 for 100$200 for 240$500 for 600$1000 for 1200Buy Tickets Now - Use Promo Code "duPont" Sponsored by:

By Caitlin Duffy – May 15, 2015

Behind the Scenes at One of America's Top Corvette Dealers

For more than 60 years, the Corvette has been America’s main contender in the supercar world, and for the past 24 years, one dealership in a location most people don’t think about twice has had an immense corner on the ‘vette market.Hammond, Louisiana, is just as close to the Alabama border as it is to Baton Rouge, tucked across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. It’s the home of Southeastern Louisiana University, and is one of the top destinations in the nation for lovers of Corvettes, all thanks to Ross Downing Chevrolet.Name: Ross Downing ChevroletLocation: 600 S Morrison Blvd., Hammond, LAPhone Number: (985) 345-1285Website: RossDowning.com Facebook: facebook.com/rossdowningchevroletThey don’t have customers, they have lifelong friends. It’s not a place where employees come and go; most of the sales team has been there upwards of 30 years. Three generations of Downings have walked through the front door as employees, and with the dealership’s growth, there are few doubts a fourth will join them down the line.In the early 1990s, Ross Downing’s son Dudley was becoming a key member of the dealership’s management, and was looking for a new way to take them to the top. In 1991, he pushed to increase how many Corvettes were allocated to their dealership.But many of their local customers have been purchasing from them for decades, some buying as many as 10 Corvettes in 15 years. Both the Greater New Orleans Corvette Club and the Baton Rouge Corvette Club have a large number of cars from Ross Downing, as well as regular attendees of the occasional event at the dealership.They’ve hosted the ‘Vettes and ‘Vs Car Show annually for quite some time, but have had to move off site to SLU as attendance grew larger each time. Check it out next time you’re in Hammond, and be sure to look through their inventory to find the Corvette missing from your collection.View Full Dealer InventorySponsored by:

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