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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 – March 24, 2020

Experience the Lotus Evija With Prestige Imports

Flourescent lights in primary colors have a way of highlighting every detail of a painted surface. That's why our friend Brett David incorporated a turntable into the showroom at Prestige Imports. It has filtered 360-degree lighting to play off the lines of the world's most covetet cars. That is why the Lotus Evija looks spectacular in the spotlights. https://www.facebook.com/prestigeimportsmiami/videos/548697305758748/?v=548697305758748 It is rated at 1,970 horsepower and 1,254 lb-ft of torque. This makes it not only the world's most powerful EV, it is the most powerful car ever built. As such, it needs style and unique lines befitting its stature. Click the button below to see what all Prestige Imports has in stock and stay with us for all your Lotus updates. Browse Prestige Imports Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

McLaren Boston: Leading the Way!

We are approaching our 35th year helping exotic car dealers find their customers, and vice-versa. In my decade here, I have seen dozens of dealer groups overextend themselves or build grandious palaces that scare off potential sales. But it has given me a 6th sense when it comes to when a dealer has the recipe for success. McLaren Boston was awarded Premier Dealer awards in 2016 and 2017. Factors like MSO inventory, customer retention and service after the sale speak for themselves. Their MSO build center is unlike any other, and it has a hotline to the artisans in England. Perpaps more exciting than those awards is their new location in Charlotte, N.C. It will be the first of McLaren's new dealer architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Also under the same roof will be Koenigsegg and Karma, providing a complete hypercar experience. Visit McLarenBoston.com " width="680"> McLaren Boston is honored to be a part of the McLaren team. Their goal is to provide discerning customers with a personalized buying experience, where they exceed expectations and offer only the highest level of customer service. They are passionate about McLaren and inspired by the drive. Browse McLaren Boston Inventory Here Contact McLaren Boston Website: mclarenboston.comEmail: Contact FormPhone: (855)777-1607Address: 22 Pond St. Norwell, MA 02061

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

Ferrari of Central Florida Announces Unprecedented Donations

Because they strive to be ahead of the curve, Ferrari of Central Florida was among the first to offer remote test drives, and complimentary service pickup & delivery. Orlando is densly populated, which makes the spread of the virus potentially worse. However, the doctors and nurses at Advent Health are on the front lines to prevent anymore infections. That is why Ferrari of Central Florida along with the Triarsi family are donating proceeds from each car sold through Aprol 30th. Also, if you would like to donate without making a purchase Click Here. Help us spread the word and get more dealers onboard. Be safe. Browse Inventory at Ferrari/Maserati of Central Florida Contact Ferrari of Central Florida Website: ferraricf.com/ Email: sales@ferraricf.comPhone Number: 888-286-4238Address: 525 South Lake Destiny Drive, Orlando, FL 32810

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

Modern Muscle Cars has What Everyone Needs

What is worth more than cash in our current situation? During the Civil War, it took a wheelbarrow of cash to buy bread. Often the barrow was dumped out and stolen as it was worth more than the money it was hauling. While we still don't understand the link between toilet paper and the virus, our friends at Modern Muscle Cars have developed a great way to aquire a quilted double roll. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=213175936457252 Click Here To Learn More

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2020

Never Before Seen Prices & Programs at Lamborghini Palm B...

During these challenging times Lamborghini Palm Beach / Karma Palm Beach has made special arrangements with the manufacturers (and some banks) to offer special programs on ALL new Lamborghini inventory and Karma inventory. Low or no-cost nationwide shipping is also available. Take advantage of their large inventory, and these never before seen rates, terms and programs. Call the sales team direct at 888-601-4852 for your absolute best deal of a lifetime. Visit LamborghiniPalmBeach.com 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S View Listing 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ View Listing 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder View Listing 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo View Listing 2019 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 View Listing Contact Lamborghini Palm Beach Website: lamborghinipalmbeach.comEmail: Contact FormPhone: 888-601-4852Address: 2345 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

1982 Porsche 911 SC is Socially Distancing from Porsche o...

Tired of being stuck inside? An old Porcshe 911 and a winding road is a cure for all diseases. Thats why our firends at Porsche of the Main Line offer the latest 992 series along with a choice selection of classic Porsche 911 for sale. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Tell us your favorite 911 in the comments below and stay with us for more great inventroty from Porsche of the Main Line. " width="680"> Visit Porsche of the Mainline/McLaren Philadelphia

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By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Excell Auto Group Offers Free Shipping Until April 1st

Although the virus is easily killed by most generic household cleaners, social distancing is a safe precaution. Outside of a human, it can't last longer than 12 hours. That one fact shouldn't keep you from the car of your dreams, so Excell Auto Group is offering free nationwide shipping until April 1st. This bold move would be hard to swallow for larger corporate stores, and it is only possible thanks to the relationships they have built with the best carriers in the nation. Dealer personnel and drivers are taking the upmost safeguards to deliver your car clean and ready to enjoy. So click the button below and see what sets Excell Auto Group apart from everyone else. Browse Inventory at Excell Auto Group Contact Excell Auto Group Website: ExcellAuto.comEmail: info@excellauto.comPhone: 855-560-0927Address: 1001 Clint Moore Road – Suite 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Automakers Offer 0% Financing for 84 Months

As car factories are gearing up to assemble ventilators and other needed supplies, their corporate arms are open wide for unprecedented deals. In a story first reported by JD Power, GM, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler are offering 0% financing for 84 months on many popular models. Those with good credit will even have the option to defer payments for up to 120 days. Even the 2019 Corvette is included! Hyundai just upped the ante with Job-Loss protection, where they will cover 6 months of payments until you are back on your feet. Being a Libertarian, this is the best news of a free market taking care of its citizens. Click the button below to find your new ride and stay with us for more positive news. " width="680"> Find Your New Car Here

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

Three 70th Anniversary Ferraris For Sale by Marshall Goldman

To celebrate seven decades building the world's most loved automobiles, Ferrari planned an epic anniversary. They turned back the pages to find 70 icons of the past, and replicated each one on a 2017 production model (GTC4Lusso, F12berlinetta, 488 GTB, 488 Spider, California T). Collectors around the world worked quickly to make them the centerpiece of their collection. Needless to say, you won't see an anniversary Ferrari in public, and we have only seen a few in the hands of Ferrari's VIP customers. Finding one for sale necessitates a purchase because cars with such provenance won't come your way again...unless you are Marshall Goldman. As with every other car in their inventory, these three cars are owned by Mr. Goldman. You need not worry about consignments or middlemen, this trifecta has your name on it. 2017 Ferrari 488 GTB 43 Miles Dino 206 Competitzione spec Yellow exterior, unique ink black interior leather, electric blue Alcantara carpeting, Click Here For Price & Details 2017 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 1958 250 GT Berlinetta Spec Grigio Alloy Exterior & Interior 161 Miles Click Here For Price & Details 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider Blu Swaters over Ichiostro leather interior Inspired by 250 GTO 1964 inch spec 770 Miles Click Here For Price & Details Marshall Goldman has an inventory that will make your mouth water. Dont believe us? Click the link below and tell us your favorite in the comments below. View All Cars For Sale At Marshall Goldman Motor Sales

By Edward Jones – February 26, 2020

Dealer Details: Lamborghini Paramus

Presented by Lamborghini Paramus - Lamborghini Paramus is a standalone Lamborghini franchise in Paramus, NJ. This distinction gives us the opportunity to focus all our attention on this unique Italian automotive brand, its dynamic vehicles and the unparalleled lifestyle. We offer drivers from all over the NJ/NY Tri-State area, including Bergen County, Hudson County, Monmouth County, Manhattan and beyond, a customer experience second to none. If you're considering a new Lamborghini or a vehicle among our exotic pre-owned inventory, we're here to guide you through the purchase process every step of the way. When the time comes to service your high-end car, our knowledgeable staff is here to provide the guidance and technical work to keep your prized vehicle performing at its best. VIEW INVENTORY From sales to service to parts, we ensure you'll have a pleasant experience at Lamborghini of Paramus. Our friendly team of Lamborghini experts take the time to get to know you personally, and they're here to answer any questions you may have. We make the effort to stay in touch with our customers after the sale. As members of the #LamboParamusEntourage, they're invited to all our special events. The fun may start in our showroom, but it doesn't end there. The relationships we build with our customers turn into long lasting friendships. VIEW INVENTORY Presented by Lamborghini Paramus Lamborghini Paramus is a standalone Lamborghini franchise in Paramus, NJ offering drivers from Bergen County, Hudson County, Monmouth County, Manhattan and beyond a customer experience second to none.

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