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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 Edward Jones – April 02, 2020

Order Your Piece of the Palm Beach Lifestyle From Lamborg...

There is nothing like the exhilaration and thrill of driving a Lamborghini. It’s that adrenaline-pumping, razor-sharp precision that remains unmatched and it’s addicting. Just imagine if every day could be like that. At Lamborghini Palm Beach they take great pride in helping clients find the perfect exotic. They are family-owned and operated and remain dedicated to providing world-class customer service and an incredible selection of exotic supercars. When considering Lamborghini Palm Beach and working with their team you will experience everything you would expect and want with your Exotic or Luxury Car. You are in control and they're here to guide you through one of the most exciting car buying experiences anywhere. Visit LamborghiniPalmBeach.com

By Edward Jones – April 02, 2020

Lamborghini Newport Beach Opens New Showroom and Service ...

Lamborghini Newport Beach - Over the past 18 months, the team at Lamborghini Newport Beach has been working on a new state of the art showroom & service facility to better support our growing family of clients & Lamborghini enthusiasts here in Orange County. We are proud to announce that our new home is finally complete and is now located in the Irvine Auto Center just south of the I-405 & I-5 interchange in Irvine. The new location is one of the first Lamborghini showrooms in the world to feature the latest in Italian corporate design, with a special space dedicated to Lamborghini's Ad Personam program. With the Ad Personam program, any bespoke request such as spec'ing your Lamborghini with an off-range exterior paint, custom interior, and more is possible. In addition to our new showroom, our brand new service and parts facility is much larger, and features state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, in-floor lifts, alignment rack for all models including the new Urus, and a comfortable client lounge. Clients will have a full-service parts counter for factory authorized replacement parts, vehicle accessories, and branded Italian merchandise. Also on site is a new clean room for clear bra & window tint installation, a detail studio for paint corrections & ceramic coating applications, and a photo room designed to capture all the fine details of our new and used vehicles for sale. On behalf of the entire team here at Lamborghini Newport Beach, thank you for your continued support of our dealership and the brand. We look forward to welcoming you to your new Lamborghini home here in Irvine. View Inventory Contact Lamborghini Newport Beach Address: 44 Auto Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618Phone Number: (877)357-3732Website: lambonb.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

FCA Announces 0% for 84 Months and Online Sales

If you have been waiting for a great deal on a new Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat or Alfa-Romeo, the time to buy is now. In a press release earlier today, FCA announced 0% for 84 Months along with online sales. The new "Drive Forward" program is applicable to most models for qualified buyers. The second part of the program is a new "Online Retail Experience". These virtual showrooms include 24/7 support from product specialists. Once the purchase is made, your local dealer can deliver it to your driveway. Noticeably absent is Maserati, but this is a great program regardless. Click the links above to browse our inventory and stay with us for all your FCA news. " width="680">

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By Edward Jones – April 01, 2020

Boch Exotics Hosts Blood Drive for Covid-19 Pandemic

While it may not be talked about a lot, it should be noted that blood banks are in need of donations during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Knowing this, Boch Exotics put on a blood drive with the American Red Cross and it was a major success. "Your outpour of love and support at this critical time will help save lives," said Boch Exotics in an Instagram post. You can view the images of the blood drive in the Instagram post down below. And remember to donate blood if you can. To find a local drive, click this link to visit the American Red Cross website. View Boch Exotic Inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cnSkZJwUX/?igshid=nr02kl2isnbt

By Andrew Nabors – March 31, 2020

Stunning F8 Tributo at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale

Good things come to those who wait. So while we for the virus to clear let's look forward to a full recovery and fast Ferraris. When engineers developed the brand's most powerful V8, it demanded a supercar capable to handle it. With production limited to Ferrari's best customers, this stunning F8 Tributo is for sale at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale. You will have 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque along with incredible styling. Words only convey so much, so here is a short clip to pique your interest. Click the button below to browse their inventory and stay with us for more amazing updates form Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale. Browse New & Pre-Owned at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aHHHtpsp6/ Contact Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale Website: https://www.ferrarifl.com/ Phone: 954-715-7500Address: 5750 North Federal HwyFort Lauderdale, FL 33308

By Edward Jones – March 31, 2020

Excell Auto Introduces New Vehicle Locate Program

Are you searching for a specific pre-owned luxury or exotic vehicle? Are you tired of searching all over for it? Leave it to the experts. Excell Auto Group has just announced their new "Auto-Locate Program," a new program that will find your dream car for you. All you need to do is fill out this form and let them know what you're looking for. This new program will make the process for you to buy a new vehicle as smooth and stress-free as possible, without you having to leave your house. What's more, you can also sign all of the purchase paperwork electronically. Just a couple of taps on your smartphone or tablet and you're all set. As for delivery, they offer free shipping nationwide and they will also send all the paperwork needed through FedEx. If the car is delivered and it's not in the condition as described, you can just put the car back on the truck and send it back to receive a full refund. It's that simple. Your dream car is waiting out there. Let Excell Auto Group help you find it! Click the button below to get started. Find Your Dream Car Contact Excell Auto Group Website: excellauto.comPhone Number: 855-560-0927 Address: 1001 Clint Moore Road - Suite 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Excell Auto Group Offering Complimentary Service Pick-up ...

As one of the largest exotic car dealers in South Florida, our friends at Excell always go the extra mile, literally this time. Due to the current crisis, Excell Auto Group is offering complimentary service pick-up & drop-off to customers in the Broward and Palm Beach areas. An appointment needs to be made ahead of time. For more information visit excellautosps.com or call 561.990.7868 Click Here To Schedule Service https://www.facebook.com/excellautogroup/videos/1006694613058115/

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By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Prestige Imports Offers Unprecedented Virus Response Efforts

During my limited career as a Service Advisor, my customers would Social Distance once I handed them the invoice. These days, our dealers are going above and beyond to keep customers safe, but Prestige Imports is offering unprecedented virus response efforts. In addition to complimentary service pick-up and drop-off, they will sanitize your interior. Using proprietary cleaners, they will kill any virus or bacteria and add some life to your leather. Here is the official release from their Facebook page: "In response to the growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, we want to provide you with an update of what we are doing for the safety of our clients and employees. #TeamPrestige is offering complimentary pick-up and drop-off with our Service Department! We’re committed to help #FlattenTheCurve by having our Service department pick up your vehicle for FREE, revitalize it to its maximum potential, and fully sanitize its interior for a virus-free environment! Practice social distancing and contact our Service Manager Eddie Cue at 305-947-1000 today. We will be continuing to monitor information from our local governments and the CDC to best protect our employees and clients. Thank you for your patience and understanding.Prestige Imports #PrestigeImports #TeamPrestige #LamborghiniMiami #Service @ Prestige Imports Miami Click Here To Schedule Service Contact Prestige Imports Miami Website: www.prestigeimports.com/ Phone Number: 833-290-6287 Address: 14800 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181

By Dylan Orluck – March 25, 2020

Canepa: The Automotive Enthusiast's Ultimate Destination

Our good friends over at Canepa, in Scotts Valley, California are known for their attention to detail and incredible inventory. Whether its an award winning Porsche 917/30 or a new Ford GT, Bruce Canepa and his team will stop at nothing to give you the best automobiles along with a first class experience as a customer. Their jaw dropping inventory is just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout their 70,000 square foot facility you will find service, restoration, detailing and a full museum filled with cars you thought fell off the map. Canepa Design, which is their service and customization department, help clients bring their dreams to reality. Whether you want to upgrade your Porsche 959, or improve your Shelby Cobra, the Canepa team has the knowledge and skill to take on any task. They take incredible cars from throughout history, that may not be the most user friendly today, and put their own touch to ensure that performs at the top of its game and can be driven without a problem. Customizing a car? New or old, Canepa has you covered! Canepa Motorsports comes from Bruce's love and experience racing. They understand the ins and outs of every historic race car and will make sure that yours performs the way it did new, if not better. For proof" title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>. While most of us are stuck in quarantine, lacking enough automotive content. Canepa has taken the liberty to keep us entertained with daily Instagram posts about some of the cars and projects going on at Canepa. Take a look around, and let us know if you see anything you like! Visit Canepa.com https://vimeo.com/385589303 Contact Canepa Website: canepa.comPhone: (888)715-2112 Email: info@canepa.comAddress: 4900 Scotts Valley Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables-Bringing Service To You

As the Coronavirus continues to impact our community, here are some details on what Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables is doing to help support our customers and staff. While we remain open for business, we have made adjustments of regular operations to reduce unnecessary contact and support the need for preventative measures to keep us all healthy. Based on recommendations published by the CDC and advice we are receiving through the Mercedes-Benz network, we are: • offering pickup and delivery for all vehicles that require servicing (within the zip codes we serve). Call us at 305-882-9949 to make arrangements. • bringing the Mercedes-Benz of your choice to you for a test drive as well as encouraging the purchase/lease of vehicles to be handled remotely (there is no need to visit the dealership). Visit our website to see our inventory. Call our sales department at 305-770-6455. • maintaining our regular business hours as they appear on our website. • maintaining exceptionally sanitized areas for both employees and guests. • refraining from handshakes, but still offering a warm and welcoming smile! Our goal during this uncertain time is to provide you with a clean, safe environment as we continue our dedication to providing you with outstanding customer service. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 305-770-6455. Thank you for your business and trust in Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Click Here To Schedule Service " width="680"> Contact Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Website: https://www.mbcoralgables.com/ Phone Number: 786-284-1114 Address: 300 Almeria Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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