Defender

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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 06, 2025

Defender Announces 3-Year Dakar Rally Racing Campaign

Defender begins a new rally racing journey. Known as one of the most revered and reputable names in the world of off-roading, Defender has earned a decades-long legacy in adventuring and exploration. However, a new chapter is opening for Defender, as the brand has announced its official entry into the premier echelon of the rally racing world, beginning a three-year program in the FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) campaign in 2026. During the campaign, two cars will compete in the full five rounds of the W2RC, but three cars will race in the Dakar Rally, which is the world-renowned flagship event of the championship. Competing in the “Stock” category of the championship for production-based vehicles, the Defender rally cars will use Defender’s D7x architecture, based on a lightweight aluminum monocoque for a stiff body structure conducive to successful rally performance. The development program for the rally cars is already underway to start racing in 2026, but in 2025 as anticipation builds for the 2026 season debut, Defender will play an important role as the Dakar Rally’s official vehicle partner. 20 Defender vehicles will support the event in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, transporting race officials and media as the race goes to Shubaytah. As one of the world’s greatest names in adventuring, Defender begins its rally racing legend soon. View All Defenders For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 12, 2024

Destination Defender Brings Shaun White & More To Malibu

Defender brings the off-road lifestyle to Malibu. One of the most prominent names in go-anywhere adventure readiness, Defender is celebrated for its lineup of rugged, luxurious SUVs with an iconic, unmistakable style. With the style and capability of Defender vehicles, however, comes a unique off-roading lifestyle, one that will be showcased in Land Rover’s upcoming Destination Defender, an outdoor adventure festival set to take place from November 22 to November 24 at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California. Set against Malibu’s idyllic Pacific coastline backdrop, the event is set to feature activities like a half-pipe skateboarding experience with Shaun White, a BMX course, and hip-hop yoga. Along with that, guests will also have a taste of Land Rover luxury and worldly culture with a variety of culinary experiences including a Royal Afternoon Tea, and talks throughout the event will provide enrichment focused around Defender’s active, outdoor lifestyle. The event is a thrilling showcase of the personality of the Defender brand and the potential of its exciting and legendary off-road ready vehicles. However, this year’s Destination Defender will also see the unveiling of the new Land Rover Defender 110 Sedona Red Color Pack, which features upgraded, unique visual elements throughout its configuration inspired by the natural beauty of the Sedona Mountains. With the beautiful setting of Malibu, this year’s Destination Defender is set to be special. View All Defenders For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 30, 2024

New 1-of-20 Surf-Inspired Land Rover Defender 'Beach Brea...

This limited-edition Defender is a love letter to summer off-roading. One of the most respected and iconic names in the automotive world, Defender is synonymous with unbridled off-road capability and the spirit of adventure on four wheels. Of the many off-road terrains that Defenders are known for taking on, one highlighted during the dwindling summer season is sandy beaches and sun-drenched coasts. A new limited-edition Defender model, the “Beach Break,” is an ode to these environments, where the Defender is right at home, and it’s available for enthusiasts who love a coastal lifestyle. Specifically, it’s inspired by surf culture, and by the iconic seaside destinations of Malibu, California, Montauk, New York, and Oahu, Hawaii. Its retro, surfing-inspired style is expressed through a Tasman Blue exterior paint job, complemented by a white contrast roof, white wheels, and a red and orange side graphic. Inside, the Light Cloud & Lunar Resist upholstery stands up to beach elements, along with rubber mats. Another special detail is the ‘Beach Break 1/20’ badge on the tailgate. Limited to only 20 units, the new 2025 Defender 110 ‘Beach Break’ starts at $71,700. Paying homage to some of North America’s premier coastal destinations, the new ‘Beach Break’ limited-edition Defender is ready to hit the beach and have summer fun for the rest of the season. View All Defenders For Sale Image Source: Jaguar Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 10, 2024

New 2025 Land Rover Defender Brings More Off-Roading Luxury

The latest Land Rover Defender heightens luxury and adventure. Defender is one of the most revered names in the off-roading world, with a lineage of vehicles that have demonstrated incredible capability and forged an unforgettable legacy. With a new generation of Defenders modernizing its pedigree, the Defender has confidently entered a new era as an off-road dominator, and Land Rover has even more in store for the 2025 model year. Introduced for the largest Defender 130 model, available second row captains chairs add luxurious comfort for rear-seat passengers. In addition, newly structured packages offer conveniently bundled features to cater to different needs, like the Off-Road packs offering features like wade sensing, terrain response, and more. Available luxury features include 14-way memory front seats, three-zone climate control, heated third-row seats, a refrigerated front center console compartment, and more. In addition, the Defender is offered with a matte protective film, that not only changes the finish of the paintwork but adds a layer of protection to vehicle that’s perfect for off-roading adventures. For the 2025 model year, the new Defender starts at $56,900 for the Defender 90, $60,800 for the Defender 110, and $69,700 for the Defender 130, and the new model year adds even more luxury and capability, with the anticipated high-performance Defender Octa set to be revealed this summer. View All Defenders For Sale Image Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 23, 2023

TRĕK 2023: Defender’s Annual Off-Road Competition Roars B...

The adventure-based competition showcasing the robust capabilities of the new Defender 130. Defender, one of the world's most legendary names in off-roading, synonymous with rugged terrains and the spirit of adventure, has just fired up the engines for their annual TRĕK competition for 2023. This year’s edition promises to be a terrain-tearing, skill-testing showdown, featuring the all-terrain prowess of the Defender 130. Built on the “embrace the impossible” ethos, this competition is a multi-day extravaganza that pushes the boundaries of off-road driving, navigation, and team skills. In the preliminary rounds, over 400 retail employees engaged in adrenaline-pumping, head-to-head team and group challenges. Facilitated by the spacious and capable Defender 130, the competition took place at an adventure-based off-road facility near Austin, Texas. The Defender 130, which was the centerpiece of TRĕK 2023, boasts seating for eight, robust interiors, and an expanded cargo capacity. Custom gear such as off-road tires, Remote Control Electric Winch, additional LED lighting, and custom TRĕK badging elevated its off-roading capabilities to a whole new level. These customizations weren't just for show, rather they were purpose-engineered enhancements that enabled the competitors to put the vehicle through its paces across various challenging terrains. Ten retailer teams, each consisting of four members, triumphed in the qualifying sessions and will move on to the final competition scheduled from November 8-10. Notably, this year’s finals will take place across diverse locations in Texas, amping up the complexity and challenges for the participants. The overall winner will be crowned at Destination Defender, an outdoor weekend festival that celebrates the adventurous lifestyle synonymous with the Defender brand. Taking place on 2,400 sprawling acres at Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas, from November 10-12, Destination Defender aims to be the gathering point for Defender enthusiasts and the off-road community. Charlotte Blank, US Chief Marketing Officer of Jaguar Land Rover North America, encapsulated the spirit of the competition, stating, "The TRĕK competition allows our retailers to understand the ‘Embrace the Impossible’ ethos of the Defender Brand. Passing down knowledge gained from years of off-road experience to our retailers and, ultimately, our clients is something we cherish each year." The TRĕK competition isn't new to the Defender community. Originating in 1996, it took inspiration from the iconic Camel Trophy. After making a comeback in 2020, the competition has become an annual ritual, taking place in various locations such as The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and the Land Rover Experience Center in Manchester, VT. View All Defenders For Sale Image Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 05, 2023

MANSORY Unveils Its New Exclusive Defender Black Edition

The iconic modified SUV is limited to just 10 examples. MANSORY has truly outdone itself with the recent unveiling of the Defender Black Edition based on the Land Rover Defender V8. This limited edition, capped at just 10 masterpieces, is a testament to the blend of rich automobile history with cutting-edge luxury. The Land Rover Defender needs no introduction. With its roots dating back to 1948, the vehicle has solidified its mark in the automobile annals. Globally recognized as a staple of the English automobile industry, the Defender has proudly worn its badge of durability and versatility for nearly 75 years. Its predecessor, having sold over 2 million units, showcases the Defender's vast legacy. In 2020, the Defender's successor, codenamed L663, confidently embraced modernity, incorporating the latest tech, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and permanent all-wheel drive, all while preserving its raw off-road capabilities. The Bavarian experts at MANSORY had their sights set on this legend. Using the Defender V8 as their canvas, they began the transformation, introducing a myriad of refinements that have come to define the MANSORY name globally. This conversion birthed the MANSORY Defender Black Edition, an undeniable head-turner both visually and technically. Painted exclusively in black, all its body parts, ranging from the front apron to the widened front fenders and the roof spoiler, are crafted from full carbon. This not only bestows the vehicle with a magnificent appearance but also showcases the hallmark of MANSORY's complete conversions. The front, adorned with an ultra-light full-carbon hood, boasts a new radiator grille and front apron in visible carbon. LED highlights further embellish this beauty, cementing its unparalleled stature. MANSORY didn't stop at the exterior. The Defender Black Edition sits on "FD.15" rims, 10 x 24 in size, paired with 295/30 R24 high-performance tires. This potent combination promises precision, performance, and a harmonious design in one package. The vehicle's performance also witnessed an impressive upgrade, with the engine output now at a robust 650 hp and torque of 642 lb/ft of torque. This results in a 0 to 60 acceleration in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. Diving into the interior, it's a canvas of luxury and customization. From choices in leather and colors to carbon design and quilting, MANSORY ensures that each Defender Black Edition resonates with its owner's individuality. In the displayed model, a dark gray Alcantara interior stands out, with applications in "Mandarin Orange" and parts finished in exposed carbon fiber. The carbon and leather sport steering wheel, MANSORY sport aluminum pedals, and other meticulously crafted details make it a sanctuary of luxury on wheels. An additional touch of opulence comes in the form of hundreds of LEDs in the headliner, mirroring the sky and the MANSORY logo, offering passengers an unmatched ambiance. With high performance, bespoke design, and sumptuous luxury, MANSORY transcends the Defender from being an iconic SUV into a unique automotive masterpiece, and its degree of exclusivity certainly helps. For those who want a luxury SUV that is bound to turn heads, this new creation from MANSORY might be it. View All Defenders For Sale Image Source: Mansory

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