Events

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 Jordan Aquistapace – May 24, 2021

2021 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Recap

A weekend filled with automotive excellence. The 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance took place this past weekend in Amelia Island, Florida with an anticipated crowd in attendance to display some of the world’s most coveted and exclusive automobiles. The automotive action-packed weekend began with cars and coffee events, various auctions from RM Sotheby’s and Bonhams, as well as the Porsche-focused Werks Reunion car show. Throughout the day, continuous news of multi-million dollar vehicles like the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and 1929 Duesenberg Model J sales electrified the crowd. Along with high-dollar auction sales, Hennessey Performance was on-site to unveil its new Venom F5 hypercar. Although the formal attention of the event was inside the auction room, outside on the streets of Amelia Island, supercars and hypercars of all kinds commuted through the winding backroads. Around the duPont REGISTRY spectator area, spectacular examples from Specialty Vehicle Engineering, Combat Motors, Vanderhall, Overfinch, Hanania Exotics, and Executive Coach Builders. Along with automotive displays, brands like Luxury Lease Partners, Oxford Cigar Co., EPIC Cigars, Medford Knives, and Metron Garage were on-site to highlight their luxury products. Perfectly placed throughout the breathtaking landscape of the Ritz-Carlton were museum-grade examples such as VIN 001 Ferrari F50 represented by the team at CURATED, as well as countless others brought by owners and dealers from all around the world. Period correct apparel and accessories littered the field, giving spectators a close look as to how life was during the times when these vehicles were being rolled off the production floor for the first time. The 2021 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance concluded with a generous award ceremony, giving each winning participant the opportunity to drive their vehicle through the field for all to capture the moment. As a refreshing look towards the future of luxury automotive events, we are counting down the days to next year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. For more Event news, Check out Holman Motorcars Makes a Dream Come True With New “Aston Martin” Wheelchair

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Mecum Auctions is Now Accepting Bitcoin, Dogecoin and More

Pick up a new car before your trip to the moon. Mecum Auctions has just announced that they will be able to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payments through BitPay. This means that during the auction settle process bidders will be able to pay for their collector car purchases with cryptocurrency. “We recognize the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency for commerce and are confident that by accepting crypto for collector cars, it will widen our scope of influence and introduce the Mecum Experience to an entirely new audience,” said Mecum Auctions Chief Operating Officer Sam Murtaugh. “BitPay provides a powerful, streamlined process that makes crypto transactions simple for both our customers and our accounting team.” Cryptocurrencies that will be accepted include Bitcoin (BTC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE) and stablecoins USD Coin (USDC), Dai (DAI), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Paxos Standard (PAX) and Binance USD (BUSD). Yes, even Dogecoin will be accepted. That means you can use your Dogecoin during the upcoming Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, which runs May 14-22. View Current Mecum Car Listings

By Edward Jones – May 05, 2021

Join the Graham Rahal Performance Track Series 2021

Presented by Graham Rahal Performance - Join Graham Rahal Performance (GRP) for its inaugural track series visiting prestigious tracks east of the Mississippi throughout 2021. This track series will provide one-on-one driving instruction from professional racecar driver Graham Rahal, valuable track-time and service discounts from GRP. No track experience is required! Those interested can purchase single event packages for $1,200. For those interested in multiple events, please contact GRP directly for pricing information. THE TRACKS 5.3.2021 - Autobahn Country Club #1Joliet, IL5.10.2021 - Pittsburgh International Race ComplexWampum, PA7.5.2021 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car CourseLexington, OH7.12.2021 - Road AtlantaBraselton, GA8.9.2021 - National Corvette MuseumBowling Green, KY8.23.2021 - Autobahn Country Club #2Joliet, IL10.02.2021 - GingerMan RacewaySouth Haven, MI10.18.2021 - Road AmericaPlymouth, WI11.1.2021 - Barber Motorsports ParkLeeds, AL FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email: trackseries@grahamrahalperformance.comPhone: 317-286-3552 Register Now Graham Rahal Performance

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2021

Formula 1 To Be Featured at Goodwood

Five teams have already committed Every year we are taken aback by the cars invited to Goodwood. The Duke of Richmond and his family are noble car enthusiasts, and as such, Formula 1 is this year's focus. “The glamour and spectacle of Formula 1 has become an intrinsic part of the Festival of Speed with so many legendary teams, drivers and cars attending over the years. We can’t wait to once again hear and see the cars running in anger up the Hill, delighting the fans as only Grand Prix winners can.” This year's Goodwood Festival of Speed is presented by Mastercard. So far, the weekend will see British Grand Prix, the McLaren F1 Team, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Red Bull Racing Honda, Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow, and Williams Racing. The weekend of July 8th will see old classics along with the latest in motorsports. Stay with us for complete coverage of the festivities. Images (C) Nigel Harniman

By Edward Jones – April 26, 2021

Over 1,000 Cars Turned Up At The First Annual "The Vault ...

When JD Pass sat down with his staff to discuss holding a completely free car show of his own, there was initially some hesitation. Little did they know that he was about to create a new Southeastern tradition. TheVaultMS.com ‘s 390 Car Show was a massive event that helped in solidifying The Vault as the premiere automotive hub of the southern region. With over 1,000 cars and 5,000 spectators from across the Southeast, food vendors, and even monster trucks, The Vault brought down the house with their inaugural event. Individuals and car clubs alike showed up to compete for fifty trophies for their custom automobiles. It wasn’t just a gear heads paradise but an awesome time for families as well. Children were not just delighted by the site of really cool cars, they also got a chance to meet the Easter Bunny courtesy of the global online auction platform, SonicBidder.com. They also got the chance to ride the aforementioned monster trucks and compete in a bicycle race for prizes. The highlight by far were appearances from Discovery Channel stars; Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage and Dennis and Kelsey Collins of Collins Bros Jeeps. Many people showed up to talk to and get autographs from their favorite auto-stars. This wasn’t a paid gig either as Pass, Rawlings, and Collins have been friends for many years. The three got to enjoy time together amongst fans and supporters for an amazing day of food, fun, and automotive showmanship. With the success of TheVaultMS.com ‘s 390 Car Show, plans and consideration are already underway for the next year’s event. No matter who or what shows up in Jackson in 2022, one thing’s for sure. TheVaultMS.com's 390 Car Show is a fantastic, family, free event that will be well worth it to travel to whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a casual observer looking for a great time! View The Vault's Inventory

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2021

Rally Point East x Manhattan Motorcars Rally Recap

Rally Point East teamed up with Manhattan Motorcars to hold their first charitable rally. Along with partners like Abushi, Berkshire Hathaway International Realty, The Baker House 1650, Diane Hendricks Catering and The MJS Groupe, the event aimed at helping raise funding for St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. With registrants entering both their vehicles’ and a donation into the roster, all participants gathered at the Manhattan Motorcars Porsche Dealership in New York and were greeted by Robert Marchhart, Director of Marketing for the dealership group, along with Rosco Abushi, owner of Abushi Automotive and Robert Heicklen, advocate for St. Mary’s. Following the welcome breakfast, attendees started their engines and began the 86 mile drive out east. Over 50 cars participated in the day’s rally event which included a few notable novelties like a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini Huracan Performante & Aventador SV, Ferrari Testarossa, Custom Restored Ford Bronco, 2019 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Gallardo signed by Valentino Balboni and Roll-Royce Wraith along with several other Ferraris, Porsches and Aston Martins to name a few. The day wouldn’t have been complete with a member’s pre-rally happening in tandem which started from the Rally Point East location taking a more local route and having both groups convene back at the same time. Welcoming members, VIPs and friends of the club, guests were invited to view the 65 cars that were on display both inside and out as well as enjoy a brunch selection crafted by Chef Diane Hendricks. In total the members and attendees were able to raise just under 10k for the charity which will be part of an ongoing mission for the St. Mary’s advocate Robert Heicklen as well as the involved partners. Be sure to check out the galleries below by Jason Belsky and Ugur Dursun of the event. View Manhattan Motorcars Inventory

2022 GMC HUMMER EV Barrett Jackson Tunnels to Towers Foundation

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2021

First 2022 GMC Hummer EV Shocks Everyone at Barrett-Jacks...

The Most Powerful Hummer Is Also The Most Valuable Our annual After Party at the W Scottsdale was the talk of the town, but the other big news was generated by GM. In order to support the Tunnel to Towers foundation, the first 2022 GMC Hummer EV shocked everyone at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. VIN 001 is an Edition 1, and it will arrive loaded with 1,000 horsepower/ 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Not only is it capable of crab walking and Extract Mode, perhaps the best feature is "Watts To Freedom". WTF unlocks full power and drops the ride by 2" to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds. The foundation serves to build mortgage-free homes to veterans and first responders, and this created a bidding frenzy. With a hammer price of $2.5 million, it is easily the most valuable Hummer of all time. Playing second fiddle are the first versions of the Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwing that generated $430,000 for Pharrell's Black Ambition program. If you have never experienced a capable American 4WD, the Hummer H1 price and specs are a great place to start. Click the button to find one near you and stay with us for all your Hummer news. Browse Hummer For Sale Image (C) General Motors

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By Edward Jones – March 26, 2021

Denison Yacht Sales Bringing Multiple Multi-Million Dolla...

Be sure to join Denison Yacht Sales at the 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show. This year the show will incorporate new COVID-19 safety guidelines while featuring a large selection of new and brokerage yachts and boats on display. The 2021 Palm Beach Boat Show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of boats, yachts, and accessories from the world’s leading marine manufacturers. Docks along South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach will be filled with a variety of boats including center consoles, trawlers, sportfish yachts, sailboats, and superyachts. You’ll find tents full of the latest electronics and accessories, seminars, kids fishing clinics, exotic cars, and live music. Denison will host an impressive yacht display with up to 20 brokerage yachts and a lineup of new boats, including the debut of the Bertram 28. The gallery below is just a small sample of what can be expected from Denison's display. Stop by the Denison display to meet the team and experience some of the most impressive yachts at the event. They will be happy to answer questions and help you find the boat of your dreams. Purchase Palm Beach Boat Show tickets here and schedule a tour on a Denison yacht below. Schedule A Showing

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2021

Experience duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Scotts...

One of the biggest events of the year shifts into high gear tonight, so we invite you to experience duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Because our partnership with Craig Jackson and Company spans three decades, we have built an impressive display along with our clients. A few massive trucks tower over the exotics while Vanderhall tries to fly under the radar. To offer something for everyone, here is who joined us: Tuscany Motor Company Vanderhall Motor Works Creative Bespoke Luxury Lease Partners Sintor Trucks The Medford Guy Tire Stickers Wheel Specialists Revolution Racecars Combat Motorcycles PitStop Racing Furniture Tonight will also see the first charity auctions. You will have an opportunity to bid on a new Ram TRX VIN 001 or the first Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Both are powered by supercharged 6.2-liter V8s, but one was born in the Hellcat while the other powered the Corvette Z06. Our friend Rick Hendrick will probably take them both home, but he does so for worthy causes. Be sure to check out the live stream on their site and also the primetime broadcasts on History, Velocity, and FYI networks. As always, we will have a complete recap once the jetlag wears off, so stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news. Images (C) @csjmatthewfink

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2021

duPont REGISTRY x Armature Works Cars and Coffee March 20...

Three months is a long wait to see old friends. While adhering to all safety precautions, the duPont REGISTRY x Armature Works March 2021 Cars and Coffee event was a great success. Tampa once had a giant network of streetcars powered by direct current. To make sure the trains ran on time, the Armatures were constantly serviced at the "Armature Works". If you haven't experienced the venue, it offers shopping and food with several areas for live performances. December was a trial run for an unprecedented automotive event, and it allowed us to hone the process. Staging dealer arrivals in 15-minute intervals, Ferrari of Tampa Bay was first-in. All of Dimmitt Automotive Group's luxury brands were represented up front, next to Paddock1 Luxury Garage. American Freedom Distillery arrived in a massive Ford Cab-Over emblazoned with the logos of their Horse Soldier Bourbon. Reeves Imports had a short drive from their headquarters while Buddy Brew had a never-ending supply of coffee. European Exotic Center is a great resource for sales and service, and they are the only authorized Koenigsegg workshop in the Southeast. Motor Enclave is about to open a 1.6-mile road course with storage for exotics, and their enthusiasm made for a great display. All parking lots were packed from 7 to 11 am, so it was all hands on deck. Our goal is to make this a more regular event, so we need your input! Tell us what could have been better in the comments below and we'll see you soon.

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