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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 Caitlin Duffy – July 01, 2015

BAC Mono's Goodwood Hill Climb from Driver's PoV

We've seen Jeremy Clarkson blown away by its power, Deadmau5 order a custom design and Jay Leno take it for a test drive, and now we get to sit up front with Le Mans champion Oliver Webb as he takes one around the Goodwood Festival of Speed.The Mono from Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is an incredibly light weight, single-seater, road-legal supercar capable of completing some incredible things. Oliver Webb, a 24-year-old auto racing driver with more wins under his belt than many veterans of the industry, is a test driver for BAC and was the man behind the wheel at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.A video added to YouTube June 28 by Oliver gives us a close look at his perspective during a practice lap at Goodwood, with people and bales of hay flying past either side faster than you might believe. Pull it up on full screen, plug in your headphones and turn the volume up, and you'll practically be able to feel the air hitting your face as you watch Webb negotiate turns and corners at a breakneck speed.(See Also: 2015 Denali XL Stretch Mobile Office by Big Limos Inc.)The BAC Mono can reach a top speed of 170 mph while taking only 2.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, putting its acceleration rate on par with with the Aventador SV and McLaren P1. As BAC's website describes, the Mono's extremely lightweight construction, which utilizes carbon fiber, is what makes this possible, as its 4-cylinder engine creates just 283 hp and 206 lb-ft.Check out the video above, and to see more of what Oliver Webb has been up to, be sure to like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @OliverJamesWebb.(Source: BAC Mono, YouTube) See More Automotive Videos

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2015

One-Off Maserati Boomerang Set to Cross the Auction Block

Giorgetto Giugiaro’s creations are among the boldest and most iconic Italian cars ever made, and this one set the industry on fire in the early 1970s.Maserati was looking for a way to get away from their sleek and sensuous lines and invite discussion around what the future would be. The Maserati Boomerang was first unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, and today, as a press release from Bonhams tells us, it's preparing to cross the block.(Related: Steve McQueen’s Porsche 911 Turbo Being Auctioned Off)With an interior straight out of Tomorrowland, the Boomerang's steering wheel exists as a leather covered ring that orbits the circular instrument cluster. The large side glass is raked inboard at a sharp angle, making the low slung cockpit look larger than it really is. Seats mounted below and between the frame rails don’t offer too much practicality, but their pleated Italian leather looks like a comfortable ride.Based on the Bora’s chassis, the Boomerang also borrowed the 4.7-liter V8 tuned to 300 hp. It is a registered and fully functional car that has taken top honors from Pebble Beach to Monte Carlo. The release from earlier this week announced that it will be a part of Bonhams' upcoming Chantilly Sale. If you need to own the concept that set the pace for Italian design, make plans to be in Chantilly, France on September 5.For more concept cars and auction updates, stay tuned to Autofluence.View LotGallery (Source: Bonhams) See More Event Coverage

By Caitlin Duffy – June 22, 2015

Venenos, Huayras, Veyrons & More at Blancpain Endurance S...

A corner of France was overflowing with the world's most impressive supercar models June 20, when the Blancpain Endurance Series descended on the Paul Ricard Circuit for a full day of races. Venenos, Veyrons, One-77s, P1s and more all gathered together in their finest Blancpain livery to take a few turns on the 13-corner track, beginning with free practice on Friday, qualifying rounds Saturday morning and the main event, a 6 hour endurance race, Saturday afternoon. While we weren't able to pop over to France for the weekend and see these races for ourselves, Kevin Gomez and Sergio Gorriz of K&S Photographers captured the event in a series of stunning photos, while Melanie Meder shared a video of the paddocks with an absolutely insane lineup of beautiful cars. Meder tells us that a club of hypercar owners also participated, and they plan to host more events on tracks around the European Union in the near future, with an event planned for Italy's Misano World Circuit in October. The main race saw an impressive victor; as the Blancpain GT Series Facebook page shared June 21, the #23 Nissan GT Academy Team in the GT-R NISMO enjoyed their first win of the year. Check out Melanie's video above and Kevin and Sergio's photos below, pick out your favorite supercar and then head over to our autos listings to find the perfect example for your collection. Browse Listings Gallery by K&S Photographers (Source: K&S Photographers, Melanie Meder Photography, Facebook, YouTube) See More Automotive Event Coverage

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2015

Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show Recap

Article by: Lizett BondMore than 7,000 automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California on June 6 to attend the 8th Annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show. The appreciative audience was treated to an up close and personal staging of 450 fast, rare and vintage two and four-wheeled beauties, displayed on the expansive grounds of the campus.This year’s theme revolved around director Bruce Brown’s 1971 documentary film "On Any Sunday," in which actor Steve McQueen appeared. The film is credited with setting the standard in motorcycle racing photography.The action kicked off Friday night as supporters sipped wine and sampled hors d'oeuvres at a reception that included a wide range of silent auction items. The group, 500 strong, then adjourned to the recently reconditioned campus gym to dine on steak and prawns, a meal planned, prepared and served by Boys Republic students.The dinner program, hosted by Dave Kunz, ABC7 Eyewitness News Automotive Specialist and co-host of Los Angeles based KPFK’s The Car Show, introduced notables in the audience including Bruce Brown himself and Sally Stevens the "On Any Sunday" theme song vocalist. Television personality Matt Rogers took to the podium to chant a rousing live auction, raising nearly $115,000 for the school. The original movie themed poster, created annually for the event by automotive artist Nicolas Hunziker, sold for $17,000, with all proceeds donated back to the school.The car and motorcycle show took center stage on Saturday with an eclectic array of cars, motorcycles, vintage trucks, combustion engines and travel trailers. Tours of the campus were ongoing and for those seeking a bird’s eye view of the festivities, glider rides circled silently overhead. Motocross exhibitions took place all day long on a track constructed specifically for the show.Mecum Auctions was on hand with a display of McQueen’s 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo. The vehicle will serve as the headline offering at the Mecum Monterey Auction in August, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Boys Republic by the seller.Nearly 70 vendors presented a wide variety of wares and tasty treats, including a booth of breads and sweets baked by Boys Republic students at their own teaching bakery.“The Friday night sellout and the 7,000-plus attendees for the show is incredibly rewarding for Boys Republic,” said Chris Burns, Executive Director of Boys Republic. “The specific impact on the school from this year’s event will be a tremendous lead gift toward the construction of the new culinary training kitchen.”Over the past eight years, the car and motorcycle show has raised more than $1 million dollars, with the gross amount this year reaching $361,034 so far, with more donations rolling in.“This is the largest undertaking most of the students have ever been a part of. Many have a hard time believing that so many people, who they have never met, would invest so much in their future. However, the turnout makes it undeniable and serves as part of the larger set of catalysts that really help us make significant changes in their lives.”“The Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show combines two McQueen passions, one being the Boys Republic, the other being cars and motorcycles,” noted Chad McQueen, son of the famous actor. “Supporting the school is something my Dad always did. In fact, when he passed away, he left money to build the recreation room there.“My Dad always said, ‘This place turned my life around’.”More Event InfoGallery (Images Provided by: Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show) More Event Coverage

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2015

Pagani Vanishing Point 2015 Recap

Every year, Pagani holds their Vanishing Point event, one of the most exclusive and eye-catching gatherings in the world. Pagani owners from every corner of the globe convene for a showcase of hypercar prowess.(Related: Lewis Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda 760LH by Melanie Meder)In addition to the initial gathering, the participants partake in a road trip that takes them through some of the most scenic roads Italy has to offer. I'd be lying if I said that embarking on a Pagani-centric road trip wasn't on my bucket list.Pagani has uploaded pictures of the event to their Facebook page since June 11, giving the world a look at the amazing gathering of hypercars.Check out the images below to see just how beautiful it can be when you combine Italian countrysides and towns with the Pagani automobile.Gallery (Source: Facebook) Click Here For More Pagani News

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2015

goldRush Rally 7: Day 6 Update

The participants of goldRush Rally 7 have gone from San Diego, California, to Austin, Texas in six days. During those six days, they have driven, flown, partied, raced and partied some more.Now they are at the Circuit of The Americas, taking their cars for spins around the track. Check out the images below to see just exactly what they are up to.Rally Schedule June 5: San Diego, California June 6: Las Vegas, Nevada June 7: Sedona, Arizona June 8: Santa Fe, New Mexico June 9-10: Austin, Texas (2 days) June 11: New Orleans, Louisiana June 12: Jacksonville, Florida June 13: Miami, Florida Gallery

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2015

Lamborghini Newport Beach June 2015 Supercar Show

Across the country from us in California on June 6, Lamborghini Newport Beach revived their world-renowned Supercar Show after a brief hiatus.A wide array of supercars showed up to their dealership for the event, including classics such as the Lamborghini Diablo and the De Tomaso Pantera, as well as modern hypercars like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder.(Related: Every Angle of the P1 GTR at McLaren Newport Beach Private Party)With such a successful event, Lamborghini Newport Beach is looking forward to the next event that is to be held August 1. If you happen to be in the area on that day, be sure to drop by their dealership to see one of the most amazing monthly gathering of supercars.View InventoryGallery

By Edward Jones – June 05, 2015

goldRush Rally GR7EVEN: From San Diego to Miami

The goldRush Rally has been around for only six years, but it has grown to be one of the world's premier automotive lifestyle rallies. Today, their seventh rally, goldRush Rally GR7EVEN, has started and we at duPont REGISTRY are proud to be media sponsors of the event.This rally started in San Diego, California and ends in Miami, Florida. It's quite the long trek, but every day on the road in this rally is worth it. The cars participating include exotic and luxury cars from all makes, including two Bugatti Veyrons, multiple Lamborghinis and Ferraris, a Lexus LFA and much more.Below you will find the schedule and pictures of some of the cars participating. Be sure to check back with us for updates on the rally as it progresses. Rally Schedule June 5th: San Diego, California June 6th: Las Vegas, Nevada June 7th: Sedona, Arizona June 8th: Santa Fe, New Mexico June 9th-10th: Austin, Texas (2 days) June 11th: New Orleans, Louisiana June 12th: Jacksonville, Florida June 13th: Miami, Florida Gallery

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2015

The Pinnacle Portfolio: Collection of Supercars at RM Sot...

Approximately 30 rare vehicles from "The Pinnacle Portfolio" will be offered at RM Sotheby's flagship Monterey auction in August according to a press release issued by the auction house June 3. This collection includes super, classic and exotic cars with model years spanning an impressive 57 years. This portfolio will be "offered during an exclusive, standalone auction on Thursday, August 13."(Related: Ferrari Trio Worth $7+ Million at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale)“From Ferraris and Lamborghinis, to Bugattis and Porsches, an offering of this importance and rarity is absolutely unprecedented," says Shelby Myers, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby's.Below are some of the incredible vehicles that will be offered in this auction. 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 The first production Bugatti Veyron that was ever built. Only 764 miles. 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport One of only 8 examples of the Super Sports in the US. Only 308 miles. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti Considered rarer than the 250 GTO. Ferrari Classiche certified with all original mechanical components. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO One of only 272 ever produced. Shows only 13,700 km. 1994 Ferrari F40 LM This was the final F40 LM ever built and one of only two built by Ferrari in Maranello. 1995 Ferrari F50 Less than 5,800 miles from new. Comes with original hardtop luggage. 2005 Ferrari Enzo The Enzo that was gifted to Pope John Paul II by Ferrari. The 400th and final one ever built. 1993 Jaguar XJ220 Under 2,900 km from new. One of only 10 fitted with factory brake boosters. 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR One of only five in the U.S and comes with only 441 miles. 2008 Lamborghini Reventón The seventh example of the 20 Reventons ever produced. Only 866 miles. 2005 Maserati MC12 Two owner MC12 with just 768 km since new. 1998 McLaren F1 "The Road Going LM" One of 63 F1s built. One of two that were factory upgraded to LM specifications. 1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' Well preserved example of Porsche's original supercar. Known history from new. 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo One of two Saleen S7 Twin Turbos featuring the Competition Package. Over 1,000 hp. Featured in Iron Man. (Source: RM Sotheby's) (Images Source: Patrick Ernzen ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's) See More Event Coverage

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2015

Win A 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera In the 26th Annual Diabete...

Have you ever dreamt of owning your very own Porsche 911, but haven't yet had the means to acquire one? Now you can win one with the single purchase of a $100 ticket. Better yet, you can increase your odds by buying multiple tickets. On Saturday, June 20, the Diabetes Foundation 26th annual raffle will take place. The prize? A brand new 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera to one lucky entrant. To enter, click here or on the button found below. Each ticket costs just $100 and there are only 3,000 tickets available. Those who purchase a ticket will not only have the chance of putting a brand new 911 in their garage, but will also help those in need. Proceeds from this raffle will go to the Diabetes Foundation, a life changing organization dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for people with diabetes through providing medical assistance, public education and camp scholarships for children. The 2015 Porsche 911 comes packing 350 hp, a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph. It's the perfect display of German engineering and styling, blending both beauty and power in one automobile. If anyone ever thinks about owning a Porsche, the 911 Carrera is the first car to come to mind because of its lengthy and successful history. And now, by purchasing a ticket and helping out a good cause, you might put a piece of Porsche’s history in your garage. Enter NowGallery Sponsored by: More Information on the Diabetes Foundation

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