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 Edward Jones – November 12, 2015

Tire Stickers & the Best SEMA Show 2015 Builds

What was the buzz at this year’s SEMA Show? Among the amazing builds and incredible attendance numbers, those attending the SEMA Show or following along on social media this year were sure to notice the abundance of Tire Stickers’ products. With representation on more than 100 vehicles, the innovation of Tire Stickers complemented builds ranging from the Ford F-150 Gulf truck by Galpin Auto Sports, to the Ice Nine Group GT350R, to Starwood Jeeps, Nur Performance’s Liberty Walk Challenger and more.Tire Stickers are a simple, yet impactful automotive accessory available in short term and long term durability versions. The short term products were a hit for builds by RDBLA, Delinte Tires, Projekt Cars and BBS, while the permanent products were represented by sponsored Toyo vehicles, Vorsteiner, Liberty Walk, Rennen and more. Not all tire lettering products are cosmetic, either. Tire Stickers even developed custom QR codes for the Chariotz team, which link directly to their unique build page.The innovative solutions and variety introduced by Tire Stickers LLC has also been recognized for four Global Media Awards. The Global Media Awards winners are selected by an esteemed panel of international judges from 15 countries throughout Asia, South Africa, Europe and South America.With the close of the SEMA Show and final path to 2016, Tire Stickers is excited to open their doors to the public in their new Los Angeles facility located at 8101 Orion Ave, Unit 21 in Van Nuys, California. At the new facility, local customers can place orders, pick-up and even receive product installation with a warranty. For more information about Tire Stickers LLC and their products, visit their page below or contact info@tirestickers.com.Check Out MoreBe sure to check out the official distributor page as well to learn more about offering Tire Stickers products:Distributor Page Gallery Article Sponsored and Provided By:

carlisleauction-floridafallfest-102915-feature

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2015

Carlisle Auctions & duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee Coming ...

Throughout the motoring world, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is known as the location of some of the largest car shows of their type in the world. What began as a swap-meet in 1974 has grown into 11 annual shows, each a must-see for their genre.Because they began as a swap-meet for classic and collectible parts, adding an auction was the next logical step. After packing as many events as possible into their local fairgrounds, they decided to take the show on the road. We may be biased, but Florida is the only logical choice for a great car show.Carlisle Auctions' Fall Florida Autofest began in Zephyrhills in 2013 as the only auction that makes consignments available on a “free unless sold” basis; if your car doesn’t sell, your consignment fee is refunded. The hysteria over such a competitive auction structure pushed attendance levels far beyond what the facility could handle, so this year they are trying something new. For four days in November, from Nov. 12-15, the Fall Florida Autofest and its auction will take over the spacious and tranquil SUN 'n FUN complex in Lakeland. SUN 'n FUN is a 501(c)(3) charity that operates the Florida Air Museum along with the Central Florida Aerospace Academy.Located at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the auction will be held in three aircraft hangars on Nov. 13 and 14. Less than an hour’s drive from Orlando and Tampa, this spacious WWII training field is nearly sold out of vendor space. More than 400 consignments are already booked, with many rare exotics and collectibles. One of the premier listings is a 1989 Lamborghini Countach with only 2,284 miles on the odometer.At a Carlisle Auction, you aren’t just a bidder or consignee; you become family. Repeat visitors and referrals account for a majority of their business and once you attend, you will be hooked. Because all four annual auctions have been overbooked, expect to hear the announcement of a fifth event in the near future.We never miss a great car show, especially one this close to home. If you are reading this, make plans to be in Lakeland on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 14, as duPont REGISTRY will be hosting a Cars & Coffee at the Fall Autofest. If you plan to show a car as part of Cars & Coffee, you're eligible for a discount on your Carlisle Auction bidder's pass.Connect with Carlisle Auctions in advance at 717-960-6400 and mention your interest in both Cars & Coffee and the auction. If the auction isn't part of your plan, just cruise in with your car the morning of the show. We have always valued our partnership with Carlisle Auctions, and we hope to see you there.Learn MoreGallery Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2015

Monticello Motor Club Team Challenge: No Experience Required

Just about 90 minutes from New York City is a 4.1-mile race track that is more than just a place to race: it's a luxury destination offering amenities such as private race lessons, fine dining, race car rentals, an off-road course and much more. This is the Monticello Motor Club.One of the most exciting experiences that Monticello Motor Club (MMC) offers is their Team Challenge. This event is built for teams of 5 to 50 people, who will then go on to compete against other teams in multiple high-speed driving challenges on their race track and karting track.On the race track, participants will get a chance to race an awesome variety of cars, like the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe and Porsche Cayman.The challenges include: Autocross: race around a course to get the fastest time. Points are awarded depending on the team's time. Launch and Stop: Points are awarded according to the teams' ratio of their 0-100 mph time to their stopping distance. Track Driving: Teams race through the track, gaining points for their official track time. Karting Enduro: Relay-style race, points are awarded based on finishing positions. Off-Road Driving: Drivers are actually blind-folded and directed through the course by their teammates. Teams work together to get the fastest time, while avoiding cones. Aside from these challenges, teams will also get hot laps with the MMC drivers in real race cars, photos, gift bags and meals prepared by their Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. All of these make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for drivers of all experience levels.Want to give your clients a day they'll never forget? MMC's Team Challenge is a great alternative to golfing, dinner or fishing when it comes to showing your company's clients a good time. Not only does it already include fine dining, it also offers them something they've never experienced before. There's no way they'll forget their time with your company after a day like this.What's more, the Team Challenge can be used by companies as a team building experience, allowing employees to work together and bond in a way they've never had the chance to before.Interested? It's only $1,900 per participant and no experience is required to take part. Space is limited for each event, so be sure to act quickly. Click the button below to learn more, or visit monticellomotorclub.com.More InfoGallery duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2015

The Majestic Run 2015 Recap - Five Days of Automotive Bliss

The 2015 Majestic Run is a five day, all-inclusive road rally specifically designed for car and driving enthusiasts. It offers a chance to drive some of the most scenic roads in the Rocky Mountain West along with the shared experiences and camaraderie of new friends. The rally started on August 14 at Vehicle Vault, the premier automotive gallery and museum located in the Denver suburb of Parker, Colorado. The first day started fast, on a 160-mile cruise through the Arkansas River valley to the lunch stop in Salida, Colorado. Drivers then wove through forested roads, up and down the 12,000 plus feet elevation of Independence Pass, before descending into the mountain town of all mountain towns - Aspen - where rally drivers were treated to an incredible dinner and cocktail experience at Brexi Brasserie and a night’s stay in the ever luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Day two started at breakfast and one of the most Majestic valet car ports in Aspen. After a quick gas up, the rally was off through the mountains, over one incredible pass after another, up and down hills and valleys, through national forest and desert canyon, to lunch at the Wine Country Inn in Palisades, Colorado on the western slope. Fueled up from lunch, the rally decided to pick up the pace, driving 60 miles of perfect - and perfectly deserted - canyon roads to the Gateway Canyon resort. The Gateway Canyon is remarkable and unmistakable. It is truly a destination. Rally drivers spent the evening eating, drinking and on a private tour of the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, and spent the night in one of the 10 best resorts in the world according to most travel experts. Day three was designed for serious drivers as curves were hugged on over 200 miles of twisty-turvy canyon roads and majestic mountain highways, with just enough well maintained straights and valleys to make sure top speeds were reached. The destination - back up into the mountains and south to Durango. Durango gave drivers a chance to chill for a bit. Lunch at Grassburger and cocktails at the famous Diamond Belle Saloon in the Strater Hotel were followed by a private 5-course meal, featuring fine wines and shockingly hilarious word games that made everyone blush just a little bit. After that night, everyone knew each other just a little bit more. After a cool night’s sleep in the luxurious Strater Hotel, rally drivers embarked on the longest day of driving in this year’s rally. Drivers were treated to more mountain passes and National Forest highways on their way from Durango to Taos, New Mexico, for a private lunch at a French fusion café and then on to Santa Fe. Mountain weather was in full change-mode as the rally participants experienced sun, clouds, wind, rain and even a little snow and small hail. No damage was seen, but stories were made and a few of the drivers were tested. Dinner and Hot-Wheels races were won and lost at the San Francisco Street Grill in Santa Fe before racking out at the famous La Fonda hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza. The last day began with some good natured hijinx, in the form of some unexpected car decorating from resident tricksters. The rally then took off on a beautiful cool day over the last few mountain passes, before crossing back over into Colorado and to the smooth roads home. Now all there is to do is clean off the bugs and plan for the 2016 Majestic Run. Get all the information at www.majesticrun.com and follow them on Facebook at @MajesticRun and Instagram at @majesticrun. Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2015

The Majestic Run 2015 Sets Off - The Rally Designed for t...

Starting today is The Majestic Run 2015, a road rally designed with the automotive enthusiast in mind - those who want to drive on the most beautiful, scenic and remote roads in the Rocky Mountain West, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.The rally, which will conclude on August 18, will take its participants through some of the country's most breathtaking roads as they experience the exclusive resort hotels and dining experiences. When they aren't driving, they will be relaxing, dining and drinking at unique and exclusive venues, all with the company of other car enthusiasts. Posted by Team Family Wagon on Monday, August 10, 2015 Their route starts today at the Vehicle Vault, a premier automotive gallery and museum in the Denver area. Their destination, after venturing through scenic spots such as Aspen, Colorado, is Sante Fe, New Mexico.Stay with us for more information on The Majestic Run 2015 as it continues.Gallery

By Andrew Nabors – July 28, 2015

Exotics on Cannery Row at Monterey Car Week

Whatever you may have planned for August 14, clear your schedule and head to Monterey, California.The founders of the goldRush Rally are bringing together 125 of the world’s most sought-after cars for Exotics on Cannery Row. As one of the sponsors, we received the inside scoop a few days before their press release. On Cannery Row between David Ave. and Drake Ave. will be your favorite exotics and supercars along with performance and car care vendors.You will see the likes of Pagani, Bugatti and even the Lykan HyperSport along the historic wharf. The show will run from 4 to 8 pm, and parking is available in the City of Monterey Garage on Foam Street.(See Also: Dimmitt Automotive's July 2015 Cars & Coffee Afterparty) “Exotics on Cannery Row is certain to be an incredible showcase of automotive engineering,” said Ted Balestreri, CEO of the Cannery Row Co., in the release. “We’re thrilled to share the excitement of some of hottest cars at Monterey Car Week in this public event on Cannery Row.”We know that this is our type of event, so stay tuned to Autofluence for complete coverage, check out their website at www.ExoticsOnCanneryRow.com for more info and browse our listings for the perfect exotic to show. See you there!Browse All Listings See More Event Coverage

By Edward Jones – July 27, 2015

Dimmitt Automotive's July 2015 Cars & Coffee Afterparty

This past Saturday, Dimmitt Automotive Group hosted their monthly Cars & Coffee Afterparty in St. Petersburg, Florida. Guests arrived at the Aston Martin and ultra-luxury pre-owned showroom at 8:30 am, immediately after the monthly duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee event.While enjoying a free light breakfast, guests and their families learned about some unique animals from the Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Shirts and other items were raffled off to raise money for the zoo. Overall, $270 was raised and the Dimmitt Family matched this amount, bringing the grand total to $540.(Related: 570S Unveiling Party by Dimmitt Automotive & Isleworth Realty)The Dimmitt Automotive Group would like to thank Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for bringing a few animals to the July Cars & Coffee Afterparty. Please visit their website for more information.We also encourage everyone to attend the August 15 Cars & Coffee at duPont REGISTRY and the Dimmitt Afterparty, where the Tampa Aquarium will have some aquatic creatures on display.To RSVP for the next event, click here.Gallery

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2015

Atlanta Motorsports Park's VIP Event with Ferrari of Atlanta

Just a short drive north from Atlanta is the historic town of Dawsonville. Known as a crossroads of moonshine culture and NASCAR history, its newest attraction is bringing a worldwide audience to small town USA. The roads along the Blue Ridge are a great way to exercise your car, but tourists and incredibly slow speed limits can limit your enjoyment. If you want to test your limits in a legal and lavish setting, Atlanta Motorsports Park is the place to be.AMP’s two-mile road course incorporates features from famous tracks around the world, including the Carousel turn from Nurburgring. Adjacent to the track is the new Driver Development Center, which features a 200 ft skidpad and an “Ice Hill.” The 7.5 percent incline can be flooded on command, making for a difficult test of throttle control.(Also Read: The Evolution of Ferrari from 1947 to Now)Our friends at Ferrari of Atlanta needed to stretch their legs, so on May 9 they partnered with Hublot Watches to rent the track for seven lucky customers. With the intention of honing their skills, expert instructors hit the track with the hottest models from the dealership. Sparing no expense, Roland Linder led the team of instructors for this all-day event. Pulled from Ferrari of Atlanta’s inventory was the new California T, an F12 Berlinetta, a 458 Italia and an FF.If you like to see exotic cars pushed to their limits, Ferrari of Atlanta is holding “Rides to Remember” at AMP. Their goal is to give pediatric cancer patients a chance to enjoy exotic cars. Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House and other local charities. Contact Ferrari of Atlanta for more information. For all your Ferrari news, stay tuned to Autofluence.More Info on AMPGallery Sponsored by:

Events

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe