Exotic Cars 2017

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 – January 30, 2017

2017 Lamborghini Centenario Specs, Price, Photos & Review

2017 Lamborghini Centenario (coupe)The Centenario LP 770-4 was built to celebrate the centenary of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth, the founder and brains behind the inception of Lamborghini. Only 20 coupe and 20 roadster versions of Lamborghini’s new supercar will be produced, making it a rarity on all accounts.2017 Lamborghini Centenario For Sale“The Centenario is a car that perfectly combines tradition and innovation. It looks to the future while honoring the legend that is Ferruccio Lamborghini,” said Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “The Centenario is an opportunity for our designers and engineers to transcend some of the constraints of series car production to achieve an incomparable result: the Centenario has immediately proved itself as a desirable collectors' car, while demonstrating new Lamborghini technologies and outstanding performance.“ All Lamborghini For Sale 2017 Lamborghini Centenario Coupe Specs Price: $1,900,000 Engine: V12 Horsepower: 770 Torque: 507 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 2.8 seconds Top Speed: 217+ mph Transmission: 7-speed automatic Each one comes with the naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 770 hp, with Lamborghini stating it’s the most powerful engine they’ve ever produced. It can run the 3,351-pound car from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-186 mph in 23.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 217 mph. Aiding in the quick acceleration is the permanent four-wheel drive, which includes the new Lamborghini rear-wheel steering system. Inside, each Centenario is personalized to the customer’s liking through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program. The customizable options are not noted, but they likely include color, leather, piping, stitching, Alcantara and other materials, as well as the option to add specific trim materials and exterior colors.Standard in the Centenario is the 10.1-inch touchscreen navigation, Apple CarPlay, telemetry and more. The Centenario is just the latest in Lamborghini’s long line of one-off, limited edition cars that show the new technology the brand has to offer. What will be next? Who knows, but we’re going to have to wait a couple more years to find out.2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Unveiled during Monterey Car Week is the incredibly anticipated Lamborghini Centenario Roadster.It comes with the naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 770 hp, with Lamborghini stating it’s the most powerful engine they’ve ever produced. It can run the 3,351 lbs car from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-186 mph in 23.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 217 mph. Aiding in the quick acceleration is the permanent four-wheel drive, which includes the new Lamborghini rear-wheel steering system. The exterior is finished in a specially developed paint by Lamborghini called “Argento Centenario,” a matte finish that was created through a process that dissolves the metal while diluting and diminishing the appearance of the metal grain giving it a silky and rich exterior finish. Inside is a cabin that has been optimized for a top-down drive. A channel in the rear wall allows air to flow from the cabin to the rear with minimal turbulence in the cabin. It comes with a €2 million price (approx. $2,264,600 at the current exchange rate). Only 20 Centenario Roadsters will be made, which are all spoken for.2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Specs Price: $2,265,000 Engine: V12 Horsepower: 770 Torque: 507 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 2.8 seconds Top Speed: 217+ mph Transmission: 7-speed automatic Buy Now

By Andrew Nabors – January 10, 2017

2017 Koenigsegg Regera Price, Review, Specs and Pics

The world’s fastest and most powerful production car is here: the Koenigsegg Regera. At the heart of the Regera is a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine connected to three electric motors. Combine their power output and the Regera pumps out 1,500+ hp and 1,475+ lbft of torque. The Regera will be, according to Koenigsegg, “the King of the Road, as the fastest accelerating, most powerful production car ever.” The Regera is a new breed of car that utilizes Koenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission (KDD). This new system was developed by Christian von Koenigsegg and it creates “direct drive to rear axle from the combustion engine without the need of multiple gears or other traditional types of variable transmissions, with inherently high energy losses.” SPECS PRICE: $1,890,000 ENGINE: Twin-Turbo 5.0-liter V8 + Electric Motors HORSEPOWER: 1,500+ TORQUE: 1,475+ lb-ft 0-60: 2.8 seconds TOP SPEED: 248 mph The magic lies in placing a revolutionary new torque converter between the flywheel and the 2.73 differential, giving it the ability to completely disconnect the engine from the road. The converter’s shell acts as a rotor in an AC generator, with a giant stator taking the place of a traditional bellhousing. At low speeds the V8 is used to generate electricity for the motors on the rear axles, making the car very efficient. Combine the massive amounts of power, a new transmission and the car’s curb weight of 3,589 pounds, and the Regera will rocket from 0-248 mph in just 20 seconds. Its exterior also features a number of mechanics that make it the “first fully robotized car.” Every single body closure, including the engine cover, boot, doors and convertible top, can be operated from a remote or Smartphone. Koenigsegg claims this turns the Regera “into a Transformer.” Inside the Regera is an incredibly quiet ride, thanks to the new sub frame and rear structure. This allows the engine and transmission to rest on “active soft mount,” giving the car a smooth and quiet ride. If you thought the Koenigsegg Regera was going to be a rare bird, you would be correct. Only 80 examples of the car will be created. Additionally, this will be the first time Koenigsegg will have two parallel models in production. All Koenigsegg For Sale Buy Now

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2017

2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Review, Specs and Pics

Made to race while still maintaining its usability as an everyday vehicle, the new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR for sale can reach 200-mph thanks to a lighter body, faster dynamics and more power. This is the first Jaguar to be both race ready and consumer ready simultaneously. Weight-saving components include a titanium and Inconel® exhaust system, redesigned rear suspension knuckle, an optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix Braking system and 20 inch forged alloy wheels. The total weight saved is over 100 lbs, which contributes to better agility, faster braking and enhanced acceleration. Additionally, the F-Type SVR’s redefined aerodynamic components make for an exhilarating drive. Fitted with an aerodynamic carbon fiber rear spoiler, which boasts a wing wider than the car, adds optimization to both speed and performance, all while a specialized front bumper gives way to maximum airflow. Jaguar F-Type SVR SPECS PRICE: $125,950 ENGINE: 5.0-liter V8 HORSEPOWER: 575 TORQUE: 516 lb-ft 0-60: 3.5 seconds TOP SPEED: 200 mph TRANSMISSION: 8-speed ZF Quickshift Additionally, the F-Type SVR’s redefined aerodynamic components make for an exhilarating drive. Fitted with an aerodynamic carbon fiber rear spoiler, which boasts a wing wider than the car, adds optimization to both speed and performance, all while a specialized front bumper gives way to maximum airflow. Conquering the Ring Made for easy conversion from daily driver to race track, the F-Type SVR boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine pushing 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This power combined with the new weight saving components make for a 0-60 surge in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of an unprecedented 200 mph. As for the interior, performance, sport and modern luxury permeate every inch from the premium leather, quilted front seats to the optional carbon fiber accents. For those wanting a customized look, a premium leather interior in Siena Tan or Red is available as well. This well-designed coupe is also available in a convertible, adding another option to give the F-Type SVR yet another edge over the competition. All Jaguar F-Type For Sale Buy Now

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2017

2017 Cadillac CTS-V Review, Specs and Pics

Cadillacs have long been a symbol of reward. For more than a decade, Cadillac V-Series drivers have been rewarded with dual-purpose luxury performers: sophisticated luxury cars on the road with true track capability right from the factory. And now, the 2017 Cadillac CTS-V super sedan and 2017 Cadillac ATS-V sedan and coupe are the most capable V-Series ever.The 2017 Cadillac CTS-V super sedan is the third generation of the acclaimed luxury high-performance sedan that launched the brand’s elite V-Series a decade ago and helped redefine Cadillac for a new generation of drivers. After a sold-out 2016 model year, the Cadillac CTS-V returns for the 2017 model year to a four-month-long waiting list of orders.Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine SAE-certified at 640 horsepower (477kW) and 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm), the 2017 Cadillac CTS-V is the most powerful production Cadillac ever. With more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5-liter biturbo V-8 and the BMW M-series 4.4-liter TwinPower (twin-turbo) V-8, the CTS-V is capable of 0-60 mph sprints in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. The only thing this 200 mph super sedan cannot keep up with is demand. The Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan are powered by the Cadillac twin-turbo V-6 engine, rated at an SAE-certified 464 horsepower (346 kW) and 445The Cadillac ATS-V coupe and sedan are powered by the Cadillac twin-turbo V-6 engine, rated at an SAE-certified 464 horsepower (346 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (601 Nm)-- a variant of the same engine powers the championship-winning 2016 Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe Pirelli World Challenge race car. The combination of engine output and lightweight, yet strong, structure allows for 0-60 mph runs in 3.8 seconds and a segment-best top speed of 189 mph. That’s quicker and faster than the second generation Cadillac CTS-V.View the Worlds Coolest Cars For Sale“Experience to develop a fast car that inspires confidence,” said Tony Roma, V-Series Chief Engineer. “The V-Series models feel planted while retaining the fun-to-drive quality, allowing the driver to feel comfortable exploring the performance.” Roma, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University and a Masters degree in Engineering from Purdue, has been involved with every V-Series product. He traveled with the Pirelli World Challenge championship-winning Cadillac Racing team for the first two seasons as the powertrain team manager. After working with the race program, Roma spent three years as the Senior Manager for the High-Performance Vehicle Operations group, where he was able to apply Cadillac Racing technology to the V-Series street cars.The foundation of the Cadillac V-Series is the same award-winning rear-wheel-drive architecture underpinning the ATS sedan and coupe and the CTS sedan. All rear-wheel-drive Cadillacs have some level of track capability; however, the Cadillac V-Series incorporates unique performance elements, components from world-class performance automotive suppliers and segment-leading, company-exclusive technology. The Cadillac ATS-V is available as either a sedan or coupe with a choice of a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmissionwith No-Lift shifting and Active Rev Match on downshifts. The Cadillac CTS-V comes as a sedan model with a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles have standard Launch Control.Almost every exterior panel on the Cadillac V-Series is unique – from the fascias and front fenders to the carbon-fiber hoods, rear spoilers and rocker moldings, and every panel were designed to support the cars’ capabilities, contributing to lifting reduction, enhanced cooling, and improved aero management. An available carbon fiber package takes aero performance and dramatic styling to higher levels. Lightweight, forged alloy wheels – 18-inch on the ATS-V and 19-inch on the CTS-V – wrapped with specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer-only tires enable nearly 1g in lateral acceleration. A Brembo brake system provides durability, consistency, and the capability for all-day track performance. The brakes were designed specifically for the V-Series and are patterned after the brake system on the Cadillac ATS-V.R Coupe race car. Segment-best, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) damping and segment-exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) software are standard on the Cadillac V-Series and deliver greater body motion control at high speeds for a more agile feel, while maintaining excellent ride quality. Magnetic Ride Control “reads” the road a thousand times per second, sending data to magnetorheological fluid-filled dampers that can independently control the damping characteristics of all four dampers. In fact, at 60 mph, the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control system calculates the optimal damping force for every inch of the road.Performance Traction Management software was derived from the Cadillac Racing program for the V-Series and implements appropriate measures of electronic assistance, matched for driver skill or road condition, according to a real-time algorithm. Five driver-selectable modes specifically for the track – Wet, Dry, Sport 1, Sport 2 and Race – provide progressive levels of electronic assistance, adjusting traction and stability controls. The standard electronic limited-slip differential translates the PTM software to optimal traction and enables maximum corner exit acceleration.“Our systems are all integrated, which means the ABS, eLSD, ESC, magnetic dampers, steering, and powertrain on a V-Series vehicle work together,” said Roma. “Our ‘driver command interpreter’ real-time algorithm is trying to predict what the driver is really asking the car to do. It’s intelligent in the sense that it makes predictions about factors, such as traction or driver intention based on the inputs the car receives and past driving trends. All of the vehicle’s controls then work in concert accordingly to maximize performance.” Roma said PTM helps with lap-time consistency, regardless of skill. “An extremely experienced driver might get a few faster laps in a session with everything off, but PTM will help all the laps be fast,” said Roma. “The different driving modes make the car comfortable for basically any level of driver skill. Feedback from drivers and owners has been awesome so far.”The Cadillac V-Series dual-purpose capabilities carry over to the interior, which is focused expressly on performance-driving ergonomics. Available 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats are the lynchpins for the driving experience, with aggressive, adjustable bolsters that help hold the driver and front passenger in place during high-load cornering. Twenty-way-adjustable, semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats with sueded microfiber inserts are standard. An available sueded microfiber steering wheel and shift knob complement the seating.In addition to being some of the fastest high-dynamic vehicles, the Cadillac V-Series are also some of the most connected. The enhanced Cadillac CUE infotainment system is the centerpiece of the V-Series’ comprehensive collection of technologies, including standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto advanced smartphone integration and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Bose Premium audio with Active Noise Cancellation technology is standard. The available Performance Data Recorder (PDR) enables drivers to record, view and analyze driving experiences by capturing real-time video, cabin audio and performance data. The system – which features an HD camera and performance data acquisition hardware – is controlled via Cadillac CUE’s color touchscreen. Recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked or saved to an SD card to view or share from another device.PDR data can be analyzed using Cosworth Toolbox, a free suite of analysis software developed from racing analysis software and designed for usewith the PDR in the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan and the Cadillac CTS-V super sedan. V-Series owners can use Cosworth Toolbox to review laps to quickly improve performance such as braking points, accelerating points, driving lines and corner speeds. All Cadillac CTS-V For Sale Buy Now

Exotic Cars 2017

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