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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 Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2017

Pirelli Unveils Rubber Infused Skis

Winter may be over in Florida, but fresh powder can still be found in the northern latitudes. If you enjoy carving down the slopes, Pirelli has something for you. Partnering with the ski masters at Blossom, development took place this winter at their headquarters in Northern Italy. Here in Florida, our version of skiing involves dodging alligators and the marine patrol, but we appreciate quality skis when we see them. Snow skis are made in different lengths because they are tuned for the weight of the skier. Much like the composite springs used by the Corvette, they'are made of a sandwich of composites to keep weight at a minimum.Even the best skis are prone to vibrations, so Pirelli offered a unique solution. Taking the same elastic properties found in the rubber of their tires, Blossom was able to integrate a layer of rubber into the ski which resulted in a 60% reduction in vibration. Only 110 pairs will be produced, with seven color choices. Tire companies have a history of unique branding experiments, without them we wouldn't have the Goodyear Blimp, Michelin Man, or the Dunlop Bridge. These skis are undoubtedly run-flats so we would advise against using tire chains when the blizzard arrives.Everyone has their own opinion when coming down the mountain, so we reached out to Jane's Addiction for a proper review. If you have looked for a supercar for sale, there's a good chance it came from the factory with Pirelli tires. So if you need the ultimate automotive accessory for your Alpine abode, click here to reserve your pair.

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2017

Our 15 Favorite Coffee Table Books

Writing about cars is just as fun as reading about them, so we took an office poll for ten essential automotive publications. The coffee table should be an inviting space for family and friends, so no service manuals are allowed. To keep your significant other appeased we suggest an equal ratio of art and engineering books offer something for everyone. Coffee Table reads should never end in tragedy, so please avoid anything involving Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn, Plymouth....Just to name a few. If you like cars, these are the books you need to own. 1. Zora Arkus-Duntov by Jerry Burton. Without a doubt, Zora Duntov was one of the greatest automotive engineers of all time. As a Russian Jew who barely escaped the Nazis in Paris, his first major success was a dual overhead cam conversion kit for the Ford flathead V8. After seeing a prototype Corvette at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York, he wrote an infamous letter to GM engineers. His words were never sugar coated, and his influences can be found in all modern performance cars.Buy Now 2. Enzo Ferrari by Brock Yates. A book about a legend, written by a legend. Brock Yates was the Editor of Car & Driver for almost half a century, which gave him the ability to describe Enzo as more than just a figurehead. This book dives deep into his motivation for winning races by pushing men and machines harder than anyone else. It also sheds light on his personal life and the stress of dealing with the press and tabloids.Buy Now 3. Ayrton Senna's Principles of Race Driving by Ayrton Senna. Published only a few months before he left us, the legend divulges the secrets of driving. Even if you aren't a Formula1 fan, Senna's approach to aerodynamics and chassis control are essential reading for all forms of motorsport. Don't blame us if you purchase a first gen NSX after reading it. This is how Senna should be remembered. In his own words in the present tense. Buy Here 4. Unique Lalique Mascots: Automotive Radiator Hood Ornaments by G.G. Weiner. Only the finest cars in the world were worthy of having a radiator cap of Lalique Crystal, and author G.G. Weiner offers a brilliant collection for your perusal. If your hood ornament is more valuable than the GDP of third world countries, this book is for you! Buy Now 5. National Park Roads by Timothy Davis. Our Nation is filled with scenic beauty, and our forefathers saw fit to make sure we can experience them in our cars. A massive 344 pages goes into detail about how to get to the parks and what to look for once you are there What could be better than experiencing our natural wonders with your favorite car? We also approve this book as a distraction for your significant other if you need to change the conversation. Buy Now 6. 100 Years of Harley Davidson by Willie G. Davidson. No other manufacturer cares as much for their origins as Harley-Davidson. Written by the man responsible for saving his Grandfather's company, it is loaded with historical images and iconic advertisements from the past to present. Buy Now 7. King of the Kustomizers: The Art of George Barris by Brett Barris. King of the Kustomizers is a look at the life and wild creations of George Barris. The man responsible for the Batmobile and the Munsters Koach, his work embodied the essence of the Kustom Kulture movement. Without Barris, Hot Wheels would be boring and Adam West would probably drive a Yugo. Written by his son Brett Barris, it is a fitting tribute to a talented builder. Buy Now 8. N.A.R.T.: A concise history of the North American Racing Team 1957 to 1983 by Terry O'Neil. N.A.R.T. was the North American Racing Team founded by Luigi Chinetti. His team became the motorsports division of Ferrari and had unparalleled success for thirty years. Innovations on the track led to performance on the street, and this book illustrates how tough racing can be. He was the first Ferrari dealer in the US, and every Scuderia Shield is a fitting tribute to his perseverance. Buy Now 9. Porsche 911: 50 Years by Randy Leffingwell. If you have a chance to read anything by Randy Leffingwell you will enjoy it. His photos and research are first class. Covering everything from the first prototypes to the 991 series, you will have an opportunity to see and understand the first 50 years of the iconic 911. Buy Now 10. Our First Issue. Your favorite classic car is probably affordable in 1985 dollars. A gallon of regular gas was 97 cents, and supercars struggled to make 300 horsepower. Issue 1 should be part of your library, but good luck finding a copy. An anonymous eBay user known as "duPontTom" has been buying every one that surfaces. We don't know his intentions are for them, and he has not replied to our emails. If you find one, name your price in the comments below. Subscribe Here 11. Top Gear: The Cool 500: The Coolest Cars Ever Made by Matt Master. Top Gear: The Cool 500 is a collection of the most important cars ever made. Loaded with quirky British humor and stunning photos, Matt Master has compiled an amazing list Buy Now 12. Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans by A. J. Baime. The Grandson of Ford's founder, Henry II had the money and marketing prowess to buy Ferrari from Enzo, but he wouldn't sell. Having been rebuked and embarrassed, Ford decided to beat them at their own game. The story culminates in the successes of the GT40 and the men who built it. The battle still rages with the new Ford GT taking on the world, and this is how it all began. Buy Now 13. Form Follows Function: The Art of the Supercar by Stuart Coding. Instead of stunning landscapes in the background, author Stuart Codling placed 20 of the world's most beautiful cars in a blacked out studio to highlight their beautiful designs. Commentary by designer Frank Stephenson and photography by James Mann are why this should be part of your library. Buy Now 14. Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years: From the Groundbreaking Miura to Today's Hypercars by Stuart Codling. Lamborghini Supercars 50 Years is another collaboration of James Mann and Stuart Codling. It covers everything from Miura to Aventador with stunning images and history of each model. Horacio Pagani was chief engineer of the Countach, and his influences are clearly seen in the car's Evolutzione . Buy Now 15. Luxury Toys Volume 2 by Teneues. If you need the motivation to advance your career, this book features indulgences only available to the super-wealthy.Buy Now Honorable Mention: SR-71 Workshop Manual. Haynes Service Manuals have been the go-to resource for working on your car. Once you master the art of rebuilding the world's fastest airplane, any automotive procedure will be a cake walk. Before reading this, my SR71 had an idle problem on cold mornings, and I was able to trace it to one of the twin Chevy 454 big blocks in the start cart. It also addresses severe jetlag. Flying west at medium throttle will outrun the sun and it will set in the east behind you. Upon landing you will have the same day to enjoy. Richard Rawlings and Dennis Collins claim to have the fastest NY to LA time of 31 hours in a 550 Maranello, but the SR71 did it in 1 hour 54 minutes. Buy NowTell us what books are on your coffee table and stay with us for more recommended reading.

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2017

Most Luxurious BMW Key is a Montblanc

Montblanc has always been known for their writing instruments and watches, but they're looking to get a bit more "automotive" with their collaboration with BMW for the new 5 Series. The "Montblanc for BMW" partnership has allowed the two companies to create a new Activity Key Set that turns the normal BMW Activity Key "into an elegant personal accessory."Instead of having the key in your pocket, this Activity Key is turned into a stylish accessory that can be worn around the wrist. Keeping it attached to your person is a Montblanc leather wristband in fine black cowhide leather. This key also includes a key fob that has the words "Montblanc for BMW" embossed on a leather insert. Related - Learn All About the BMW 5 Series - E60Along with this new Activity Key, BMW unveiled a few more luxurious accessories, including a BMW Headphones Bowers & Wilkins P3 S2 and the BMW Smart Writing Set.BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2017

Get Your DJI Mavic Pro Today - It's Worth It

Are you looking to get into the art of the drone? There's no better way to do this than by getting the DJI Mavic Pro Bundle on Amazon. This bundle comes with a bag, extra props, a car charger, charging hub, battery-to-power bank adaptor and two extra batteries (these are necessary).I recently got myself a Mavic Pro having never flown a drone before. That being said, it didn't take long before I was whipping the drone around and getting the footage I've always dreamed about. What helped me learn were the amazing assists that DJI has packed into this little drone, which can prevent a collision or even from free-falling out of the sky if it hits a tree.As far as the footage goes, it's all recorded in true 4K with insane stabilization. Also, there is a great suite of tracking features that can help you get the perfect shots.Don't wait and pick one up today.Buy Now

By Edward Jones – February 02, 2017

New Insanely Fun URB-E Foldable Electric Vehicle Added to...

Designed in secret and manufactured in California using American produced 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum, URB-E, the number one rated foldable electric vehicle, launched their new URB-E Sport and URB-E Pro lines earlier in January at CES and the Detroit Auto Show.The all new $899 made in America URB-E Sport is 20% lighter, 40% less expensive, and can be easily folded up and carried like a briefcase.Retractable anodized handlebars and 8” never-flat tires give URB-E Sport a slim and low profile silhouette. Equipped with two leather carrying straps for seamless portability, URB-E Sport has an efficient, quick folding design that enables it to fold in half a second and go everywhere you go.URB-E Sport is powered by the new removable Eddy battery, which is capable of simultaneously charging four mobile devices and a laptop via both USB 2.0 and USB Type C ports. URB-E Sport weighs only 30lbs, has a range of up to 16 miles and a top speed of 14mph.Designed for the adventurous rider who wants maximum acceleration and speed across all terrains, URB-E Pro is their most powerful foldable electric vehicle.URB-E Pro’s rear mounted 350-watt brushless geared motor and 10” pneumatic tires provide traction and a higher top speed, perfect for the more rugged commute. Built on their award winning chassis, URB-E Pro comes with carbon fiber handlebars, an American produced SAPA 6061 T6 aircraft grade extruded aluminum frame, and an advanced coilover shock suspension system.Perfect for the paddock, boats, RV’s, college campuses, communities and cities, URB-E Sport and URB-E Pro literally go everywhere you go.Light, compact, and made in USA, URB-E foldable electric vehicles are engineered by Chief Technical Officer Sven Etzelsberger, previously a lead engineer at Porsche, Fisker Automotive, and Saleen Super Cars, and designed by Chief Creative Officer Grant Delgatty, industrial design professor at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.In 2017, URB-E delivered over 2,500 foldable electric vehicles to customers in 27 countries.Learn MoreLearn more about URB-E’s design, engineers, and manufacturing, as well as their vehicle lines, at www.urb-e.com/ride.

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2016

Customizeable Carbon Fiber Money Clip - ZCLIP

Looking to get yourself or someone you know a long-lasting gift? Why not get them something that will not only last, but also be functional and stylish. ZCLIPs are the ultimate money clips, with each being able to keep your most precious pieces of paper and plastic safe for longer than any other clip or wallet you've ever owned before. What's more, they're so incredibly light, thanks to the carbon fiber construction, that they won't come close to adding any unwanted weight to your pockets.If you're in need of an even more special gift for yourself or others, ZCLIP now allows customers to customize their clips and make them more personal and unique. In their customization section, you can select your own monogram, text or logo that will be featured on your ZCLIP. In fact, at duPont REGISTRY we have our own ZCLIPs that are branded with our company logo and we constantly get compliments on them.Custom ZCLIPs are the perfect gift for anyone and, thanks to their customization capabilities, you can make them more personal than ever before.Customize a ZCLIP

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2016

Listen to Music from Lamborghini Exhaust in Your House

Car fans always love the sound of exhaust. Whether it's a Lamborghini, Ferrari or really any other exotic car, the sound of these cars is breathtaking. But, what about listening to music from Lamborghini exhaust? It's possible.(Related - You Can Actually Buy a Real Submarine Online)The Ixoost Esavox Lamborghini Speaker System is designed similar to that of a raging bull, utilizing a carbon fiber monocoque. Within this monocoque are the two one-inch tweeters, two 6.5-inch drivers, 8-inch subwoofers, one 15-inch subwoofer and, of course, an original Lamborghini exhaust. The amplifier for it delivers a total of 800 watts of power.To learn more, be sure to click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2016

You Can Actually Buy a Real Submarine Online

Have you ever wanted to go to the beach and, instead of swimming in the water, you wanted to drive a submarine under the sea? Sure you have. Unfortunately, submarines are hard to come by, right? Wrong. Because now you can actually order one from Hammacher Schlemmer. You know, the catalog that has some of the coolest items ever, like a freakin' submarine.Called the Undersea Aquahoverer, this submersible can take two people down to a depth of 400 feet, which is plenty deep enough. The controls are fly-by-wire from either cockpit, both of which have carbon fiber seats, two digitally monitored oxygen systems and closed-circuit communications. Powering the 16.5-foot sub is a rechargeable 15kWh battery.If you plan on purchasing one, get ready to cough up $1.5 million and get ready for the comprehensive training that comes along with it. To learn more, click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

McLaren Cuts the 675LT's Weight by 99%...In a Way

Yes, McLaren Automotive has cut the weight of the 675LT from 2,712 all the way down to just .26 lbs and they've even shrunken it to 1:43 scale. If you haven't caught on by now, McLaren has just launched their full collection of collectible cars.Within this collection are McLaren's finest creations that should be sitting on every automotive enthusiast's desk, including the F1, 675LT, 570GT, P1, F1 GTR and many more. One of the most recent model is the 1:43 Minichamps model of the 675LT in Chican Grey with a "stealth-like" interior. Another recent model is the Limited Production 1:18 570S Coupe by Tecnomodel in Vermillion Red, complete with hand-painted carbon fiber detailing.To make these models as accurate as possible, the creators TSM and Minichamps work closely with McLaren Automotive's CAD data.If you've ever wanted your own 1995 Le Mans-competing McLaren F1 in its famous livery, now is your chance. To check the prices and see them all, be sure to click the button below.View Models

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2016

Fast Coffee for Drivers of Fast Cars

Some people, like me, need coffee in the morning in order to function. It's not ideal, but it's how we get a jumpstart on our days. Unfortunately for some of us, making a pot of coffee is just too much work before you get on the road to work. Yeah, Keurigs are pretty quick to make, but for those who desire a perfectly ground coffee that tastes fresher than ever, there's Blue Bottle Coffee.This is how Blue Bottle Coffee works. First, they test out their coffee beans and grind them to perfection. These coffees can come from all over the world, including Ethiopia and Honduras, and it's your choice as to which one you'll get. Secondly, they seal the grounds in what they call an oxygen-free "dome". Then, the domes are shipped directly to your door, ready to be opened and brewed.Now, when it comes to brewing, there are different methods, including drip, pour over and press. For those who want their coffee fast, there's the Bonman Dripper. With this method you just put the dripper on top of your mug, put in a filter and pour in the grinds. Once filled with the delicious coffee, pour hot water over the grounds and the brewed coffee drips right into your mug. It's easy and quick as can be.Check out their selection of coffee and brewing equipment by clicking the button below.Learn More

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