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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Kids Supercars For Sale

In the past, children would hang posters of their favorite hyper or supercar, hoping to one day have one in the garage. Nowadays, technology in the toy industry allows children of all ages to have a chance at driving their own, under parental supervision of course. Companies of all kinds are stepping it up this holiday with accurate mini-scale creations featuring some of the world’s best hyper and supercars for kids. In this special, we have compiled a list of The Best Super Cars for Kids available through Amazon for the holidays. Click any of the links below to shop the products featured. Bugatti Bugatti Divo Kids Ride On Car $239.99 Shop Now Bugatti Chiron Kids Ride On Car $229.99 Shop Now Ferrari Ferrari 458 Ride On Push Car $49.99 Shop Now Ferrari LaFerrari Kids Electric Ride On Car $549 Shop Now Lamborghini Lamborghini Urus Kids Ride On Car Electric Vehicle $199.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Huracán Electric Ride On With Remote Control $169.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Aventador SV Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now McLaren McLaren 570S Push Sports Car $84.99 Shop Now McLaren Senna Ride On Sports Car $399.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz AMG Electric Ride On Car $199.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Maybach G650S Electric Ride On $299.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz C63S Electric Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now Porsche Porsche 918 Battery-Powered Ride On Car $249 Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2020

Herschel Supply Co. Partners With Hot Wheels x Land Rover

Herschel Supply Co. is best known for providing backpacks and accessories needed for any off-road adventure. The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with Hot Wheels by Mattel and Land Rover. A special edition Land Rover Defender 90 model is the product of the adventurous trio partnership. The visuals of the Hot Wheels diecast will feature a special livery using the Herschel Supply Co. logos to commemorate the occasion. Each collectors’ piece will include special packaging with blueprint style graphics of the vehicle, as well as a display case and stand. The collaboration symbolizes the similarities in the interest of adventure and creativity, rather than the products they produce. The Herschel Supply Co. x Hot Wheels x Land Rover model will be available on December 2nd at 12 pm EST through the Mattel Creation website. Shop Hot Wheels Creations Mattel Creations As part of this partnership, Herschel has also released a new special collection of Hot Wheels x Land Rover bags. This includes a tool kit carrier and backpack, both of which feature logos of both the Hot Wheels and Land Rover brands. Fabric for bot bags includes a number "10" pattern to signify the tenth anniversary. Both bags are currently for sale right now on Herschel.com. Click the button below to shop them now on Herschel.com. Shop Herschel Supply Co. Herschel.com Herschel.com View All Land Rover Defender 90 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

Rolls-Royce Pursuit Seat Makes A Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Usually, you can have style and functionality but not simultaneously. That is why our favorite English marque has a bold new accessory. The Rolls-Royce pursuit seat makes a perfect stocking stuffer because it is practical and built to last. Leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber have been combined into a contemporary design. Rolls-Royce ‘Neon Lights’ Limited Editions Announced The press release mentions it a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for live performances, trackside, or an extra spot in your office. A hidden pouch offers storage for cash and cards while the RR logo hides an LED flashlight. The leather surface is offered in the same shades as their car interiors, and pricing starts at 6,581 GBP ($8,785 US Dollars). Click the button below to order one from our dealers and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

How To Shop Puma Motorsport Cyber Monday Deals

Puma Motorsport is best known for collaborating with automotive manufacturers and Formula 1 teams on unique collections for fans. The Cyber Monday Sale has hit the Puma Motorsport store and features track-focused clothing and footwear styles. The Motorsport collections offer an array of products for all in the family of car enthusiasts. Footwear is a highlight of the brand, with models ranging from comfortable everyday sneakers to aggressive racing boots that sport iconic teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, and more. The Cyber Monday Sale by Puma Motorsport is happening now, prepping enthusiasts for the upcoming holiday season. When: Available Now Where: Puma Motorsport Puma Motorsport

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

The Porsche Inspired Nike SB Dunk Low "Pink Pig" Is Rumor...

The Dunk Low by Nike continues to be a staple silhouette for the skateboard branch of the athletic footwear and apparel conglomerate, just as the Pink Pig livery for Porsche holds significance within the company’s race heritage. The two iconic creations are the inspiration behind the newest collaboration between Nike SB and Porsche. The Nike SB Dunk Low Pink Pig pays homage to the Porsche 917/20 debuted during the 1971 24-Hours of Le Mans race, presented in a vibrant pink and red accent livery. The Pink Pig livery is one of the most unique and popular designs in Porsche racing history, which makes it obvious to feature it on one of Nike’s most popular sneakers. The sneaker mirrors the bright pink paint job using suede with matching red contrast stitching. The sneaker inspired by vintage Porsche racing is sure to be a sought-after pair for sneaker collectors and Porsche enthusiasts. The Nike SB Dunk Low Pink Pig is rumored to release in the early months of 2021. Keep up with news from Nike and shop all the available collections by clicking the link below. Shop Nike Source: zSneakerHeadz Instagram

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2020

New Collection By The Outlierman is Inspired by the Lambo...

The Outlierman, a luxury brand based out of Bologna, has just unveiled a new collection that automotive enthusiasts need to see. The inspiration for this collection comes from the Lamborghini Miura P400 S and it includes a silk tie and silk pocket square. This duo is a perfect fit for any stylish person that wants to keep a bit of automotive style on them at all times. The pattern used for the design includes the front and rear of the Miura P400 S with a checkered design in between. Each of these pieces is crafted from silk and are entirely handcrafted by The Outlierman's tailors in Como. “Beautifully designed by our in-house team, the new handmade Miura collection is a worthy celebration of the Lamborghini P400 S - a car born in Bologna, just like The Outlierman," says Andrea Mazzuca, founder of The Outlierman. You can purchase each of these pieces by clicking their respective buttons down below. Shop The Tie Shop The Pocket Square

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2020

Ferrari 488 GTE LEGO Technic Set Announced

LEGO has just unveiled a new Ferrari 488 GTE Technic set that's modeled after the AF Corse #51 car. This new set consists of 1677 pieces and measures in at over 5-inches high, 19-inches long and 8.5-inches wide. Within the set's massive size are some pretty awesome functions that Technic sets are known for. This includes the front and rear suspension, opening doors, functioning steering wheel and even a V8 engine with moving pistons. Also included are stickers that allow the set to have a faithful color scheme that's just like the AF Corse #51 car. More information about the real race car can be found in the special building instruction book. LEGO will be releasing this set on January 1, 2021 with a price tag of $169.99. Shop On LEGO.com Image Source: LEGO.com

By Sponsored Article – November 25, 2020

Go from Drab to Dramatic with Swisstrax Modular Flooring

Presented by Swisstrax - With 18 dynamic colors and an infinite number of designs, Swisstrax Modular Flooring lets you transform your garage from drab to dramatic. Featuring eye-catching colors such as Racing Red, Jet Black, Island Blue, Citrus Yellow, Cosmic Purple & more, your options are nearly limitless. Create a one-of-a-kind garage floor design that will make family and friends do a double-take. Turn your ordinary garage into a prestigious detailing studio by pairing complementary colors to achieve a unique, enticing look. Visit Swisstrax.com Go with a completely monochromatic look that can transform your existing garage into a sleek and modern space. Or use an entire color palette to contrast and highlight your exceptional collection. Add a red accent to highlight your car’s power and passion. Or create a sense of sophistication with an electric "Burberry" design. With 18 dynamic colors and only the limits of your creativity. Your garage will never be boring or drab again. Combine unique colors with interesting patterns to make your floor truly unique and enviously eye-catching. You can even take your garage outside to show off your incredible collection. Create your exact design using our 2D or 3D modeler to get started on your floor. If you’re having difficulty creating the space you’ve imagined, call Swisstrax and our experts can help you hand-craft your garage layout and floor design. We can even show you popular designs that might fit perfectly with your desired layout. Visit Swisstrax.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 24, 2020

Game Worn Jordan Sneakers Expected To Sell For $800,000 B...

Michael Jordan will forever be considered one of the best professional athletes in the world, successfully participating in two-sports with record-breaking credentials. Michael Jordan holds significance in the world of sports, but also the sneaker industry. The Air Jordan brand continues to re-release retro versions of the sneakers that Michael had worn on the court during his reign in the NBA. Sotheby’s is proud to announce that they will be auctioning off two of those game-worn basketball sneakers. The first sneaker to be listed is a 1985-86 game-used and signed Air Jordan Dunk Sole. The original Air Jordan 1 features the code PS which stands for Player’s Sample. The second pair presented is the Air Jordan 6 Infrared, the sneaker worn during Game 4 of the 1991 NBA Finals. They were gifted to Nike Executive Sonny Vaccaro and featured as a twice signed collectible with a photo of Michael Jordan playing in the sneakers. Sotheby’s currently has an open auction for each separate pair with a selling estimate of $800,000 each. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 24, 2020

Top Winter Motorsport Outerwear Collections

As seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, the need for more insulated outwear becomes an obvious decision for many. During a time when supercar keys are hung up, car collectors and enthusiasts turn to their favorite manufacturers for winter clothing line options. The same clothing collections being worn by factory and Formula 1 drivers. Styles that combine the functional aspect while celebrating automotive excellence through an array of clothing and accessory options. We have compiled some of the best winter clothing collections from the top automotive manufactures. Click the links below to shop for any of the products seen. Aston Martin The Aston Martin Collection pulls inspiration from the same simplistic design and top-notch performance that goes into each supercar that the British manufacture produces. A combination of casual and track-inspired styles makes up the winter collection, allowing for the enthusiasts to show their support during the coldest of months. The Aston Martin clothing and accessories collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Aston Martin BRABUS The BRABUS G Capsule Collection 2021 drives inspiration from the iconic BRABUS G V12 model. The line features jackets, sweatshirts, long/short sleeved shirts, pants, and hats. Visuals of the BRABUS G 900 V12, as well as company logos, are printed throughout each outstanding piece. An exact release date has yet to be revealed. The BRABUS G Capsule Collection can be viewed by clicking the link below. Shop BRABUS Bugatti The Bugatti Collection for Fall/Winter 2020 lets the quality of materials do the talking, while the iconic hypercar emblem placed as the stamp of approval. The newest release includes an array of warm tops to choose from, ranging from casual daily styles to more formal attire for occasions. Either way, Bugatti is using inspiration from models like La Voiture Noir to portray the comfort and performance that each piece of clothing will provide. The Bugatti Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Bugatti Ferrari The Ferrari Fall/Winter 2020 collection is sure to pair well for both the owner with an 812 Superfast in the garage, as well as any fan of Ferrari working towards the dream of owning one. The newest styles take on a “less is more” approach, being that quality, functionality, and simplicity are the drivers. As seasons change, the Italian car manufacturer delivers the outerwear and accessory must-have’s in samples using the finest materials. The fall/winter release includes hats, jackets, shirts, polos, jeans, sneakers, and other accessories. Whether it is on or off the track, Ferrari has you covered from head to toe during the cooler months. Shop The newest collection from Ferrari by clicking the link below. Shop Ferrari Lamborghini Most supercar manufacturers get inspiration from the designs of the vehicles that they produce. Lamborghini, however, differentiates its collection by incorporating real schemes from its supercars. Visuals such as the LED taillight shape and launch color codes are featured in the clothing and accessories released for the colder months. Lamborghini diversifies its clothing line using styles appropriate for both formal and casual occasions, while catering to women and children with their collection as well. Shop the Lamborghini Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Lamborghini McLaren McLaren will always remain as the supercar manufacturer ready to hit the track at any given moment, using one of the many high-horsepower vehicles in their fleet. They are now also known for creating the apparel and accessories needed for both on and off the track. Using aspects of the brand, like the iconic McLaren Orange color and logos, each style screams track-focused. The Collection by McLaren Automotive is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop McLaren Porsche Using premium materials, Porsche Design created jackets, sweatshirts, short/long sleeve shirts, pants, shoes, bags, and accessories. A wide variety of color options are available for each product to ensure a style for everyone. The Fall/Winter Sportswear Collection by Porsche Design continues to bridge the gap between high-quality lifestyle fashion and German automotive excellence. This line is sure to be celebrated by all Porsche enthusiasts. Shop Porsche Design’s newest sports collection by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design

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