Honda

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

Four Special Edition Honda Gold Wing motorcycles are parked on a hill, majestically overlooking the city skyline beneath a cloudy sky.

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 11, 2025

Honda Celebrates The Gold Wing's 50th Anniversary With Ne...

Honda celebrates one of the most iconic motorcycles’ milestone anniversaries. The Honda Gold Wing is often credited as the progenitor of the touring motorcycle category, and it was first introduced in 1975. In the 50 years that have passed since, the touring motorcycle market has blossomed, while the Gold Wing has remained one of the most legendary models throughout its tenure. Now, the Honda Gold Wing is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary, and for the 2025 model year, commemorative touches are included with the Gold Wing that celebrate its half-century journey from 1975 to today. In addition to celebrating history, the new 2025 Honda Gold Wing offers innovative features, as well, like wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Audo, while aesthetic additions nod to the Gold Wing’s history, like special colors and badging for the anniversary model. For the 2025 model year, Gold Wings are being offered with a free commemorative coffee table book, and a 1:12 scale model of the Gold Wing, with a 1975 Gold Wing on one side, and a 2025 Gold Wing on the other side. A special display and activities are planned by Honda to celebrate the Gold Wing’s 50th anniversary during Daytona Bike Week. Available with a standard matte black color to highlight the 50th anniversary touches, the new 2025 Honda Gold Wing 50th Anniversary is available as a standard trunkless model, or a “Tour” model. Both are available with a manual transmission or Honda’s dual-clutch transmission, at a starting MSRP of $25,200 or $26,200 respectively, with availability this March. View All Hondas For Sale Image Source: Honda

Three executives in suits stand confidently in front of the logos of renowned automakers, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors, displayed against a pristine white background.

By Charles Bradley – December 23, 2024

Honda, Nissan Announce Plans To Merge, Becoming World’s T...

Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have taken a huge step towards a merger, as they confront the reality of an automotive market that is shifting ever further towards electrification. The move comes in the face of a major threat from Chinese vehicle maker BYD and America’s Tesla, both of whom are racing ahead in the rapidly expanding electric car marketplace, which is being hastened by many countries mandating a shift towards cleaner energy transportation. On Monday, the Japanese brands announced that they plan to setup a holding company by August 2026, by which time their shares will be delisted. The new company would be the third largest-selling automaker in the world, behind Toyota and Volkswagen. Honda and Nissan have been collaborating since March, carrying out joint research into the next generation of electric cars. Nissan has been particularly strong in the budget EV market with its Leaf model, and has been racing in the all-electric Formula E open wheel series since 2018. “Creation of new mobility value by bringing together the resources including knowledge, talents, and technologies that Honda and Nissan have been developing over the long years is essential to overcome challenging environmental shifts that the auto industry is facing,” said Honda President and CEO Toshihiro Mibe. “Honda and Nissan are two companies with distinctive strengths. We are still at the stage of starting our review, and we have not decided on a business integration yet, but in order to find a direction for the possibility of business integration by the end of January 2025, we strive to be the one and only leading company that creates new mobility value through chemical reaction that can only be driven through synthesis of the two teams.” Nissan cut its global workforce by 9,000 in November, stating that it was “facing a severe situation” and was slashing costs by almost $2 billion. Nissan’s alliance member, Mitsubishi Motors, is also looking to join the deal, adding further manufacturing expertise to the upcoming venture. Of its future, Nissan’s President and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “Today marks a pivotal moment as we begin discussions on business integration that has the potential to shape our future. If realized, I believe that by uniting the strengths of both companies, we can deliver unparalleled value to customers worldwide who appreciate our respective brands. Together, we can create a unique way for them to enjoy cars that neither company could achieve alone.” View All Nissans For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 17, 2023

HondaJet Echelon Unveiled: A New Milestone In Light Jet T...

Honda Aircraft Company introduces HondaJet Echelon, the next-gen light jet redefining business aviation with cutting-edge technology, design, and sustainability. As the private aviation industry continues its uprise, aircraft manufacturers are starting to roll out new models that boast modern technology and efficiency. When it comes to making waves in business aviation and personal travel, Honda Aircraft Company is never shy of setting new benchmarks. The private aviation company recently revealed its new groundbreaking light jet, the HondaJet Echelon, at the 2023 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). Positioned as the future of business travel, the HondaJet Echelon promises to elevate efficiency, comfort, and convenience in the light jet category. CEO Hideto Yamasaki explains that the HondaJet Echelon is a natural evolution for Honda's aviation ventures, setting out to "create a new category that transcends the travel experience on conventional light jets." Designed for nonstop transcontinental flights across the U.S., this jet is aimed at reducing operating costs while boosting owner experience. The jet incorporates electrification and automation into its system construction, increasing pilot capabilities and heightening safety. From an aesthetic and functional standpoint, the HondaJet Echelon offers a design concept that focuses on efficiency, promising fuel efficiency numbers that outperform conventional light jets by up to 20% and mid-sized jets by over 40%. The cabin experience aims to embody space, productivity, and luxurious comfort. Honda Aircraft Company's program has successfully met several key milestones, including the completion of the Advanced Systems Integration Test Facility. With the production set to start in 2024 and the first flight planned for 2026, the HondaJet Echelon is clearly in full swing. Source: Honda Aircraft Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

Honda Introduces The New $995 Foldable Motocompacto e-Sco...

Motocompacto is a modern, all-electric take on early '80s Honda Motocompo Honda is introducing a fresh wave of innovation into the urban mobility scene with the Motocompacto, an all-electric e-scooter that takes inspiration from the '80s classic Honda Motocompo. The Motocompacto is more than just a nod to nostalgia, it's an ultra-compact, foldable, and highly functional personal transportation device designed for urban life and available at an affordable MSRP of just $995. Starting in November, anyone can order a Motocompacto online or through Honda and Acura dealers. This zero-emission solution comes with the simplicity and convenience that city-dwellers and college students crave. A top speed of 15 mph and 12-mile range make it perfect for short commutes, and with a charging time of just 3.5 hours using a standard 110V outlet, you're back on the road in no time. Designed and developed by Honda engineers in Ohio and California, the e-scooter boasts 32 patents and turns into a compact, stackable carrying case. Rider-focused features like a comfortable seat, secure foot pegs, digital speedometer, and Bluetooth-enabled phone app raise the bar for e-scooter utility. Plus, it's fully customizable with a range of accessories like helmets and backpacks. Experience the future of affordable and sustainable urban commuting this November with the new Honda Motocompacto. View all Honda models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Honda For Sale Source: Honda

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2022

Why The New HondaJet Elite II is So Groundbreaking

The aircraft sets the standard in safety and human-machine interface technology Operating under the constant pursuit of innovation, the Honda Aircraft Company continues to evolve private air travel with advancements in performance and comfort. Proud to announce the newest addition to its fleet, the all-new HondaJet Elite II made its grand debut at the 2022 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition. The HondaJet Elite II takes the title of the fastest, highest, and furthest flying aircraft in its class, with new upgrades that ensure safety and security at all times. The Honda Aircraft Company is also excited to introduce automation technologies that will separate the HondaJet Elite II from all other charter planes on the market. The all-new HondaJet Elite II is currently available for configuration through the Honda Aircraft Company, with a starting price of $6,950,000. Honda Aircraft Company/HondaJet What's new about the HondaJet Elite II's design? The styling features of the HondaJet Elite II include a stealth-like Black Edition design, further differentiating the ramp appeal of the aircraft. The entire aircraft presents a Black Sable exterior base finish with Honda Red accents, offering a new corporate scheme design unlike any other in its class. The addition of ground spoilers completes the performance upgrades, optimizing takeoff and landing field performance. Honda Aircraft Company/HondaJet What's it like inside the cabin? The HondaJet Elite II features a fully redesigned cabin and the introduction of two new interior design options, which come available in Onyx and Steel. The cabin redesign led to a modern luxury of flight experience with an approach to comfort that includes a nose-to-tail acoustic treatment, creating a tranquil space for both passengers and pilots. Honda Aircraft Company/HondaJet How about new performance and safety upgrades? Performance comes in the form of a unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration, powering the HondaJet Elite II with GE Honda Aero Engines HF120. Maximizing its fuselage space for unparalleled efficiency, the range of the jet is increased to take on journeys up to 1,547 nautical miles. Honda Aircraft Company is proud to equip the HondaJet Elite II with autonomous features like Autothrottle and Emergency Autoland, two milestone advancements that will be in full force by the end of 2023. " width="680"> Source: Honda Aircraft Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 06, 2021

Honda Releases Kurumask, A COVID-19 Fighting Cabin Air Fi...

The fact that COVID-19 is still very much present in the world leaves manufacturers in various industries lending a helping hand using their resources. Honda is one of those manufacturers, except they have taken a different approach to help protect individuals driving the N-Box model. The Japanese auto company is proud to announce the Kurumask, an innovative new cabin air filter in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The word “Kuru” is Japanese for “Car” making the direct translation car mask. Each filter constructed using millions of barbs help prevent airborne virus particles from entering the Honda N-Box. Although the Kurumask is only available on one Japanese Honda model, it is a step in the right direction for virus prevention in the automotive industry.

21 Honda Rebel 1100 action standard 4 1200x800 1

By Andrew Nabors – November 25, 2020

2021 Honda Rebel 1100 Is A Dual-Clutch Cruiser

Perhaps the best slogan of all time is "You Meet The Nicest People on a Honda!". This statement was made into a hit song and it stuck with the brand ever since. Nice people enjoy comfort and power, so we're thankful that the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 is a dual-clutch cruiser. " width="680"> Your eyes aren't fooling you. An all-new version of the Africa v-twin fires each cylinder 270 degrees apart. Unique cam profiles allow the front cylinder to make more torque at lower speed while the rear offers more horsepower on the top end. Shifting can be done by buttons on the handles or left in automatic for a leisurely cruise. Pricing for the manual transmission stars at $9,299 while the DCT is $500 more. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Learn More

Honda’s Mean Mower sets a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title #MeanMower

By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2019

Honda Mean Mower V2 Sets New Guinness World Record

Its Mowing Season here in Florida. Brand loyalty runs deep when it comes to landscaping equipment, so Briggs & Stratton owners prepare to get angry. Your BS wont stand up to the latest from Japan, because the Honda Mean Mower V2 has set a new Guinness World Record. No, this is not your typical lawn mower that some crazy people use as a last line of defense against zombies. If you are here for that, then there are several options on BestOfMachinery you can choose from. What we are talking about here is a lawnmower that is generational advanced over current designs! Powered by the 999cc engine from the CBR1000RR, it sends 200 horsepower to the rear tires at a screaming 13,000 RPM. More than just a pretty face, it also cuts grass. The carbon fiber blades are electrically powered, and the mower deck is streamlined. This allowed it to reach 100 mph in 6.29 seconds, with a top speed of 150.99 mph. This is faster than all the abused Civics and Accords who pretend to be racing, as it reaches 60 mph under 3 seconds. It might be faster than your daily drive because this mower hauls grass! According to dui attorney if your DUI count is higher than your shoe size, consider Honda Power Products for your next mode of transportation. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Koenigsegg Agera RS is Now the World's Fastest Car Jaguar Smashes Electric Speedboat World Record

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