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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 – December 10, 2016

2017 Genesis G80 Review

While North Korea is trying to develop technology that was perfected in the 50's, South Korea is busy building some of the best cars in the world. If you think we neglected to include the manufacturer in our headline, get ready for a surprise. Genesis has evolved from a model produced by Hyundai into a brand of its own. As a new luxury brand, Genesis Motors is killing two birds with one stone. The first is to capitalize on the unprecedented success of the Genesis name; and the second is to make you forget about the last time they did this. Hyundai had hoped to market the Equus sedan as its own make, but 2016 will be the last year for that name. Both cars will enter 2017 as G80 and G90 respectively, the first two models from Genesis Motors.We are well acquainted with the build quality and power, as they send us a new car for review several times a year. One of our coworkers has become addicted. Starting with the 4.6 V8 and then trading it for the 5.0 liter R-spec model. So he was happy to jump in the 2017 G80 Ultimate for a lap of St Petersburg. The changes from Hyundai Genesis to Genesis G80 are merely cosmetic, with a new grille and headlights being the most obvious. We spent a week studying Genesis, which means 6 days of driving and on the 7th day we rested. Compared to the 2015 model I drove two years ago, changes have mostly been reserved to the electronics and safety systems. Of course the interior trim is of a higher caliber, but who would expect to find an excellent lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking at this price point?Under the hood is the familiar "Tau" V8 which is rated at 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Shift firmness in the 8 speed automatic has been relaxed in the move up market, but the down shifts are no less precise. It has gained Smart Cruise control and improved fit/finish for a price increase of $15. Yes the 2015 Genesis was $55,700, and the 2017 Genesis G80 Ultimate is $55,715. Capable of 23 mpg on the highway, you will be hard pressed to find a V8 powered luxury sedan at a comparable price. We anticipate getting our hands on the larger Genesis G90, so stay with us for more news & reviews.

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2016

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T ULT FWD Review

Hyundai's Santa Fe has become a mainstay in their lineup and for 2017, it continues to be a great consumer vehicle. With a refreshed exterior and interior, the new Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is better than ever.On the outside is a body that's both sharp, yet inviting for family drivers. The new front fascia features new headlights and a new grille, while the rear benefits from new taillights and exhaust tips. If you want those lights to shine during the day, LED daytime running lights are included with this model and trim. As for the wheels, ours was fitted with the 19-inch allow wheels with 235/55R19 tires, which are the biggest wheels available for the SUV. 2017 Santa Fe SportInside is a spacious cabin that will carry up five passengers. In the rear are 40/20/40 split-folding seats with the welcomed slide and recline function. In the front, the driver and passenger will be able to control the car's various settings, including media, through the either 7- or 8-inch touchscreens; our example was fitted with the 8inch touchscreen with Android Auto, standard for this trim. Other notable features included the leather seats, heated/ventilated front seats and multi-view camera system. If all that sounds good to you, don't worry, because it's all standard.Powering this sporty SUV is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine provides the driver with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sure, it's not as sporty as say a Bentley Bentayga, but it's enough pep to make the "Sport" badge mean something. As for its transmission, its equipped with a 6-speed automatic which does the does nicely.All-in-all, Hyundai continues to create phenomenal vehicles and the Sante Fe Sport is just the latest. If you're in the market for a capable and sporty SUV, this may just be the pick for you. 2017 Santa Fe Sport

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2015

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited Review

Owning a hybrid is not what it once was, thanks to a worldwide trend pushing for more economically and environmentally friendly vehicles. Hyundai has been riding this wave for a few years now with their Sonata, and the 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited shows just how dedicated the South Korean automaker is to advancing hybrid technology.A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine and a 270 V lithium-polymer battery work in conjunction to create the comfortable and efficient ride that you'd expect from the four-door sedan. Power is adequately rated at a combined 193 hp, which is plenty for merges on the highway. In pure electric mode the car is incredibly quiet, both inside the cabin and outside, with only a hint of the simulated engine noise. The only interruption to the quietness is when the gasoline engine kicks in, which is both a smooth and unnoticeable transition.Thanks to this hybrid system, the Sonata Hybrid celebrates 40 mpg city and 44 mph highway, for a combined 42 mpg. Even with these "green" numbers, the Sonata Hybrid drives just like a car with a fully gasoline-powered engine.One great thing about hybrid and electric cars nowadays is that they come in all shapes and sizes. You can go from the tiny Chevrolet Spark EV, to the Sonata Hybrid, which offers a spacious interior and trunk. In the front, adult passengers have a great deal of legroom to work with, while the backseats see a slight reduction in headroom. In the trunk is 13.3 cu. ft. of cargo space, only 3 cu. ft. less than the standard Sonata offers.Aside from the spaciousness, Hyundai packed the Sonata Hybrid with a wide-range of technology features. For connectivity and media, there is Bluetooth media streaming; the SiriusXM Travel Link, which is included in the Ultimate Package for $4,500; Hyundai Blue Link Telematics System; and USB ports. Displaying all of this information is either the standard 5-inch touchscreen display, or the optional 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, included in the Ultimate Package.Setting the Limited edition apart from the SE are a number of interior features, such as the rear side window sunshades, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback and more.Hyundai made sure that the Sonata Hybrid stood out from the pack by adding some new exterior pieces. This includes the 17-inch "Eco-Spoke" alloy wheels, a redesigned front fascia and hybrid badging. There aren't drastic differences between the Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, but when parked next to each other, you can tell.The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited starts at $30,100 and is currently available for purchase.

By Caitlin Duffy – September 15, 2015

Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Introduced

Hyundai is here to take on the world of high-performance cars with their N sub-brand, and the peak of their presence at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show comes from their most futuristic design; one that's meant for the virtual world.The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo was first announced Aug. 27, when we were shown a silhouette of its design, headlights on full blast. Today, in a press release from the Korean manufacturer, we get to see a few images of its final physical form."Created exclusively for PlayStation®’s Gran Turismo video game series, the concept car boasts total power of 884 PS from Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell system and an additional super capacitor system," describes the release. This hydrogen fuel cell system is based on the actual hydrogen fuel cells perfected for mass production by Hyundai, which play a rather large role in creating ecofriendly racing systems.A YouTube video added today by GRAN TURISMO TV shows us what the video game version will look like, as well as takes us into some of the back-end development of the design. Representatives from Hyundai explain how this concept will factor into the marque's future, and what that future might look like.Check out the video above and stay with us for more as it is released. Also, be sure to watch the video below by AutoGuide.com, uploaded today, who gives us a look at the car on the showroom floor. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article mistakenly referred to Hyundai as a Japanese manufacturer, though their headquarters is based in South Korea. The article has been updated to reflect the correct information.(Source: Hyundai, YouTube) See More News from Frankfurt

By Caitlin Duffy – August 27, 2015

Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo to Debut at Frankfurt

Manufacturers from all across the globe are preparing their latest and greatest for display in Germany Sept. 17, when the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) kicks off. But Hyundai will be bringing something that bridges the physical and digital worlds: the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo. Hyundai is joining the likes of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin and, most recently, Bugatti in creating a concept car for the wildly successful Gran Turismo video game series. But it's not just a digital rendering of this creation that the world will see.Like Mercedes-Benz did for the Los Angeles Auto Show, or Aston Martin for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Hyundai is bringing a full-sized concept prototype of this model to Frankfurt. As a press release issued Aug. 26 by the marque tells us, this "concept highlights sustainable technology and race car design, truly representing the future potential of Hyundai N.""N" is Hyundai's high-performance sub-brand that will be on full display at the motor show, along with a few other models and concepts that are more likely to make it to production than the Vision Gran Turismo. The New Generation i20 WTRC rally car will be present, showing off Hyundai's planned mode of transport to the top of the podium in 2016's FIA World Rally Championships.(See Also: Lamborghini to Build $1.2 Million Exclusive Supercar)The RM15 concept car will also be on display as a way of showing how technologies developed by the N performance sub-brand can plausibly work their way into more standard production models.Be sure to stay with us for more updates as the Frankfurt International Motor Show draws closer, and find your own Hyundai from our listings below.Hyundais For Sale Gallery (Source: Hyundai) See More Concept Car News

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2015

Luxurious Hyundai Vision G Coupe Concept

Hyundai has been taking huge steps forward with their technology and design each year and it looks like one of this year's steps is their new Vision G Concept Coupe.This new concept car was unveiled to a select few at the Los Angeles Museum of Art yesterday, August 11. But, before it was unveiled, Hyundai's designers crafted the car around the notion of "chivalry." Why chivalry? They felt this was the perfect word to describe what they wanted to create: a car that didn't need to shout in order to be respected and noticed. In fact, the car is so chivalrous that it will open its door for you, by itself.(Also Read: Pagani Raduno Rally Heads to Monterey Car Week)Underneath its exterior that appears to be in a state perpetual motion is a 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine that produces 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Tau V8 engine family has actually been featured in Ward's Ten Best Engines list three times. The Vision G's V8 features new optimizations, including an enhanced timing chain, low-torque exhaust manifold, increased compression ratio and upgraded multi-injection mapping.As for what's inside its cabin, we cannot say any more than what the images below provide. Hyundai was tight-lipped about the interior's details in the press release, only stating that it has "respectful luxury" that is "underscored by its clarity and simplicity." They also noted that there are no glaring examples of luxury, as the attention is driven to the elegant lines and finishes.Hyundai will be showing off the Vision G at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, August 16 in Monterey, California.Gallery (Source: Hyundai) See More Concept Car News, Videos and Pics

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