Industry Reports

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 – June 06, 2018

FCA Notes New Dodge Viper is Not in New 5-Year Plan

If you aren't a shareholder in FCA, you missed out on their big meeting Friday at their Italian HQ. CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed a ton of exciting products coming our way, so allow us to give you the highlights. First off, the Alfa 8C is returning as their flagship. This mid-engine coupe will offer 700 horsepower thanks to a hybrid system, and all-wheel drive that features an electric front axle.Next up, the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan will receive plug-in capabilities and a long wheelbase version for China. It will also spawn the Giulia GTV, a 600 horsepower coupe that also has hybrid power. Essentially a 2-door Quadrifoglio, it will share chassis and architecture with other FCA coupes. Also mentioned is they intend to have electric or plug-in options for every make and model by 2022. The electric assist powertrains and being engineered by Ferrari, thanks to the incredible efficiency of the LaFerrari.For Maserati fans, the Alfieri is still coming. It will be offered as an EV and hybrid, with a 0-60 time of around 2 seconds. They are also launching a sub-brand named Maserati Blue. It will be responsible for EV versions of every model, all utilizing 800v DC quick charging. Ram fans will be happy that a new midsize truck is on the way. The Dakota was their last small truck and they have become quite collectible. Lead the way. #jeep #itsajeepthing #jeeplove #jeeplife #grandcherokee #jeeptrackhawk #jeepporn #jeepfamily #OIIIIIIIO A post shared by Jeep (@jeep) on Jun 4, 2018 at 6:12am PDT Jeep is resurrecting the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, hopefully with vinyl woodgrain options. A new Desert Hawk option package will be available across their lineup, so it looks like Trail Rated will now be Sand Rated. The Charger and Challenger will not migrate to an Italian chassis, instead, FCA is investing serious cash in a new generation of the LX platform which is still a descendant of the 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210 Chassis). The ultimate goal is to save a few pennies by sharing engines and chassis.When Sergio was asked about the Viper, he tap-danced around the issue, saying it's "not in the plan." So if your hopes of a new Viper have been crushed, click on the link below to browse our Viper inventory. Stay with us for all your Fiat-Chrysler news.Find Your Viper Here!

By Andrew Nabors – May 31, 2018

GM Stock Up Over 10% Thanks To Supercruise

If you believe the cars of the future will drive themselves, a few others share your vision. The latest Cadillac CT6 is the first car to feature "Supercruise". The system is so advanced, it caught the attention of SoftBank's Vision Fund. Marketwatch.com announced this morning that SoftBank is investing $2.25 Billion into GM Cruise Holdings LLC. She said, "Teaming up with SoftBank adds an additional strong partner as we pursue our vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion". Cadillac Unveils 550 HP CT6 V-Sport CEO Mary Barra says their subsidiary will also receive $1.1 Billion to build the ultimate autonomous car. I didn't believe how capable Supercruise was until I tested it on Interstate 275. I tell you honestly, the Cadillac CT6 drives itself. It constantly scans 360 degrees around the car and looks farther ahead than your eyes can focus. If you want to experience it, click the link below to find a CT6 near you and stay with us for all your autonomous car news. Browse Cadillac CT6 For Sale 2018 #cadillac #ct6 with supercruise, the car drove itself across the Howard Frankland this is the future #dupontregistry A post shared by Andrew Nabors (@naborsandrew) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:53am PST

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Previews Their Futuristic Production Plant

Mercedes-Benz has now begun production on what they call the "first car plant of the future," Factory 56.Making this production facility futuristic is a wide range of modern technologies that are spread across 220,000 square meters (2,368,060.29 sq. ft). With that massive size, Factory 56 is Germany's third largest building project. Examples of the technologies implemented within the new production process include driverless transport systems, artificial intelligence, and a photovoltaic system on the roof that reduces the plant's yearly electricity consumption by 5,000MWh.The First Production 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is HereThe 'Factory 56' combines three trend-setting features: It is consistently digital and flexible - and it brings the term ‘green production’ to life,” says Markus Schäfe, member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain Management.As for what will be built at Factory 56, Daimler says both standard and electric vehicles within the upper and luxury classes will be produced here. This includes the new generation S-Class and the first electric vehicle in the brand EQ "made in Sindelfingen."Factory 56 is planned to be up and operational come 2020.

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2018

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Production Starts

The very first car example of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has finally rolled off of the production line. Mercedes' new A-Class is the fourth generation and replaces the older version, which started production in 2012.As of right now, the Mercdes-Benz's compact car lineup consists of the A-, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA. Going forward, Mercedes is planning on having a total of eight A-Class models.Mercedes-Maybach SUV Teased for First Time“Mercedes-Benz Cars starts an unprecedented ramp-up cascade with the A-Class. In our global production network, we can ramp-up the production of our vehicles in proven top quality and supply the global market even faster. Using modern industry 4.0 technologies our plants are becoming even more flexible and efficient,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production & Supply Chain.

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2018

Porsche 911 Sales Jump in March 2018

Porsche Cars North America has released their March sales and they show which of their model lines are currently performing best. The model lines included in the report include the 911, 718 Boxster and Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, and Macan.The Porsche 911 saw a 35.4 percent increase year-over-year, going from 652 March 2017 sales to 883 March 2018 sales. Year-to-date, the 911 went from 2,018 sales in 2017 to 2,511 in 2018. Continuing to impress is the 718 model line (Boxster and Cayman). Altogether, the 718's saw a 45.1 percent increase in March 2018 compared to March 2017.Porsche Employees Get Massive Bonus Porsche 718 Boxster GTS“We are pleased to see such a strong customer response for the first three months of the year, especially for our Porsche 911, the 718 model line and the new generation Panamera,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. “Overall, this is an excellent first quarter for Porsche in the United States.” Model March Sales Year-to-Date 2018 2017 2018 2017 ALL 911 883 652 2,511 2,018 ALL 718 489 337 1,352 1,106 ALL PANAMERA 704 554 1,916 617 ALL CAYENNE 934 1,134 3,287 3,640 ALL MACAN 1,746 1,802 4,888 5,337 GRAND TOTALS 4,756 4,479 13,954 12,718

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2018

Porsche Employees Get Massive Bonus

It's a good time to be a Porsche employee as the German automaker has announced big bonuses for their employees. Thanks to their exceptional 2017 financial year, Porsche Executive Board and Group works council came to an agreement regarding their employee's upcoming bonus. First, employees will be getting an 8,600 euro ($10,593 USD) bonus that is Porsche's thanks for a fantastic 2017 financial year. An additional 700 euro ($862 USD) is to be paid as a contribution to the Porsche VarioRente pension scheme or to individual pension schemes. But, it doesn't stop there. Porsche employees are ALSO getting a "one-off 2018 anniversary bonus" of 356 euro ($438 USD). Yes, that's right. They're getting a bonus because of the company's 70-year anniversary. That's not bad at all. The total amount of bonuses is equivalent to about $11,893. That's one generous company!Sports Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2018

Lamborghini Hits New Historic Landmarks

Lamborghini is still on a roll, achieving multiple new records according to a new press release from the automobile manufacturer. First, their worldwide sales in the fiscal year 2017 have increased by ten percent, going from 3,457 to 3,815 units. This makes 2017 the seventh consecutive year of sales growth. Even more impressive, their sales have almost tripled since 2010 (1,302). Another record is their turnover, which has exceeded one billion Euro for the first time in Lamborghini's history going from 906 million Euro to 1,009 million Euro -- increase of 11 percent. But why stop there with the good news! Lamborghini has increased their workforce from 1,415 employees to 1,600, an increase that was necessary for the production of the Urus.Lamborghini Huracans for Sale“Lamborghini realized another record year and we are once more outperforming our financial objectives," says Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini "This was achieved while mastering an unprecedented double challenge: preparing for new models in our super sports car range, while simultaneously doubling production capacities at our headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, heralding a quantum leap in our product portfolio. This could not have been accomplished without our excellent team, which deserves all the credit.”

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Bloomberg: Lamborghini Growing Every Year

Cars are sold on a global market, but the sales of exotic cars have other variables to consider. Bloomberg is covering the Geneva auto show from their financial perspective, and they spent a few minutes with Lamborghini's CEO Stefano Domenicali. A tariff on European cars has been proposed by the President, but Bloomberg doesn't seem to realize that people who have the means to afford nice cars are probably capable of paying a little extra to enjoy them.Lamborghini Celebrates the 10,000th HuracanNo matter where your allegiances lie on this subject, it is nice to see the continued growth of one of the world's most recognizable brands. Reporters make note that their booth is twice the size it was a year ago and Stefano says it is because the Urus represents a new segment and a new customer base for Lamborghini. They also bring up Ferrari's IPO in that it helped FCA, but something tells us VW is not keen on spinning off their most profitable brand. Cheers to everyone in Sant'Agata Bolognese for the continued success, and tell us what you think of this news in the comments below.Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2018

Porsche Sees Big Increase in February 2018 Sales Report

Porsche has posted their sales numbers for February 2018 and they are, once again, impressive. The numbers include sales for all 911s, 718s, Panameras, Cayennes and Macans.“Our February sales were boosted by strong demand for our two-door sports cars and we showed impressive double-digit growth versus the same period last year,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA.Next-Generation Porsche 911 (992) Gets Official PreviewOverall, sales for the 911 models were up by 40.4 percent year-over-year, while the 718s (Boxster and Cayman) were up by 37.4 percent year-over-year. Altogether, Porsche saw an overall increase of 20.5 percent when compared to February 2017. Here's the model breakdown: Model February Sales Year-to-Date 2018 2017 2018 2017 ALL 911 775 552 1,628 1,366 ALL 718 448 326 863 769 ALL PANAMERA 602 28 1,212 63 ALL CAYENNE 1,051 1,156 2,353 2,506 ALL MACAN 1,506 1,575 3,142 3,535 GRAND TOTALS 4,382 3,637 9,198 8,239

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2018

Porsche to Invest Billions into Electric Cars

Are the days of the gas and diesel powered Porsches numbered? The German automaker has announced a plan to drastically increase investments in electric technology, including hybrid and full-electric vehicles.The development plan includes doubling their current investment in electric tech, resulting in over six billion euros towards the future of electric Porsches. “Alongside development of our models with combustion engines, we are setting an important course for the future with this decision,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.Why You Should Buy A Porsche 911RWithin this investment are a few notable developments. If you recall, Porsche introduced the Mission E concept two years ago as the brand's first fully-electric vehicle. Now, the investment that Porsche is planning on making will include variants and derivatives of the Mission E.Current plans for Porsche's electric expansion include: One billion into electrification and hybridization of current range Several hundred million into expansion of sites 700 million euro into new tech, charging infrastructure and smart mobility Expanding existing Zuffenhausen engine plant for manufacturing of electric drives So far, the Mission E project has created 1,200 new jobs and Porsche is surely planning on many more. What do you think about an all-electric Porsche? Would you pick one up over a combustion engine-powered Porsche? Let me know in the comments below!See All Porsche 911s for Sale

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