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 Edward Jones – July 30, 2021

Bentley is Having Mindblowing, Record-Breaking Year

Bentley's 2021 has been downright incredible so far. Bentley Motors has just posted their half-year performance for 2021 and the numbers are astounding. So far, they are having the best year ever in their 102-year history. With an operating profit of €178 million from total revenue of €1.32 billion, the first six months of 2021 has posted greater profit than any full-year period by the company. Bentley's previous record half-year was back in 2014 where the company posted revenue of €887 million and an operating result of €95.2 million. During that year, they managed a total year profit of €170 million. Retail sales were also up 50 percent compared to 2019 (pre-COVID), from 4,785 to 7,199 in 2021. In regards to the model breakdown, everything was quite balanced but the Bentayga (2,767) edged out the Continental GT (2,318) and Flying Spur (2,063). Financial results HY 2021 HY 2020 HY 2019 Revenue €1.32 billion €860 million €834.8 million Operating Result €178 million €-99 million €56.9 million Return on Sales 13 percent -12 percent 6.8 percent Source: Bentley Motors

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By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

CNBC: Maserati Is Staging A Comeback

Nothing's gonna stop them now One of the world's oldest automakers is poised to dominate the industry again. Now that Fiat-Chrysler has merged with the PSA Group, CNBC is reporting that Maserati is staging a comeback. Ferrari is publicly traded, and they will always be the crown jewel in the legacy of Fiat-Chrysler Automotive, which has taken the new name Stellantis. But because Maserati is one of their oldest brands, its time to dust off the image of what it means to be an Italian luxury coachbuilder. The launch of their new MC20 was lauded as the best automotive event of the year, and its 3-liter "Nettuno" V6 is a clean-sheet design that is not shared with stablemates. The other Maseratis will retain the 4-liter V8 that is built by Ferrari, while the new Levante Hybrid offers 330 horsepower and 331 lb-ft from a 2-liter turbo-four. We are excited to see how the Levante develops alongside a new generation of the 2022 GranTurismo when it arrives next year. Tell us what Maserati appeals to you in the comments below and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Shop Maserati Image (C) Maserati

By Edward Jones – April 19, 2021

Bugatti and Lamborghini Set Record First Quarters

Stephan Winkelmann is unstoppable. Being both the President of Bugatti as well as the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini can't be easy, but Stephan Winkelmann is absolutely crushing it. Both brands, Bugatti and Lamborghini has just announced their first quarter numbers and both set records. First up is Bugatti, who actually had the best quarter in the company's entire history. In the first quarter of 2021, Bugatti delivered more vehicles than ever before, breaking all records and self-assigned targets. “It fills me with joy and pride that, despite the pandemic, we started the year very well and were able to take more orders than ever before. Even if face-to-face contact is still rare in 2021 and the number of digital meetings have increased, we were able to maintain a relationship and contact with our customers and friends of the brand, ”says Winkelmann. See All Bugattis For Sale Lamborghini also posted record-setting numbers that are truly astounding. In the first quarter of 2021, the Italian automaker delivered 2,422 cars which was an increase of 25% over the same period of 2020 and 22% higher than the first quarter of 2019. These figures make this the best first quarter ever for Lamborghini. Lamborghini notes that the Urus was their most popular model with 1382 deliveries, followed by the Huracan at 753 and Aventador at 287. "We have a very positive outlook ahead for this year, thanks to an order bank that has grown by 25% compared to the first quarter of 2020 and already covers nine months of production. We are ready to pursue the new objectives we have set and to respond concretely, with significant innovations, to the moment of extensive transformation that is affecting the automotive industry as a whole,” says Winkelmann. See All Lamborghinis For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2021

Fast Financials 2021: GM Has Big Plans

Ever since we saw their Q4 results, we knew Mary was aiming big. So our latest Fast Financials for 2021 will explain why GM has big plans. Chairman and CEO Mary Barra penned a healthy note to shareholders last night. In it, she repeated their fourth-quarter Net Income of $2.8 billion. This underpins their 2020 total of $6.4 billion, and then she mentions where most of it will be going. By 2025, GM is committing $27 billion to EV development. Her goal is to launch 30 electric cars by then, powered by Ultium batteries. This joint-venture with LG Chem is putting Lordstown, Ohio back to work. She sees this year as an inflection point for them, with a goal of selling over a million EVs in North America and China by the middle of this decade. Production of the Hummer EV will start soon, followed by the Cadillac Lyric. Their autonomous brand (Cruise LLC) has received $2 billion from Honda and Microsoft, and the 2021 Cadillac Escalade specs will include the first to offer Enhanced Super Cruise. Are you ready for a hybrid Corvette? GM Chart by TradingView Image (C) General Motors

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2020

Ferrari is in Final Phases to Open Back Up

Ferrari has just announced that they are in their "Installation Lap" phase in regards to their efforts to start production back up. Over several days, Ferrari will be providing training sessions for employees, going over precautionary measures to take against any health risk. Ferrari will also be checking employees at entrances and also providing proper PPE as well as voluntary tests. With these measures in place, Ferrari will start gradually ramping up production on May 4 with full production returning on May 8. Ferrari does note that business activities that can be carried out remotely will continue to do so. View Ferraris for Sale Related Video: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 09, 2020

With Grundy, One Is All You Need!

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By Jordan Aquistapace – April 09, 2020

Mazzanti Automobili Looks to Crowdfunding for Public Inve...

Mazzanti Automobili is looking for public investors to help grow the company within the hypercar market. The Italian car manufacturer has been growing since Luca Mazzanti developed the brand in 2002, where it first began as a restoration and design workshop. The manufacturer created a page on CrowdFundMe, searching for a target investment goal of 300,000 euros ($328,000) that would help fund future vehicle production and other projects. In return, Mazzanti will offer a 7-percent equity stake in the company, which seems like an open-door invitation for an individual to step into the hypercar industry. On the investment page, the manufacturer has posted historic records, financial reports, sponsorship lists, and other company information to help inform possible investors on what is to come for Mazzanti Automobili. Click below for more information on Mazzanti and how you could be part of the hypercar company! Visit the Crowdfund Page " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2020

BMW M GmbH is "Most Successful Company" in Their Segment

BMW M GmbH have posted their sales numbers for 2019 and they are more than impressive. With 135,829 vehicles sold worldwide, BMW M GmbH is claiming that its 2019 figures make it the "most successful company in its competitive environment." What's more, this is also the best result since the company was founded in 1972. With those 135,829 cars sold, BMW M GmbH saw a 32.2 percent increase in newly registered vehicles. BMW M's biggest market? The U.S.A. with 44,442 units and then Germany coming in second with 26,110 units. We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to acquire market leadership in the performance/high-performance automobile segment for the first time in the almost 50 years of the company’s history,” says Markus Flasch, CEO of the BMW M GmbH. “This success is the result of a continuous growth strategy and shows how much BMW M, the authentic character of our products and the unique driving experience inspire performance-oriented customers all over the globe.” SEE ALL BMW'S FOR SALE Source: BMW Group

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2019

Porsche Posts Record U.S. Sales in March 2019

Porsche's March 2019 U.S. sales report is in, showing numbers that continue the German automaker's success since the new year began. In total, there were 4,779 retail sales of vehicles in March 2019, a new all-time high for the month. Porsche also notes that sales for the first quarter, 15,024 vehicles sold, are up 7.7 percent from a year ago. "It has been a month of celebrations for Porsche. First, we claimed the No.1 spot in the 2019 J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study, followed by a record March," says Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA). "This is a testament to our 191 U.S. dealers and their employees, who help ensure our customer experience lives up to the same superb quality as our cars." 2019 Porsche Cayenne Helping Porsche set a new record was the new Cayenne, which saw a 76.2 percent increase in sales when compared to March 2018. Deliveries on the 911 models were up 15.3 percent as well, which is a feat considering the next-generation model is coming out later this year. Below is a breakdown of Porsche's March 2019 sales in the U.S. view all porsches for sale Model March Sales Year-to-Date 2019 2018 2019 2018 ALL 911 803 883 2,894 2,511 ALL 718 (Cayman/Boxster) 239 489 665 1,352 ALL PANAMERA 703 704 1,689 1,916 ALL CAYENNE 1,647 934 5,559 3,287 ALL MACAN 1,387 1,746 4,208 4,888 GRAND TOTALS 4,779 4,756 15,024 13,954

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2019

Lamborghini Launches Certified Pre-Owned Program

Lamborghini has just launched their new certified pre-owned program that will include pre-owned cars sold throughout their authorized dealers worldwide. It's called Selezione Lamborghini. This allows buyers of certified pre-owned Lamborghinis to sleep well knowing their car has gone through a rigorous process that includes checks and work that is done b y trained Lamborghini technicians using genuine Lamborghini parts. Here's the breakdown of what cars in this program will come with: Minimum 12-month warranty (Extendable up to 24 months) Covers parts and labor Includes roadside assistance Complementary six-month check Each supercar must be under 43,000 Miles and 84 months of use Urus must be under 62,000 miles and 120 months of use Vehicles must have undergone scheduled maintenance Must pass a list of 150 checksExterior, interior, mechanics, electronics, tires, rims and brakes. Cars undergo full diagnostic and road test before sold Selezione Lamborghini has already launched and it will make its way across the globe throughout 2019. view all lamborghinis for sale

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