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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 Edward Jones – September 09, 2021

Mean Custom Police Jeep Created by SoFlo Jeeps is Ready t...

Jeep Gladiator turned off-roading police vehicle. Hollywood Police Department recently reached out to South Florida Jeeps (SoFlo Jeeps) to have them build a new ride that's extraordinarily capable. This request came after SoFlo Jeeps created a custom Jeep for Fort Lauderdale Police Department, but the Hollywood Police Department wanted something a bit more aggressive. The two decided on a Gladiator with a 4-inch lift, steel front, and rear bumpers, XRC 9500 lbs winch, LED cube lights, Nerf sidesteps, a custom, Kevlar-coated aluminum roll cage, 20x12" Black Rhino rims, and 38" Nitto Trail Grappler tires. As you can see from the pictures, this Police Jeep is a truly special build that nobody will want to mess with. “We support all first responders, fully realizing we cannot do what we do without the sacrifice they make in their everyday lives,” said Joseph Ghattas, owner, engineer and head designer of SoFlo Jeeps and its sister company Apocalypse Manufacturing. “I’m not going to lie, I get really proud when I see one of our trucks being used in such a beneficial capacity. We live, work and play in these communities, so to have one of our builds serve as such an integral part in bettering it means a lot.” Source: SoFlo Jeeps

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

2021 Hennessey HPE1000 Jeep Trackhawk Is AWD Perfection

Our only gripe with a Dodge Demon for sale is that it sends all power to the rear wheels. In order to fully grasp what the supercharged HEMI has to offer, the 2021 Hennessey HPE1000 Jeep Trackhawk is AWD perfection. Starting with the meanest Jeep Grand Cherokee, their proprietary blend of herbs and spices yields 1,012 horsepower and 969 lb-ft of torque. To put that into perspective, we see Alex push this example while passengers giggle. If your HEMI needs unprecedented power, click the button! Learn More Did you see what Hennessey Performance can do to your Cadillac CTS-V?

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By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

Quality Over Quantity At South Florida Jeeps

Presented by SoFlo Jeeps- With four locations and over 40 employees, one might assume that moving metal is their only goal. But delivering builds that outshine the competition prove they value quality over quantity at South Florida Jeeps. Joe Ghattas and his best friend opened a small shop that focused on upgrading and selling exotics in Fort Lauderdale. Never turning down a customer's request is how they quickly gained a loyal fanbase. Satisfied clients from Melbourne to Marathon told their friends, and everyone seemed to comment on the trio of modded Jeeps in Employee Parking. E 6×6 Jeeps: Wicked 3.0 Turbo Diesel Jeeps on Six Wheels As a perfect demonstration of their abilities, the shop began attracting 4WD owners whose requests were laughed at by less-capable, and narrow-minded shops. Hiring only the best fabricators, audio experts, welders, and painters, their Diesel Wrangler "E 6x6" raised the bar. Until 2020, cutting and stretching a new Wrangler meant sacrificing ride quality and creature comforts. So they chose to keep the 3-liter turbo diesel and tune the suspension for the best combination of off-road grip and civility on the street. Turning the heads of everyone in the aftermarket, a command performance used a similar recipe on the world's most popular 4WD. While the new 4-liter twin-turbo makes decent power, the customer demanded the last big-block G-Wagen. Therefore, they chose to transform a 2017 Mercedes-AMG G63. Aside from 700 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, the differential locks on the center console were retained to offer incredible grip from 37" rubber. As you read this, the team is working on builds for customers across the country. But never losing focus on where they came from SoFlo Jeeps will find and modify vehicle your heart desires. Please visit www.southfloridajeeps.com to learn more. Visit SoFlo Jeeps " width="680"> Images (C) South Florida Jeeps

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2020

South Florida Jeeps Unveils Gladiator Slant Back

To all who have served, we owe you a debt that can't be repaid. But if you were in the service,we have something that will make you smile. South Florida Jeeps has unveiled a Gladiator Slant Back. This limited edition starts with a 4" lift with Falcon suspension. From there they added XD 829 wheels wrapped in 38" Patagonia rubber. Yankees Pitcher Aroldis Chapman Just Bought an Insane 6×6 Jeep The real secret sauce is their electronic Slant Back rear tonneau cover. It can be operated by a switch on the dash if you want to cruise with the wind in your hair. If you want to hit the mud, the fabricated bumper incorporates LEDs and an XRC 9500 winch. Flared fenders, halo headlights, powered running boards and a 50" LED roof bar are all standard equipment. Desert Storm is the color of their Kevlar exterior. Their formula has been tested to last several years in the blazing Florida sun, and the marine-grade 2-tone leather is coated with UV protectant. It is double-stitched by hand for durability and because you deserve the best interior ever seen in a Wrangler. All this for $74,999 is a bargain, and they just completed it. We will have it listed for sale soon so in the meantime click the link below to view more amazing builds from South Florida Jeeps. Browse Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2020

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Goes Mudding

There are two schools of thought when it comes to mud. A strategic approach would be to use a divorced transfer case and very low gear ratios. Then there are the badasses. Families who show up with nitrous and boost and hydroplane across the hole while barely getting wet. Combining the two makes for an incredible ride, so watch as the Hennessey Maximus 1000 goes mudding. Muscle Cars For Sale For a quick refresher, John Hennessey and his team order a new Jeep Gladiator, remove the suspension and powertrain and build the world's most powerful Jeep truck. Hennessey Performance is the only builder to offer a Hellcat-powered Wrangler with a warranty, so click the button below to learn more. Click Here To View Pricing & options " width="680"> Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2019

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Shakedown Runs

Dyno testing is a nice way to find hidden power, but it can't come close to real-world conditions. That's why our friend John Hennessey purchased Lonestar Motorsports Park, which is next to their headquarters in Sealy, Texas. Cold weather is great for superchargers, so turn up your volume for the Hennessey Maximus 1000 shakedown runs. Starting with all-new suspension, this Jeep Gladiator has been blessed with 1,000 horsepower from a Hellcat HEMI. After porting the supercharger and heads, the transmission & transfer case are upgraded and bolted to new driveshafts. Browse Jeep Gladiator For Sale Due to the time & unique parts required, only 24 examples will be offered. Fully loaded for $225,000, it includes a new Jeep Gladiator with a laundry list of upgrades. You can always find a great deal on a new Jeep from our dealers, and Hennessey Performance will be glad to make your dreams come true. Click the button above to find a Gladiator near you, because Maximus is ready for battle! " width="680"> Related: Hennessey Performance Unveils Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator Sultan of Brunei Car Collection is at 7,000 cars & growing

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2019

Hellcat Swapped Jeep Gladiator by DragTimes

Our friend Brooks at DragTimes somehow has access to the fastest cars and trucks in the Southeast. In addition to his own collection, his team seeks out the wildest builds and allows us to see them in action. Their latest blog post caught us off-guard, but we knew it was inevitable. So without further adieu, here is a Hellcat Swapped Jeep Gladiator by DragTimes. The owner wanted all the best parts, so it started with LED cubes, rock lights, and scanning turn signals by RECON. Add four 22" Hostile wheels and 37"x 13" Mickey Thompsons for a menacing look. The only way they would fit is with the MOPAR 2.5" lift kit. While this would be a perfectly acceptable daily driver, why not ditch the V6 for the raging heart of the Hellcat. Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat Specs, Price, Photos & Review Because this supercharged 6.2 liter makes over 750 horsepower, the body had to come off to perform the surgery. Upgrades to the cooling system included adding the heat exchanger for the blower, and insulation from the exhaust along the firewall. Was it all worth it? Swapping a Hellcat Hemi into anything is a recipe for success. So check out the action in the video below, and click the like to find an SRT Challenger Hellcat near you. Browse Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats for sale Related: DragTimes Races Ford GT vs Dodge Demon in the 1/2 Mile Dragtimes: Ford GT 2005 or 2018?

By Andrew Nabors – May 30, 2019

Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the Ultimate Jeep Gladiator

Before the new Jeep Wrangler was unveiled, they teased us with interesting specs. One of the most intriguing was that the engine bay is large enough to fit a HEMI V8. This makes sense to offer room for all possible engines, but rumors were quickly squashed by the overlords at Fiat-Chrysler. The notion of a V8 Jeep Wrangler was too scary for their legal team, as it would be incredibly overpowered. That's why our friend John Hennessey stepped up to the challenge. After almost a year in development, the Hennessey Maximus 1000 is the ultimate Jeep Gladiator for sale. Inspired by Russel Crowe's character from the film Gladiator, the name is appropriate. The Jeep Gladiator combines the praticality of a 4-door with the utility of a truck bed. From the factory it is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6. It is ironic that this engine is older than the Roman empire, and it is built by an Italian owned company. That is why Hennessey Performance starts by sending the V6 to the scrap pile. In its place goes a 1,000 horsepower Hellcat HEMI. It sends 933 lb-ft of torque to an upgraged 8-speed automatic. The Maximus front and rear bumpers are powder coated for long life, and they have integrated LED lights. BFG offroad tires are mounted on Hennessey 20" wheels, and they are bolted to a 6" suspension lift. A new fuel system, cooling system, radiator, fans, and stainless exhaust complete the package. Only 24 examples will be built, and each will be backed by a 3 year/36k warranty. The retail price of $200,000 includes the new Jeep shipped from the factory to Hennessey Headquarters in Sealy, TX. It also includes an interior of your choice and several other pleasantries. Click the link below for all the info and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Click Here to learn more Related: 1,000 HP Hennessey Corvette ZR1 vs Dodge Demon Would You Drive a Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster?

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2019

Fab Fours First Jeep Gladiator Heading to Daytona Jeep Beach

The Jeep Gladiator has only been in production for a few days, and one of them is not like the others. You need to head south this weekend because our friends at Fab Fours have a Jeep Gladiator heading to Daytona Jeep Beach. After taking delivery at the factory, they drove through the night to get home. Once they arrived at Fab Four Headquarters, a team was ready to transform it. First up was their fabricated plate steel bumper. It has several integrated LEDs along with a Warn winch. One crew dispensed with the factory wheels and tires to instal Grid GD3s wrapped in General Grabbers. The other guys made sure the doors were safely stored for the weekend. In their place are Fab Four's tubular steel units. They provide great ventilation and they are much lighter than the factory pieces. Once it was loaded with show supplies, they hit the road for Daytona. Jeep Week 2019 is shaping up to be a massive event, so stop by Booth I5 to see this one along with a gorgeous Super Duty. We might see you there, so stay with us for all your Fab Fours updates. https://www.facebook.com/fabfours/videos/2304641232962604/

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2018

Hennessey Jeep Runs 0-60 in Under 3 Seconds...What?

Hennessey Performance's upgrades for the Jeep Trackhawk are enough to turn the car into a Super SUV capable of hypercar-like acceleration. After their upgrades to the car, including a new 4.5-liter supercharger system, headers, high-flow fuel injectors and a lot more, the HPE1000 Trackhawk creates 1,012 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque.Hennessey Sets New Dodge Demon Record Quarter-Mile TimeWith that much power at the ready, how fast can the HPE1000 Trackhawk go? Hennessey Performance recently tested the SUV's capabilities and recorded the sprint for their YouTube channel. In the video, found below, we see the modified Trackhawk attempt a 1/4-mile run. The results? How about a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds and a 1/4-mile time of 10.7 seconds @ 132 mph. That kind of acceleration puts it into the same range as the new Acura NSX, Ferrari F12tdf, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren 650S and Porsche 911 Turbo S. All of those are supercars, while this Trackhawk has room for a family and four doors. Impressive? You bet.

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