Karma

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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 27, 2022

Pitbull's "Mr. 305 Edition" Karma GS-6 to be Auctioned by...

From the 305 to Scottsdale, the Barrett-Jackson auction is about to get electrified. As if Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction isn’t exciting enough, it’s getting some help from Karma Broward, Karma Palm Beach, and a very special and very famous guest who knows how to turn just about anything into a party. Pitbull and his personalized “Mr. 305 Edition” Karma GS-6 Electric Vehicle will be crossing the block, and the proceeds from the sale of the car will benefit the Selfless Love Foundation, as well as the SLAM! Foundation. MUST READ: Karma Broward Automobile Dealership Launches Latest Models of Luxury Electric Vehicles The car features a modern and timeless black color scheme, with custom “Mr. 305” badging on the sides, and an all-black interior to match. Also in the interior are inspirational quotes placed onto the dashboard, reminding the driver of the importance of courage and persistence. The car will be auctioned Saturday, January 29, and whoever the car ends up going to, we have no doubt that the bidding will be electrifying.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 06, 2021

Pitbull and Barrett-Jackson to Auction a 2022 Karma GS-6 ...

Mr. Worldwide is turning things up at Barrett-Jackson’s 50th Anniversary Collection Auction. The auction block at WestWorld of Scottsdale is about to get a visit from the 305. That’s because Barrett-Jackson is bringing a very special guest to their 50th Anniversary Collection Auction, and that guest is Grammy winner Pitbull. He’s not coming alone, either. To benefit the SLAM Foundation as well as the Selfless Love Foundation, Pitbull is helping auction off a 2022 Karma GS-6 that Karma has donated to the auction. The car is a custom “305 Edition,” and features 550 horsepower, 536 lb/ft of torque, and a 360-mile electric range. With its incredible performance and luxury, and the blessing of an icon like Pitbull, the Barrett-Jackson 50th Anniversary Collection Auction is sure to be even more exciting than we already thought. View Barrett-Jackson Inventory

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2021

Karma Automotive Becomes Las Vegas Raiders' Official Luxu...

Karma Automotive is the newest Las Vegas Raiders roster addition. The Las Vegas raiders' first game of the 2021-22 football season has happened and it was an exciting win against the Baltimore Ravens. For some fans, they were able to enjoy the victory from the comfort of the lavish Karma Auto Lounge. This lounge was made as part of Karma being named the “Official Luxury Vehicle of the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium.” As part of this partnership, Karma will be sponsoring multiple experiences and events, giving Raiders fans the chance to experience Karma Automotive firsthand. The new Karma Auto Lounge will now be found adjacent to the Owner's Suite on the club level and Karma-branded charging stations will be found in the parking area. “As one of the most prestigious franchises in not just all of professional football, but the world, the Raiders and Allegiant Stadium are an ideal partner for Karma,” said Karma Automotive CEO Dr. Lance Zhou. “The loyalty and devotion exhibited by the team’s die-hard fans is reminiscent of the excitement we receive from Karma enthusiasts.” See All Karmas For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CTxvOiOPqbS/ Source: Karma Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Karma GS-6 Arrives Fully Loaded For Less Money

How could an independent American automaker challenge the big three? We don't know how the Karma GS-6 arrives fully loaded for less money than any competitor. Their latest Plug-In Hybrid incorporates more tech and safety than the Revero GT ever could. By making the most popular options as standard equipment, the assembly process was streamlined. Starting at just under $80,000, you will have eight airbags, lane-keeping 360-degree cameras, cross-traffic, parking assist, and the latest in connectivity. A 28 kW battery works with a 1.5-liter generator to offer 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Three modes of regenerative braking keep the system charged. Capable of 80 miles on battery alone, a full tank will take you 360 miles in style. The operating system is constantly enhanced from the factory thanks to updates over the air, and you will have a 4-year warranty at your back. Defy the status quo and you will be impressed. Shop Karma For Sale Images (C) Karma Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

2022 Karma GS-6 Arrives With More Power And Safety

Sitting still is not an option for electric and hybrid automakers. The new 2022 Karma GS-6 will arrive with more power and safety systems to keep it ahead of the competition. This new flagship heralds a lineup of GS-6 cars making use of a 1.5-liter turbo three cylinder and a 28 kW battery. You will have 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft torque with a total range of 360 miles. Combining all the popular safety features, a new Human-Machine interface allows you to monitor the three driving modes. Autonomous lane keeping, automatic braking, 3D surround cameras and adaptive curving headlights are now standard equipment, and they will also carry over to the all-electric GSe-6 later this year. With prices starting at $79,990 you will have bold styling along with luxuries not offered anywhere else. Browse Karma For Sale Image (C) Karma Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2020

Karma Automotive Announces First All-Electric Car

While hybrids can offer the best of both worlds, Karma Automotive has announced their first all-electric car. In a press release last night we learned it will be the flagship of their new GS series of practical and stylish sedans. We had a Revero in the musuem for a year, and the turbocharged Chevrolet engine never failed to send incredible amperage to the electric motors. Browse Karma For Sale Karma stays on the cutting edge of technology, so its time to retire the gas engine. Their new GS series will use styling from the Revero along with the latest in battery tech. "We are pleased to announce that Karma will now offer our first all-electric vehicle next year as part of the GS series,” said Dr. Lance Zhou, Karma’s CEO. “Cost reductions in the BOM, streamlining our supply chain and standardized production methods also allowed for a new, more attainable pricing structure for the GS lineup allowing for higher market penetration, opening up the market to a larger group of entry level luxury buyers.”

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