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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 Gabriel Vega – October 25, 2021

2021 Lexus LX570 Review: A Legend For A Reason

Development of the current-gen 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser and subsequently the Lexus LX570 began all the way back in 2002. When the pair broke cover in 2007, they illustrated the arrival of two of the most robust off-roading SUVs money could buy. From 2007 to 2021, the Lexus LX570 underwent massive changes, giving the off-roader a sleeker look while retaining its original architecture and powertrain. The exact model I've been testing is the 2021 Lexus LX570 finished in a strikingly beautiful shade of Nori Green Pearl over a light tan interior with dark brown wood throughout. While this SUV starts at $91,930, my tester came in a hair over $100,000 as tested. While that price tag is nothing to scoff at, it's clear why the LX570 is a legend within its segment. A Continuously Refreshed Face As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Lexus LX570 is by no means the new kid on the block. However, that isn't to say that it's carried the same face throughout its 14-year run. In fact, the current generation sports its fourth major refresh. This latest iteration adopts the sizeable front grille design we've seen across the entire Lexus model range. Given the size of this SUV, its in-your-face design language works well. It only takes one glance at the Lexus LX570 to know that it's a very expensive machine. While its Land Cruiser sibling sports a rounder design overall, the LX is chiseled. Add in that aforementioned sparkly green paint with chrome touches, and you've got an SUV that, while not overly modern, manages to retain a classy aesthetic. Thanks to these updates, this 14-year-old SUV doesn't stick out as an old-timer on the road. While the next-gen 2022 LX600 builds on this design, it isn't revolutionary. As a result, opting for a current-gen LX570 won't leave you feeling like you're driving an outdated machine. A Massive V8 We'll Miss Dearly While I've been driving the 2021 Lexus LX570, the Japanese carmaker announced its replacement, the all-new 2022 model, which sports some significant changes. The first is an all-new powertrain under the hood. The current generation LX570 houses a naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 developing 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, its replacement is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. While the added power is undoubtedly welcomed, it remains to be seen if the new engine will match the legendary reliability of the current powerplant. Around town, the LX570 behaves like you'd expect a six-figure SUV would. While its eight-speed automatic transmission is far from the quickest shifter, it smoothly manages gear changes, leading to an excellent daily driving experience. In terms of suspension, the LX570's adjustable air suspension smooths bumps on the road, despite its tremendous off-roading prowess. Unfortunately, Florida doesn't have any massive mountains to climb or off-roading parks to challenge the LX570 truly. As a result, I spent all of my time in it commuting around the city. Regardless, it is worth mentioning that the LX570 comes equipped with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with locking differentials, adjustable dampers, and tons of off-roading tech. As a result, the LX570 may be a large luxury SUV, but it can practically go anywhere. A Luxurious Interior With A Solid Build There is no denying that the 2021 Lexus LX570's interior is an excellent place to be. Since most surfaces are covered in either leather or wood, the LX570's cabin certainly feels premium. However, there are some drawbacks. For example, while my tester featured a massive infotainment screen, it lacked compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additionally, you interact with the screen by utilizing Lexus' mouse-style controller, making it difficult to sort through menus while driving accurately. Tech drawbacks aside, the LX570 feels solid. While plenty of the buttons you interact with are made of plastic, they feel as though they'll last a lifetime. Sitting inside of the LX570, you get a sense that it was built to last. At speed, you're shielded from excessive road noise thanks to excellent insulation, which adds to the overall luxurious feel. In terms of space, the LX570 has plenty to offer. While you can have your LX570 with two or three rows of seating, you're looking at 83.1 ft³ of space with all of the seats folded down. As a result, the LX570 makes for a tremendous family-focused adventure vehicle. Is The 2021 Lexus LX570 Worth $100,000? Whether or not the 2021 Lexus LX570 price is worth it or not comes down squarely to how you intend to put it to use. If the goal is to have a sizeable cushy SUV around town, the LX570 is undoubtedly great but not the best in its segment. However, if the goal is to put some of its off-roading chops to good use, the LX570 is seemingly in a lane of its own. While the six-figure price point gets stiff competition from other SUVs such as the Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class, the LX570's proven reliability record gives it some undeniable upsides. Additionally, the Lexus LX570 has historically proven that it will hold its value well over multiple decades. As a result, you pay up to have one, but it's designed to last well past 100,000 miles. If my week with this massive off-roader is anything to go by, I'm looking forward to the future of the LX line. While U.S. buyers won't be able to put a brand-new Land Cruiser on their driveways anytime soon, thankfully, its luxury-oriented sibling seems like it'll stick around for a while. Browse All Lexus For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2021

Lexus Unveils 'Eternals' Vehicle For Each Hero in Upcomin...

Sometimes even superheroes that are actually ancient aliens need a luxurious ride. Hitting theaters on November 5 is Marvel's new Eternals, an exciting movie that's all about a group of Earth's protectors that have been looking over the planet before humanity came into existence. Each of the heroes in the Eternals group has been around for... a long time. Having experienced the rise of man on Earth, they've seen it all and in the upcoming film, they'll be put to the task of defending the planet from the Deviants. Assuming that the movie has a happy ending and they push back the evil forces, they will most certainly be deserving of a luxurious ride. For that, they could choose from the custom-wrapped Lexus vehicles that the automaker has just unveiled. In the collection of custom Eternals cars, each hero from the movie is represented by a vehicle that's wrapped to match them perfectly. The Eternals Lexus' also have a "golden glow" that emanates from the bottom to represent the energy each hero shares in the film. You can check they all out down below. See All Lexus For Sale Source: Lexus

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2021

2022 Lexus LX 600 Revealed, A New and Exquisitely Luxurio...

And the LX Ultra Luxury is the ultimate variant. The new 2022 Lexus LX 600 has just been unveiled as the automaker's flagship SUV that is loaded with luxurious features that make it a serious contender in its segment. For its exterior, the new LX 600 is undeniably a Lexus SUV. Upfront is a massive spindle grille that has become synonymous with the automaker. What you'll also notice is that it's very similar to the new Toyota Land Cruiser, and that's because they're built on the same platform. Unlike the Land Cruiser, however, the LX 600 Ultra Luxury is, as the name suggests, very luxurious. The Ultra Luxury variant features a four-seat arrangement that offers a tremendous amount of space for all passengers. In the rear, the seats can recline up to 48 degrees with the press of a button on the rear control panel. Additionally, the rear passengers can take advantage of the rear seat display found behind the front passenger seat. Other features include sunshades on the side and quarter windows, reading lights, overhead ceiling vents within the Ultra Luxury-exclusive air conditioning system, wireless charging and more. As for the specifications found in the LX 600 no matter the grade (Ultra Luxury or F Sport), those include the Evolved Multi-Terrain Select system, Lexus Interface dual display that includes a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower streen, 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, and more. View All Lexus' For Sale Source: Lexus

Miami Dolphins Lexus Announcement Photo 1

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2021

Miami Dolphins and Lexus Announce New Partnership

Expect to see a lot of Lexus at the Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins and Lexus have just announced a new partnership that includes multi-year naming rights. One of the biggest aspects of this partnership is the fact that Lexus will be the "Official Luxury Vehicle" of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Additionally, current and potential Lexus owners will be able to take advantage of the new Lexus North Sideline Club in the Hard Rock Stadium. In this section, fans will be able to take advantage of the wider, padded seats and air conditioning. Lexus North Sideline Club Members will also receive one complimentary registration to take part in DCC XII (Dolphins Challenge Cancer). The DCC raises funds for life-saving cancer research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This event will be taking place Saturday, February 26, 2022. Lexus' For Sale Source: Lexus

Lexus LFZ gallery1 desktop 1440x811 LEX LFZ CY21 0018 M75

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept Showcases a High Voltage F...

They have laid out an aggressive plan of battery powered luxury Your local dealer will have 10 new hybrid and electric cars to choose from by 2025, and it all starts here. The Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept showcases a high voltage future that blends their unique style with technologies not offered by anyone else. Japanese engineers are never reactionary. Instead of taking inspiration from western products or ideas, they forge a new path to achieve an outcome nobody could have predicted. In order to build the final naturally aspirated supercar, the LF-A was in development for a decade. The result was and is one of the best cars of all time. Just as dynamic as that carbon fiber chassis, the LF-Z is the first electric to mount the battery longitudinally inside the car's backbone. Not only does it center the car's mass low in the body, it also keep the center of rotation (Z-axis) close to the center of the car. This offers incredible handling, but they took it a step even further. DIRECT4 is a new take on AWD, where each motor brakes or applies torque independently. Their common goal is to provide a smooth ride and negate body roll, and they do that at each corner to optimize driving forces. The concept foreshadows technologies and styling we will see starting this year with two new production cars, so tell us your thoughts on the LF-Z Electrified and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale Images (C) Toyota USA

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Meet the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edi...

Only 500 examples will be offered, each with exclusive details Something wild was revealed at Sebring this weekend. Those who enjoy powerful sedans need to realize that sacrificing luxury is a thing of the past. So let's meet the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition. The new color is "incognito" and it is a nice contrast to the 2-tone interior. You will be awash in black & gray Ultrasuede with accents of silver ash wood in all the right places. BBS provides 19" wheels that are 4 lbs lighter than the standard F Sport wheels. Their silky smooth 5-liter remains naturally aspirated to offer 471 horsepower but only 395 lb-ft of torque. In all honesty a smaller V8 with forced induction would bring the car into line with competitors. What sets Lexus apart is the ability to run without issues for several hundred thousand miles. Click the button to learn more and tell us your favorite Lexus stories in the comments below. Shop Lexus Images (C) Toyota

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2021

Madlib Tests the Lexus IS Wax Edition's Built-in Turntable

Madlib and Kaytranada checked out the Lexus IS Wax Edition to see if its built-in turntable is the real deal. Lexus recently created the new IS Wax Edition as a very specific concept car that includes one very specific feature, and that feature is a full-functional turntable. While, at first glance, it may seem like a feat of engineering, you have to consider how prone turntables are to skipping and having one in a moving vehicle is unthinkable. To make it happen, Lexus teamed up with SCPS, a world-renowned fabrication studio out of Los Angeles. They made the record player thanks to 3D printing and modified it with carbon fiber and aluminum. The turntable was then fit into the dashboard where it can be accessed by the passenger. SCPS also incorporated a rotating motor that stabilizes the turntable so it doesn't skip, even on bumpy roads. To see if the Lexus IS Wax Edition does what the automaker says it can do, they took it out for a spin. Watch the video below to see the Lexus IS Wax Edition get tested by Madlib and Kaytranada. Also be sure to check out all of our latest Lexus news, including the new Lexus x RTFKT collab that resulted in a one-of-a-kind sneaker.

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Arrives With V8 Power

Last year we were thrilled to meet the all-new IS 350, and now the 2022 Lexus IS F Sport Performance arrives with V8 power. With the news that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will only offer 4-cylinder engines from here on, its nice to see a 5-liter V8 get a new lease on life. Engineers at their F-Sport Performance division offer 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Despite having every luxury and safety feature, the new IS only weighs 3,891 lbs. This allows it to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds while also averaging 24 mpg. You will have rear suspension tuned by Yamaha, a Torsen locking differential and 14" rotors as standard equipment. Lexus Safety System 2.5+ includes more protection for pedestrians with automatic steering assist, road sign assist, and pre-collision. The big boss watched over every aspect of this car's development, so here's to Akio Toyoda for keeping Lexus at the cutting edge. If you need something more virtual, Lexus and Twitch just created the ultimate gamer car. Lexus For Sale Images (C) Toyota USA

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2021

Lexus and Twitch Just Created the Ultimate Car for Gamers

If you love both the automotive world and gaming, then you have to check out the new Lexus Gamers' IS. This new vehicle came to life after Lexus teamed up with the Twitch community. More specifically, popular streamer 'Fuslie' hosted a livestream and asked his 554,000 views what they'd want in a gaming car. What you see in this article is the culmination of this teamwork. The exterior of this Lexus IS 350 F Sport is wrapped in an "Infiltrate" vinyl wrap that was picked by 48 percent of the viewers. Inside is a "Neon Tokyo" interior that 55 percent of the viewers voted for. That includes the resin "raindrops" that are backlit by programmable RGB LED lights. In the back, behind the rear seats, are LED panels that can actually project programmable content onto the rear window which makes it look like an animated scene. As for gaming, that can be done on the custom computer that features an MSI GeForce GPU and AMD CPU (exact specs weren't given). While this computer is installed in the trunk, it can be played from the passenger's seat which has haptic feedback. In front of the seat is a curved monitor, as well as a retractable keyboard, mouse platform and 3D-printed controller. For drinks, the center console has coffee, a choice picked by 61 percent of viewers. “The Twitch community dives headfirst into their passion of gaming, just as we did in designing the new 2021 Lexus IS as a pure expression of a sports sedan,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president of marketing at Lexus. “We asked for their help designing their dream gaming space, and they answered in spades. Together, we created the ultimate fusion of design and performance in automotive and gaming.”

2021 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series 001 600x283 1

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

2021 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series Celebrates Air Racing

Yoshihide Muroya won the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Championship, and he wanted a unique & sporty luxury coupe. Working with the team that built the Lexus LFA for sale, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series celebrates air racing. 2021 Lexus IS Explores Owners’ Obsessions Limited to 100 examples, each car will arrive with a TORSEN limited-slip differential and a "Yamaha rear performance rod". The masters of music also build unique suspension solutions, and this rod is a tuned mass damper that improves stability during hard cornering. All optional LC content is also included, giving you 13 Mark Levinson speakers with 915 watts of power. All variants of the LC have lost 22 lbs in unsprung weight thanks to forged aluminum control arms, and featherweight 21" wheels. The 5-liter V8 offers 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 run of 4.4 seconds. Their 10-speed automatic allows 25 mpg on the highway, and ample insulation makes it one of the quietest cars on the market. Click the button to find yours. Browse Lexus LC 500 For Sale Also: The Lexus RC F also offers incredible performance Images (C) Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

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