Lexus

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 – January 05, 2021

2021 Lexus IS Explores Owners' Obsessions

When considering their target audience, " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> does not make assumptions. Thanks to understanding the lifestyle and culture of their customers, the 2021 Lexus IS explores owners' obsessions. 2021 Lexus IS Offers More Safety & Improved Handling Their latest press release gives context to a series of YouTube uploads. They define an obsession in terms we are familiar with. Dynamic personalities like influencers, "sneakerheads", fashionistas, audiophiles, and travel bloggers like to enjoy a car that remains at the crossroads of style and luxury. The IS series has nice upgrades this year, so allow our dealers to find one for you and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) Toyota USA

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2020

Lexus LFA 10th Anniversary Paper Models Make A Great Stoc...

This month marks a decade since the delivery of the first cars, so that's why the Lexus LFA 10th anniversary paper models make a great stocking stuffer. A supercar nearly 10 years in development showed the world what Toyota is capable of. The machines and processes needed to form the carbon fiber body didn't exist, so they were just a few of the patents and innovations the LFA left in its wake. Lexus LFA Price, Specs, Photos & Review Only 500 examples were built for the world, so if you missed the opportunity they are offering a second chance. These templates will allow you to build your LFA from paper and glue, as a perfect holiday activity while social distancing. Available in white, orange, blue, the Gazoo Racing LFA livery is a nice bonus. If you want the real thing, click the button below and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus LFA For Sale Images (C) Lexus (GB) PLC

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

2021 Lexus LS Receives Suspension & Performance Updates

No matter how much testing is done, automakers often make a few changes after the first model year. Such is the case with the largest Japanese sedan offered in the U.S. While last year saw the debut of the 5th Generation, the 2021 Lexus LS has received suspension and performance updates. Their latest press release starts with a more comfortable ride. Realizing how strong the chassis is in real-life situations, engineers have dialed back the spring and shock firmness. This had an added bonus of killing more road noise before it reaches the interior. The LS 500 is rated at 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque thanks to twin turbos on a 3.5-liter V6. Unfortunately, the 10-speed automatic was shifting early to preserve the silky-smooth nature their customers demand. To access such chunky torque, the shift points and part-throttle mapping is all new. Larger wastegates hold boost longer in any situation, and even the pistons were revised for smoother running in cold climates and decreased pollution from the exhaust. The LS has been a benchmark for luxury since 1989, so click the button below to learn why. Stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus LS For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2020

New Lexus LC 500 "Aviation" Edition Launches in Japan

The new Lexus LC 500 "Aviation" is landing in Japan as a special edition model inspired by flight. Like just about everything that flies, this new LC has a wing of its own that was completed by some of the craftsmen behind the legendary LFA supercar. The design of this rear wing brings the edges over the sides of the car which aid in the aerodynamic's of the car and the pursuit of added downforce. As for its constructed, its comprised of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Other touches include the Alcantara interior trim, special "Aviation" badging, aluminum 5-spoke wheels, and more. Customers will be able to order the LC Aviation edition in either white Nova glass flakes, sonic silver, and black. As mentioned before, this edition has been slated for a Japanese release with no word of it coming to North America. See All Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Lexus J201 Concept To Debut At Rebelle Rally

Overlanding has been a part of 4WD culture since surplus Jeeps came home from the war. The Jeep also spurred Toyota to build the FJ, which has evolved into the 2021 Land Cruiser and its luxury cousin at Lexus. The LX570 and the Land Cruiser ride on a shared chassis known as J201. Last refreshed in 2015, its time for something new. That's why the Lexus J201 concept will debut at the Rebelle Rally. This annual off-road challenges teams of ladies from around the world to compete in factory-backed equipment. The 10-day rally starts on October 8th, and defending champions Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley will have the ultimate luxury ride. The concept embodies "omotenashi" which is a Japanese practice of hospitality by learning the culture of your guest and anticipating their every need. In that manner, the J201 anticipates every adverse condition thanks to 550 supercharged horsepower. " width="680"> Along for the ride are the usual Overlanding upgrades like a tuned lift kit, 35" General Grabber tires, jerry cans, rock sliders, fabricated bumpers and a Warn winch. The upper control arms were custom made for long travel, and the snorkel will keep them dry with no need for a bridge. Hopefully a few of these parts make it to production, so we wish Team Lexus the best of luck. Stay with us for all your Lexus news and a full recap of Rebelle Rally 2020. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 30, 2020

2021 Lexus UX Black Line Combines Stylish Upgrades With H...

Small SUVs often sacrifice good looks for practicality. Numb handling and mediocre mileage are also common attributes, but this one breaks the mold. That's because the 2021 Lexus UX Black Line combines stylish upgrades with hybrid power. Lexus Announces the 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition Limited to 1,000 examples, it is the combination of their customer's most requested options along with fancy extras to sweeten the experience. First off, you can only order it in Pearl White, Caviar, or Grecian Water. Color-matched fender flares are accented by unique 18" black wheels. The headlights, mirrors, and roof rack are also blacked out for an impressive appearance. Inside, your choice of interiors is limited to Black or Birch NuLuxe seats with blue contrasts. Each example will arrive fully loaded with heated steering wheels, powered rear hatch, wireless charging, and parking assist. As with their other Black Line models, Lexus has commissioned a 2-piece luggage set from Zero Halliburton. The 22" carry-on and 26" continental cases are laser etched and lined in their best materials. Deliveries are slated to begin this spring, so click the button to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Find Your Lexus Dealer

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2020

Lexus Announces the 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition

Lexus has just announced a new limited edition of the 2021 RC F that's inspired by a very special circuit. Named the 2021 RC F Fuji Speed Edition, this new sports car has an appearance that was inspired by GT3 racecars. Powering this limited-edition RC F is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 472 horsepower. Matched with that power are upgrades that give the car a more dramatic appearance and added performance. These upgrades include the Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust, carbon fiber aerodynamic components and more. Each example can be finished in either Arctic Blast Sating or Cloudburst Gray. Inside is a cabin with Circuit Red leather-timed seats, Alcantara accents and red carbon fiber touches. Only 60 examples of the 2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition will be created. Each purchase will also include a limited MSTR automatic watch that's inspired by the RC F Fuji Speed Edition car. Be sure to contact your local Lexus dealer for more information. Learn More About the RC F

By Andrew Nabors – August 03, 2020

Lexus LC 500 Convertible #001 Delivered to Barrett-Jackso...

Earlier this year in Scottsdale, the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction waived all fees for a great cause. It was there that a winning bid of $2 Million dollars reserved the first production Lexus LC 500 Convertible. With the entire sum going to charity, the winning bidder was allowed to spec the car after the prototype rolled across the auction block. Browse Lexus LC 500 For Sale The wait was worth it, because the first production example was delivered today. Uploaded to their social media accounts, the new owner looks elated with his new ride. Only 100 Inspiration Series cars will be built, and this one has several references to being the first. The door sill plates are engraved with "LC Inspiration Series Launch Exclusive 1 of 1", and it arrives with unique carbon fiber accents. " width="680"> A matching set of luggage was provided by Zero Halliburton, and the 4-layer soft top allows the cockpit to be incredibly quiet. Under the hood is their venerable 5-liter V8 that offers 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed transmission shifts without you noticing, and that is just one of the reasons why the LC 500 is the flagship of the brand. It is also our cover car this month, so click the button below to learn more. Discover The Cover: August 2020

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2020

2021 Lexus NX 300 Series Updates

Last week we told you about the 2021 NX Hybrid F Sport and how it has received the Black Line Package. For those of us who don't need to be sporty, Lexus has unveile a series of updates for the NX 300 and NX300H Hybrid models. Starting with more standard features, each model will arrive with Blind Spot Monitors and Cross Traffic Alert. The wipers and arms are a new design to improve aerodynamics and cut down wind noise. The HomeLink system has been integrated into Navigation, and the auto folding mirrors are also standard equipment. Lexus LFA Price, Specs, Photos & Review The optional Mark Levinson audio system sends more power to 14 speakers. The NX 300 continues to offer 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid adds an electric motor generator to offer 33 mpg in the city with the ability to cruise on battery power under 25 mph. Each example is AWD, with an electric motor/generator as the rear axle. Other than that, Blue Vortex Metallic has been deleted, and Nori Green Pearl is the new premium color. Click the button below for great incentives from our dealer and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2020

2021 Lexus NX Hybrid F Sport Unveiled With Black Line Pac...

Given how 2020 has gone so far, many new car shoppers are opting for dark accents instead of chrome. Lexus keeps their fingers on the pulse of the American luxury market, so they have unveiled the 2021 NX F Sport with hybrid power and the optional Black Line package. This is the first NX to offer a hybrid system, and it will be badged as the NX 300h F SPORT Black Line. Discover the Cover – August 2020: Lexus LC Convertible The special edition will debut in three colors: Grecian Water, Ultra White, and Obsidian. The 18" black chrome "Dark Sputter" wheels are a perfect match for the color-matched fender flares. The interior is awash in blue contrasts for the soft touch surfaces. The safety systems have gained a low-light pedestrian sensor and a bicycle alert warning. Park Assist and Power Tailgate are still optional, but we suppose dealers won't leave them out when ordering. Perhaps the most attractive standard equipment is 2-piece luggage set by Zero Halliburton. "The Edge Lightweight Collection for Lexus" is comprised of a 22" Continental Carry-on and a 26" Medium Travel Case. The chrome logos are laser etched, and both are lined in their softest material to protect your valuables. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus NX For Sale

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