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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 – December 10, 2019

The Lexus LC: Adrenaline as an Art Form

Presented by Lexus - The Lexus LC is more than a world-class luxury coupe, it's a feeling. Visceral performance is made possible by the refined powertrain and proven chassis. An exquisite cabin with a driver-centric cockpit, replete with new features and technology, provides the driver with the quintessential atmosphere for an exhilarating yet comfortable drive. There are multiple styles within the Lexus LC Line, including the LC 500 and LC 500h. The LC 500 features a naturally aspirated engine that provides a thundering exhaust note that perfectly expresses the 471 horsepower¹ output of the powertrain. The Lexus Multistage Hybrid Drive, a breakthrough innovation, is the star of the LC 500h; its multistage transmission delivers instant torque. Regardless of which model you choose, each Lexus LC represents automotive excellence. During the design process, Lexus ensured the LC would provide the driver with the perfect amount of exhilaration. This was accomplished in many ways, but it's most apparent through the Drive Mode Select feature. Inspired by the LFA supercar, Drive Mode Select allows the driver to choose how the LC will act. The modes can alter the powertrain for more dynamic throttle response, modify the Adaptive Variable Suspension and more. For the most exhilarating driving experience, there is the Sport S+ mode. There is also the Comfort mode, a perfect choice for daily driving. And Custom mode allows for a more personalized experience. A drive in a luxury coupe would not be complete without an abundance of comfort, which all of the Lexus LC models possess. Standard heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats are the perfect complement to any climate. Wrapping these seats are hand-selected, hand-stitched materials for the utmost definition of luxury and comfort. No detail was overlooked when it came to designing the cabin of the Lexus LC. With power and elegance, the Lexus LC 500 is a true testament to the automaker's ability to create a luxury automobile. Those looking for a thrilling drive from a versatile luxury coupe should look toward the beauty of the Lexus LC 500. DISCOVER THE LEXUS LC 500 Presented by Lexus We are an automotive company that takes inspired design, relentless innovation and uninhibited performance and turns them into passionate, moving experiences. But, that’s only part of our DNA. We’re equally dedicated to offering exceptional customer experiences. And in doing so, creating loyalty throughout the world—not just with the people who buy our vehicles, but the people in the communities around us. Yes, our unique contributions have moved the entire automotive industry forward. But, we never forget about giving back. That’s why we strive to empower people’s lives, help to preserve the environment and donate to numerous causes. These are the things that matter to us—the things that drive us every day. 1. Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.

By Caitlin Duffy – October 09, 2015

2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring With Only 40 Miles at Canada's...

The Lexus LFA Nürburgring is, without a doubt, one of the rarest supercars to date. With just 50 built for the global market, they bring new meaning to the word 'exclusive,' and having the last new Nürburgring LFA in the world is not just rare - it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.This particular LFA holds chassis #367 and is finished in Race Yellow over a Carbon and Black Alcantara interior with yellow stitching. The LFA is a representation of the perfectly engineered sports car, and even Jeremy Clarkson has repeatedly stated it is one of the best cars he has ever driven. Quite an endorsement from a man who has driven practically every supercar for sale on the market.Lexus LFA For SaleOpenRoad Lexus was lucky enough to find the last new untitled LFA Nürburgring from their friends at Servco Lexus Hawaii. They kept this vehicle new and untouched, wrapped in protective plastic since it had been received.It arrived with just 30 documented miles on it from the factory and a further 10 miles were put on the vehicle moving it to and from exotic car shows over the past three years. It was delivered to OpenRoad on its numbered LFA cradle just as it left the LFA works, and should a buyer be international, it will be delivered it to them as such.The vehicle was titled when it was imported to Canada, but its warranty did not go into effect until Aug. 3, 2015. This means that a comprehensive warranty is in effect until Aug. 3, 2019 or 80,000 km (approx. 50,000 miles) and the powertrain warranty lasts until Aug. 3, 2021 or 100,000 km (approx. 60,000 miles).Of course, the real draw sits under the hood. A 4.8-liter V10 creates 563 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, bringing its next owner the same power that brought the LFA race vehicles to 181 mph during the 24 Hours Nürburgring race. It's 1 of just 50 LFAs to feature this package, 1 of 15 to feature this color and 1 of 2 in Canada. It's currently offered for just $599,000 USD.Take a closer look at this once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity in the gallery below, then hit the button to learn how it can become yours.Buy NowGallery Photos by Kevin Uy, KevinUy.caArticle sponsored and provided by:

By Caitlin Duffy – July 28, 2015

Matte Grey Custom 2015 Lexus RC F at Lexus Tampa Bay

Currently available at Lexus of Tampa Bay is a 2015 RC F unlike most others.A flawless vinyl wrap covers this RC F in a stunning matte charcoal. Red Brembo brakes and 20" gloss black Vossen CV4 wheels shod in Michelin tires catch your eye as the centerpiece of color - until you pop the hood. A metallic blue almost glows from the engine cover, and RSR Lowering Springs bring the entire package that much closer to the ground.The same blue appears in a delicate detail as contrast stitching on black leather seats. White stitches sit next to the blue, with the lines of each color drawing your eye to carbon fiber finishes on the doors and in the center console. The F Sport trim is out in full force, with the iconic "F" embossed on the headrests and floor mats.Performance comes from at 5.0-liter V8, capable of creating a total of 467 hp and 389 lb-ft. And all that power is available at the push of a button - or, rather, the push-button ignition.Check out the gallery below to get a better look at this stunning RC F, and hit the button to see its price and full details.Buy NowGallery Sponsored See More Dealer News

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