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 – April 23, 2020

Lexus Unveils 2021 GS 350 F SPORT Black Line

Just when we thought their best car could not be improved, they did it again. Pulling out all the stops to build the perfect blend of luxury and performance, Lexus has unveiled the 2021 GS 350 F SPORT Black Line. This stunning sedan is limited to 200 examples, available in rear, or all wheel drive. Offered in Caviar or Ultra White, the interior is awash in 2-tone leather and carbon fiber. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time The grille, wheels, mirrors, and unique rear spoiler are gloss black. Each car will also arrive with a 2-piece luggage set by Zero Halliburton. The Edge Lightweight Collection for Lexus incorporates styling elements of the car along with embossed logos. The 22" Continental Carry-On and a 26" Travel Case are both finished in gloss black. Pricing will be announced when production begins later in the Summer, so until then stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2020

Lexus LFA Screams to 9,000 RPM on the Dyno

Akio Toyoda told his engineers that cost was not an object when developing the LFA. Given a decade of development and countless millions of dollars, the company lost money on each of the 500 cars. Nevertheless, there are those among us (including Yours Truly) who can't leave a car in its original form. That is why the team at EKanooRacing wanted to see what their LFA was capable of before any modifications. This Lexus LFA screams to 9,500 rpm on the dyno, making 531 WHP & 370 lb-ft of torque. Lexus LFA Price, Specs, Photos & Review Since 4th gear in the LFA is 1.23:1, these numbers are lower than what the engine actually sends to the rear tires. Yamaha designed the LFA's V10 to have a perfect harmonic balance from idle to 10,000 rpm, so nothing like it will ever be built again. To experience the true power and refinement of the LFA, click the link below to find one for yourself. Browse Lexus LFA For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

2021 Lexus LC 500 Offers More Comfort & Capabilities

Every other luxury automaker would be wise to take notice of this. You don't need to wait for a new model to improve the ones you have. While most brands withold upgrades for years, Lexus never stops innovating. That is why the 2021 Lexus LC 500 offers more comfort and capabilities. Starting with the most obvious, Flare Red leather has replaced the darker Rioja Red. Once you are seated, you will notice a new operating system for the infotainment. It is much faster and now supports Android Auto. Moving outside we see new 20" forged wheels in Dark Graphite. They are much lighter than last year, offering a combine loss of 22 lbs in un-sprung weight. While a dozen pounds of interior or exterior wont make much difference, even an ounce removed from the whee/tire/hub assembly adds incredible comfort. Now that the suspension has less weight to deal with, the shocks and springs were softened. Not only will this make it more capable in the corners, it will offer a much smoother ride. This wasn't good enough for them. Digging deaper, they increased the diameter of the rear sway bar to allow easier turn-in and increased grip in the corners. While this would have been fine with us, Active Cornering Assist was programmed into the revised suspension parameters. Now with a completely new ride, the transmission has been re-mapped to hold gears longer when you get aggressive. While it might look the same, the 2021 LC 500 does not compare to its predecessor. Click the button below to find out why and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Lexus LC 500 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2020

Mini Lexus Made for a Special Driver

Lexus and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation have both teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle for one special driver. The driver and owner of the car is Finley Smallwood, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. “At Lexus, our core design philosophy has always been human-centric,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus group vice president, product planning & strategy. “We create vehicles around the art and science of human needs. In this case, we wanted to push the envelope and explore what that might mean for a child with cerebral palsy who hasn’t been able to experience the joy of mobility like other children have.” The ride-on vehicle was designed with modifications that make Finley's cruises in the Lexus possibly. For instance, she can't sit for a long period of time, so they added extra padding. Lexus also added an adjustable headrest, five-point harness, increased door size and lowered ground clearance. And because children with Cerebral Palsy may struggle with having enough strength to turn a wheel, an armrest joystick was added for steering. These modifications allow her drives to be safer and easier. “Oh, and we painted the body of the car purple,” noted Ericksen. “Because that’s Finley’s favorite color.”

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2020

Paris Hilton's 2012 Lexus LFA For Sale

Celebrity car enthusiasts fall into 2 groups: those who buy the latest supercar as a status symbol, and those who buy them to add to their collection. As the heiress to the Hilton empire, Paris can afford anything she wants. As such, she chose one of the best cars of all time. If you are in the market for a Lexus LFA, their prices have been steadily rising. Nothing like this car will ever happen again, so it will stand as a testament to Akio Toyoda's demand for perfection. Only 497 cars were built, and this is #108. Ordered in white with a blue interior, you will never see another example in this spec. It was a shining star of our display at the 2016 Tampa Auto Show, and I was privileged to drive it to and from the show. This car is flawless inside and out, and as docile as a kitten in traffic. The paparazzi only spotter her driving it twice, so it is still in showroom condition. Marshall Goldman only invests in cars that appreciate in value, and they own everything in their inventory. This is not a consignment, it is an opportunity that should not be overlooked. Click the button below for all the details, and stay with us for more great celebrity cars for sale. View Price & Details All Images (C) Marshall Goldman Motor Sales

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2020

2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring For Sale

Sakichi Toyoda was born in 1867 to a poor family. Japan was in upheaval as the Shoguns slowly acquiesced to the new Emperor. Looking for a way to provide for his family, he used carpentry skills to build complex looms. Patenting Japan's first hand-loom in 1891, he was only 24 years old. Weaving delicate tapestries for wealthy patrons, his machines became popular around the empire. Sakichi Toyoda Fast-forward 140 years and his Great-Grandson accomplished the same task. Needing a stronger material for his supercar, Akio Toyoda and his team at Lexus invented the circular carbon fiber loom. Sure, you could build a car out of normal carbon fiber, but what if the final shape could be woven into the material? " width="680"> After patenting and building a 3D carbon fiber loom, it allowed the Lexus LFA Nurburgring to have a chassis that is still orders of magnitude stronger than any current production car. Armed with a capable monocoque, Yamaha was brought on board to build an engine unlike any other. Because every Yamaha product is tuned like a musical instrument, the 4.8L V10 can scream from idle to 9,000 rpm in 0.6 seconds. Titanium internals and a 72-degree firing order produce the smoothest V10 of all time, with Toyota engineers calling it the "roar of an angel" Each cylinder has its own throttle body, fed by a variable-length manifold. At the flywheel, the carbon fiber torque tube is geared to spin faster than engine rpm. Not only does it act as energy storage, it removes any harmonics associated with all rear-mounted transmissions. A six-speed single-clutch sequential is the only transmission offered. Lexus LFA Price, Specs, Photos & Review After racing around the world, they decided to build the final 50 cars to be capable of attacking the Green Hell. The Nurburgring Edition cars offered 563 horsepower at 8,100 rpm, and 354 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. A massive carbon spoiler replaced the active rear wing. The transmission was recalibrated to shift 0.05s faster, and dive planes were added to the front end. " width="680"> With Akira Lida at the wheel, a 2011 prototype ran a blistering 7:14.64 on stock Bridgestone Potenza rubber. It was 10 seconds faster than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, being clocked at 185 going uphill. Over a decade of design and development led to Lexus offering one of the fastest production cars of all time. No turbos, no hybrid assist, just innovation and attention to the smallest detail. Nothing like this will happen again in our lifetimes, so don't miss this opportunity. Our friends at Pagani Beverly Hills are offering this one with delivery miles only. It is the first Nurburgring Edition to be priced under $1 Million, so call them before I do! View Price & Details Images and videos (C) Toyota USA and Pagani of Beverly Hills

By Edward Jones – January 17, 2020

Lexus Has Created New Moon Rovers Concepts For the Future

Humans are destined to adventure into the unknown and explore the stars, meaning we have to figure out a way to traverse the treacherous planets discovered. For that, Lexus has unveiled a new group of concept vehicles meant for moon travel. These seven concepts are were created by ED2, the European Advanced Design Studio for Toyota, and Lexus. They ended up with seven different designs created by five different designers. They can be found below. SEE ALL LEXUS FOR SALE ”When Document Journal approached us about the Lunar Design Portfolio, our team was working on the LF-30 Concept, which represents the “Lexus Electrified” futuristic vision for Lexus. The design team was already looking beyond near-term production and ahead to how advanced technology will change the way we interact with vehicles,” said Ian Cartabiano, President of ED2. Zero Gravity, by Karl Dujardin Lexus Cosmos, by Jean-Baptiste Henry Bouncing Moon Roller, by Julien Marie Lexus Lunar Cruisar, by Keisuke Matsuno Lexus Lunar Mission, by Yung Presciutti Lexus Moon Racer, by Yung Presciutti Lexus Lunar, by Yung Presciutti

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2020

First 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Heading to Barrett-Ja...

We were teased with a drop-top last year, and now it has arrived in Arizona. Based on the "Structural Blue" Inspiration Series, the first 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible is heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Our crew is already building our display, so we will have detailed photos of this car later this week. VIN 100001 is 1 of 1 thanks to carbon fiber door sills, forged 21" wheels and "Liquid Platinum" trim. 100% of the Hammer Price will be donated to the Buys & Girls Club along with the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Also included is a custom set of hard case luggage by Zero Halliburton. The winning bidder will also receive a 3-night stay with a round of golf at Pebble Beach. Then it is off to driver training with Brand Ambassador Scott Pruett. It is anticipated to roll across the auction block at 4:30 Mountain Time on Friday. In the meantime, stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates. Browse All Lexus For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Unveiled in L.A.

This time next year, you could be cruising top-down while staying warm & comfortable. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible was unveiled in L.A., and it has everything you could ask for in a drop-top. Starting with a reinforced chassis, engineers made sure to optimize the weight distribution to match the coupe. Reinforcements were made to steering and suspension mounting points, even including a die-cast rear suspension cradle. Lexus LFA: Why to Buy The 4-layer cloth top mimics the lines of the coupe, and it disappears in 15 seconds (up to 31 mph). An active Climate Concierge surrounds you with warmth or cooling from the seats, neck, dash & floor vents. With a full tank, the LC Convertible tips the scales at over 4,500 lbs, but the cloth top allows for a lower center of gravity than the coupe. Under the hood is their bulletproof 5.0L V8 offering 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is the 10-speed automatic. Browse All Lexus LC For Sale Pricing was not mentioned in the release, but we imagine it won't be much more than a Lexus LC 500 Coupe for sale. Click the button above as our dealers have all the info, and stay with us for all your Lexus news. " width="680"> Related: 2020 Lexus LC 500 World-Class Luxury Coupe

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