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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 – July 31, 2015

JetSmarter: A Smart Way to Travel in Luxury and Class

If you're looking for a smarter travel option than commercial flights, you should consider private jet services. While pricing is more than a standard commercial flight's, you'll enjoy a blend of luxuries that make the expense worthwhile. You'll worry less about scheduling, get to your destinations faster and, when you work with a service like JetSmarter, you'll enjoy more affordable travel than you might expect.Get Where You Need to FasterPrivate jets offer an excellent way to get where you need to go. Not only do you enjoy upscale private accommodations, but you'll arrive at your destination in less time. Private jets wait for you and leave when you're ready to leave. This means you can schedule your flight around your business schedule, and not the other way around. The level of flexibility offered by private jets, and all of the offerings from JetSmarter in particular, will help you make quick travel decisions and ensure you get the most out of your time - avoid layovers, and stop worrying about bending your schedule around commercially available flights.Enjoy Enhanced ComfortEven first class on a commercial flight tends to be a bit cramped and lacking comfortable amenities. When you take a private jet you get more space, and more comfortable seats to enjoy. There's also generally more space for your cargo and you can travel with business associates if you so choose. Private flights are quite relaxing and much more enjoyable than your average commercial experience.The seats are larger and roomier than a commercial seat. It will also generally allow you to recline back to an almost flat position for comfortable sleeping. Food and beverages are available readily on many flights and in some of the larger planes you might find things like sitting areas, work desks and other lounge amenities that you won't see on many commercial planes.Find Flights EasierWhen you use JetSmarter versus picking out a private flight from a single carrier it's much easier to locate a flight that can get you where you need to go. Simply open up the JetSmarter application and you can pick out a nearby flight option and have a scheduled departure in less than a minute in most cases.You won't spend hours searching for available flights, and you won't need an assistant just to make sure your travel options align with your schedule. Travelling by private jet is all about ease of use, and going with a service like JetSmarter saves you time.Locate More Affordable AlternativesIt always makes sense to save where you can without sacrificing quality, and JetSmarter makes it easier than ever to do that.With access to more than 3,000 private jets around the world, it's simple to pick from a list of options based on pricing and available features, and to start making cost-saving decisions. It's tough to pick out flights at the best rates when you're only working with one or two private jet providers, but when you look across most of the industry it's easy to see where the real value flights are.JetSmarter recently revamped their website to make it more convenient than ever to travel first class. The site now works flawlessly with mobile and full-sized devices. It comes with all the information you need to know about the JetSmarter service and will help explain the sign up process. For those interested in learning about available jobs with the company and private jets around the world, the site now contains an updated list of those careers as well.Travelling in a private jet is one of the most convenient ways to get around, but if you don't book your flights properly, it can still be an inconvenience. With services like JetSmarter you'll save time and money while getting where you need to go each and every time, without the wait.More InfoArticle Sponsored and Provided by:

By Edward Jones – April 14, 2015

Atlanta Motorsports Park Membership: The Automotive Count...

Country Clubs featuring golf courses have been around for ages, providing golfing enthusiasts with a exclusive membership that caters to their lifestyle. But, what about the automotive crowd? Where is the country club for those who want to take the car out, instead of their clubs? It's at Atlanta Motorsports Park.AMP offers a membership that caters to those who own sports cars and want to drive them fast. So, instead of bringing a set of golf clubs to this club, you're only bringing your car and passion for driving fast.If you think that this country club isn't for you, 75 percent of AMP's membership holders are just your neighbors who own sportscars and want to drive them the way they were meant to be driven, though in a legal manner.(See Also: Learn to Drive Like a Pro at Atlanta Motorsports Park)Other activities that members can partake in range from go-karts, to horseback riding, or enjoying the fitness center, club house, hiking and mountain bike trails.Having a tough week? Imagine grabbing your helmet, hopping into your car bright and early, and heading out to AMP knowing what the day has in store for you. Unleash your car on the track after setting up in the pit, pedal to the floor, and slam through gears while flying around corners. It's what you deserve.Below are the four membership classes that AMP offers. Please note that all member classes, aside from the Kart/Mini-Moto/Autocross class, apply to cars and motorcycles. TUNGSTEN PLATINUM DIAMOND KART / MINI-MOTO / AUTOCROSS Up to 60 Days Annually Up to 120 Days Annually Up to 180 Days Annually Up to 120 Days annually $10,000 Initiation Fee $17,500 Initiation Fee $40,000 Initiation Fee $2,500 Initiation Fee $200 Monthly Dues $150 Monthly Dues No Monthly Dues for Life $50 Monthly Dues $30 Daily Use Fee $30 Daily Use Fee No Daily Use Fee for Life $10 Daily Use Fee To inquire about a membership at AMP or to learn more, be sure to click the button below. To contact AMP, email membership@atlantamotorsportspark.com or call (678)381-8527.Membership Information Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – March 10, 2015

Learn to Drive Like a Pro at Atlanta Motorsports Park

Between the trees in Dawsonville, Georgia, Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) aims to provide automotive enthusiasts, both novice and expert, with a place to strengthen their driving abilities. Whether you are just learning to drive or want to learn the finer points of race car driving, you can do it all here.AMP offers a variety of levels, from teen programs, to basic driver training, to beginner's racing training and advanced courses to take skills to the expert level.For teens who are getting behind a wheel for the first time, AMP has the AMP Street Smarts Teen Driving School. Through this course, participants learn how to sharpen their driving skill and improve their handling under a number of various road conditions. This is made possible through their new "Ice Hill"and Low Friction Area, which simulate some of the worst road conditions. The Ice Hill is the first of its kind in the United States.If you are someone looking todrive like a pro, there is nothing better than AMP's Performance Driving Academy. The courses in the academy's program are designed to improve a driver's skills, whether newly licensed, fresh from the teen program or have years of experience behind the wheel of a car. The world class driving instructors take participants through exercises that teach braking/slalom, line technique and sector training. By then end of one of these sessions, drivers walk away feeling more confident and comfortable on the track.However, AMP offers more than just driving courses. They also offer activities that range from go-karts, to horseback riding, or enjoying the fitness center, club house, hiking and mountain bike trails. For those who want to take their car on the track for a good ol' fashioned track day, AMP offers memberships that allow you to both test your car on the track and take advantage of the activities listed above.For more information, including location, services and more, be sure to click the button below.AtlantaMotorsportsPark.comGallery Sponsored by:

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