Motorcycles

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 – September 14, 2016

Reviewed: 2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

If you had to choose one vehicle to have for doomsday, what would it be? For me it would be BMW's latest off-road wonder: the 2016 R 1200 GS. This is one is not like the others. It is not for beginners. It is for the rugged wayfarer who is not part of the status quo. The wizards in Bavaria added the latest in safety and stability control to a rugged Enduro chassis along with plenty of storage. Along with me the Adventure is turning 33 this year, but I don't feel as rugged as their latest machine.First things first, it's a tall bike. I am 5' 10" on a good day and it required fancy footwork at slow speeds. Unladen the seat is almost 34" from the pavement, but the suspension is adjustable. The boxes also take some getting used to but they are easily removed. Even with a decent load they don't affect impede handling as much as you would think. Since the engine is low and flat, the Adventure offers a lower center of gravity than other dual purpose bikes. Almost eight gallons of fuel at 57 mpg will offer a range of 430 miles, so bring an extra battery for your GoPro.The water-cooled 1,170 cc two-cylinder engine cranks out 125 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque. Heated grips are nice to have for night riding, and the illumination comes from a brilliant LED headlight. Brakes and handling offer several riding modes for rain slicked roads or rough terrain. The intake is mounted high on the frame allowing you to ford water up to 23" deep. On the street you will need to be nimble as this bike is heavier than most dual sports. At speed it requires some manhandling to change direction, which makes for a nice balance between trails and the turnpike.Because an average rider and a full tank will be easily over 600 lbs, the flywheel is heavy to help get you moving. Shifting is just as smooth as a six speed E46 M3, BMW builds one of the best transmissions on 2 wheels. The auxiliary lighting is great for dark roads, but it also works well to blind careless drivers. The perfect Bug Out Bike, BMW is asking you to get lost for 16,495. After a few days you will leave a note and head for Sedona, so don't say we didn't warn ya!

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 12, 2016

Lazareth LM 847 Maserati-Powered Motorcycle Actually Film...

When we were first introduced to the Lazareth LM 847 motorcycle, we were pretty amazed at the fact that a 4.7-liter V8 Maserati engine was powering something so small. Granted, this wasn't the first time we've seen a motorcycle with a massive powerhouse (see Dodge Tomahawk). But even though we were formally introduced to the LM 847, we didn't see it in action. That is, until now.(Learn more about the Lazareth LM 847)In a new video from the Lazareth YouTube channel we finally get a chance to see the motorcycle in action. In fact, this could be the first time the bike had been filmed in motion. In the video, posted below, the motorcycle's engine can be heard and the moving parts of the four-wheel setup can be witnessed. Check it out to get the best look yet at the Lazareth LM 847.

By Andrew Nabors – September 07, 2016

Reviewed: 2016 BMW R nineT

Everyone has their own ideal version of a Cafe Racer, and they all need a solid foundation. To celebrate 90 years in the motorcycle business BMW released the R nineT in 2013. The air-cooled flat twin-engine is a throwback to simpler times, and it allows for the lowest center of gravity on the market.We spent a week trying to find reasons to dislike this bike, but they are few and far between. The factory pipes are from the titanium wizards of Akrapovic. It allows the 1170 cc engine to make 110 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque. The rugged design might look devoid of luxury, but heated grips and easily adjustable suspension make for an easy rider. It was designed with customization in mind, so the rear suspension is removable if you want to build your own. If you need more grip the frame is wide enough to fit 6" wheels.Many don't realize that BMW invented the hydraulic motorcycle fork, and these are inverted for optimum handling. The R nineT offers chunky low-end power and a weight of 490 lbs. Seating position is comfortable with the iconic cylinder heads out front. The clutch is a single plate and very consistent and the transmission shifts easier than most. It is easy to lean, and the broad powerband makes for a relaxing ride. Shaft drive eliminates many of the mechanical noises you expect on a bike of this size, and the engine is silky smooth.BMW's minimalist approach has been embraced by the aftermarket. In addition to a full line of factory accessories you will have several options for upgrades. The R nineT arrives with chic styling and ABS brakes for $15,095. You will be hard pressed to find such refinement and quality at that price. Dare to be different, the ride is worth it.

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2016

Reviewed: 2016 BMW S1000 RR

Safety might not be a consideration of many superbike owners, but BMW's latest S1000 RR is changing the industry. We spent a week with their latest liter-bike and it made us reconsider many preconceived notions of what can be done on two wheels.Designed to dominate the Wold Superbike series, it began life as a race bike in 2010. The transition to the street only required a drop in compression ratio from 14.0 to 13.0, along with DOT approved lighting. Technology from the track translates into safety with the most advanced traction control and suspension we have experienced. Dynamic Traction Control has modes for rain and race, along with a user mode that allows for customization. Working along with the active suspension, rain mode instantly softens the rebounds and limits engine power for wet conditions.Race mode unlocks 193 horsepower and 83 lb-ft from the 999 cc four-cylinder. The power really comes on above 3,000 rpm, making you not want to shift gears. But thanks to BMW's Gear Shift Assist, your left hand will not get weary because the computer blips the throttle and allows for clutch-less shifting. Navigating around traffic is made easier by the flash-to-pass button, a courtesy not found on American bikes. If you over-indulge the throttle, big Brembo brakes will pull you down in a hurry.Leathers are a must not only for safety, the frame rails of the S1000 are too hot for comfort down near the foot pegs. The heat is quickly dissipated while cruising, but city riders should beware of bar-b-que'd ankles. For $15,695 you will be ready for Daytona with engineering from the Nürburgring.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 13, 2016

The All-New Icon 1000 Dromedarii, Based on Triumph Tiger ...

Triumph and Icon want to make sure your ride into Mordor is well equipped. The two have collaborated to bring the ultimate riding machine to the public. Enter the Icon 1000 Dromedarii 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC.(Related: 2016 Ducati Diavel Carbon Released)Based on the Tiger 800XC, this new, improved model replaces the original plastic pieces of the Tiger 800XC with steel to protect the engine parts. Additionally, the new Dromedarii model includes a raised subframe combined with stiffer suspension and Conti TKC80 rubber, which gives this bike the perfect accessories for off-roading. To top off the fully-revamped model, the bike also has an oversized fuel tank with auxiliary Rotopax fuel cellsso you can ride for longer.When it comes to bikes, Icon knows what they're doing, and their collaboration with Triumph proved a stellar move in the creation of the Icon 1000 Dromedarii 2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC.Motorcycles For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 04, 2016

Top 5 Autofluence Articles of the Week: March 4 2016

The Geneva Motor Show brought some pretty popular cars to the table and it looks like you guys agreed that they were something to talk about. Grannies driving a Lambo? Definitely a hit. Engine sounds were also in the week and we even had a motorcycle made the list. Check out the full list below, and let us know which one was your favorite!5.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/motorcycles/lazareth-lm-847/4.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/videos/chiron-startup-rev-exhaust-sound/3.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/videos/grannies-lamborghini-murcielago/2.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/lamborghini/centenario-specs-price-and-photos/1.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/bugatti/chiron-price-specs-photos/

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2016

Lazareth LM 847: Maserati Engine-Powered Motorcycle

At the duPont REGISTRY, we like the idea of shoving the largest engine into the lightest possible vehicle. If motorcycles are your passion, let us amaze you with one of the most powerful bikes we have seen.Maserati For SaleLazareth Motoring is a French/Swiss company that just unveiled their new LM 847. The name is a reference to its power: eight cylinders and 4.7L of displacement. You read that correctly. Just ahead of the seat lies a Maserati V8, sourced directly from the GranTurismo. Because it makes 470 hp, there's no need to shift gears. Who needs a transmission anyway? In lieu of a gearbox, a hydraulic coupling rations 457 lb-ft of torque to the dual rear chains.Flanking the cylinder heads are stainless headers that are obviously hand fabricated. They are almost a mirror image side to side, adding to the symmetry found everywhere on this machine. With a dry weight under 900 lbs, it has a better power to weight ratio than a cruise missile. Brakes are equally as capable with 16.5" rotors up front. Michelin Power Cup Evo tires are among the best in the world, but the rears would evaporate in a few hours if we had a chance to ride.If you value the sound and power of a screaming Italian V8 with the wind in your face, Lazareth has your next ride.

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2016

Ducati draXter Concept Bike of the Future

At the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Ducati unveiled a new concept bike called the draXter. According to a press release from the motorcycle manufacturer, this concept is an interpretation of the "XDiavel world from a sports viewpoint."Taking charge of the bike's development was the Ducati Design Center's Advanced Design area (even the name sounds advanced). This portion of the company handles the exploration of future style and design concepts for Ducati motorcycles.The draXter started its life off as a standard production XDiavel, but the designers and production team turned it into a bike that has the heart "of an extreme dragster with premium racing componentry." For example, the suspension and brakes were borrowed right from the Panigale Superbike.And that "90" on the side? You may think it's just a hint at its racing pedigree, but it also is intended to celebrate Ducati's 90th anniversary, which is this year. It's amazing to see a bike manufacturer that is almost a century old still pushing the boundaries for design and engineering.Ducatis For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2015

Ducati Scrambler Limited Edition by Italia Independent

Unveiled at Art Basel Miami Beach over the weekend was the Italia Independent Ducati Scrambler Limited Edition. This new bike signifies the beginning of a three-year collaboration agreement between the motorcycle manufacturer and the fashion company.The motorcycle itself is primarily blacked out, with contrasting copper accents. The copper color, "Night Copper," was specially designed for this edition. If you're looking for a sleek and dark cafe racer, this is it.To match the bike are a pair of Ducati Scrambler sunglasses by Italia Independent. They feature a dark black surface with copper-colored lenses, reflecting the scheme of the bike.If you're interested, get to your Ducati dealer quick, because there will only be 1,077 examples of this bad boy produced.Ducatis For Sale (Source: Ducati)

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2015

2016 Ducati XDiavel: An Italian Power Cruiser

Are you looking for a cruiser with the heart of a champion? If so, Ducati has shocked the world with their new XDiavel. In a press release issued November 16, the Italian powerhouse unveiled their latest creation.With an emphasis on “low-speed excitement”, it packs a whopping 156 hp and 95 lb-ft of low-end grunt at only 5,000 rpm. The 1,262 cc V-twin is surrounded by an exposed tube frame and sends power via belt drive to a single rear arm. Having variable cam timing on both intake and exhaust lobes is how they are able to deliver such chunky low-end power that builds into a scream on the top end.If you are brave enough, the Ducati Power Launch control system precisely regulates throttle and traction control for explosive acceleration. Lean into the corners up to 40 degrees while the wide and sticky Pirellis keep you in line.Several choices of seating, footrests and handlebars add up to 60 unique ergonomic positions, meaning that the XDiavel can be customized for any rider.Ducati has obviously worked their magic in styling and power, and XDiavel will give cruisers a new alternative for consideration.Pricing has yet to be released, but Ducati has promised an entire line of accessories and customized parts from Roland Sands. This bike represents a clear and present danger to all other cruisers, and we can’t wait to get our hands on one. For more two-wheeled news, stay tuned to Autofluence.Ducatis For SaleGallery (via Ducati)

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