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 Edward Jones – April 13, 2020

Suzuki x Icon Motorsports Introduced the Gundam-Themed "B...

Suzuki USA and Icon Motorsports have teamed up to create the "Brand New Jack" motorcycle, a custom-built motorcycle that has a very specific inspiration. According to Icon Motorsport, Suzuki told them to cut into a Katana bike and have a fully-built ride in 30 days. The result is the Brand New Jack. As for the inspiration, they went with mecha shows like Gobots, Mobile Suit Gundam and Robotech. More specifically, it looks like they chose the red,blue, yellow and white theme found on many Gundam protagonist mobile suits, like the famous RX-78-2 (aka Granddaddy Gundam) piloted by Amuro Ray. I'm a huge Gundam fan and I could go on for days, but I'll spare you. If you want to learn more about this incredible bike that I'll be dreaming about, click the button below. This is a truly special bike that Icon Motorsports knocked out of the park. Learn More Source: RideIcon.com

By Edward Jones – April 08, 2020

Ducati Giving Contest Winner a One-of-a-Kind Hypermotard 950

Ducati recently held a "Join Ducati" contest where entrants needed to own just one Ducati motorcycle. Each owner uploaded their bike information to the "My Ducati" program on their website, where they could access more information on their bike. As for the winner, that's Jose Carlos Sagarminaga, a 34-years-old resident of California who owns a Hypermotard SP. Now, a new Hypermotard 950 is on its way to his house, but this is unlike any other out there. This example features a special livery that mirrors the concept shown at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. There were other prizes given out as well, like a Ducati MotoGP Experience, 1:8 scale reproductions of the Hypermotard 950 Concept and Redline B2 backpacks from Ogio made exclusively for Ducati. See All Ducatis for Sale

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2020

BMW Motorrad Unveils New R18 Cruiser

It's time for a cruise and for that, you need a cruiser like the new BMW R 18. This new motorcycle comes into the world inspired by tradition but built around BMW Motorrad's modern technology and equipment. Powering the bike is a new 2-cylinder boxer engine called the "Big Boxer" that BMW Motorrad says is the most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in a series production motorcycle with a displacement of 1,802cc. For power, it puts out 91 hp and 110.6 horsepower. Holding the bike together is a double-loop steel tube frame with a rear swingarm in the back. BMW Motorrad is also offering a wide range of options for customers to choose from as well to make their R18 even more personalized. This includes different versions of the hand-made seats, exhaust systems and more. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

NMOTO Unveils 1 of 10 Nostalgia Limited Editions

Our friends at NMOTO began with an idea. Build a modern version of the R7. It was BMW's Art-Deco masterpiece that has inspired generations of builders. Their Nostalgia is based on a 2020 BMW R Nine T, with hundred of hours of handmade aesthetic upgrades. With motorcycle collectors and celebrities waiting in line, one customer brought his back for a few custom touches. Founder Alex Niznik was asked about the possibility of titanium accents, but this metal is too hard to work by hand. It was then that Christian Travert joined the team. Famous for the Y2K Turbine bike, he knows how to build a 2-wheeler from scratch. Looking for areas of customization, each of the BMW R7 85th Anniversary Limited Edition bikes has options for engine engraving, leatherwork, and plating even the largest panels in precious metals. While chrome requires two dips (one nickel and one chromium), plating in platinum, palladium or gold requires hours of dip, polish, and repeat. If you can envision it, NMOTO can build it. No request is too small, so click the button below to visit their homepage. Learn More From NMOTO

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

Harley-Davidson Livewire Breaks Distance & Endurance Records

Europe has cracked down on gas & diesel, offering great incentives to buy an EV. Because you are taxed on your engine size, one Swiss enthusiast decided to see what this new American bike is capable of. That why Michel von Tell and his Harley-Davidson Livewire broke distance & endurance recrords. . As reported by www.elektroauto-news.net, he left Zurich on March 11 and made it to Stuttgart on one charge. From Lake Constance, his trip took him to Singen, and then through the Alps. In all, it was 1,070 miles, four countries, in 23 hours and 48 minutes. " width="680"> Browse All Harley-Davidson For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2020

Say Hello to the 2020 Ducati Panigale Superleggera V4

Only 500 Numbered Examples Carbon Fiber Chassis 0.7 Horsepower Per Pound Just when you thought Superbike technology has reached a plateau, Ducati drops the mic on the entire industry. What you see here is the antithesis of the electric motorcycle. Say hello to the 2020 Ducati Panigale Superleggera V4, the first motorcycle with a carbon-fiber chassis. This new beast from Borgo makes use of composites for the entire load-bearing surface of the bike. Starting with a clean-sheet design, the subframe, swingarm, wheels and more. Potential buyers will be allowed track time on the V4 R, the same machine that competes in World Superbike for 2020. Engineers shaved 6 lbs from the block, and it offers 234 horsepower though Akrapovic pipes. The dry clutch is music to the ears, and the Desmo drive is adjustable on both sides. With a dry-weight of 350 lbs. browse All Ducati For Sale " width="680"> Related: Ducati Unveils 2020 Scrambler 1100 & 1100 Sport Pro

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2020

Ducati Unveils 2020 Scrambler 1100 PRO & 1100 Sport PRO

While it might be too chilly for 2-wheel action, you better scramble to your nearest dealer. That's because Ducati has unveiled the 2020 Scrambler 1100 PRO & 1100 Sport PRO. Used Exotic Cars For Sale "Ocean Drive" is the paint scheme on the PRO. It shines in silver metallic and yellow with black leather. For a more sinister appearance, the Sport PRO is matte black with maroon leather. Its Öhlins suspension is connected to Bosch traction control. It cuts power and pulses ABS if you enter a corner too hot. Both bikes share a new V4 engine rated at 86 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to their legendary "Desmo" valvetrain, you will have smooth & constant power from idle to redline. If that sounds like a Lamborghini, that's because they are the same company under Audi's leadership. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Ducati updates. Browse All Ducati For Sale " width="680"> See the new Ducati Models Heading to Long Beach

By Edward Jones – January 20, 2020

Polaris Slingshot Gets Redesign and New Engine for 2020

The exciting-to-drive Polaris Slingshot just got a massive update for 2020. Polaris announced a slew of updates for the Slingshot. For starters, the Slingshot will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The SL model packs 187 horsepower at 8500 rpm while the R model (pictured in this article) produces 203 horsepower at 8250 RPM. Polaris has also introduced the AutoDrive transmission to go alongside the manual gearbox. They hope this will open Slingshot ownership to even more potential buyers. Other enhancements for the 2020 Slingshots are easy to spot. The exterior has a new and refreshed front end that gives it a new face. Inside is a completely new interior as well as updated technology. Pricing for the Slingshot SL starts at $26,499, and the Slingshot R starts at $32,699. For more information, click here. Source: Polaris

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2020

Curtiss Unveils Hades 1 Pure Electric Motorcycle

World's First Symmetrical Motorcycle Perfect Weight Distribution 217 HP & 272 Lb-ft Motor Last year, the Zeus Bobber shocked the world. It was the most beautiful E-Bike ever seen, until now. Lessons learned have allowed them to develop a more compact "Axial Flux" motor and mount it low for good stability. Get ready for another leap forward, as Curtiss has unveiled the Hades 1 Pure electric motorcycle. Sultan of Brunei's Collection is at 7,000 Cars & Growing The head angle can be set at 27 or 31 degrees, which offers a Short Wheelbase of 62", or 64" in LWB configuration. When in LWB, ground clearance drops from 8" to 6", and seat height is lowered from 28.5" to 26.5". Breaking the mold of E-bikes, it has 6" of suspension travel front and rear and weighs in at 390 lbs. Traction control, battery management, and efficiency updates are continually sent to the bike from the Curtiss cloud via cell phone towers. All this can be yours for only $60,000, so click the button below to learn more. Visit Curtiss Motorcycle Here " width="680"> Related: Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Bobber

By Edward Jones – November 11, 2019

See the New Ducatis Heading to Long Beach International M...

The Long Beach International Motorcycle Show 2019 is coming up (November 22-24) and Ducati is heading with plenty of stunning bikes. This will actually be the first time North America will be able to see Ducati's 2020 model lineup. Showing up is a wide variety of bikes, ranging from the new Streetfight V4 S to the Scrambler Icon Dark. You can get a glimpse of all the bikes right down below. see all ducati's for sale Streetfighter V4 S Panigale V4 S Panigale V2 Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour Monster 1200 S “Black on Black” Scrambler Icon Dark

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