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

Hayabusa FullBlead Gallery Action8 2500x1227

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2021

2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Is Ready To Dominate

When it arrived in 1999 the competition chose not to respond. History repeats itself as the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa is ready to dominate. Starting with an all-new 1.3-liter, their goal was more power with cleaner burning. Dual injectors and twin-swirl combustion chambers offer 190 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque. Loaded with unprecedented technology, the inertial management system prevents wheelies, and electronic stability constantly distributes brake force. Engine braking is also optimized to keep the rear from sliding out. Hill descent, hill hold, emergency stop warnings, launch control, and customizable ride modes are standard equipment. The latest in F1 technology includes priority oiling for the crankshaft and a tuned exhaust crossover between the 1st and 4th pipes. They will be arriving next month, so tell us how they compare to the fastest Lamborghini. Images (C) Suzuki Motor Of America

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

Suzuki Teases 2022 Hayabusa Ahead Of February 5th Debut

Two-wheel transportation is a great way to practice safe social distancing. If you need to do so in style, Suzuki has teased the 2022 Hayabusa ahead of the February 5th debut. The ancient Japanese translation of Peregrine Falcon, it has left everyone in the dust for two decades. The 1.3-liter has had a good run, but something new is needed to meet ever-tightening emissions laws. As I stare forlorn at my GSX 650, it would be nice to have three times the power and speed with optimized aerodynamics. The gauges give a glimpse above 180 mph with more RPM left on the tach. Do you think it can match Ken Block's Hoonicorn Mustang price & specs? Images (C) SuzukiBikesUK via YouTube

DUCATI SUPERSPORT 950 S AMBIENCE 0 UC210980 Low

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

Ducati Unveils 2021 SuperSport 950

Social Distancing is easy on an Italian Superbike, so we're thankful Ducati has unveiled the 2021 SuperSport 950. Their marketing team has a sense of humor mentioning it is the perfect choice for young riders...as their "first sportbike". Having more power than most economy cars is not for the uninitiated. This masterpiece of machined alloys and graceful style is 110 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of desmodromic perfection. Production starts today, and our dealers will have them on the floor in early March. Click the button to reserve yours! Browse Ducati For Sale Did you miss the party when they celebrated building 350,000 Monsters? Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2021

Ducati Celebrates 350,000 Monster Motorcycles

What began in 1992 with one model was a glimpse of the future. Three decades later, Ducati is celebrating 350,000 Monster motorcycles and counting. The lucky customer is Mr. De Rose. He ordered a "Black On Black" Monster 1200 S from his local dealer in Milan. " width="680"> In order to celebrate this milestone, CEO Claudio Domenicali and Design Director Andrea Ferraresi invited him to Borgo Panigale and rolled out the red carpet. The most-recent Monster can be had with 797, 821, and 1,200cc, packing 150 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque. Click the button below to find yours, and you too can tame the Monster. Don't forget the latest Ducati apparel! Browse Ducati For Sale Here is why the 2021 Ducati XDiavel Is Your Next Power Cruiser Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2020

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Receives Akrapovic Accessories

Weigh is everything when you are on two wheels. In order to offer the best balance and unparalled performance, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 has received Akrapovic accessories. Because their expertise in titanium is unmatched, Akrapovic pipes and parts are found on Koenigsegg, Audi, BMW, and race teams the world over. 2021 Ducati XDiavel Black Star Is Your Next Power Cruiser For a perfect Christmas gift, your Multistrada V4 can be adorned with their header, or a full exhaust system. The muffler itself drops 1.5 lbs for a throaty sound. If you opt for the entire system it comes with a new tune for the engine. You will have 174 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque while losing 11 lbs. Click the button to find our Ducati dealer near you and ride safely into 2021. Browse Ducati For Sale Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A

DUCATI XDIAVEL BLACK STAR AMBIENCE 3 UC209715 Low

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2020

2021 Ducati XDiavel Black Star Is Your Next Power Cruiser

Riding a black horse into battle is a great way to scare your opponents. If you prefer the absence of color, the new 2021 Ducati XDiavel Black Star is your next Power Cruiser. Originally their plan was to offer the engine and a few of its upgrades, but without the sinister appearance. However, thanks to faithful customers, there will be a limited run of 50 bikes. Power comes from a massive "Testastretta" 1262 that churns out 152 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque. Launch Control is available on all 3 riding modes, and full instrumentation is displayed on a 3.5" TFT screen. Pricing for XDiaval Dark starts at $25,995, and the Black Star is $28,995. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button below and stay with us for all your 2-Wheel news. Browse Ducati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2020

2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Arrives In Two Flavors

Not all Italian Roadsters follow the same formula. If you enjoy a symmetrical design with torque for days, the 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 arrives in two flavors. Their goal was to increase the quality of the ride in every possible way. The old 774 cc was tired, so say hello to the 850. It offers 65 horsepower and 54 lb-ft of torque to a six-speed and a shaft drive. The frame and suspension are made of stronger steel to offer less deflection, while Kayaba shocks handle broken pavement. If you want a post-modern minimalist, the V7 Stone leaves nothing to the imagination. But if you want modern performance with classic lines, the V7 Special is waiting for you. Learn More Images (C) Piaggio & C spa

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

2021 Ducati Monster Is Lean & Mean

You might be too young to remember 1993. A beast from Italy scared every motorcycle on the street, and that is why the 2021 Ducati Monster is lean & mean. History has a way of repeating itself, and we're thankful!. This new naked machine has a weight of 366 lbs with 111 horsepower. Their V-twin measures 937cc with 11 degrees between the cylinders. Also offering 70 lb-ft of torque at low rpm, you will have the best of both worlds. " width="680"> The aluminum front fork is scaled down from the Panigale V4, and it is bolted directly to the cylinder head. Every nut and bolt has been scrutinized for weight. Stronger and lighter was the name of the game, and that is why it is 40 lbs lighter than the Monster 821. At just over 31" from the ground, this narrow and agile machine has stability control and three driving modes. A 4.3" TFT color screen is easy to read in any condition, and Ducati offers a range of customizations and accessories. Our dealers have all the information on the entire Ducati lineup, so click the button below and stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Browse Ducati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 75th Anniversary Sold Out In H...

Do you prefer locally grown or processed food? If you have no preferences where your purchases come from, this bike is not for you. The 2021 MV Agusta 75th Anniversary sold out in hours because they reject to sell out. Being a small, independent manufacturer has nice benefits. While most other motorcycle builders are part of massive automotive conglomerates, MV Agusta focuses on winning races while offering beautiful bikes. Their latest creation is limited to 75 examples and it was offered for sale for 75 hours. It didn't take long for dealers around the world to reserve theirs, as their website changed to Sold Out this morning. Each example is finished in red, white and gold in a unique anniversary livery. Each frame is numbered and the seat is Alcantara. Arrow supplies the triple-pipe exhaust...for racing only...Ahem. The F3 800 engine uses 13.3 compression to offer 148 horsepower at 13,000 rpm. Weighing in at 380 lbs it will be fun in the corners, and it offers 4 engine modes to keep you smiling. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 10, 2020

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Is The Ultimate Enduro

Virus epidemics are a great motivator to get away from it all. If you take social distancing as a suggestion this bike is not for you. But if you need a powerful & sleek Italian friend to join in on adventures, the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 is the ultimate Enduro. CEO Claudio Domenicali earned his stripes on bikes of all kinds before leading Ducati into a new era. Unencumbered by their past legacies, he challenged engineers and stylists to build a bike they could use in any situation. The artists were obviously influenced by their coworkers at Lamborghini, another Italian arm of Audi. For power, they needed something all-new. Combining the best features inside the hearts of Bentley, Porsche, Audi & Volkswagen, the GranTurismo is a 1,160cc V4. To offer smooth idle and reliability, the Desmo system didnt make the cut. Instead, the cam followers use rollers to decrease internal friction. Perhaps the best feature is service life because all you will need is gasoline for 37,300 miles. You will have 170 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque at your command. The one-piece frame was a collaboration with their MotoGP teams, and the double-sided swingarm is ready to head off-road. An effort was made to balance style with function, and rider comfort along with reliability. All transmission and engine parts are balanced, as are the exhaust pulses when they meet the muffler. The result is a bike without vibrations that offers a silky soundtrack. As I look at my old Suzuki with a sigh, I might be joining you on the new Multistrada waiting list....Stay with us for all your Ducati updates. Browse Ducati For Sale " width="680">

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