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 – October 12, 2020

2021 Ducati 1100 Dark PRO Is A Sinister Scrambler

Engineers define darkness as an absence of photons. A space without light is the purest form of entropy, that is why Aristotle postulated that nature abhors a vacuum. Seeing an empty space within the market for small superbikes, the 2021 Ducati 100 Dark PRO is a sinister scrambler. The new color is "Dark Stealth". Both the tubular frame and the swingarm are black, and the bike is loaded with the latest in 2-wheel technology. 2021 Ducati e-Scrambler is Your Next Urban Cruiser With a bore of 3.8" and a stroke of 2.8", the latest Desmo delivers 86 horsepower and 65 lb-ft of torque. Bosch traction control and Brembo brakes will keep you safe, while the latest in LED lighting and displays make a bold styling statement. Priced at $14,750, it is time for you to experience Italian precision and style. Click the button to find our Ducati dealer near you. Browse Ducati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2020

2021 Ducati e-Scrambler is Your Next Urban Cruiser

Every time a new electric bike comes out, I look at my old Suzuki with a sad face. Now it's finally time to send her down the road. If you are looking for the best in Italian styling and innovation, you ought to check out the Ducati e-Scrambler which comes with a 250 watt Shimano E700 motor. Designed in collaboration with Thok Ebikes, it packs a 504 Wh battery, 11 speeds, Pirelli GT tires and 4-piston brakes. Buyers will also get a luggage rack, mudguards, turn signals, and a stand. It is available from any Ducati dealer, so click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Browse Ducati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2020

Triumph Unveils 2020 Trekker GT E-Bike

If we have learned anything from electric cars, its that history repeats itself. Advances have allowed battery power to return to the cutting edge, and it also appeals to 2-wheelers. Triumph began as a bicycle builder over 118 years ago, and they are poised to shake up the industry again. The 2020 Triumph Trekker GT is 6.3 lbs of fun with 93 miles of range. Shimano developed the running gear to offer 44 lb-ft of torque from a 504 Wh battery. If you assume Triumph licensed their name to an E-bike startup, you would be dead wrong. The sleek design hides the EV gear while emphasizing a minimalist motif. Triumph Debuts James Bond Edition Scrambler 1200 Silver Ice and Jet Black cover the hydro-formed frame. Made of 6061 alloy, it is strong and light for a comfortable ride. Suspension is by RockShox with 2.5" of travel. Alex Volar 27.5" wheels ride on Shimano hubs and their Deore Shadow 10-speed rear. A Selle Royal Vivo saddle wont wear you out, and LED lighting will keep you safe. Learn More

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2020

Triumph Debuts James Bond Edition Scrambler 1200

Triumph is celebrating the upcoming James Bond film, No Time to Die, with the new limited-edition Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition motorcycle. This new motorcycle will be limited to just 250 examples worldwide, making it an instant rarity. But what exactly is this bike? It starts with the 007 bodywork that's been painted primarily black to mimic the bike ridden by Bond in the upcoming film. It also features 007-branding to signify the bike's inspiration. Triumph has also based this bike on the top-spec Scrambler Xe, meaning it has all of the performance Bond would need in a car chase. The engine pushes our 89 horsepower and peak torque of 81.1 lb-ft. Rider will be able to see just how fast this engine is taking them via the full-color TFT instruments with a special 007 startup screen. One more very special feature that just has to be mentioned are the heated grips that will ensure your hands stay warm no matter the temperature. You can learn more about this bike by clicking the button below but it should be mentioned that all 250 examples have been sold. Learn More Source: Triump

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 – 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 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 Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Ducati Unveils Streetfighter V4

"All that is complex is not useful, all things that are useful are simple." General Mikhail Kalashnikov was a brilliant inventor who engineered the AK-47 to be one of the world's most reliable weapons. It seems as if someone in Bologna, Italy had the same idea, as Ducati has unveiled the Streetfighter V4. Essentially a naked version of their famous Panigale, the Streetfighter shares many styling cues with the latest Lamborghinis. It might be coincidental that Claudio Domenicali is the boss of Ducati while Stefano Domenicali is the CEO at Lamborghini. In fact, Lamborghini owns Ducati outright, so your 2-wheeled Aventador has arrived. Browse All Ducati For Sale Taking minimalism to the extreme, only a few parts are shared with its predecessor. With a dry weight of only 397 lbs, it sends 208 horsepower and 90.4 lb-ft of torque to the rear tire. The engine is a 1,103cc with its trademark Desmodromic top end. Click the button above to find our Ducati dealer near you, and ride safe! " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2019

Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Bobber

Glenn Curtis was a pioneer of American aviation, and the first major rival to the Wright Brothers. Planes were his eventual triumph, but his career began with motorcycles. His engines were groundbreaking, and in 1906 he built a bike around a 4.4L V8. This 40 hp beast reached 136 mph without a transmission. It had so much torque it was direct-driven from the crank to the tire. Seeking to honor his innovations, Curtiss Motorcycles has unveiled the Zeus Bobber. Instead of gasoline, the Zeus is all electric. Using the latest in battery technology, Zeus sends 90 horsepower to the rear tire without a transmission. Much like its V8 ancestor, it has 145 lb-ft of torque at almost all RPM- No shifting required! This American masterpiece combines T6 Aluminum and carbon fiber into an elegant cruiser. CEO Matt Chambers was also the founder of Confederate Motorcycles, but he decided on an electric path and parted ways. If the bobber is too vertical for you, a Zeus Cafe Racer is also in the works. Machined is the standard finish, but the entire bike can be anodized black for a few dollar more. As it is, you will have instant power and 280 miles of range for only $60,000. Their state-of-the-art factory is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and it is loaded with the latest in CNC machines. If you want the latest in 2-wheel technology, click the link below for all the details. Explore Curtiss Motorcycles Related: Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Concept

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2018

Curtiss Motorcycles Unveils the Zeus Concept

Glenn Curtis was a pioneer of early aviation, and his planes formed the backbone of the Army's Air Corps. But before his business literally took off, he was the fastest person on two wheels. He invented the v-twin motorcycle engine in 1903, and that is why Curtiss Motorcycles is honoring him with their Zeus concept.It is their first concept to wear the Curtiss name, as Confederate chose to retire their brand name. Many of the engineers and machinists are the same folks who built the P51 Combat Fighter and the Hellcat. Invoking the name of Zeus might offend your pagan sensibilities, but the Greek god of thunder and lightning seems appropriate for this high-voltage bike.Glenn Curtis built the world's first V8 motorcycle, and it went 136 mph on the sands of Ormond Beach. So Curtis Motorcycles has dropped a full-size 3-phase AC motor into a chassis of 6061 aerospace aluminum. The drive ratio of the front to rear sprockets will give you an idea of the power they are dealing with. It is rated at 290 lb-ft of torque and 170 horsepower, which will be impressive when channeled to one tire. That is more than some exotic cars for sale, so stay with us for all your Curtiss Motorcycle updates. Exotic Cars For Sale

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