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 – March 23, 2021

Triumph & Williams Unveil TE-1 Powertrain

The future of English motorcycles is electric, and today we get a glimpse of it. Triumph and Williams have unveiled the TE-1 electric powertrain that will eventually underpin the next generation of motorcycles. This milestone marks the completion of Phase 2 of project TE-1, the as-yet-unnamed future flagship of the brand. This cornerstone is structural and light while offering a maximum output of 170 kW with a nominal rating of 90 kW. Voltage is rated at 360 with a charge time of 20 minutes to reach 80%. Much of the development costs have been subsidized by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK. Phase 3 and 4 will see the project to completion and you can follow the evolution here with us. Image (C) Triumph Motorcycles & Williams Advanced Engineering

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By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2021

Ducati Unleashes the Desert Sled Fasthouse

Jordan Graham rode his Scrambler to first place last year in the Mint 400. To celebrate his historic victory, Ducati has unleashed the Desert Sled Fasthouse. This epic collaboration between the brands is limited to 800 examples, each finished in black and grey. The frame of each one carries its unique production number below the 803cc engine. You will have many of the same parts found on the winning bike, including the Kayaba suspension, homologated grille, and skid plate. Pirelli Scorpions dig into the dirt while remaining refined on the street. This new Scrambler is also joined by a new collection of apparel from Fasthouse that includes t-shirts, a cap, and a jacket to match. What desert is calling your name? Shop Ducati Images (C) Ducati

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By Andrew Nabors – March 05, 2021

Ducati Unveils New Monster Lineup

Their most successful model is lighter and faster, so we're excited that Ducati has unveiled a new Monster lineup. Addressing every possible complaint about the 821 series, the dry weight starts at only 366 lbs. Nominal saddle height is 32.2", but a lowering kit and an optional low saddle can drop it to only 30". The saddle is now closer to the forks, and they added 7* to the steering angle. Steering is now laid back at 36 degrees for more comfort and response. Three riding modes have unique torque curves for Sport, Urban, and Touring. Your phone can be tucked away thanks to Ducati Multimedia Bluetooth and charged from the USB under the saddle. The pièce de résistance is a 937cc desmo. It delivers 111 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque nearly uninterrupted thanks to Ducati QuickShift. They have delivered over 350,000 examples since the first Monster arrived in '93, and our dealers have prices that won't scare you. Click the button below and ride safe. Shop Ducati Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding SpA

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

2021 Triumph Bonneville Is Lighter, Leaner, & More Agile

An American name and English precision combine to make the 2021 Triumph Bonneville lighter, leaner & more agile. A new 1,200 sits atop the lineup, allowing the T120 to lose 15 lbs and lower the center of weight. Making 77 lb-ft at only 3,500 rpm will keep you happy in the corners, and bigger Brembos will keep you safe. A new torque-assist clutch prevents fatigue in traffic, and you can choose from multiple riding modes, and heated grips are just one of the 116 factory options. This year's lineup also includes the T100, Street Twin, and a Street Twin Gold Line limited edition. The Speedmaster and Bobber have also evolved with these improvements, so stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Triumph For Sale Images (C) Triumph Motorcycles

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Introduced By Jason Momoa

Your adventure is no longer limited to the pavement. The Harley-Davidson Pan-America 1250 has been introduced by Jason Momoa as their first adventure model. Utility meets power as this big V-twin sends 150 horsepower to the ground without being top-heavy. Starting at $17,319, this rugged machine uses the crankcase as a stressed part of the frame. The Revolution Max V-Twin is all-new and it makes 94 lb-ft of torque thanks to VVT on both cams. With a 13:1 compression ratio, you will make the most of a 30-degree crank angle. It has the same internal balance of a 90-degree engine with the power of a 60-degree block. Perhaps the best feature is standard on the Pan America 1250 Special. When coming to a stop, the suspension lowers to give your feet more stability. Once moving it rises again to give you a better riding position. It's time to take a trail less traveled, so tell us where you are heading in the comments below. If you want to be more sustainable, the Serial1 E-bikes are selling like hotcakes! Stay with us for all your motorcycle news. Images (C) Harley-Davidson Inc.

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

New Ducati Smart Jacket Combines Style & Safety

Leaning your Italian stallion into a corner is guaranteed to reduce stress every time. However, your experience can be affected by variables outside your control, and that's why the new Ducati Smart Jacket combines style and safety. What you see is a collaboration with Dainese, and it makes thousands of calculations per second. Constantly monitoring for adversity, the airbags inflate in a blink of an eye, enveloping you in a cocoon to lessen an impact. Equivalent to seven Level 1 back protectors, it can be worn under or over your clothing. Easily folded and stored away, the 26-hour battery can be charged from any USB port. It is the centerpiece of their 2021 apparel line, which is available through our dealers. It would make a stylish accessory for your new 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950, so click the button to learn more. Browse Ducati For Sale Images (C) Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

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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 – 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 – 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">

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

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