Nissan

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 – August 18, 2021

Revealed: 2023 Nissan Z Price, Photo, Specs & Review

2023 Nissan Z Review The new 2023 Nissan Z has been revealed and it's a perfect homage to the original classic Datsun and Nissan Z cars. Across the exterior and interior, one will find nods to the classics like the original Datsun 240Z and Nissan 300ZX. The result is a brand-new sports car that brings the "Z" DNA back to life in a tremendous way. Engine The 2023 Nissan Z's engine is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that pumps out an impressive 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. That power output is more than any of the Nissan 370Z engines that we saw throughout its production run. In fact, Nissan notes that this engine has an increase of 68 horsepower and a 30 percent increase in torque when compared to the previous generation 370Z. It's safe to say that this new Z will be an absolute blast to drive. Transmission For the first time ever in a rear-wheel-drive Nissan vehicle, the new Z Performance model will actually have a manual transmission. This is fantastic for those who want a true sports car experience. The 2023 Nissan Z transmission will also come with a launch assist system for better performance off of the line. Nissan is also offering a 9-speed automatic transmission as well. Design Nissan designed the new 2023 Z with its predecessors in mind. There are many design cues that were inspired by the previous Z generations. The main source of inspiration was the first-generation Z, and that's made known through the long hood, low rear stance, and silhouette. Upfront is LED headlights with two half-circles that pay homage to the 240ZG that was only available in Japan. All the way in the back, the taillights have a design that was clearly inspired by the Z32 300ZX, but now feature a 3D effect. Price The 2023 Nissan Z price has yet to be revealed, but it's expected to have a starting cost of around $40,000. Interior What's a sports car without a sporty interior? Thankfully, the new 2023 Nissan Z interior delivers. In fact, Nissan sought knowledge from Nissan Super GT500 driver Tsugio Matsuda in regard to the cabin. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch TFT display with three different display modes: Normal, Enhanced, and Sport. There is also a new center stack that includes three analog displays for boost, turbo speed, and voltage. For the seats, they were designed with expertise gathered from the GT-R and its development. The result is a seat that will keep the driver in place during hard cornering. Standout Features Nissan will be releasing the new 2023 Z in either the Sport or Performance grades. The Sport grade is essentially the base model, while Performance adds a Bose audio system, NissanConnect, limited-slip differential, 19-inch RAYS wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, dual exhaust with a Performance muffler, and more. There's also the Z Proto Spec that's limited to just 240 examples in the US. This special edition includes yellow brake calipers, bronze-finished 19-inch RAYS wheels, an exclusive shift knob for the manual gearbox, Proto Spec leather seats, and exclusive interior trim. " width="680"> Source: Nissan

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

2022 Nissan GT-R NISMO Price & Specs Unveiled

Fifteen years has refined the supercar Deep inside Nissan lies a group of engineers who strive for perfection. The NISMO division has spent over a decade building the ultimate version of the Nissan GT-R. We know full well what the car is capable of in the hands of our aftermarket tuning shops, so what would you do with 600 horsepower from the showroom? Stop staring at the exposed carbon hood so we can tell you what makes the Nissan GT-R an affordable supercar. Only a few examples are heading here, finished in Stealth Gray with exclusive 20" Rays wheels. Each one sends 481 lb-ft of torque to all wheels because every nut and bolt in the engine is weighed and balanced by one master engineer. The latest 3.8 twin-turbo is assembled in silence inside a room that is cleaner than Area 51. This attention to detail is not unlike what the Samurai demanded of their clan, and the process is known as Takumi. The finishing touch is a certification plate on the intake. The car is only worthy of such after several white-glove inspections by the team. Our dealers will offer a price that represents the best that Nissan can offer, so click the link to reserve your allocation today. Browse Nissan GT-R For Sale Images (C) Nissan

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2020

Nissan Z-Proto Unveiled With Twin Turbos & Manual Transmi...

Over the past 50 years, Datsun and their parent company Nissan have sold over 1.35 Million Z-Cars. That is why they looked to the past to build the future. Taking inspiration from the 240Z, the Nissan Z-Proto was unveiled with twin turbos and a manual transmission. Horsepower and torque numbers have yet to be announced, as this isn't the production version. " width="680"> Their twin-turbo V6 has been powering the GT-R for over a decade, but never offered with a manual transmission. This six-speed RWD muscle car is one of 10 new Nissans planned for the next 20 months. Although an automatic transmission is being considered, the press release repeats their commitment to build a car worthy of its name. We are excited about the 12.3" display and 285/35/19 rear tires. As long as weight is kept under control this will be an incredible machine. It will be hard to beat the fun and versatility of the 370Z, so click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Nissan news. Browse Nissan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2020

2021 Nissan Z Teased Along With New Lineup

Nissan is poised to reinvent their brand in the coming months. It was obvious that many models had gone unchanged for years. So when managers started asking questions, CEO Carlos Ghosn fled Japan in a piano box with the help of mercenaries. Now unchained by his embezzlement, Nissan has a host of new and updated models on the way. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars And Supercars Of All Time The 370Z is a revised 350Z that has been in production for 18 years. There is nothing wrong with the VQ series of engines, but chassis technology and aerodynamics have come along way in two decades. With a few subtle styling cues from the classic Datsun Z-cars, rumors of twin-turbo power would place it at the top of the lineup. Noticeably absent is the GT-R, which has earned a retirement after 13 years. This is probably the best time to find a new GT-R, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Nissan news. Browse Nissan GT-R For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2020

Nissan GT-R 50 Unveiled by Italdesign

Fans of Japanese Supercars have reason to celebrate today. The Nissan brand is now 50 years old, and to celebrate the golden anniversary, Italdesign was commissioned for an unprecedented collaboration. Working with their in-house NISMO motorsports division, Nissan is proud to announce the first production GT-R 50 by Italdesign. Only 50 cars will be built by hand. Each one will offer 710 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque along with carbon fiber inside and out. An Italian leather interior has been stitched by hand and well-insulated from the outside world. Working with their GT3 team, NISMO will equip each car with a forged bottom end, massive turbos, reinforced transmission, driveshafts, and differentials. The 21" carbon fiber wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Supercar tires. Pricing starts at $1.1 Million and most have already been reserved. Tell us what you think of the ultimate Nissan in the comments below and stay with us for all your GT-R news. Browse Nissan GT-R For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 07, 2020

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Filmed by a GT-R Camera Car

Trying to film a 600 horsepower car is not an easy task. That is why Mauro Calo uses a potent machine as the basis for his films. If your target has All Wheel Drive and 481 lb-ft of torque, you need to fight fire with fire. If you're in the market for affordable luxury, Nissan's really stepping up their game lately with more infotainment and the e-4ORCE drivetrain. Browse All Nissan GT-R For Sale Related: Nissan GT-R Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2019

Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign Deliveries Start in 2020

In March 2020, the first production model of the new Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will go on display. This will give customers the first chance to see the car they will be receiving. Yes, many threw down deposits on the car and Nissan will be delivering just 50 examples of the car starting late 2020. These deliveries will run through the end of 2021. Aside from its astounding design, the GT-R50 is a powerhouse as well. it comes packing a NISMO-tuned twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine. When it was first announced, it had a starting price of 990,000 Euros, or around $1,010,000 USD. SEE ALL NISSAN GT-R'S FOR SALE Source: Nissan

By Edward Jones – July 15, 2019

Grand Seiko's Stunning Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Watch

In April of this year, Nissan announced the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Making it a special edition vehicle is a livery that pays homage to GT-Rs of the past. More specifically, the two-tone paint consisting of Bayside (Wangan) Blue and white stripes mimic the liveries from the Japan GP series. Grand Seiko is also celebrating the GT-R's 50th Anniversary with the new Spring Drive 20th ＆NISSAN GT-R 50th Anniversary Limited Edition watch. Yes, Grand Seiko is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Spring Drive movie as well. It's a beautiful combo that results in an incredible watch. Each of these watches features the Bayside Blue color found on the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. The white crocodile strap and silver-white on the dial combine to create a racing stripe visual, just like the car. As for the Spring Drive movement, it can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. You just have to love a visible movement. Through the case back, the GT-R anniversary emblem in 18K yellow gold can also be seen on the oscillating weight. Only 200 examples of this watch will be created, so be sure to talk to your boutique for more information. visit grand-seiko.com for more info

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2019

2020 Nissan GT-R Prices Announced: NISMO, Track Edition, ...

Pricing for the 2020 Nissan GT-R models has finally been revealed, including the NISMO, Track Edition, Premium and Premium w/ 50th Anniversary. As you can see, the Pure model is gone and the closest you will get to a "base model" would be the GT-R Premium. For the GT-R NISMO, turbochargers are sourced from the GT3 race car, a carbon fiber roof and hood are fitted, the suspension has been revised and braking relies on carbon ceramic brakes. For this, buyers will have to drop just over $200k. Full pricing is as follows. GT-R Premium $113,540 USD GT-R Premium with 50th Anniversary Edition $122,040 USD GT-R Track Edition $145,540 USD GT-R NISMO $210,740 USD see all nissan gt-r's for sale

By Edward Jones – April 23, 2019

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition Pricing Announced

At the New York Auto Show, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition was announced. This new package is meant to celebrate 50 years of Nissan sports cars, all of which started with the 1970 Datsun 240Z model that was debuted at the 1969 New York Auto Show. It's been a few days since the 370Z 50th Anniversary Model was unveiled and we're now learning how much it will cost. Nissan says that the package for this new edition will cost $2,600 above the Coupe Sport's MSRP. For the model with a six-speed manual, it will cost $36,420 while the automatic example will have a price tag of $37,670. see all nissan gtr's for sale

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