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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 – December 03, 2019

Mini Cars Inc. Offers Fun For All Ages

Presented by Mini Cars Incorporated Being an adult comes with responsibilities, stress, and obligations. What if you could drive something that would make life simple again? Mini Cars Incorporated offers fun for all ages with their 2/3rd-scale classics. View The Lineup at Mini Cars Inc. Don't call it a toy, these handcrafted roadsters can easily handle adults up to 6'1" and 225 lbs. Powered by a 107cc four-stroke, they offer almost 8 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. The transmission is a 3-speed sequential with neutral and reverse. 1956 American Classic Roadster View All 56 American Classics FOr Sale One gallon of regular unleaded will last for hours, and all models have 12v lighting, turn signals, horn & electric starter. Each body is assembled by hand in Brazil, with no details overlooked. If the real car has it, so does the Mini Cars Inc. version. 1956 American Racer View ALl 56 American Racers For Sale Adjustable pedals will allow you to cruise with passengers of all sizes, and several layers of clear coat will last for years. Working turn signals and a horn make it the perfect car to learn on. " width="680"> View The Lineup at Mini Cars Inc. The suspension is also formed by hand and it features adjustable coil springs at all corners, so transform it into a lowrider for a fun night out! 1942 Willys Jeep View All 42 Willys Jeeps For Sale You will be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the real thing at only a few feet away, and the frame is powder-coated for years of enjoyment. Stuck behind a slow golf cart? Kick it down a gear and leave them in the dust. 1954 British Classic View All 54 British Classics For Sale Final assembly and inventory are handled by a dedicated team in Florida, and we can ship internationally without any issues. Each car is backed by a 10-year warranty, so click the button above to learn more about Mini Cars Incorporated. " width="680"> Mini Cars Incorporated These handcrafted automobiles have been sold around the world to those who seek out the most unique and exclusive products with the best quality. We stand behind all of our materials and workmanship with an unheard of 10 years parts warranty. We want our customers to worry about nothing but the enjoyment of our automobiles. Visit Mini Cars Inc.

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2018

Mitchell Custom Pool Tables

Nearly half a century ago, Ed Mitchell began his career in the billiard industry.In 1977, after gaining a solid foundation of experience, he established Mitchell Custom Tables. From the beginning, his pool tables stood out for their consistently superb workmanship, stunning design, and superior playability. New Yorker TableOver time, Ed's unwavering commitment to quality attracted an elite group of dedicated master craftsmen who, together, contribute over 100 years of roll-up-your-sleeves, hands-on pool table experience.Their dedication to excellence and wealth of experience are evident in every table they handcraft. That's why all Mitchell tables are backed by a complete warranty on workmanship and materials for the life of the table.Today, every Mitchell Custom Pool Table is tangible proof that excellence is not simply a goal–it's a requirement. VUE TableFamily owned and operated since 1977. Mitchell Pool Tables are considered the leading manufacturer of contemporary and modern designed pool tables in the world today.Combining advanced structural engineering with sleek designs have set Mitchell apart. MonacoFrom exotic hardwoods to stainless steel they offer innovative handcrafted exquisite designs to fit your lifestyle.Mitchell Custom Tables welcomes interior designers, architects, and consumers alike to enjoy the finest and highest quality pool tables made. Mitchell Pool Tables offer a unique collection of designs priced at the upper end of affordability. CatalinaTheir exclusive award-winning White Glove Delivery Service is guaranteed to make your experience a pleasure from start to finish.For additional ideas and images, please visit www.mitchellebd.com or feel free to contact their knowledgeable sales staff for a private consultation - (844) 793-9263 ExcaliburMitchell’s unique designs incorporate high-grade materials like stainless steel, aluminum and tempered glass.At Mitchell Exclusive Billiard Designs, they're passionate about making beautiful, functional, handmade billiard tables for their clients. Catalina Yellow ClothEach table created is used and enjoyed, becoming cherished family heirlooms that are passed down for generations and backed by a complete warranty on workmanship and materials.Learn More 727.539.6212mitchellpooltables@gmail.com www.mitchellebd.com Nautilus

By Andrew Nabors – October 27, 2017

Vanderhall Motor Works Groundbreaking New Factory

If you create something revolutionary, often times demand will far exceed your supply. We got behind the wheel of a prototype Vanderhall a few years ago, and we knew it would be a hit. The peppy 3 wheel roadsters combines powerful & proven GM power with a chassis that has shocked the world. It is a turbocharged front-wheel drive 2-seater with incredible grip.Their first model was the Laguna. It has doors and a removable top along with air conditioning, stability control, and heated seats. The Venice was next on the scene, sans doors & roof. A six-speed automatic may be semi-manually controlled by an optional left-hand sequential bump shifter for aggressive driving, and it provides a nice overdrive for highway cruising. The real secret sauce is in the inboard front suspension. By laying the springs over and using bellcranks, un-sprung weight is incredibly low. This is how both models offer a ride softer than any other competitor.All of these features have culminated in all 2018 Laguna models being sold-out, and the Venice models being in short supply. Responding to the hungry dealers, Vanderhall Motor Works has broken ground on a new 1,000,000 Sq. Ft. facility. With room for 900 employees, The Vanderhall Building will be able to produce over 25,000 roadsters a year. The patented chassis requires the latest in CNC and welding technology along with final assembly by hand. "When I started Vanderhall--when we finished the first Laguna I knew we had something special. And now with the Venice, demand is significantly greater than our production. We need more room." The press release also mentions the expansion of the lineup with two new models coming in 2018. One of them will be an electric version that is sure to shock the industry. “Creation is something I am passionate about. This new facility will give Vanderhall the room to expand and create for many years to come”. said Steve Hall president and chief operating officer. Three cheers for Steve Hall and his team for allowing us to be along for the ride. Click on the link below to find your closest dealer and stay with us for all Vanderhall news. Learn About VanderhallLuxury and Exotic Cars

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2017

2017 Mecum Auctions Monterey Preview

If you are reading this, you probably don’t like wasting time. That’s why we told you Mecum’s Monterey Auction was a must-see event. They have a knack for finding the hottest exotics and classics on the market, and it makes for action-packed bidding. Dana Mecum and his sons spare no expense in offering the best experience for the audience." rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch Mecum's Live YouTube Stream Here A Mecum auction is fun & family friendly, which is why they sell more cars for more money than anyone else. You are truly missing out by not going, so at least tune in on NBCSN and watch it live. We’ve compiled the most anticipated lots for you, so tell us what they will sell for and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. There you have it. Some of the best cars of this year’s Monterey Car Week, all in one place. Tell us which one you are bidding on and why. Stay with us for complete coverage of the event. 2015 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Learn More 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Learn More 2007 Maserati MC12 Corsa Learn More 2003 Ferrari Enzo Learn More 1972 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 Learn More 2004 Porsche Carrera GT Learn More 2015 McLaren P1 Learn More 2006 Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722 Roadster Learn More 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari Learn More J. Geils Collection Learn More 1958 Lister-Jaguar Learn More2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Learn More2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita Learn More 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 Learn More2017 Ferrari F12tdf Learn More1971 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 Learn MoreThere you have it. The best cars of this year's Monterey Car Week, all in one place. Tell us which one you are bidding on and why. Stay with us for complete coverage of the event.

By Edward Jones – June 26, 2017

Shawn Cunix: From Selling Candy to Owning an Exotic Car D...

In Dublin, Ohio is an exotic car dealership known as Toy Barn. In their showroom sits cars created by prestigious automakers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche and many others. The owner in charge of Toy Barn, Shawn Cunix, recently purchased the dealership with money that he has earned over a lifetime defined by hardship, passion, entrepreneurship, and success. Shawn Cunix and Braxton Miller, wide receiver for the Houston TexansIn an interview with BuckeyeLifestyle.com, Cunix told his story. He started his life with very little, but he always strived for success in order to provide for himself and his family. At a young age he was selling candy to fellow students, making little bits of money. He eventually went on to work three jobs at once, allowing him to save enough money for a 1986 Trans Am and even the chance to attend Ohio State University.https://www.facebook.com/toybarncars/videos/1556446941046293/After graduating, Cunix went from selling shoes at Kohls, to becoming the top salesperson in the country at Ross Labs. He then left Ross Labs and began selling cell phones for AirTouch Cellular (now Verizon Wireless) and started making $170k a year. After fours years of a six-figure salary, he decided to quit his job, which would have been an insane notion to him years before, and started selling phones from his basement. This operation grew to his first Verizon Wireless store and then he ended up opening more than 80 stores. These stores would make $90 million in revenue.In 2006, during his ownership of Verizon stores, Cunix also became infatuated with poker. While poker was merely a hobby for him at the beginning, it turned into something more quite quickly. Over the years, he has won many tournaments, earning over $2.2 million from poker.In 2015, Cunix sold his Wireless empire and in 2016 purchased Toy Barn. He hopes that he can be the owner of a dealership that people can trust. How does he plan on doing that? Well, since he doesn't really need to sell cars like clockwork in order to feed his family, he's able to be straight up and honest with his customers.Cunix's life is a perfect of "started from the bottom, now we're here"-- going from a junior candy salesman to the owner of a prestigious exotic car dealership. If you've ever wanted inspiration, Cunix's life story is a great choice.View Inventory

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2017

Must-Have Accessories for the Porsche 718 Porsche and Cay...

Are you the owner of a new Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster? Are you looking to pick one up from your local Porsche dealership? Then you need to check out this selection of must-have accessories and components that you can get for your new German sports car. Whether you want to protect your new car, make it sound better or give it a darker look, the three picks below are perfect. To learn more about each part, or to find other Porsche Tequipment accessories, be sure to use the Tequipment Accessories Finder by clicking the button below.Find Accessories718 Boxster/Cayman Bi-Xenon Headlights - Dark Look Bi-Xenon main headlights, dark look, including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) for 718 Boxster/Cayman.Finished in Dark Chrome Metallic: Interior components and edge paintwork. Includes darkened front light modules. Basic function and shape are the same as that of other main headlights that include Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+). Order from your authorized Porsche dealer.Part Number: 982 044 900 12718 Boxster/Cayman Sports Exhaust System Sports Exhaust for 718 Boxster/Cayman The Sports Exhaust System for Boxster/Cayman from Porsche Tequipment features two catalytic converters and a rear silencer, which lead into two centrally positioned tailpipes. While the Tequipment Sports Exhaust System enhances Porsche engine sound, its dual purpose is revealed in how vital information about the degree of acceleration, engine performance, deceleration and braking is instantly conveyed to the driver through Porsche vehicle exhaust notes. The Sports Exhaust System gives the driver performance input simultaneously with the dashboard gauges, allowing the driver to pay attention to the road through sight while monitoring the performance gamut by ear.Part number: 982 044 200 00/01Tailpipes included in Sports Exhaust Kit With tailpipes with a unique look, made from chrome-plated stainless steel in silver or black. The sport sound is activated by means of a separate button in the control panel in the center console. A mechanical noise can sometimes be heard when the sport exhaust system is activated.For impressive resonance, intense sports car sound, and goose bumps at the push of a button—get the Tequipment Sports Exhaust System for your 718 Boxster or Cayman.Part number: 982 044 200 10 (silver), 982 044 200 11 (black)718 Boxster/Cayman Car Covers Porsche Tequipment interior car covers Application: 718 Boxster/S Part Number: 982 044 000 00 (View Price)Application: 718 Cayman/S Part number: 982 044 000 02 (View Price)Custom-fit indoor car cover made from breathable, antistatic material. With colored Porsche Crest and "PORSCHE" logo. Porsche Tequipment exterior car coversApplication: 718 Boxster/S Part Number: 982 044 000 01 (View Price)Application: 718 Cayman/S Part number: 982 044 000 03 (View Price)Perfect-fit outdoor car cover made from the water-repellent material. With colored Porsche Crest and "PORSCHE" logo. Anti-theft protection included.

By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2016

P51 Combat Fighter by Confederate Motorcycles

Without a doubt, the North American P-51 was vital to winning WWII. In the war of two wheel transportation, the battle for superbike supremacy has been an uphill fight for America. Until recently your choices for a domestic V-twin sport bike have limited to uninspired designs, but Confederate Motorcycles are ready to change the industry. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, 61 examples of the Combat Fighter will be built in honor of those who served. Each bike requires 800 man-hours and a thousand pounds of alloy to offer the best torque to weight ratio on the market. Building a bike completely out of 6061 billet demands a dedicated team of designers and machinists.https://vimeo.com/190240955The naked design emphasizes form and function, with several acrylic portholes that will have you mesmerized. Being able to see the inner workings of the engine and having a clear visual into your fuel tank are just a few of the ways it achieves a wet weight of 560 lbs. At Bonneville Speed Week a record storm caused the salt to lose its grip. The Combat Fighter set a two-way average of 164.93 mph, with wheel spin denying further attempts. With the speedometer reading 30 mph higher than ground speed, holding the throttle wide open at 6,000 rpm for miles was the perfect proving ground. Confederate has built the Secretariat of thoroughbreds, with a focus on drag racing performance.https://vimeo.com/187727101Carbon fiber comprises the wheels and handlebars and the lighting is LED. Confederate's engineers draw inspiration from 'Reversed Alien Engineering' and we believe it. Veterans of the greatest generation formed the Confederate Air Force after the war, but the PC police forced them to change their name. Although most of its members have gone to the great airbase beyond the horizon, unanimous among them was the reverence and love of the P51. Geared for 200 mph, the Combat Fighter is ready to take on Japan and Germany simultaneously from their factory in Birmingham, Alabama.https://vimeo.com/187732719Because each bike requires an investment of time and materials, only 61 examples will be built. For more information please contact Confederate Motorcycles at sales@confederate.com And be sure to visit the Combat Fighter homepage for a gallery of each build.Learn More

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2016

RENNtech Boosts S550 to AMG Performance Levels

This 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is equipped with the all new RENNtech S550 Sport Package. RENNtech has developed this power packed yet stylistically subtle package specifically for the S550 sedan. RENNtech achieved this with just a few modifications that make a vast improvement in the overall presence and performance of the S-Class in stock trim. The tasteful exterior upgrades start off in the rear with a pre-preg carbon fiber rear decklid spoiler, designed in-house at RENNtech and manufactured in the USA. Optional RENNtech ‘VIP Forged’ polished 10-spoke wheels are wrapped in Nitto Invo tires, complementing the elegant exterior styling in 21” front and 22” rear fitments. Adjustable suspension lowering links bring the vehicle down to the perfect ride height to present the beautifully crafted lightweight forged wheels.The RENNtech S550 tune unleashes the true potential of the 4.7L V8 Biturbo with power figures boosted up to 540 horsepower and 705lb-ft of torque. Throttle response is also greatly improved, transforming the standard S550 sedan into the quintessential perfect blend of stately executive class and AMG-esque performance.With a minimalistic yet effective approach, RENNtech has proven there is a void to be filled between the S550 and S63 variants. This well-rounded package is currently available for all S550 Sedan and Coupe models. If you’re more the instant gratification type, call Aristocrat Motors today in order to inquire about the turn key example featured hereLearn More

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