Tesla

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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2023

Watch Telsa's Cybertruck Beat A Porsche 911 In A Drag Rac...

You'll have to see this race for yourself to believe it. The evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology has remarkably shifted the lifestyle from just efficient commuting to empowering performance-focused cars, trucks, and SUVs suitable for weekend track days. This transition is marked by significant advancements in battery technology, electric motor power, and sophisticated control systems, allowing EVs to deliver exceptional efficiency and supercar performance figures. While almost every auto manufacturer has adopted electrification for their lineup of new vehicles, none quite carry the significance and popularity of Tesla and its continuously growing fleet of EVs. From the Model S Plaid to the upcoming Cybertruck, the team at Tesla aims to implement the same capabilities across all platforms. Recently uploaded to Elon Musk's Twitter profile, Tesla decided to put its performance to the test by documenting a drag race between the Cybertruck and a Porsche 911 Carrera. Making things even more interesting, the Tesla Cybertruck chose to take on the challenge while trailering an identical version of the Porsche 911 that it would race. Even leveling the playing field with some extra weight on its rear, the Tesla Cybertruck uses its advanced battery powertrain to accelerate instantly off the line to create a gap between the vibrant green Porsche sports car. Disguised until the end, you can hear Elon in the background prepping those watching for the surprise of a lifetime. Although specific performance figures have yet to be finalized, the top-tier Cybertruck features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, offering blistering acceleration with Tesla claiming a 0 to 60 mph time of under 2.9 seconds. This robust powertrain promises exceptional speed and also considerable towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it a highly versatile electric vehicle. View all Tesla EVs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Beats a Porsche 911 while towing a 911 pic.twitter.com/4YdS1tKQse— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 30, 2023 Source: Elon Musk Twitter

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

Tesla Decides It Won't Sue Customers $50K For Reselling T...

Just as quick as they announced the reseller rule, Tesla revises its agreement in light of customer response. After causing waves in the automotive world by threatening Cybertruck resellers with legal action and a $50,000 fine for breaking the Motor Vehicle Order Agreement, Tesla has redacted its legal notice and re-wrote the purchase agreement. With such a high demand for Tesla's upcoming first-ever EV truck, the world-renowned automaker is trying its best to protect car buyers from the rather familiar scenario of astronomical MSRP mark-ups. The change in the agreement now states that Tesla may grant customers the ability to sell their Cybertruck with the manufacturer's written consent. Along with asking permission directly from the source, Tesla also has the choice to buy back the Cybertruck for a discounted rate. The vehicle value is determined by a deduction of $0.25 per mile, plus normal wear and tear, and any other additional services or repairs needed. If Tesla decides that your Cybertruck is better off in other hands, you may then source a third-party buyer, whether it be a private individual or business. As the Tesla Cybertruck begins mass production in 2024, we cannot wait to see the futuristic EV truck on roads all around the world. View all Tesla EV models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Tesla

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2023

Tesla Announces It Could Sue Cybertruck Resellers Up To $...

If you have a Tesla Cybertruck on order, you better plan on keeping it for a while! The surge in demand coupled with a shortage in supply has led automotive manufacturers to overhaul the traditional car-buying process, implementing stringent rules and regulations. These measures aim to curb the activities of resellers who seek to profit from flipping high-demand new cars, trucks, and SUVs, ensuring that these vehicles reach genuine customers and enthusiasts at fair market prices. While Tesla has long since kept up with the high demand for its popular lineup, the EV conglomerate is starting to face the sad reality of automotive resellers with upcoming deliveries of the highly-anticipated Telsa Cybertruck. Tesla recently re-wrote their Motor Vehicle Order Agreement to state that any customer who disregards the "No Resellers; Discontinuation; Cancellation" portion of the contract could face legal action from the world-renowned EV automaker. While other OEMs have tested this security strategy with other popular and exclusive sports cars, most stress a customer stop sale as the worst-case scenario. For Tesla, the punishment of selling your Cybertruck before the grace period could result in an additional $50,000 fine on top of never having the opportunity to purchase another model from the brand. For those who locked in pricing upon its initial launch and have already capitalized on the increased pricing for the self-driving option, ownership will have to take place for an extended period of time before legally selling the EV Cybertuck. The new section of Tesla's Motor Vehicle Order Agreement stipulates that the resell clause is implemented "For Cybertruck Only." View all Tesla EV models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Tesla

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 01, 2023

Watch Joe Rogan Shoot An Arrow At A Tesla Cybertruck

This one-dollar bet makes for an exciting watch. The Tesla Cybertruck is highly anticipated, and constantly talked about, whether for its unorthodox design, its potential ability, or most prominently for its lofty claims. One of the most discussed aspects of the Cybertruck is its toughness, and recently on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the famed podcast host and Elon Musk put the Cybertruck to the test. While discussing the Cybertruck being tested for its ability to be bulletproof on the podcast, Rogan suggested to Musk that he try to penetrate the stainless steel body of the truck with a hunting bow and arrow. Of course, Elon Musk agreed, betting one dollar that the Cybertruck would be able to withstand the attack. Once Rogan shot the arrow at the truck, the arrow bounced off the body, flattened, leaving only a small dent in the truck’s exterior. Elon Musk also explained that bullets and arrows are typically able to penetrate straight through car doors, and that the Tesla Cybertruck can withstand various firearms. Musk went on to say that the Cybertruck is designed this way because he thought bulletproofing was a desirable measure of a truck’s toughness. As anticipation for the cybertruck continues to build, Joe Rogan and Elon Musk show that its incredibly tough body is capable of withstanding the force of an arrow shot by a powerful hunting bow, and among its other acclaims and attributes, it remains one of the most exciting additions to the truck world. View All Teslas For Sale Joe Rohan shatters an arrow on Cybertruck that would easily go through a normal car pic.twitter.com/XSMjnoE5Xp— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 31, 2023

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 30, 2023

Tesla Announces New Stealth Grey Color For Model S & X

Tesla adds a new sleek color to its spectrum. In the burgeoning and novel market of electric vehicles, Tesla is one of the most preeminent names, with a lineup of powerful and luxurious models celebrated by many. However, the appeal of Tesla’s electric vehicles is about to grow even further, with the introduction of a new available paint color. With the popularity of seamlessly elegant colors on the grayscale, and especially the dark, moody tones that evoke intimidation and modernity, the introduction of Tesla’s new Stealth Grey Color is exciting for many Tesla fans and owners. The new Tesla color is a dark grey shade, reminiscent of sleek and futuristic matte black colors and fitting of its own “stealth” name. Available on the Model S and Model X, it pairs perfectly with the hypercar-level acceleration and performance of the Plaid versions of the two models. With immense power, luxury, and futuristic technology, the new Stealth Grey color is the perfect addition to Tesla’s range of paintworks and its popular lineup of luxury electric vehicles. View All Teslas For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – October 02, 2023

New Beadlock Wheels Revolutionize Tesla Model Y Off-Roading

Unplugged Performance introduces new wheels that take Tesla off-roading to a new level. Unplugged Performance specializes in aftermarket parts and upgrades for Teslas, and its latest release—the 18" UP-03 Beadlock Off-Road Spec Forged Wheels designed for the Tesla Model Y—deviates from the beaten path. Unveiled in Los Angeles, these wheels bring a monumental shift in EV off-road driving, coupling unparalleled off-road performance with a level of versatility that excels not just on trails but also on highways. The wheel's unique design allows for dual tire mounting methods, a game-changer for off-road and overlanding aficionados. The full beadlock capability ensures the tire's bead is mounted externally, locked into position using titanium hardware, thus permitting low tire pressure applications in rugged terrains. This enables the tire pressure to dip as low as 5 psi to maximize traction on loose surfaces by increasing the tire's contact patch size in challenging scenarios. Conversely, the wheel allows for traditional, DOT-compliant mounting with the tire's bead placed internally for conventional highway and daily driving, offering drivers the best of both worlds. This isn't a one-trick pony; it's a robust wheel engineered for performance and resilience. Like its standard UP-03 counterpart, the UP-03 Beadlock wheels are crafted from high-strength forged aluminum. They maintain the same I-beam spoke design and barrel knurling to minimize tire slip, ensuring they can stand up to the most challenging off-road endeavors while still providing on-road comfort and range. Not to forget, the wheel is a direct fit for the Tesla Model Y, supporting the use of Tesla factory lug nuts, center caps, and TPMS sensors, all without sacrificing form or function. As the anticipation builds for Tesla's Cybertruck, Unplugged Performance's UP-03 Beadlock wheels serve as a tantalizing preview of what the future may hold for EV off-roading. According to Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance, these wheels are a testament to the company’s dedication to merging design and functionality. “They represent our full support of uncompromised off-roading and overlanding car culture,” he said. Unplugged Performance has again set a high benchmark in the Tesla aftermarket space. By offering a wheel that genuinely can do it all—endure rugged trails and seamlessly transition for legal highway use—the UP-03 Beadlock Off-Road Spec Forged Wheels have not only pushed the boundaries of what's possible for EV off-road adventures but also served as a catalyst for the continued evolution of EV performance and versatility. These wheels are now available for purchase, and if you're a Tesla Model Y owner with a penchant for off-road thrills without wanting to compromise on daily practicality, they're certainly worth a look. View All Tesla Model Ys For Sale Image Source: Unplugged Performance