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

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By Tyler Rampersaud – December 04, 2023

New Unplugged Performance "INVINCIBLE" Modifications Elev...

Top-tier off-road enhancements bring the futuristic new truck to new heights. Unplugged Performance, a trailblazer in Tesla vehicle enhancements, has recently unveiled their latest breakthrough - the UP INVINCIBLE® line, exclusively for Tesla Cybertruck owners. This pioneering product range, revealed at Unplugged Performance's celebratory afterparty for Tesla's Cybertruck delivery event, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Tesla tuning. Hosted in Hawthorne, California, near icons like the Tesla Design Studio, SpaceX, and Starlink, the event captured the attention of a full house, demonstrating the widespread excitement for this innovative product line. UP INVINCIBLE® is a testament to Unplugged Performance's commitment to pushing the envelope in both on-road and off-road capabilities for the Tesla Cybertruck. Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance, showcased an array of products designed to enhance the rugged nature of the Cybertruck. These include heavy-duty steel bumpers, rock sliders, advanced carbon fiber body panels, and high-output LED light bars. Additionally, the line features innovative bed storage solutions and MOLLE panel designs, a comprehensive suite of suspension products including lift kits, and new wheel designs like a purpose-built beadlock wheel. Underbody armor and other accessories further cement UP INVINCIBLE® as a game-changer in the Tesla aftermarket scene. Schaffer emphasized that UP INVINCIBLE® is not just about upgrading the Cybertruck's aesthetics or performance. It's about empowering owners to conquer challenging terrains and embark on extraordinary adventures, enhancing the vehicle's inherent capabilities. This aligns with Unplugged Performance's reputation for high-performance racing suspension and brake upgrades, now infused into the DNA of the Cybertruck to elevate the driving experience to unprecedented levels. For Tesla Cybertruck owners eager to be among the first to experience these upgrades, limited quantities of select UP INVINCIBLE® products will be available for shipping starting in early December. The full range is expected to reach customers in early 2024. In addition to these exciting offerings, the event also provided a glimpse into the future, with UP.FIT's renderings showcasing potential applications of the Cybertruck in police and military vehicles. Unplugged Performance's UP INVINCIBLE® line is a bold step forward in redefining the boundaries of Tesla tuning and innovation. It stands as a beacon for Tesla enthusiasts who seek not just performance enhancements but also desire cutting-edge, off-road capable solutions for their vehicles. This launch solidifies Unplugged Performance's position as the premier destination for those looking to take their Tesla experience to the next level, continually driving the industry forward with their inventive and high-quality offerings. View All Teslas For Sale Image Source: Unplugged Performance

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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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 23, 2022

Tesla Motors Reacts To The Real Life Guys' Off-Road Model...

The manufacturer posted the insane creation to their IG page. For car enthusiasts of all kinds, modifying a vehicle with aftermarket parts seems to be a relatively common task to improve design, technology, and performance. While the market for Tesla upgrades only includes performance software updates and minor aesthetic features, owners are now forced to find ways to differentiate themselves from all other EVs on the road. In a recent Instagram post uploaded to Tesla’s page, the automotive manufacturer highlights an innovative off-road Model 3 built by a team of three friends from German. The Real Life Guys are known to their 1.47 million subscribers as YouTube stars who document do-it-yourself projects through a series of episodes. MUST-READ: The Best Hummer EVs You Can Buy Today Johannes, Philipp, and Elisabeth (Elli) began their insane build process with a stock Tesla Model 3, which in a short period of time would be reimagined to tackle tasks never intended for any electric vehicle. The most noticeable change from the ordinary four-wheel vehicle is the pair of full-size tank tracks that establish traction on any surface imaginable, replacing the traditional factory wheel and tire setup. The build also includes off-road upgrades like a front-end brush guard, electric tow wench, rally-style LED light bar, and solar panel roof mounts to accompany the need for more electric power. Although this goes against every rule in the factory vehicle warranty, Tesla humors the one-of-a-kind build by stating “Fans make the darnedest thing” in the caption of the post. Watch The Real Life Guys put their off-road Tesla Model 3 to the test by clicking the link above. View all of the current Tesla Model 3 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle releases and Tesla news. VIEW ALL TESLA MODEL 3 FOR SALE View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tesla (@teslamotors) Source: @teslamotors @the_real_life_guys

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2021

Discover The New FORM Camper For The Tesla Cybertruck

FORM is taking the Tesla Cybertruck on an adventurous road trip. As EV enthusiasts of the automotive world continue to wait for the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck to roll off the production line, aftermarket accessory companies are ahead of the curve with dedicated product lines to enhance their capabilities. The adventurous professionals at FORM are proud to unveil its latest portable camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck. The camper makes for an easy ride with minimal drag thanks to its approximate 1,000-pound structure. Once at the intended destination, the Tesla Cybertruck FORM Camper operates seamlessly as a detachable or free-standing design. The spacious interior layout includes essential amenities that include a kitchen, storage, and bedroom. MUST-READ: First Look: LOKI Basecamp Icarus The exterior transforms into an outdoor kitchen area for the days with perfect weather conditions. If more space is needed to fit an adventurous lifestyle, FORM Campers offers a 195-square foot option that turns into a comfortable living area with a kitchen and bathroom. The FORM Camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck breaks the mold of traditional electric vehicle capabilities, allowing owners to discover new roads in the most eco-friendly way. The all-new Tesla Cybertruck camper by FORM Camper is currently available starting at $49,500. Check back into Dupont REGISTRY Daily for more Luxury Lifestyle Gear news and releases. Click the link below to discover the Tesla Cybertruck Camper from FORM. Discover The FORM Tesla Cybertruck Camper Source: FORM

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

Ares Design Transforms Tesla Model S Into 2-Door Convertible

Cutting into an electric car can be hazardous to your health. But never denying a customer's idea for something unique is how Ares Design transformed a Tesla Model S into a 2-door convertible. Based in Modena, their coachbuilders deleted the roof, b-pillars, and doors. After first crafting a decklid by hand, a fabric top and an elegant frame were fashioned to fold away for a roadster look. After new doors, the body was treated to carbon fiber aerodynamics and steel reinforcements front to rear. Find your Tesla by clicking the button below Browse Tesla For Sale P.S. Did you see their four concepts unveiled at Salon Prive? Images (C) Ares Design Modena

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