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 – 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 Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

Tesla's Ventilator Design Team

Elon Musk and his engineers seem capable of achieving the impossible. From landing rockets to "Ludicrous Mode", they have destroyed the walls between thought and production. That is why we're awestruck at Tesla's ventilator design team. If you ever needed a proper example of how fuel injection works, this would be it. Using parts from the Model 3, their apparatus mixes hospital oxygen to a desired pressure, flow, and saturation. An O2 sensor and a mass airflow meter in the exhaust send commands back to the intake to constantly make adjustments. Although it looks complicated on the bench, this design is poised to change the world of Respiratory Therapy. Well done to all involved! Find Your Tesla Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2019

Tesla Model Y Unveiled as a Potent Electric Crossover

It took great sacrifice and ingenuity to get the Tesla Model 3 production up to speed. That included building a 2nd assembly line in the parking lot and input from the workers on how to improve their process. Using the same architecture as the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y was unveiled last night as a potent electric crossover. Starting inside, it offers seating for 7 adults thanks to an optional 3rd row. With 2nd and 3rd rows folded, you will have 66 cu ft of cargo capacity. A new 15" screen operates faster with higher resolution than other models. You will have 4 flavors to choose from. The performance model has dual motors and 20" wheels for a 3.5 second 0-60. The downside is a 280 mile range. Its counterpart is the Long Range AWD. It reaches 60 mph in 4.8 on 18" or 19" wheels. Top speed is limited to 135 mph compared to 150 mph on the performance. The long range RWD has the big battery and one motor for a 300 mile range and 5.5 second 0-60 time. Finally, the Standard Range base model reaches 60 in 5.9 seconds, with a range of 230 miles. Top speed is also limited to 120 mph. Production will begin early next year on the long range and performance models, and the standard model will arrive in 2021. Shop Tesla For Sale Related: Tesla Model 3 Standard Starts at $35,000 Tesla Unveils Dog Mode to Protect Your Pets

By Edward Jones – October 18, 2018

TeslaCam Records Crash, Proves Driver Wrong

One of the greatest things to buy for your car nowadays is a dashcam, as it can come in handy if you ever get into an accident. A perfect example of this is a recent crash that involved a Tesla Model 3. Luckily for Tesla owners, they don't need to buy a dashcam because they come packing TeslaCam. This built-in dashcam actually came from a software update that allowed owners to capture video through the car's front-facing camera. Pretty nifty.As for the crash, it happened Brad King, the owner of a Model 3. He set up his TeslaCam and had footage being saved onto a USB drive. This came in handy because one night he was driving when a Honda Accord with no lights on pulled out in front of him. Unfortunately, King couldn't brake in time and ended up hitting the car. Luckily, there were no injuries.Jay Leno Tests the 2020 Tesla RoadsterThe driver of the Accord had no insurance and a suspended license. As if that wasn't the worst of it, the driver of the Accord told authorities a different story of what happened, according to Teslarati. This is where the TeslaCam comes in handy. As you can see in the video below, King clearly told the truth. Without this footage, things might have become very messy. Now imagine if you owned something like a Lamborghini Aventador. You'd definitely want the backup from a dashcam if you got into an accident.Shop Dashcams Source: Teslarati

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2018

Pricing/Specs for Tesla Model 3 Performance Model Announced

The Tesla Model 3 is about to get new performance and all-wheel-drive models and Elon Musk announced some of its details on Twitter.Tesla Motors released the Model 3 just over two years ago and we're just now learning about new variants for the car. Elon Musk says a new dual-motor setup will be used for the upcoming all-wheel drive and performance Model 3's. For the performance Model 3, Elon Musk says it will have a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, 155 mph top speed and a 310-mile range.Teslas for SaleAlong with the quick specs, he noted just how much one of these models will cost when all option boxes are checked off, including wheels, paint, etc. The cost, he says, would be $78,000, not including Autopilot. Elon Musk then went on to say that this cost is around the same as a BMW M3 but the new Model 3 will be 15% quicker and will have better handling.For those who just want the dual motor AWD option, the option costs just $5,000. This option will come with a range of 310 miles, 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and top speed of 140 mph. This dual-motor setup will have one motor in the front and one in the rear. He also noted that if one motor breaks, the other will drive the car.https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/997943053317849088https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998084314200862720https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998085655958769665https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998085901069598720https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998087743530913792https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998088849636016128

By Andrew Nabors – October 03, 2017

Easter Eggs Hidden in Tesla Model 3

A growing trend in automotive design is to hide unique features in small details or in the software. Chevrolet does this with the Corvette by etching the cross-flags logo into the headlights, rear window defogger, and a few other locations. Take a close look at a Jeep and you will find silhouettes of the original Willys from WWII. Tesla chooses to make us smile with childhood memories and nerdy fun aimed directly at their target audience.Also Check Out: Base Model Tesla Destroys Competition At Drag StripBefore Tesla Tampa was opened, we stored a dozen Model S sedans in our showroom. Aside from the tremendous torque that burned our carpet, we discovered the lane-keeping display was able to show the car on Rainbow Road, the hardest track from Nintendo's Mario Kart. Two months ago at our Cars & Coffee show, one of our fans arrived in a new Model X. The rear doors and battery range is nice, but the real treat is dance mode. It uses the rock-orchestra soundtrack that is synchronized to the lights and doors. Now that the Model 3 is in production, it was inevitable that customers would discover its funny bone. In a video uploaded to Green Car Reports by Steve Jurvetson, he shows us three features every car should have. Watch the video and then tell us about hidden parts of your car in the comments below.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 01, 2016

Revealed: Tesla Model 3 - Specs, Price and Pics

All of the Model 3 anticipation is finally over. Tesla is known for a cult following, and many turned out for the unveiling of the Model 3 last night. To great applause, the brand's first affordable, high-volume model rolled out on stage for their official debut.Tesla Model 3 Specs 0-60: <6 seconds 215 mile range Supercharging Capabilities 5-star safety rating During the unveiling, Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, revealed a five-star safety rated, 0-60 in under six seconds, electric sedan. Even the base Model 3 will have these features. They will also have autopilot options and a range of 215 miles (or better). Tesla's newest sedan is also designed to seat five adults in comfort and the roof is, as Musk describes it, "One continuous pane of glass" giving it more space and an incredible view no matter which seat you're in. Supercharging capability is also standard among all Tesla 3 models. Superchargers are charging stations Tesla has built across the world, which means your Tesla 3 can go anywhere, anytime.So what about price? The Tesla Model 3 will start at $35,000, which after federal and state tax credits, could be lowered to $28,000. Musk asserts that production will begin in 2017 and deliveries will start at the end of 2017. He also stated that at the time of the unveiling, 115,000 Model 3s had already been reserved.Learn more about production, buying capability and all things Model 3 in the video below. What do you think? Will you be reserving a Tesla Model 3?

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By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 31, 2016

Tesla Model 3 Buyer's Line Looks Like an Apple iPhone Launch

It's official. The Tesla Model 3 is officially on sale, and people are lining up around the globe to reserve theirs. Tesla recently uploaded a gallery of photos on Facebook and the lines are literally wrapping around buildings. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've seen lines like this before, but only in really extreme cases: Black Friday. iPhone launches. Tesla is definitely making waves with the Model 3.Social media users are uploading their own photos and videos of their reservation. One user even referred to the experience as "smoothest line/reservation experience I've ever had."https://twitter.com/TeslaMotors/status/715607806053785600Check out this video of a line of people waiting in Bellvue...https://twitter.com/TeslaMotors/status/715556538149015556Looks like Tesla fans are really turning out to make their reservations for the Tesla Model 3. So what about you? Are you reserving one? Would you like to? Let us know in the comments below.Teslas For Sale

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