Toyota

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – October 31, 2018

Toyota Created a Pizza-Making Robot Truck

Pizza is loved by many across the world. The disc-shaped food has an uncanny ability to bring together people. Whether it be at a sporting event, during late-night crunch time at work, or even in the midst of a late-night downtown, pizza can mend the broken and heal the soul. It seems Toyota knows the power of pizza because they've created a robotic pizza truck called the Toyota PIE Pro.Based on the Toyota Tundra, this truck is a mobile pizza parlor that serves up Pizza Hut pizzas in just 6-7 minutes. It all starts with a robotic arm that pulls a pizza out of the fridge and places it on an oven conveyor. And don't worry, the arm DOES close the fridge door. It seems to know it's not refrigerating the whole planet. After getting the cheese all bubbly and delicious looking, a second robotic arm removes the pizza from the conveyor and places it on a cutting board. After three precise cuts, the pie is split into six slices. Yes, it even boxes it up. Boom. Pizza. Done.What's more, this entire process is powered by Toyota's cutting-edge hydrogen fuel-cell electric power unit. This power unit was adapted from the Toyota Mirai, the company's hydrogen fuel cell car.Watch the 2019 Toyota Supra's Goodwood Hill Run “As the flagship Toyota truck, the Tundra is a workhorse in the truest sense,” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President - Toyota Division Marketing. “Its great strengths are its extreme capability and eminent versatility, and what better way to illustrate that than by turning it into something completely unique—a hydrogen fuel cell electric-powered, pizza-making robotic vehicle!”You can see this car and other specialty Toyota creations at the Toyota display booth in Central Hall at SEMA 2018. Next, can we get a something that rolls up sushi and places it in my mouth while I drive?

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2018

Watch the 2019 Toyota Supra's Goodwood Hill Run

The new 2019 Toyota Supra made its way to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has accomplished its very first Goodwood Hillclimb. This specific vehicle, Toyota A90, was covered in a camouflage design which held it back from a formal reveal. While it was in disguise, we at least were able to see the car in action and what it's like when put to the test.The new Supra will be based around the upcoming BMW Z4. We know it will have a straight-six engine, but as far as specific specs and details go, we're still in the dark. At the very least we have the video below that gives us the opportunity to see what will use the beloved Supra model name.Toyota Unveils 2019 Century Worth Almost $200kI should say that I'm a bit disappointed that the car still hasn't been fully revealed. Back in the day, I used to drool whenever I saw a Supra. Heck, I still do to this day. Simply put, I'm just excited for the Supra to come back and I'm hoping it lives up to the name.

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2018

Toyota Unveils 2019 Century Worth Almost $200k

If you want to experience the best Japan has to offer, your vacation must include being chauffeured in a Toyota Century. You won't find this massive sedan in many other spots around the world. That is because Toyota has built it for Japan's ruling class since 1967.Lexus & Marvel Unveil Two “Black Panther” Inspired CarsBecause they devote so much time an effort into each example, a new version was not needed for the past 21 years. The first Toyota Century was built in 1967 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, who named his company Toyota to appeal to a world market. And just like that car, the 3rd generation Century spares no expense.Pricing (without options) starts at 19,600,000 yen, or just over $ 178,750. You will receive a hand-built sedan powered by a 5.0L Hybrid V8. It has combined horsepower of 425 and maximum torque of 596 lb-ft. Only 50 examples will be built each month, mostly because many of the details are finished by hand.It does not share any parts with Lexus or other Toyota models, and we are not allowed to own it. This is the car that scares the Yakuza and makes German luxury hard to sell in Japan. The closest we will ever get is the Lexus LS, so click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Toyota news.Browse Lexus LS For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 06, 2016

Toyota Looks To Bring Back Supra With New Trademark

Last week, Toyota trademarked a name you might recognize. According to supramkv.com the "Supra" name was trademarked with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on Friday, June 3.Usually, when a company trademarks a name, it means they're going to release a corresponding product. Though it might just be speculation, could the trademarking of the Supra name mean Toyota is bringing back the model?While nothing has been confirmed, rumors are swirling that Toyota is said to be working on a new sports car with styling consistent with the FT-1 Concept. In addition, Toyota is rumored to be working with some hybrid tech as well, and now they've trademarked the Supra name in Europe as well. When all this information collides, looks like Toyota could be bringing back an FT-1 Concept style Supra!Stay tuned. We'll reveal details as they are released.

By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2015

Is The New S-FR Concept Toyota's Future?

Small cars are big news these days, and that’s one reason why Toyota just brought a new sporty concept to the Tokyo Motor Show. In a YouTube video uploaded to their Global Newsroom Page Oct. 28, we hopefully see a glimpse of the future.Not to be confused with the Scion FR-S, the S-FR has historical cues from the 2000 GT, with a front engine/rear wheel drive chassis. Having a six-speed manual transmission in such a short wheelbase will make for a fun driving experience, especially if paired with a turbocharged power plant.The interior might be a vision of the near future, with the infotainment system being replaced by a holder for your mobile device. A proper handbrake next to the shifter will allow for well-executed drifts while the bolstered buckets hold you in place.If they choose to build it, we hope that it doesn’t arrive bloated with a ton of power options. If air conditioning, power seats and power windows are optional, the S-FR will be a force to be reckoned with at your local autocross. As soon as more information is available, you will find it here on Autofluence.Gallery (via Toyota/YouTube) See More Toyota News

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2015

Stunning and Rare 1967 Toyota 2000GT For Sale

Ask someone about collectible sports cars from the 1960s or '70s and they're likely to bring up something along the lines of Porsche or Ferrari. But there's one car from this era that is just as valuable as it is gorgeous: the Toyota 2000GT.And, now, we have just listed one for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com.Available through Motorcars International is this 1967 example of Toyota's first supercar. Just 351 2000GTs were created, and of those, just 62 were left-hand drive; this example is one of those 62. When it was for sale as a brand-new model in 1967, it came with a sticker price of $6,800. This made it a bit pricier than the same model year Porsche 911 ($6,050), Jaguar E-Type ($5,585) and Corvette ($4,721).Ferrari For SaleIt was built with a 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine under its hood, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which was uncommon when it was introduced. During it's original heyday, it broke many world speed records with a top speed of 135 mph.Bearing chassis number MF10-10193, it has a long and well-documented history, starting when it was imported to Switzerland in January 1969 and then delivered to its first owner in mid-1971.The car found a new home at the Emil Frey AG Collection, located in Switzerland. In the mid-90s, the car went in for restoration. It had a complete engine overhaul, as well as a "brake system overhaul, suspension including shocks, new differential seals, new tires, re-trimming of original seats, restoration of all wood veneer, replacement of all rubber seals and various cosmetic touch-ups," according to the listing's description.This 2000GT took up residence at the collection for more than 30 years, but is now located at Motorcars International in Springfield, Missouri. It's listed for sale with a comprehensive and complete history that has been kept in a three-ring binder for prospective owners to peruse through. The vehicle's description touts that it has matching numbers, a fully restored engine and the original color combination - Solar red with a black interior.For more information, including price and images, be sure to click the button below.View Price and Listing Gallery Coolest Cars in the World at duPont REGISTRY

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2015

2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Review

Aside from being a mythical island in the Arthurian Legend, Avalon is the name of Toyota’s top level offering. Last year they sent us a 2014 Avalon Limited for a week of sensible commuting and it changed our perceptions of the modern Japanese sedan. For 2015 they wanted us to experience the hybrid, so we received one in Sizzling Crimson fresh off the Georgetown, Kentucky assembly line.The 3.5-liter V6 is not available, so the Hybrid is built with a 2.5-liter four cylinder coupled with their Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Horsepower is rated at 200, and torque at 156 lb-ft. A large majority of that torque is available instantly from the battery, so the Avalon is a completely capable daily driver. It may not be a plug-in hybrid, but 40 mpg city and 39 highway is nothing to laugh at.On the inside, the infotainment screen is centrally located above the HVAC controls, and both panels are flanked by a faux brushed metal trim. The controls for all important systems are intuitive and easy to reach, and are mostly the same ones found in the Lexus ES. The only weak point is that the seats could use more cushion and bolstering.The Avalon Hybrid starts at a base price of $41,700, but after several expensive extras, like $499 remote engine start, $225 floor mats and a $825 delivery fee, the final retail price is $45,578. If you need an efficient full-size sedan, the Avalon Hybrid is for you.

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