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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 19, 2016

RENNtech Tuned Mercedes GT-S vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Mercedes-AMG factory in Sindelfingen builds every version of the AMG GT. Only a few miles away is Porsche's factory in Stuttgart. In a hometown rivalry that predates modern civilization, two of the most potent German cars in recent history went at it. Our friends at GTBOARD.com were on hand to record the action as a first generation 991 series Porsche 911 Turbo S took on a RENNtech tuned AMG GT-S. The Porsche appears to be the same car from last week's Battle of the Brands, and the first generation of the 991 series 911 is rated at 560 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.In the far lane lurks a modified AMG GT-S with tuning by RENNtech. Conservatively rated at 503 hp and 479 lb-ft from the factory, real world output is listed at 601 hp and 605 lb-ft to the wheels. With a few other unlisted mods it has reached 612 hp, but we are unclear if those are engine or wheel horsepower. Porsche power is rated at the engine and is sent to all wheels. Is it just me, or does anyone else cringe as the cars slow down? The sounds of gravel at the end of the runway can be heard attacking the car's lower body and floors. Someone needs to bring a jet dragster to clean the track. Roll racing isn't for everybody, but if you are not proficient in clean launches it makes for a fun afternoon. Tell us who you think should have won, and stay with us for more half-mile action.AMG GT-S For Sale|911 Turbo S For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2016

When People Don't Know What a McLaren Is

The general public isn't all too aware of the exotic cars that we know and love. One car owner that has experienced this lack of knowledge personally is the.leviathan, a YouTuber and owner of a McLaren 650S.(Related - How to Design Your Own McLaren 570S)He recently uploaded a video to his channel that shows what it's like to drive around a McLaren. Sure, I may be able to spot a 650S from a mile away, but the vast majority of the world wouldn't be able to. In the video below, he gets asked if his McLaren is a Maserati, Ferrari and even a Corvette. For car lovers, it's pretty funny to see people completely miss the mark on the car name, but luckily the/leviathan keeps his cool and lets people know what his car actually is.All McLaren 650S Spider For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2016

Caught Sleeping: Porsche 911 Turbo S vs Jeep SRT8

All wheel drive and launch mode should be banned in drag races. Because traction of this level makes it look too easy. At a recent event hosted by import2race.com, an unlikely lineup made for impressive acceleration. The far lane was occupied by a late model Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. In stock form it was rated at 552 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, but this car is probably upgraded. You might wonder who brings a Jeep Grand Cherokee to a drag strip, but this is not your grandfather's Willys.Using the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 as the Challenger and Charger SRT 392 models, it sends 475 hp and 470 lb-ft through a trail rated 4WD system. The Jeep SRT8 has an adjustable launch control but it weighs almost 4,900 lbs. Weight isn't an issue if your opponent is asleep at the lights, but aerodynamics might play a part on the top end. Somebody had traction issues, but 10 second cars can be hard to launch in any situation. Everyone has been guilty of bad reaction times at least once, and nothing beats the feeling of shaming the other lane near the finish line. Tell us who should have won in the comments below and stay with us for more heads up 1/4 mile action.All Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2016

What it's Like to Join Lamborghini's Driving School

Owning a high-performance car is a great accomplishment. Knowing how to fully utilize its abilities is even better. I have had plenty of seat time in everything from Countach to Aventador, and in all honesty, you will not come near the limits of a late model Lamborghini on public roads.Although Mr. Balboni has retired, you can still learn from the team members of Squadra Corse. The motorsports division of Lamborghini, they are responsible for the Super Trofeo cars and the Blancpain GT Series.(Related - Lamborghini Teases New Engine)In order to see how an owner becomes a racer, Bloomberg got behind the wheel of the $12,000 weekend. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is home to the US program, and it includes everything from wet weather maneuvering to hot laps in a Super Trofeo Huracan. Not only are the participants learning how to extract every ounce of fun from their cars, Squadra pays close attention to talented drivers who could benefit the racing program. Advanced telemetry systems record each lap for review by the instructors in both the Aventador and Huracan. The driver with the fastest lap time is invited to a weekend of racing, complete with a pit crew and arrival by helicopter.If you want to take part in the next class, contact one of our dealers for more information.All Lamborghini For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2016

Battle of Volkswagen's Brands: Lamborghini vs Porsche

Conspiracy theorists, get your tin foil hats prepared. Volkswagen owns Porsche and Audi, and Audi owns Lamborghini. Ownership implies a mutual trust, but some secrets are not shared. All-wheel drive is more than just the ability to power all four wheels, and there are many ways to incorporate it into a supercar.The fist generation of the current 991 series Porsche 911 was released in 2011. As the king of flat sixes, the Turbo S uses twin turbos and a seven-speed PDK transmission to power all wheels. A Haldex center differential has its own computer that has more processing power than your daily driver. It even features a dedicated cooling circuit for instant changes in torque. Armed with the SportChrono package, the six cylinder 3.8 liter Turbo S is rated at 560 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.Used Porsche Cayenne For SaleThe Italian side of the family prefers to mount their engines ahead of the rear wheels, and without forced induction. The Huracan is equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 that is also found in the Audi R8. Horsepower is a whopping 610, but torque is on the short side at 412 lb-ft. Borg-Warner supplies the center differential, adding a touch of Michigan manufacturing to the raging bull.By the numbers it should be a close race, but final drive ratios and aerodynamics are the major players at triple digit speeds. We apologize for the rolling start, but most owners are reluctant to invoke launch mode to protect their rubber. At a recent Swedish drag race, GTBoard.com was on hand to film the battle. You might be surprised at the winner, but tell us if it was a fair fight, and who would win from a holeshot. Stay with us for more half mile racing here on Autofluence.Huracan For Sale|Turbo S For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2016

Ferrari 333 SP Spits Flames: Why We Love the Classics

Back in 1993, the Ferrari 333 SP was unveiled as a prototype race car that would be the Italian automaker's return to racing after being out of the game for 20 years. It came with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V12 engine that was brutal and raw. After being introduced, the car went on to race well over 100 times, winning 56 races. It's history and abilities make it a dream car to many Ferrari fans.(Also Check Out - Ferrari FXX-K Goes Over 200 mph at Daytona)The 333 SP has since been retired, but that didn't stop it from coming out to the Ferrari Finali Mondiali for a most special run around the track. While it was making its way around the famous track, Jason Thorgalsen mounted a camera to the rear to the car so we could not only hear the raw sound of the car, but also see the flames it produces.This car is an absolute dragon with the voice of a demon. Click play on the video below to see what I'm talking about.All Ferrari For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2016

BMW Regrets Trying to Race Lamborghini Huracan

Sometimes I come across racing videos that show the underdog taking the win. But sometimes the race goes exactly as planned.In a video uploaded to YouTube today by GTBOARD.com, we get to see what happens when an unfortunate BMW driver takes on a Lamborghini Huracan. The German automobile in question is a BMW M5 (F10) with a few modifications (ECU, downpipes, exhaust). As for the Huracan, no modifications were mentioned.(Also Watch - Not Even Close: Cadillac CTS-V vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS)The two cars lined up on the straight, preparing to race from a roll. Once they hit the starting line, the Huracan takes off and doesn't look back. Some commenters on the video were pointing out that something was off in the race and that the BMW might need a bit more work. Check out the video below and let me know what you think the owner of the M5 should do to his car to make it more competitive against the Huracan.All BMW M5 For Sale | All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2016

Girl Effortlessly Drifts in Louboutin High Heels

The other day I had a conversation about how difficult it must be to walk in heels. For me, walking in anything that doesn't have a flat sole seems foreign, so to see a woman not only drive, but drift in heels in impressive as heck.(Related - "Stina Stunts" Drifts and Spins the RWD Lamborghini Huracan)Enter the WooHoo Girl's Nina, a Slovakian with a penchant for sliding sideways in her car. After presenting a pair of Christian Louboutin heels, which aren't cheap, she fits them on her fit and hops in her car. After some series slides, she proves that drifting in the heels was easy can could be for her. What's more, the heels looked undamaged.Check out the video below to see it all go down and check out their channel for more awesome videos like this one.Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 01, 2016

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gets Smoked by BMW 325iX

Everybody knows that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is an exquisite piece of machinery. With 500 hp on tap and some downright gorgeous styling, it's guarunteed to become a classic in the future. But, how does it stand against a classic like the BMW E30 325iX?(Related - Insanely Close Race Between Lamborghini Aventador and Porsche 991 Turbo S (991.2))If you're unfamiliar with the 325iX, I'll give some quick facts. First, it was the first 3 Series to have all-wheel drive, making it a fun and capable drive in the Northeastern parts of the country. It also came with 168 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque on tap. If you do one Google search for 325iX, you'll see that it's revered as one cool ride.For those fans of the 325iX who want to see the car take down a modern masterpiece like the 911 GT3 RS, I've got the perfect video for you. While I could not mention the result of this race, I might as well tell you that this 325iX seems to have been heavily modified and it goes to town on the 911. Check out the race in the video below to see the German sleeper in action.All Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 22, 2016

The Heavenly Sounds of a Rally Porsche 911

Sometimes you need a moment to sit back and listen to the sounds of cars. For me, this moment comes just about every day. So, when I was sitting at the desk watching a Porsche 911 taking turns at the Rallye Köln-Ahrweiler 2016, I figured I should share it with you guys.(Related - 5 of the Rarest Classic Porsche Models Ever Made)First off, I'm a sucker for rally racing, so this video was already going to be watched. But the sound of the 911 in this video is just heavenly. There's something about the raw noise a rally car makes that just puts a smile on my face.Because I enjoyed the video, I figured you guys would enjoy it as well. Click play below and enjoys the sounds! If you want your own Porsche to listen to, click the big red button and see what we have up for sale.Porsche For Sale Porsche Cayman For Sale

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