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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 Edward Jones – August 09, 2016

Koenigsegg Regera Does 1,500 HP Burnout

What do you do when you have an empty road and a 1,500 hp Koenigsegg Regera? You push the pedal down and burn as much rubber as possible.You see, the Regera has a 5.0-liter V8 engine that has two turbochargers attached and electric motors. This powertrain is what gives the hyper-super-ultra-mega car it's power output of 1,500 horsepower and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. But, what's even cooler than this power(I know, it's hard to believe), is the fact that the all of this power is routed through no gearbox. Seriously, it has one gear, meaning you don't have to worry about shifting as your hit ungodly speeds in the Swedish monster.To show off what it's like to lay down the Regera's power all at once, Koenigsegg uploaded a video of them destroying tires in the hypercar. You can check it out below.View Koenigseggs For Sale Did someone say party? We'll bring the smoke machine!!!!Posted by Koenigsegg Automotive AB on Monday, August 8, 2016

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2016

Classic Mercedes-Benz Drives Onto Ferrari 458 Speciale

When driving around exotic cars, you always run the risk of being involved in a very expensive accident. Whether you're on the road with them or in a parking lot, it always pays to look twice and be more cautious than normal. Unfortunately, a driver of a Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster at a car show in Great Falls, Virginia ended up on top of a Ferrari 458 Speciale.We're not exactly sure what happened, but it looks like the driver of the Mercedes was backing into a spot by way of parallel parking. And then, some way or another, too much gas was given and then back end of the German classic made its way on top of the Italian supercar. Honestly, I feel bad for both parties in this situation. The driver of the Mercedes made a mistake that anyone could make, while the owner of the Ferrari now has to deal with a repair.(Also Check Out - Audi R8 Almost Crashes at the Ring With Epic Save)In the video below, by Maryland & Virginia Cars, we see the aftermath of the accident. Upon seeing what had happened to his car, the owner of the Ferrari was more than displeased (NSFW language), while the driver of the Mercedes was visibly shaking. At least we can be thankful that nobody was hurt during the accident.While the damage done to the 458 Speciale does not look extensive, there will surely be an expensive repair bill coming. Let this serve as a reminder to always keep an extra eye out when driving around expensive cars and be as cautious as possible.View 458 Speciales For Sale View All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Edward Jones – August 04, 2016

Electric Van Crushes Dodge Viper and BMW i8 in Drag Race

I just finished watching this video, and I'm still pretty flabbergasted because I just witnessed a Mercedes-Benz Vito van absolutely obliterate a Dodge Viper and BMW i8 in a drag race. Granted, this is no ordinary Vito.(Related: Koenigsegg CCX vs Porsche GT2 Race: Sweden vs Germany)The van, called Edna, was created by Atieva and is actually an electric vehicle. They first showed off the vehicle a couple of weeks ago as it took on a Tesla Model S and a Ferrari California. This week, we see it take on an American supercar and a German hybrid. And if you've read the title, you know that this van destroyed the two. Here is the breakdown of its run: 0-60: 2.94 seconds 1/8 Mile: 7.2 seconds @ 99 mph 1/4 Mile: 11.3 seconds @ 117 mph Those are supercar numbers coming from a van. A van! Check out the van's sprints in the videos below.

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2016

200+ MPH Highway Runs: Aston Martin One-77 and McLaren 675LT

Whoever put together the Sun Valley Road Rally knew what they were dong when they decided to shut down a highway for high-speed runs. It not only gives drivers the chance to push their cars to their limits, it gives spectators a shot to see the world's finest cars reach speeds of over 200 mph. At this year's event, the Bugatti Veyron "Hellbug" hit speeds of over 230 mph, putting on quite the show. Joining the French hypercar was the Aston Martin One-77 and McLaren 675LT, which both ran for over 200 mph.(Related - Koenigsegg Agera R Tests Top Speed Against 918 Spyder on Autobahn)At this year's event, the Bugatti Veyron "Hellbug" hit speeds of over 230 mph, putting on quite the show. Joining the French hypercar was the Aston Martin One-77 and McLaren 675LT, which both ran for over 200 mph. YouTuber DLMphotos was on hand at the event and captured the high-speed runs and uploaded the videos for our viewing pleasure. You can view them both below.These videos bring a question to my mind: would you be willing to go over 200 mph in a supercar? Sure, it's fun to watch on video, but do you think you could handle a Bugatti at 230 mph? Let me know in the comments below! And for those who have gone that fast, what was it like for you?McLaren 675LT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2016

Koenigsegg CCX vs Porsche GT2 Race: Sweden vs Germany

Just because it's not the newest model doesn't mean its any less potent. In a showdown of supercars from yesteryear, cvdzijden was able to capture a Koenigsegg CCX lining up against a Porsche GT2. Both cars are forced induction but that's where the similarities end. The Swede is powered by a 4.7L V8 of their own design. Topped by two Rotrex superchargers it makes 806 hp and 693 lb-ft of torque. Made possible by 20 psi of boost pressure, it was their first model to not use Ford's modular V8.(Also Check Out - Who's Faster: Nissan GT-R vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Drag Race)The opponent in the far lane has the home field advantage, and the GT2 in stock form makes 620 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It could be a clone, but nonetheless adding two turbos to any 911 makes it a worthy contender. Racing at airports is easier thanks to less noise restrictions and concrete runways that are much smoother than a typical blacktop. Both CCX and the GT2 are destined to increase in value so take a look at these listings from our dealers.Koenigsegg For Sale|Porsche GT2 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 29, 2016

What it's Like to Drive with The Stig

Top Gear's Stig has trained a celebrity or two in the business of driving cars, and Top Gear decided it was time to see how those stars felt about getting a lesson or two from one of the greats. From Hugh Jackman to Lewis Hamilton to Benedict Cumberbatch and Will Smith, Stig had a chance with them all, and the results... well let's just say the vary.(Related - 50 Cent Hopes to save Top Gear)In the following YouTube video posted by Top Gear, you can check out some of the stars trained by Stig and see what the famed Top Gear driver thinks of their skills.

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2016

Bentley Continental GT V8 Runs 169 mph on the Autobahn

Why drive a V8 when you could have a W12? Bentley purists were quick to voice this opinion when the Continental V8 debuted in 2013. Seeing the need for a lighter & less complex engine, they borrowed a twin turbo 4.0L V8 from Audi. Customers instantly saw an advantage in terms of fuel mileage and service costs, as the model has been a hit in the US.(Related Video - The New Porsche 911 R Pushes 200 mph on Autobahn)Capable of 500 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, it uses cylinder deactivation to become a 2.0L V4 when cruising. The EPA was so impressed that it rated the 5,000 lb coupe at 25 mpg on the highway. Incredible efficiency from an AWD luxury car. We know the W12 and Supersports versions are capable of incredible acceleration, but what happens when a German powered Bentley hits the Autobahn? Our Dutch friends at AutoTopNL have a passion for passing every other car on the highway, and they do it with style. Once you realize the potential of Bentley's latest GT, take a look at V8's for sale from our dealers.Search Continental V8 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 26, 2016

13-Year-Old Steven Aghakhani at it Again: 200+ mph in a B...

Setting records is something 13-year-old Steven Aghakhani isn't new to. In fact, Steven gained some notoriety as he raced down the straightaway hitting 162 mph and beating Team GSA driver, Bryce Diamond, to the finish line. He was just 12-years-old at the time.He's set records in his favorite car, the McLaren 650S, and in a video posted by NARA Speed, he had his sights set on hitting over 200 mph at the Shift-S3ctor Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack event. He states to an interviewer that his fastest time prior to this event was 195 mph, but he's confident he can hit 200+.With father, Armik, there to cheer him on and provide some pointers, Aghakhani climbs into the driver's seat of a Bugatti Veyron and steps on it. He's clocked hitting 202 mph. Check out the full video below to see Aghakhani in action.Bugatti Veyron For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 22, 2016

Who Wins? McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Turbo vs Audi R8 V10

With specialty tires, brake-steer and a notably lighter body, the McLaren 570S would appear to be the projected winner of a race between these three cars, but is an upset in the works?Let's not forget the Audi has the most power (but less torque). The Porsche is quick and nimble as expected.(Also Check Out - 360º of Tesla P90D vs Lamborghini Aventador Drag Race)So which car wins? When the specs are compared side by side, the popular choice is the McLaren, but on the track and in action, the results might surprise you. The guys at Auto Express pit the cars together on a slightly wet track, driving each one individually around tight corners on the slick track. Here are the results: Porsche: 42.95 seconds (setting a new record on the track) Audi: 43.68 seconds McLaren: 42.71 seconds (setting another new record) Did the car you chose win? Check out these three cars in action in the video belowMcLaren 570S For Sale | Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale | Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2016

Straight Pipe Rev Battle: 458 vs GranTursimo vs Panamera

We're kinda jealous because we don't get much tunnel action here in Florida. If you enjoy the symphony of a screaming V8, turn up your volume. WorldSupercars found three exotics without mufflers and placed them in a tunnel for auditory overload. Instead of just replacing the mufflers with exhaust tubing, many aftermarket systems offer larger diameter pipes. This helps the engine rev faster but the resonance on the highway can be unbearable.Maserati For SaleThe stanced Maserati GranTurismo is either a 4.2L or 4.7L V8 which is of the same family as the 4.5L in the Ferrari 458. But the Ferrari uses F1 derived technology to reach 9,000 rpm.Porsche powers the Panamera Turbo with a 4.8L V8, but turbochargers cancel most of the sound by transforming it into boost pressure. The reason Panamera sounds more like an American is because it uses a traditional cross-plane crankshaft. Ferrari and Maserati use flat-plane cranks which are basically two four-cylinder engines sharing the same space. Tell us which one sounds the best in the comments below.Maserati GranTurismo For Sale | Porsche Panamera 4S For Sale | Ferrari 458 For Sale

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