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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 – July 14, 2016

360º of Tesla P90D vs Lamborghini Aventador Drag Race

Watching a drag race between similar cars is about as fun as watching paint dry. But a race between two opposite ends of the automotive world is guaranteed to be interesting. In a video uploaded last night by hartvoorautosNL, we see a rare encounter between the world's most popular electric sedan and an Italian supercar.(Also Watch - Who's Faster: Nissan GT-R vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Drag Race)Tesla empowers the P90D with 713 lb-ft of torque, which is instantly available to all four wheels. The Lamborghini Aventador is also All Wheel Drive with 508 lb-ft, but this power is only found above 5,000 rpm. Tesla has no transmission, so it offers the same power in almost every situation. Lamborghini's 7-speed automatic is geared to unleash the full power of the V12 above 120 mph, a severe disadvantage to drag racing. So what happens when efficient electrons encounter a raging V12? Hopefully, this road was closed, because street racing is wrong in any situation. Always remember to follow your local traffic laws.Aventador For Sale Tesla Model S For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 11, 2016

Chris Harris On Car to Premiere on BBC America

For Chris Harris, the more time behind the wheel the better, and his new show is proving he lives behind the wheel. Set to debut on BBC America tonight, Chris Harris' new show, "Chris Harris on Cars," will be exactly what it sounds like--- Chris Harris. Behind the wheel of various cars. Talking about cars.(Also Check Out - First Top Gear Chris Harris Review: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio)Basically, he gets to do what he loves and talk about it, and we get to reap the benefits. Looks like there will be a ton of revving, drifting and driving for us all to watch. Check out the trailer below:

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2016

650 hp Porsche 911 Turbo S vs 800 hp Lamborghini Huracan

In the same woods that saw the defeat of Napoleon and Hitler's armies, Dragtimes has built a world-class racing facility near Moscow. Since it is probably the best drag strip in Europe, it attracts some of the best heads up racing we have seen. First is a modified Huracan owned by Andrey A. Tuned by Morendi, it's rated at 800 hp and starts with a bye run.(Also Check Out - Pure Supercar Drag Races: Bugatti Veyron, Carrera GT and More)His opponent is Dmitry in a 650 hp Porsche Turbo S with modifications by Altechno, another Russian aftermarket shop. Both cars are all-wheel drive, so in theory this should be a close race. Russia currently claims 1/8th of our planet's inhabitable land, so their races don't stop at 1,320 feet. Racing to the half-mile, aerodynamics and engine size are the main variables above 200 mph.Porsche For Sale DallasWho do you think should have won? Tell us in the comments below, and come back for more wild 1/2 mile action.View 911 Turbo S For Sale | View Huracan For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2016

Amazing World of London Supercars in the Summer

Every summer a wave of supercars roll into London, England, bringing high-revs and gorgeous sights with them. The magnitude of this automotive migration has even forced the hand of local governments to put a stop to the loud revs. That being said, the cars still venture to the town.YouTube channel TheTFJJ recently published a video of the London supercars that have been spotted in the month of may. To give you an idea of how utterly insane the cars are, here's the list of appearances from the video's description:Bugatti VeyronFerrari F12Ferrari EnzoAston Martin DB5Aston Martin Mansory CyrusMcLaren P1Porsche 959Mercedes SLR McLarenLamborghini Aventador Roadster DMCKoenigsegg Agera R ZijinIsdera ImperatorMercedes SLS AMGLamborghini AventadorLamborghini Aventador SVPorsche 918Porsche Carrera GTFerrari F12Ferrari 488GTBLamborghini Aventador SV RoadsterLamborghini HuracanFerrari F12 TDFMcLaren 650SBMW Z8 AlpinaPorsche 911 MTMcLaren F1Aston Martin DB5 Shooting BrakeNo big deal, just some of the world's rarest cars rolling through the streets. A 959? Agera R? F1? It's almost just too much. Check out the video below for some supercar overload.Supercars For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 08, 2016

Who Wins? Audi RS7 vs Lamborghini Aventador vs Porsche 91...

There's nothing like a good, well-matched drag race. At first glance, though, an Audi RS7 against a Porsche 911 Turbo S doesn't quite seem well-matched. And an Audi RS7 against a Lamborghini Aventador? Well that's almost laughable.(Also Check Out - Pure Supercar Drag Races: Bugatti Veyron, Carrera GT and More)And then I watched the video. Not quite sure if my eyes deceived me, I had my colleague watch the video. He had to rewind a bit to make sure his eyes were, indeed, focused properly. You'll see what I mean when you watch the video. Did the Lambo pull through? Kind of. How about that Porsche? Well... I don't want to give it away, but let's just say it wasn't pretty.Check out the full video from Drag Times below.Lamborghini Aventador For Sale Audi RS7 For Sale Porsche 911 Turbo S' For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2016

America vs Germany: Ford Mustang GT vs BMW M2

"American brawn meets European precision," notes the announcer in EVO's latest video that pits the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT against the BMW M2.American brawn = 5.0-liter V8 engine (410 bhp and 391 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed transmissionEuropean precision = Twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque) and an M Double-Clutch transmissionSure, one quick peek at those specs and it's obvious that the Mustang GT is home to more power than the M2. But, what I didn't include is the weight of both cars, which can make or break drag races. For the Mustang GT, it reads 3,772 lbs when it steps on a scale. As for the M2, it weighs in at 3,351, significantly lower than the Mustang. Is this difference in power enough to give the M2 an edge in a race from a dig? Click play below to find out.Mustangs For Sale | M2s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 01, 2016

Drifting in a Ferrari 458 and Scud Makes For Beautiful Fo...

With the help of some friends, professional drifter Ryan Tuerck ventures to Vancouver to take some supercars out to deliberately shred some tire tread. He looks like a kid in a candy store as he finds out he'll not only be able to drive a Ferrari 458 and a Ferrari Scuderia, but also a Lamborghini Murcielago SV. After giving some spec info and a little detail for each vehicle, Tuerck and Damon Fryer from Daily Driven Exotics head to the track.(Also Read - Nissan GT-R Performs World's Fastest Drift- Literally)Starting off in the 458 with Fryer in the passenger seat, Tuerck lets loose and shreds to his heart's content. Stoked to do it again, he hops in the Scuderia. This looks like too much fun. Check out the full video below (we're a little jealous, can't lie)View Ferrari 458s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 30, 2016

Japanese Lawyer Daily Drives His McLaren P1

In Denenchofu, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan, one lawyer figured out how to make his daily commute more enjoyable. A few years ago, he purchased his first McLaren, the 650S. He was so happy and impressed with the 650S that he decided to make an additional McLaren purchase. This time, Go Hiramatsu invested in the P1. After a tour of the McLaren factory, which Hiramatsu refers to as a "museum of modern art," he decided the P1 was the ride for him. He chose a green finish matching the greenery of the London parks where the McLaren factory is located.(Also Read: McLaren P1 LM Sets New Record at Goodwood Festival of Speed)Hiramatsu uses his P1 as his daily driver for his commute to and from work, which he partakes in five days a week. But that's not all. He also takes his car to the local track, the Fuji Speedway, and the Hakone Turnpike. Dubbed as Japan's Nürburgring equivalent, the Hakone Turnpike is a great place for Hiramatsu to let loose in his P1. Check out the video below to see Hiramatsu and his P1 in action.View McLaren P1s For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2016

2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo Is Now The World's Fastest Lu...

Porsche has just officially unveiled the brand new 2017 Panamera model and now we've come to find out that the luxury sedan has already broken records.(Also Read: First Production Bugatti Chiron Lap Around Nurburgring, Hits 200 MPH)In a video uploaded by Porsche, we get to see the 2017 Panamera Turbo's lap around Nurburgring. With 550 hp worth of motivation from a biturbo V8 engine, the sedan lapped around the famous "Green Hell" in just 7 minutes and 38 seconds. For comparison purposes, thanks to NurburgringLapTimes.com, here are some cars that lapped Nurburgring at the same time or slower than the Panamera Turbo. Lexus LFA - 7:38:00 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - 7:39:00 Ferrari F430 Scuderia - 7:39:00 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV - 7:42:00 As you can see, the Panamera Turbo sits above some pretty serious cars. Now, click play below to see the luxury sedan's record lap.View Panameras For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2016

Pure Supercar Drag Races: Bugatti Veyron, Carrera GT and ...

One thing that will always bring people together is the notion of helping others. For a group of supercar owners, they were brought together for a charity event called "Droomrit voor het Leven" (roughly translates to "Dream Trek for Life") which raised money for sick children.(Also Check Out: Lamborghini Huracan vs McLaren 650S Spyder All-Out Street Drag Race)At the event, YouTuber Automotive Mike was on hand to capture 24 cars racing each other. Cars attending the event ranged from American muscle cars to pure French hypercar power. Below is a list of the cars featured in the video found below.- Aston Martin Rapide- Aston Martin V8 Vantage- Aston Martin V12 Roadster- Aston Martin Vanquish- Bugatti Veyron- Chevrolet Camaro- Ferrari 430 Scuderia- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano- Ferrari Dino- Ferrari F12Berlinetta- Ferrari F355- Ferrari F430- Ferrari Testarossa- Jaguar F type S- Lamborghini Aventador- Lamborghini Diablo- Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series- Mercedes SLS AMG- Morgan Aeromax- Porsche Carrera GT- Porsche 997 GT2 RS- Porsche 997 GT3- Porsche 997 Targa 4S- Porsche 997 Turbo S MkIIMy personal favorite race of the event had to be the Bugatti Veyron taking on a Lamborghini Diablo because it's a great demonstration of how raw power in cars has evolved over the past two decades. Which race was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!Supercars For Sale

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