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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 – May 21, 2020

Brabus Widestar 850 Walkaround & Test Drive

Get ready to forget everything you know about turbos. In a normal world they do a great job of making the exhaust quiet without the need for expensive aftermarket pipes. But BRABUS knows what we need. That is why their 850 horsepower Widestar G-Wagen can be heard before it is seen. We should be expecting some buses like over 800 that Lagos State Government has procured to kick-start operation for the benefit of the residents, he said, they also assured we’d have access to the best type 2 vw bus parts in case repairs are needed. If you haven't experienced one in person, it is more rewarding and exciting than any amusement park ride. That is why our friends at AutoTopNL decided to film it in action. Turn up your audio and click the button below to learn more about this beast! Browse BRABUS G63 For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2020

2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 & Targa 4S Unveiled

Choosing between coupe and convertible has always been difficult. That is why the Porsche 911 Targa solved the problem in 1965. While earlier Targa models had a removable roof that could be left at home, it is time to embrace the latest in technology. Improving upon the mechanism unveiled on the previous 991 series, we are delighted to announce that the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa & Targa 4S have been unveiled. The new 992 chassis offers more strength and better response with an open top than the previous-generation coupe. As evident in their name, both models arrive with the latest in All Wheel Drive with a choice of two engines. The Targa 4 offers 385 horsepower and leaps to 62 mph in only 4.2 seconds (with the optional Sport Chrono package). It is a tenth faster than its predecessor, which equals much more fun at higher speeds. If you demand the best, the Targa 4S offers 450 horsepower to reach 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds. That is an increase of nearly a half-second over the 991 Series Porsche 911 Targa 4S for sale. Both cars arrive standard with Porsche Traction Management. InnoDrive with adaptive cruise control is optional, and Smartlift can adjust ride height for different driving modes. You probably already guessed that the Targa 4 will have an 8-speed dual-clutch, the Targa 4S can be had with a seven-speed manual. It also has 391 lb-ft of torque between 2,300 and 5,00 RPM, so you can wind out each gear with a smile on your face. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Porsche 911 news. Browse Porsche 911 Targa For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Superformance Unveils 1965 MKIII-R

For Immediate Release: May 14, 2020: Superformance, the leading manufacturer of 1960s-era continuation sports cars, is thrilled to unveil the company’s newest devlopment, the all-new MKIII-R Cobra. The 1965 Superformance MKIII-R is a combination of classic styling and contemporary modifications with a bold, aggressive look complementing the vehicle’s iconic legacy. “The Superformance MKIII-R is the perfect combination of an old-school classic automobile infused with a bit of modern-day flair,” said Superformance CEO Lance Stander. “The MKIII-R is a piece of American history, and with a major motion picture release last year that highlighted the Cobra, this vehicle’s popularity is at an all-time high. We took great care to ensure the Superformance MKIII-R lives up to the Cobra’s iconic legacy.” The Superformance MKIII-R is a meticulously engineered and crafted reproduction of the original, built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. Like all Superformance builds, the MKIII-R was built to exacting standards, with over two-thirds of the steel monocoque chassis’ parts being interchangeable with an original GT40 car. No expense is spared in recreating these legendary cars, ensuring an authentic sports car experience. In addition to supplying the MKIII-R rolling chassis, Superformance also painted the vehicle using the iconic Atlantic Blue-colored livery. The vehicle’s trim was also coated with the iconic MKIII-R stripes painted in an anthracite color that perfectly complements the colorway. The chassis is created using a jig-welded parallel ladder frame of heavy wall 2" x 4" rectangular steel tubing and large diameter outriggers. The frame incorporates front and rear crumple zones, as well as a door hinge, steering column and windshield pickup-points. While the addition of integrated “scalloped” fenders and hood headline some of the MKIII’s modern additions, the vehicle retains much of its original shape and wheelbase. The MKIII-R body utilizes hand-laid fiberglass panels with steel tube reinforcements in all openings. Where the body points carry loads, each piece is reinforced with steel bars or panels in a non-stressed environment. All Superformance MKIII's feature a high-performance aluminum radiator with twin electric fans that are thermostatically controlled. Also included on base MKIII's is a period correct oil cooler with shroud and fittings. The vehicle’s suspension incorporates some modern components, as the front of the MKIII chassis sports fully independent unequal length A-arms with adjustable Bilstein coils over telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear also utilizes independent unequal length A-arms with fabricated hub carriers and coil-over shock absorbers. Black mesh side and fender vents also add an improved aeration element to the overall grittier appearance. To complete the timeless aesthetic mated with functionality, the MKIII-R comes with a large rear diffuser and a body-contour matching front splitter. Inside the interior of the MKIII-R, Superformance added custom French stitched seats and a body color accented thread. The MKIII-R’s transmission tunnel is also adorned with leather to complete the classic look. In a twist of modern flair, the vehicle’s dashboard is equipped with all-new Superformance electronic gauges. Standard equipment included in the MKIII-R includes power steering, LED headlights, 18’’ wheels and a wide variety of exterior and interior color options. Since each Superformance chassis comes without the engine included, installation kits are available for Ford 302, 351, 460 and 427/428 cubic inch engines with Tremec 5-speed or Ford top loader 4-speed transmissions. The rolling chassis is available at a starting price of $79,900, as Superformance always incorporates a labor-intensive approach to ensure every piece is period correct and functioning perfectly. Since Superformance utilizes only the highest quality parts in the construction of each vehicle, these timeless machines have always maintained amazingly high resale values. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your Superformance news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

McLaren GT Arrives With Innovative Interior Materials

Racing and running errands seem to be mutually exclusive, yet many automakers offer the same interior for both purposes. That is why a proper Grand Tourer needs to be unique. The masters at McLaren never fail to exceed expectations, and that is why the McLaren GT will arrive with innovative interior materials. After careful study of their existing leather and fabric, they decided something new was needed. The GT will be the first civilian automotive use of "SuperFabric". It was designed for military applications, blending traditional weaving with tiny synthetic reinforcements. This allows the cargo area to be light while resisting scrapes and scuffs from your McLaren luggage. Upfront, both occupants are treated to Nappa leather, no surprise there. But if you demand the best, optional upgrades include soft grain luxury leather, microfiber, or the exclusive hides from Scotland's Bridge of Weir. McLaren Special Operations can even appoint your ride with cashmere in Dove Grey or Jet Black. As always, our dealers have all the info so you know the drill. Click the button below and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren Here

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

Rolls-Royce Phantom Rose is Cultivated for Discerning Cus...

One of the best features of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale is "The Gallery". The passenger side of the dash is a blank canvas, able to display whatever your heart desires. We have seen everything from classical music stanzas to the DNA sequence of the owner's children. Now it appears the House of Rolls-Royce has outdone themselves again. Turning to famous breeder Philip Harkness, the "Phantom Rose" is a gorgeous flower that only grows in a purpouse-built flowerbed lined fringed with lavender. Located next to the Sir Nicholas Grimshaw assembly plant, they can be easily seen by workers through the floor-to-ceiling windows. This is just one of the ways you can customize your Phantom, so click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Browse Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2020

What Car Would You Buy for $1 Million?

We've all had that one thought: what car would I buy with $1 million? Seriously, I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep wondering if I'd buy a McLaren Senna for $1 million or use that money to be a Lamborghini Countach alongside a Jaguar XJ220 to appease the inner child in me. There are a lot of options out there, so VINwiki reached out to his friends to see what they would buy. In the video below, you'll see the responses from a lot of people including our own Dylan Orluck who had a fantastic choice from Canepa. In the description of the video, you can also read our new June 2020 issue for free, courtesy of VINwiki. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you'd pick in the comments section down below!

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2020

707HP Grand “Hellwagon” For Sale

With the incredible popularity of the original Family SUV, who would want to alter a low-mileage survivor? Well, our friend Dennis Collins and his team at Collins Brother's Jeep have built the first Hellcat-powered Jeep Grand Wagoneer. With immaculate original interior and exterior, nobody would suspect an 11-second quarter-mile. Finished in the rare factory color of “Bright Red “with contrasting Light Tan interior this survivor Grand Wagoneer having covered a mere 51,981 miles was brought into Black Mountain Conversions and had the 2018 Hellcat engine swap performed. This stock looking survivor actually houses a 707HP surprise under its hood, not to be messed with! Bodywork is stock and has fared very well indeed, as has the interior, carpets. Floors, and seats all have faired well, a true testament to its previous owner. Bodywork is in fabulous condition. Details: 51,981 Miles from New. 500 Miles Since Conversion. 707HP Hellcat Engine Swap. True Survivor Vehicle. This is a true one of conversion, with Grand Wagoneers now commanding a high value, we believe this is the only one in the world with a Hellcat 707HP conversion, not to be missed, a lot of fun, and a blue-chip investment, ready to use… View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Engine Recorded in 8D Sound

Get your nice headphones out for this one, earbuds won't do it justice. In an epic symphony of V12 power, Lamborghini just uploaded a 2020 Aventador SVJ in 8D sound. Audio engineers spent countless hours balancing microphone levels to create the perfect immersive experience. Why go to all that trouble? Because the Aventador SVJ for sale represents the state of the art for naturally-aspirated V12 engines. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Price, Specs, Photos & Review It offers 770 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque from a massive 6.5-liter block. It is a big bore (3.7") and short stroke (3") beast that instantly revs to 9,000 rpm. It takes four throttle bodies to feed the cylinders, at a compression ratio of 11.8:1. I don't care how much boost your car has, a big V12 is always more fun. Remember, YouTube only offers sound at 128 kbps or the same quality as early MP3s. That's why you need to experience an Aventador in person and unleash the raging bull. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Aventador For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2020

Porsche Taycan: Creating the Perfect Sounds

No detail was overlooked when developing the Porsche Taycan for sale. While every electric car is required to emit sounds at low speeds, they didn't have to create an entire acoustics team. These audio engineers developed Porsche Electric Sport Sound that can be activated by the driver. It is the perfect blend of flat-six heritage and an electric future, and you won't be disappointed. That is why you should click the button below to experience it for yourself and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan Price & Specs Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2020

Original 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda With 86 Miles For Sale ...

When ordering a new car in 1969, a savvy buyer could see the writing on the wall. The battle for Big Block supremacy would be soon be over thanks to emissions laws and the oil embargoes. That is why this car was preserved as a time capsule for future generations. Ordered with every option, this car was sold new at Shreves Plymouth-Dodge in 1970. The broadcast sheet shows it to be one of the last ten HEMI 'Cudas built for that model year. Under the hood is the iconic 426 HEMI, conservatively rated at 425 horsepower to fool the insurance agencies. https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/663232444245115/ Instead of the troublesome six-pack, it has a pair of 4-barrels under the shaker scoop. The reason everything looks new is not because of a million-dollar restoration. This car has only been driven 86 miles in 50 years. Stored inside, this piece of American history deserves to be the centerpiece of your MOPAR collection. Our friends at The Vault specialize in museum-quality collectibles, so click the button below for all the details. View Listing

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