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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 14, 2015

900 hp Dodge Viper w/ Nitrous vs 1000 hp Turbo Toyota Supra

Some cars make power with boost, while others love nitrous oxide. Regardless of how they do it, racing from a roll can be a great equalizer of unevenly matched cars. In a YouTube video uploaded December 12th by ThatRacingChannel, we find a single turbo (40+ PSI) MKIV Toyota Supra rolling against a Dodge Viper running a progressive 250 shot.(Editor's Note: Do not try this on your own. We do not condone these acts. Always follow local traffic laws and drive safely.)After watching, there is no denying that 1,000 hp is faster than 900 hp, but the audio gives us a clue. Since the Viper is geared for the race track, dropping to 2nd or 3rd on the highway would grenade the V10. Toyota may build fast cars, but they are geared for fuel economy. That means since 5th gear is 1:1 ratio, the Supra downshifts several gears to spool the big turbo and get moving.Needless to say, if these two raced from a dig, the Viper's instant power might outrun the boosted straight six. Bench racing is all in good fun, so tell us what each car could have done differently; and stay tuned to Autofluence for more unlikely matchups (Source: YouTube via AutoEvolution)

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2015

Rudy Mancinas' Colorful Porsche Collection

"I don't find the cars, they find me.""...got to drive 'em like ya' stole 'em."With quotes like that, you know that Rudy Mancinas is a passionate collector. His love for the Porsche 964/993 generations all started when he purchased a red and black 965 Cabriolet. Once he started driving it, that's when it happened. He then traded that car in for a coupe and has been collecting the cars ever since.YouTube channel, eGarage, had the chance to interview Mancinas and film his collection. They uploaded the video to YouTube on December 10 and in its description, they tell us of his goal to own every color of the 964/993 generations. Ambitious? Yes, but when you have as much passion as him, things can happen.Check out the video below to learn more about Mancinas' story.Porsches For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2015

Twin-Turbo Chevy Truck Beats 1,500 hp Toyota Supra

Some people like sports cars, some like trucks. Whether you like one or the other, this video is for you.YouTube channel 1320video uploaded a video on December 10 of a 1,500 hp single-turbo Toyota Supra taking on a twin-turbo Chevrolet truck packing 1,600 hp.Yes, this may seem like a strange drag race, but the results are pretty definitive. All I'll say is if you're a truck fan and want to get one of your sports car fans, especially a JDM fan, upset, send them this.Be sure to watch the video below to see the race and the finishing times and speeds of both racers.Supras For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2015

Jaguar XJ Races the Jetman in the Desert

It's a battle of land versus the sea in a race including a 2016 Jaguar XJR and the Jetman.The race was covered by a press release issued by Jaguar, who filmed the race and uploaded the video to YouTube. In it, we see Formula One racer, Martin Brundle, getting behind the wheel of the XJR and taking it down a long and wide desert road. He eventually reached a top speed of 174 mph during the sprint.Above him was Yves Rossy, the Jetman Dubai pilot. He was able to reach a top speed of 194 mph.As for who won the race, that's for you to find out. Be sure to watch the video below to find out.Jaguars For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2015

Nike Surprises High School Team With Aventador and Custom...

For athletes, one of the most important pieces of apparel you'll wear are what's on your feet. I, for one, can attest to that, as I always make sure my cleats are in tip-top shape for when I play soccer (or football, or futbal).One cleat manufacturer that knows the importance of fine footwear is Nike, who just recently surprised the St. Thomas Aquinas' high school football team some great gifts.Yesterday, December 9, a Nike representative pulled up to the high school's football field in a Lamborghini Aventador. The supercar was donning a unique white and gold color scheme, similar to the presents the players would soon get.After the team had calmed down, the representative presented them with the custom Vapor Untouchable 2 cleats that they would be wearing during their state championship game this weekend.You can see the whole spectacle in the video below, uploaded by Miami Herald today. (Source: YouTube, Twitter)

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2015

How To Lift Ferraris By Crane from Boat Dock to Land

Have you ever seen an exotic car on a boat or on a boat dock and wondered to yourself, "By the beard of Zeus, how did they put that car on there?" The answer to that question is simple: a big ol' crane.Our friend Nue Vue Photography was recently at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and happened to witness exotic cars being lifted from the boat dock to land via crane. The cars included just about every model in Ferrari's lineup and more. And, even though we weren't all there to witness it ourselves, he recorded and uploaded a video of it happening.Check out the video below to see over $1 million in cars being suspended in the air. (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2015

Top Shooter Shoots at Clay Pigeons Fired By Porsche 911 T...

The Porsche 911 Targa has always been regarded as a fantastic car for its ability on the track and stunning style. But, professional shooter, Philip Thorrold, saw the sports car as something other than just a car. Instead, he saw the car as a perfect carrier for a clay trap.Thorrold's YouTube channel uploaded a video on December 8 of a black 911 Targa fitted with a clay trap in the front, which would fire clay pigeons that had exploding discs set underneath. This made for a exciting round of skeet shooting like none other. From shooting at the clay pigeons as the car drove by, to shooting them from the passenger's seat, he did it all.Check out the video below to see it happen for yourself.Porsche 911 Targa For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2015

Ultra-Clean 1,071 hp Chevelle SS Runs in the 9's

At the Quick 30 Dig and Roll Racing event at the Royal Purple Raceway on December 6, a special Chevrolet Chevelle SS showed up to wow the crowd. High Tech Corvette was on hand to capture the car run down the strip and uploaded a video of it, which can be found below. With fat rear tires and an aluminum Donovan 582-inch motor running on pump gas, this monster muscle car absolutely crushes it from a dig. During its sprints, it ran multiple times, each being in the 9's and over 140 mph. This could be because the owner states that its engine pumps out 1,071 hp. What's even better is that this car is downright gorgeous. As the video uploader says in the description, "The engine is so clean you could eat off of it." Check it out below for yourself to see the car in action and view our Chevelle SS' for sale by clicking the button below. Chevelle SS' For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2015

Star Wars Imperial March Performed by Dodge Viper and More

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is going to be unleashed to the world come December 18. Until then, we're getting bombarded with amazing commercial, toys and fan theories surrounding the Star Wars universe.One of the latest comes from Dodge, who created their own rendition of the "Imperial March."The commercial, uploaded to YouTube on December 2, shows a black Viper posing as Darth Vader, while white Chargers, Challengers and more follow behind as loyal Stormtroopers.Check out the video below to see it for yourself and get ready for "The Force Awakens!"Vipers For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2015

Pagani Zonda 760LM Screams on Track, Gets Rained In

Track days are incredibly fun, but having expensive cars in close proximity can lead to problems. That’s why the owner of an incredibly rare Pagani Zonda 760 LM Roadster rented the entire track for a day of fun with his car. In a YouTube video uploaded December 4th, Marchettino highlights the car in action.Being caught in the rain with your top down is annoying, but our intrepid driver powers through the precipitation with wipers engaged. His own camera crew used a minivan and a Gallardo Spyder to film the Zonda, complete with pit stops and hot laps.Not just a model designation, the 760LM's AMG-sourced V12 engine makes 760 horsepower, which is channeled through a sequential manual transmission.Since you probably won’t be seeing a Pagani like the 760LM at your local track, turn up the volume and stay tuned to Autofluence for more Pagani action. View Pagani Cars For Sale (Source: Marchettino/YouTube)

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