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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 – October 31, 2018

Jay Leno Drives 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

We were sad to learn the Dodge Demon would be limited to 3,000 cars. It was a statement to the world that Fiat-Chrysler is committed to keeping the Muscle Car wars alive. It was only offered in 2018, so if you missed the opportunity, Dodge has something for you. The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye makes use of many of the Demon's parts. Unlike its predecessor, it arrives with sound insulation, carpet, and a full interior. View the Complete List of Jay Leno's Car Collection What it doesn't have is the trans-brake and the race fuel system. The Redeye offers 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, which is good for consistent 10-second times if you have the right rubber. If you don't need that much power, the "normal" Hellcat has 717 hp, and the RT Scat Pack has 485 hp for under 40,000. Steve Beahm is a 32 year Dodge Veteran, and he allowed Jay Leno to experience the brutal Redeye in person. Tell us what you think of the latest from Dodge and stay with us for all your Mopar updates. Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat Price, Specs & Photos

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2018

Dodge Demon vs Hellcat 1/4 Mile Shootout

Sibling rivalry is often heated, especially when it comes to the Dodge Challenger Demon and Hellcat. As one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive world, the Challenger Hellcat and the Challenger Demon were developed at the same time. One team was asked to build a 700 horsepower car, and the other was given no restrictions to see how far the 6.2 liter V8 could be pushed.A Hellcat starts around $65,000, and the Demon is $20,000 more. The first has 707 horsepower and the latter is able to make 840 horsepower on race fuel. To make the Dodge Demon reliable at such power levels, it has 50% more oil sent to the piston squirters, and the block is reinforced inside and out. A stronger transmission includes the world's first production trans-brake along with other drag-racing essentials.Hennessey Performance Tests the HPE1000 DemonTo see the differences in action, the YouTube channel Wheels uploaded this battle last night. So far, the fastest Demon time slip is held by Hennessey Performance, but it took them 1,000 horsepower to run a 9.38. That is because the 10-second barrier is hard to reach for street-legal cars. The law of diminishing returns can be seen, in that adding 160 horsepower only counts for half a second for Hennessey Performance. Both of the drivers below deserve props for excellent launches, and the difference at the top end clearly shows the difference in power. Is it worth an extra $20,000? Tell us why or why not in the comments below and stay with us for all your Mopar action!View the Dodge Demon Specs, Prices & Review

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2018

Dodge Demon Destroys Competition at Drag Strip

Dodge is creating a coffee shop with the Challenger, offering it in an increasing range of strengths. Looking for a little pick-me-up? Opt for the Challenger SRT 392. Had a long night and need to shook to life? Order yourself an SRT Hellcat. If you're someone immune to everything listed before, get your veins pumping with the absurd SRT Demon Specs-- the automotive equivalent to a red-eye. YouTube Channel Sinister Life recently witnessed the Demon's abilities to wake up the world at a drag strip and filmed it racing three competitors: Jeep Trackhawk, Hellcat (6-speed manual) and a Supercharged Camaro SS. If you were expecting the Demon to be a devil on the drag strip, you're absolutely right. The whine of the supercharger, the aggressive appearance, and brutal launches make this car a must-see whenever it heads to a drag strip. This is a completely stock car we're talking about here with 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft! Boy how times have changed.

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2017

Pennzoil Shows That the Dodge Demon CAN Drift

If you have the means to purchase the world's fastest production car, please don't use conventional oil. Regular engine oil is refined from dinosaur blood which has been brewing for millennia. Synthetic oils are made in complex labs instead of being pumped from a well. Regular oil is like cholesterol. It builds up crud in all the small passages of your engine, and you're left walking home. You might not think manufacturers would want an engine to sustain years of abuse, but Dodge has partnered with Pennzoil in building the SRT Demon.Pennzoil: The Last ViperSupercharged engines put extreme loads on the crank bearings because they are having to convert 770 lb-ft of torque from a vertical motion into rotational energy. Another point of stress is the massive twisting load the supercharger places on the crank pulley. That's why the Demon's block is not shared with any other model. It doubles the volume of oil to the piston squirters. These nifty spray nozzles shoot upwards into the bottom of the pistons, keeping them cool under pressure and happy to spin to 6,500 rpm. To show off the abilities of the Demon, Pennzoil decided to film another yellow car in action. Their previous films have showcased a professional driver behind the wheel of The Last Viper, and a new Ferrari 488 GTB. The camera's lens is modified by adding two glass plates which are separated by a film of their oil. Made from natural gas and 99.5% pure, it doesn't distort the picture in the slightest. If you aren't interested in demonic possession, our dealers have several Hellcats for sale. Turn up your audio to hear the blower whine and stay with us for more wild Dodge & Pennzoil footage.

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2017

The Last Dodge Viper Goes Wild and Gets Airborne

If you haven't heard the news, Dodge has announced the end of the Viper. Since it won't return in the near future, Pennzoil has decided to give it a proper farewell. In a new series of YouTube videos, "The Last Viper" showcases the abilities of the 2017 Viper ACR. In an opening scene reminiscent of Miami Vice, shady figures count a load of cash in a derelict warehouse. Somewhere a wealthy Viper connoisseur is missing his yellow car and hires a professional to get it back. Crockett and Tubbs would not be able to catch the mean ACR as it tears across the port and makes for the mainland.In a series of high-speed action shots, the masked wheel man drifts and jumps the car while it blasts flames from the side pipes. Viper is going out on top, with is Swan Song coming from an 8.4 liter V10. The engine is the final version of Chrysler's Magnum family that debuted in 1964. All good things must come to an end, and it does so with 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The Viper ACR stands for American Club Racer. The most hardcore of all snakes, it uses massive carbon fiber spoilers to deliver 1,700 lbs of downforce. One fact underlines the entire first video: the driver knows what he's doing. Part 2 is a behind the scenes look at how it was filmed and we see a variety of expensive camera apparatus. We learn the identity of the master driver is none other than Rhys Millen. As a veteran of Grand Prix, Rally, and Formula Drift racing he knows a thing or two about chassis control.The final video looks back on the partnership between Dodge and Pennzoil, and how the high-performance synthetic is literally the blood of the engine. We're glad the owner got his car back but sad to know the Viper is leaving us. Because Pennzoil is derived from Natural Gas, it is clear enough to shoot an HD movie through. A film of oil is sandwiched between panes of glass without hindering the camera's view. This motion picture took the efforts of Miami's finest along with the Men & Women at Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. Thank you for this work of art.

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2017

Vice President of Google Shows Off and Races His Viper ACR

Many may think the Vice President of Google is probably just a rich executive with no time for things like racing cars. That couldn't be farther from the truth.In reality, Benjamin Sloss, the Vice President of Google, is a massive car fanatic. In fact, we've covered his previous cars, like his incredible Ferraris and the fact that he and his wife take them out to the track quite often.Aside from his Ferraris, Sloss also owns a one-of-one Dodge Viper ACR. In a video by Dodge, they spent some time with Sloss as he took the Viper ACR around Laguna Seca for the very first time. After driving the car, it seemed as though the car exceeded his expectations as a track car. Better yet, because this car is street legal, he was able to take his unique race car to work at Google the very next day. Check out the video below to learn more about Benjamin Sloss and his Dodge Viper ACR.

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2017

Whoops - 1,000 HP Hellcat Destroys Axle

Sometimes 1,000 hp is just too much power. Take this Challenger Hellcat, for example. It laid down all four figures of power to its rear wheels, only to have what seems to be the axle be destroyed. Obviously, this Hellcat is anything but stock and I'm interested in seeing what modifications were made by High Horse Performance.(Also Check Out - Shaq's New Police Car is a Freakin' Hellcat)While this Hellcat didn't have a great time at the track, HHP's Charger Hellcat did many to break into the 9's and had some great runs. Check them all out in the video below, courtesy of BigKleib34.All Dodge Challenger Hellcat For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 22, 2016

American Street Battle: Z06 vs Hellcat vs GT500

Somewhere, on some road, three forces of American power came together to see which patriot would come out on top. The forces included a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and a 2014 Ford Mustang GT500. Each car is completely stock and equipped with a manual transmission. For comparison's sake, here is a quick breakdown of the cars. Z06: 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (650 hp) Hellcat: 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (707 hp) GT500: 5.8-liter supercharged V8 (662 hp) From the numbers alone, the Hellcat reigns supreme in the horsepower category and is regarded as the most powerful American production coupe ever. But, can it hold up against the other two? The video below shows the three rolling up against each other on a road in an undisclosed location. Click play below to see who comes out on top.Editor's Note: We do not condone street racing or the actions performed in the video below. Always follow your local traffic laws.

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 01, 2015

Fastest Charger Hellcat in the World Just Ran a Quarter-M...

Not only do superchargers make a fast car even faster, their piercing whine is an unmistakable soundtrack that never gets old. Dodge is able to make 707 hp in their SRT Hellcat Challenger and Charger by using a 2.4-liter supercharger, but there is always room for improvement. Last week we showed you what John Hennessey is able to do with his new 2.9-liter blowers in the HPE 1000 CTS-V and HPE 650 Denali, and it’s easy to see how more boost translates into more power. It seems that bigger is better when it comes to forced induction, so watch what happens when a larger supercharger is tested on a new Hellcat Charger sedan by clicking the play button on the video below. Congrats to her and her crew for on their achievements. And if you're wondering what her car's packing, here's the list from the video's description: Metco upper pulley (18psi) ATI Lower Pulley Catless mid-pipes 3.09 Rear gear swap Driveshaft Shop driveshaft Diablosport CMR tune by HHP and HEMITUNER Performance 902hp/866tq (Source: YouTube/BigKleib34)

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