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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 – June 22, 2017

Lamborghini Urus SuperSUV Spied Opening Up Throttle, Soun...

A quick look around Lamborghini's models will show you that they're not really fans of turbocharging and opt for power of the naturally aspirated kind. However, the upcoming Urus super SUV will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Yes, Lamborghini will be mass producing a turbocharged vehicle, which will be their second SUV after the LM002. Some be worried about the how quick or loud the Urus will be, but thankfully we have some spy footage of the SUV being tested at Nurburgring that will quell your suspicions. In the video, found below, we hear the Urus' engine being pushed quite hard around some easy corners. Sure, the engine may only be a V8 (when compared the Huracan's V10 and Aventador's V12), it still sounds fantastic. However, I'll hold my final reservations about the car until its fully revealed in the near future.

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2017

CJ Wilson Talks Porsche Racing at LeMans

Of all the interviews we watched during the 24 Hours of LeMans, none was as inspiring as C.J. Wilson. As an MLB All-Star Pitcher he knows the importance of practice, so he relates the importance of simulators in modern motorsports. In an interview with Porsche TV, he stated his intentions to slowly transition from the Porche GT3 Cup into more Pro-Am competitions. Sabine Schmitz asked when he knew it was time to focus on his racing, his answer of 5 surgeries would be enough for anyone to change their career. Racing for Porsche of Fresno, he has also become a brand ambassador for Porsche Motorsport.As a Porsche Development driver, he mentions the motivation of Patrick Dempsey among others. His notions that racing simulators help achieve the perfect line have been echoed by drivers in other series. His videos draw insightful parallels between race cars and their street-legal counterparts. Porsche allowed him to explain the Cayman GT4 and how close it is to a track car and it was a "hit" for the brand. Going from a GT series car into a prototype is a life goal for many drivers, so we hope he sheds light on the transition.Having an all-access pass to the pits and garage, he was awestruck at Porsche's attention to detail. Who knew they baked the tires in an oven to make sure they were ready for abuse? That is just one of the ways Porsche Motorsport brought home the trophy in their 19th LeMans victory. To follow CJ's Career, stay tuned to Porsche of Fresno and Autofluence for all the updates.

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2017

Supercar Videos of the Day

Monday is here, and with it comes the sobering notion that the weekend is really over. To make the day easier for everyone, I've compiled a few supercar videos to pass some time with today, June 19, 2017.First up is a video of what I think is the most gorgeous Bugatti Chiron to date, covered in beautiful red carbon fiber. Next up is a Lamborghini Diablo driver going for some drifts, which isn't an easy thing to do in a classic supercar. Last, but not least, is a drag race between a 760 hp BMW M5 (F1) by Gorilla Performance and a 950 hp 9ff Porsche 997 Turbo, which almost ends abruptly. Check them each out below!Red Carbon Fiber Bugatti Chiron in MonacoLamborghini Diablo Driver Tries to Drift9ff Porsche 997 Turbo Almost Crashes During Drag Race

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2017

Ken Block Tests the New 2017 Ford GT

Being one of the most prolific Ford drivers in recent history, Ken Block was invited to join last year's winning team at the 24 Hours of LeMans. The new Ford GT dominated LeMans last year, and they were poised to do so again this year. But the GTE class had brutal acts of attrition thanks to the Balance Of Performance rules, and Aston Martin won the day with Ford taking home 2nd place. As a Brand Ambassador and wheelman for Ford Performance, Ken Block took an early morning lap of the track in a prototype.Probably used to test suspensions and engine calibration, he was limited from going wide open by the engineers. They have probably seen his Gymkhana film series in which purpose-built Fords are subjected to nonstop abuse, and it might be too much to ask of the rare GT. We don't know the exact differences between the production car and the GTE racer, but the throaty exhaust is eerily reminiscent of another EcoBoost V6 found in Hennessey's Velociraptor 600. If you want to try this yourself, take a look at these Ford GTs for sale and dust off your helmet. Hopefully, this is a preview of the next Gymkhana, so stay with us for all your Ford Performance news.

By Edward Jones – June 16, 2017

Honda NSX vs Audi R8 V10 vs Porsche 911 Turbo: Which Wins

Chris Harris knows how to drive a car, especially sports cars on a soaking wet track. For his recent outing, Harris got behind the wheel of a Audi R8 V10, Honda NSX and Porsche 911 Turbo.On the wet track, he took the three sports cars out for a spin and a skid. While he more than likely wanted to test the cars on a dry track, at least he was able to test the all-weather abilities of each car. Harris did note that he was a bit "apprehensive" to drive the cars on the flooded track.Right away, Harris took the new NSX out for a straight line run and the tail almost immediately started fishtailing. This prompted him to drop the straight line run until it dried out a bit and decided to just take the cars for some sideways fun around the corners. Rainy drifts may not have been what they wanted, but it was sure entertaining to watch him slide each car around corners.

By Andrew Nabors – June 16, 2017

LibertyWalk Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador Sound Angry

If you have grown tired of the looks and sounds of your Lamborghini, its time to unchoke the angry bull. Monaco has strict noise laws to preserve the peace for its wealthy residents. But that doesn't stop us crazy gearheads from enjoying aftermarket exhaust. Gumbal was on the street when a duo of Liberty Walk Lamborghinis arrived. Known for taking supercars to the next level, Liberty Walk exaggerates the original styling in order to fit wider rubber and also to capture the attention of everyone in a 5-mile radius. The LB Performance Aventador Roadster has a rear spoiler that could span the Mississippi, and it would make a Viper ACR ashamed on the track. In stock form, the new Huracan Spyder arrives with 245/30/20 tires up front and 305/30/20 on the rear. While they may be perfectly suited to stock power levels, more meat is needed when the dial is turned up. A free flowing exhaust is the best way to make power on a naturally aspirated engine. Vellano wheels are also a nice touch if you are in the market for monoblocks. Tell us which car sounds better and which one wins the beauty contest. Stay with us for all your Lamborghini footage and have a great weekend!

By Edward Jones – June 16, 2017

Supercar Videos of the Day 6/16/2017

As automotive enthusiasts, we all like to sit back and enjoy some videos of supercars driving fast and being loud. Let's face it, we like fast and loud cars!For today, we have a fine selection of video that will surely appease any supercar fan's video needs. First off is a McLaren 675LT Spider that has a $50,000 paint job. The paint used is the same one that MSO created for CJ Wilson's P1, Cerberus Pearl. Next up is a video that show some pretty insane drag races during heavy rain, starring a Lamborghini Murcielago-- the driver almost veers off the lane! And for the last video we have some incredible footage of a Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg Agera R flying around a high-speed oval at well over 155 mph. Check them all out below! $50,000 McLaren 675LT Paint Job is Downright Amazing Lamborghini Murcielago 6.0 V12 Dangerous Drag Races in Heavy Rain Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg Agera R Race from 155 MPH and Up

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2017

Hot Laps At LeMans in a Porsche 919 Hybrid

After Cars & Coffee this Saturday, we will be glued to coverage of the 85th running of LeMans. The brutal 24-hour race pushes drivers and machines to their limits, and last year it was dominated by the Porsche 919 Hybrid. It is either a logical evolution of the 918 Spyder, or else the Spyder evolved from racing, but that is a chicken vs egg story for another day. If you would like to get familiarized with the track before the race, LeMans Winner Marc Lieb will take you on a virtual lap of the track.Also Check Out: Porsche 918 Spyder For SaleIf you are wondering why the car is relatively quiet inside, its because the 919 Hybrid uses a turbocharged V4 instead of a V8. Racing in the class known as LeMans Prototype (LMP), the cars have to be small and light so a V8 is out of the question. The four-cylinder is boosted to 500 horsepower for the rear wheels. That's not enough to win the race, so the turbos are also generators that power a 400 horsepower electric motor on the front end. A featherweight with 900 horsepower must be a blast to drive, so find 3D goggles and get ready for a wild ride. Stay with us for all your Porsche news and LeMans updates.

By Andrew Nabors – June 12, 2017

Mercedes-AMG C43 Autobahn Assault

Walk into any Mercedes-AMG dealer and you will find the AMG logo on more models than ever before. That is because the industrious German engineers are never at rest. Once the formula for the new C63 was perfected, it was time to boost the V6. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is popular due to nimble handling and a short wheelbase. It makes a perfect drift missile when equipped with the twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 in the C63, but what about those who don't need or want eight cylinders? In the old days, ordering a V6 meant years of gradual acceleration and ridicule when merging onto the highway. But if turbos work on a V8, why not use them to make the V6 great again?Also Check Out: Pre-Owned Mercedes-AMG C63 For SaleWe've had several C63s in the collection over the past few years, and they all have one common ability: they scare everyone around you. From the looks to the screaming exhaust, they are an aquired taste. But for those who prefer to fly under the radar, the C43 is more on the subtle side. Many countries base their vehicle taxes on engine size, so 3.0 liters is quickly becoming an industry benchmark. To make the most of the limited displacement, Race Chip has unlocked 434 horsepower based on a 93 octane tune. To make sure it performs under brutal conditions, our friends at AutoTopNL hit the Autobahn for a shakedown run. If you thought turbo V6's died with the Buick Grand National, think again. Our dealers have several new Mercedes-AMG C43s to choose from, so stay with us for all your Mercedes-AMG news.

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2017

See How the 2017 Ford GT is Made

Building any car is a complicated and difficult task, but even more so when the car is hand-built and a rolling work of art. For the new 2017 Ford GT, there are many builders working throughout the day to create the new-age American supercar.To give us a glimpse at what it takes to build the new Ford GT, Turn 10 Studios visited and filmed their visit to the factory where the supercar is being built. In the video, found below, you'll be walked through just about every stage of the car's production process. Two of the most interesting things mentioned in the video is the way the Heritage Edition is painted and the "monsoon test" that each car undergoes before it's shipped of to its respective customer.It takes a lot of work to build the Ford GT, but I'd sure like to shake each worker's hand and thank them for creating what is now my dream car.

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