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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 – September 30, 2016

What it's Like Dyno Testing a Tuned Ferrari 488 GTB

Most people have never strapped their car down on a dyno and that's a shame, because that means most people will never have a fun sheet that acts as a grade sheet for their cars power. For these people, I have a fun little video of a Ferrari 488 GTB that has had its ECU remapped being strapped down for dyno testing.(Also Check Out - LaFerrari Aperta Officially Revealed)In the video by NM2255, we get to see and hear the turbocharged Ferrari being put under load for the sake of information. The result? Well, I'll just go ahead and let you know that this 488 GTB lays down 724 hp and 618 lb-ft of torque, much more than the stock model's 660 hp and 561 lb-ft.Check out the video below to see the test happen.View Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2016

LaFerrari Aperta Launch Video is a Masterpiece

With the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta being just unveiled, the Italian brand has already produced and released one of the most fantastic release videos they've ever done.In this new video, we have our first chance to hear and see the LaFerrari Aperta in action. Granted, it sounds just like the coupe version of the LaFerrari. Driving the car for this video is none other than Ferrari racer Sebastian Vettel. As he drives it through the roads, he sees the LaFerrari Aperta reflecting in windows as F1 cars, 330 P4 and other iconic models, signifying the hypercar's true heritage.Check out the amazing video below and get ready to see the LaFerrari Aperta in real life very soon.View LaFerrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2016

Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2

If you thought small sporty coupes are a dying breed, think again. Germany is offering big performance from their smallest cars, so Autocar decided to put them to the test. BMW's latest M2 is a 2.9-liter single turbo straight six rated at 365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The opponent is Porsche's new 718 series Cayman S. It's a 2.5-liter turbo four which is mounted right behind the cockpit. It may be lacking by 20 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque, but will the mid-mounted design offer more grip? (Related - Who Wins the World's Greatest Drag Race?) Another variable is added with having to perform shifts at the proper time.You might not believe that both cars have six-speed manual transmissions, no silly paddles here. One of the major difference is in target audience: The M2 has rear seats. They may be small, but insurance premiums and family life are more forgiving in the 2+2 world. Will a flat four beat a straight six? You might be surprised, so make sure to check them out in person at our local dealers.

By Andrew Nabors – September 27, 2016

Carrera GT Spins World's Most Expensive Donut?

If you rarely drive your vintage supercar, chances are your tires are long past their useful life. Several high-profile accidents involving the Carrera GT have caused many to point the blame at driver error or a flawed design, but a few have noted that most weekend cruisers are rolling on expired rubber. So we salute one bold owner who used all of 605 hp to overwhelm the 335/30/20 rear tires. Doughnuts are easy in an automatic car, but the CGT has a very light flywheel for crisp shifting. Another aspect is the price of replacing every moving part.(Related - Get Scary Close To Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Donuts)At time of publishing, a single Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut retails for $0.99. In comparison, the cheapest rear tire for the Carrera GT is $349.70. A single rear brake rotor is $2,370. A new clutch kit usually runs $13,000, not including the $3,000 throwout bearing. Not omitting the $400 rear brake pads, the potential wear incurred by this demonstration could add up to almost $22,000. Because Porsche over-engineers all of these components, many low mileage cars are still running their original parts. This is why you should own one. Not because it allows you to perform such antics, but because it will keep doing it reliably until you give up.Carrera GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2016

2018 Toyota Supra Testing on Nurburgring, Exhaust Leaves ...

Fans of the Toyota Supra, like me, have been waiting for the day that the iconic model would go back into production. Well, we're almost at that point in time where we'll see a new Supra, but it seems as though many aren't too pleased when they hear the exhaust of the new car.In a video from YouTube channel cvdzijden we hear the 2018 Supra being pushed pretty hard on a Nurburgring corner. Not too long ago we were presented with a short video of the car pulling our from a building, but this is one of the first times we actually get to see the Supra being driven hard.So, I have to ask the question: what do you guys think of the new 2018 Supra sound? In my opinion, I expected a little bit more 'umph' out of the exhaust. However, it seems as though we're getting more hybrid out of the powertrain than most would've liked.

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2016

Tesla Model S P100D vs Huracan & GT-R

Drag racing and all-wheel drive seem like a match made in heaven. Launching a rear wheel drive car is tricky for anything over 400 horsepower. So when three of the world's fastest cars show up at Palm Beach International Raceway, the local 1/4 mile heroes were probably a little jealous.Drag Times has a flair for unlikely comparisons, so first up was a new Tesla Model S P100D against a Lamborghini Huracan. When fully charged the Tesla offers 760 hp from two electric motors. It arrived with 82% and lined up against the Italian. The Huracan is rated at 602 hp and has the latest in active center differentials.Up next was a modified Nissan GT-R with cat-less mid pipes and a tune. Lining up against a GT-R is always a white knuckle experience because you never know what is under the hood. Basic upgrades unlock incredible power, so how does Godzilla compare with a Tesla that needs a recharge?Looking at the time slips, you can see the obvious advantages of Tesla's instant power. The Model S P100D is rated by the manufacturer to reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. We are approaching the limits of what tires are capable of with times like this. Nissan prefers to keep their differential gears on the conservative side, and you can see this as acceleration on the top end. Being able to reel in a competitor in the last few feet is the best way to win, but what would happen against a battery at 100%? If you would like to meet us at the drag strip with your Tesla on a trailer, we will be happy to find out. In the meantime be sure to check out more heads up action from DragTimes.GT-R For Sale|Model S For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 23, 2016

Ferrari Driver Sets Record on Crazy Mountainside Roadway

In China, Tianmen Mountain is home of one of the most dangerous roadways. The 6.8 mile drive sits at a crazy elevation, and is home to 99 turns, most of which require the driver to complete a 180-degree turn to get through. The winding roadway is definitely not for the faint of heart or the novice driver. In the video below Italian race car driver, Fabio Barone Mihaela, takes on the daunting task of racing from the top of the mountain to the bottom where a crowd awaits in a Ferrari 458.(Related - What to Wear When You Drive: Bianco Avus Ferrari 488 GTB)Zipping through the turns and gunning it on the straightaways, Mihaela makes the drive look near effortless. He braved hairpin turns (30 of them) and edge of the mountain turns like the pro he is, and he made it to the end of the course in 10 minutes and 31 seconds. Thanks to some modifications made to his vehicle, Mihaela was able to achieve greater speeds than he would have normally. Check out the video below for the full effect.View All Ferrari 458 For SaleView All Ferrari 458 Italia News, Articles, Video

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2016

Going 200 mph in an Aston Martin One 77

To find out how many examples of a specific model were made, many have to turn to Google. But for the Aston Martin One-77, the exclusivity is in the names itself.With only 77 examples ever created, it's rare to see one in person (luckily for us, we have one resting in our showroom as I type this). But to see two in the same place? And to see them rip down a runway on their way to top speeds? Well, that's unheard of. Until now.(Related - Yellow Tang Metallic 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GTS Roadster For Sale)TheTFJJ was recently at an event where this exact scene took place: two One-77s showing off what they're capable of and pushing themselves to the limit. What's more, he even got the chance to ride along in one for an experience of a lifetime. The driver, with TheTFJJ in the passenger seat, pushed the English supercar's 7.3-liter V12 to the limit and got to 200 mph on the runway. You can view the entire run and more in the video below. View Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 22, 2016

Lamborghini Centenario Transformer Caught on Film

The Lamborghini Centenario has been making the rounds in media since it's been released, having been featured on the cover of Forza Horizon 3, our magazine and even Transformers: The Last Knight. If you're unfamiliar with this car, it's Lamborghini's latest "special model" that celebrates the centenary of Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. It's a celebration includes a 770 horsepower V12 engine that is the company's more powerful engine that they've ever produced. And to think we all get cakes for our birthdays...(Related - Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Sounds Like a Monster)Recently, TheTFJJ and JBB013 caught the Centenario on the streets of London as it was being filmed for the upcoming Transformers movie. The Transformer that will be taking the form of the Lamborghini is Hot Rod, who was actually the main protagonist in the original 1986 movie, "The Transformers: The Movie." He takes the lead role in the classic movie after Optimus Prime dies and goes from being Hot Rod to being reformatted into Rodimus Prime. Maybe we'll see Optimus Prime lose his lead role in the upcoming movie and Rodimus will take his place. Who knows!Check out the videos below to see cars like the McLaren 570S and more in action for the filming of Transformers: The Last Knight.Lamborghinis For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2016

Purple Porsche 911 Turbo Drives on Train Track

Train tracks are presumably meant for trains, and rightfully so. But BrianZuk and the drive of a Porsche 911 Turbo decided it would be interesting to drive their Purple German on the track because...why not?In the video below, we see the Turbo sports car carefully making its way down the tracks, with all four wheels on the railing. In the video's description Brian notes that this was done for a photoshoot, which makes perfect sense. You see, anyone can take a picture of a Porsche, but not everyone is willing to drive one on train tracks. So, when you find a willing driver, you take the chance.What do you guys think about this stunt? Do you think you could do it? Let me know in the comments below. Personally, I'd be scared as heck to do this, but with a spotter it would be feasible, as shown below. Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale

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