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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 – February 08, 2016

Koenigsegg CCX Races Nissan GTR Over 200 mph to Surprisin...

Koenigsegg's models all look like they're ready to take interplanetary flight at mach speeds thanks to their spaceship-like exteriors and cockpits. The Nissan GTR has a sharp exterior that's not as extreme as a Koenigsegg's, but is still very much aggressive.What I'm trying to say is if you put the two next to each other for a race, you'd expect a Koenigsegg to take it. However, the GTR's ability to take on extreme modifications make it quite the sleeper in just about any race.A perfect example of the GTR's ability is the video, found below, of a Koenigsegg CCX taking on a Nissan GTR in Turkey. Even from the rear, the Koenigsegg looks like a rocket ship ready to blast off.But, when the two line up and hit the pedal, the GTR becomes the real rocket. Check out the video below to see the race in action (we do not the condone the act of speeding on public roads; always follow your local traffic laws). Koenigseggs For Sale | Nissan GTRs For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2016

Broncos vs Panthers: Lamborghini Huracan Super Bowl Edition

This Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will face off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, but you already knew that. The two teams will be vying to become the champions of the NFL.People around the country are getting ready for the big game in their own ways, whether it be playing a video game to determine the winner or even taking two Lamborghini Huracans out on the road, each dressed for the occasion.Our friends at Lamborghini North Los Angeles customized an orange Huracan for the Broncos and a black one for the Panthers. And of course, they took the two around town for the city to see.Check out the video below and let us know who you think will win in the comments below!Lamborghini North Los Angeles Inventory

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 05, 2016

Jaden Smith's First Car is the Tesla Model X

The ever popular Jaden Smith is making headlines again, but this time, it isn't for what he's wearing-- it's for what he's driving. Smith just purchased the all new Tesla X, but don't worry about trying to check it out yet-- the car isn't available on the market.Jaden's older brother, Trey, debuted a photo of his younger counterpart posing in front of his newly acquired vehicle on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/BBSsH74EAdk/The Tesla X is Tesla Motor's crossover SUV, and Smith is the youngest-- at just 17-years-old-- to own a Tesla. According to Pursuitist, the crossover is set to retail for $80,000. Check out the Tesla X in action in the video below.Teslas For Sale Related Video:

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2016

Porsche 918 Spyder RSR Races Stunt Plane and Hits 170 mph...

There's no doubting the Porsche 918 Spyder's power. It comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that's coupled with an electric powertrain, resulting in a power output of 887 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. Impressive.But does this power translate into performance? I think we all know the answer to that question by now.Showing the car's true power are the two videos found below of the 918 Spyder RSR displaying its true power. The first video is of this 918 racing against a stunt plane. Honestly, it's one heck of a video when the race actually happens, which is towards the end. The second video shows the driver taking the 918 for a few runs on the highway, stating a speed of 170 mph (we do not the condone the act of speeding on public roads; always follow your local traffic laws).Porsche For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2016

How to Unwrap a Lamborghini Aventador

Many people learn about vehicle wraps and wonder how do you wrap a car? or how do you unwrap a car? Essentially, wrapping a car is like putting one big sticker on your car, but that sticker actually consists of a ton of small sticker that are specifically created to fit the vehicle's body. When you have a car with a body as complex as the Lamborghini Aventador, the process of wrapping becomes pretty tedious.Like the wrapping of an Aventador, the unwrapping is time-consuming as well. I'd compare the unwrapping of a car to peeling off a face mask, although you don't use a heat gun to peel off a face mask (and please don't try to).You'll never know what it's like to unwrap a car until you either see it in action or do it for yourself. To save yourself some time, Nue Vue Photography uploaded a video of him helping unwrap a golden Aventador. Check it out below to see the process for yourself.Lamborghini Aventadors For Sale

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By Edward Jones – December 15, 2015

Epic Lamborghini Murcielago and Ford Mustang Drift Battle

I know some people get made at how often the term "epic" is used, but this #battledrift video...this video is epic.I'll break it down.First off, you have Vaughn Gittin Jr., his 505 hp Ford Mustang RTR and, of course, his amazing drifting skills.Then you have Daigo Saito, his 650 hp Liberty Walk Lamborghini Murcielago that has been modified for drifting and, like Gittin Jr., his amazing drifting skills. To round this video off, you have the amazing scenery of Japan. This could either be the bright neon lights of their dekotora (the extravagantly modified trucks of Japan), or the mountainside forests.When you put all of this together, you get one amazing video that will have you watching it over and over again. Check it out below to see exactly what I'm talking about. (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2015

Rolling Italian Race: Ferrari 458 vs Lamborghini Aventador

If you're a fan of everything automotive, then you are well aware of the battle between Ferrari and Lamborghini. Not only is this a battle of the fans, it actually started out when Ferruccio Lamborghini thought he could build better cars than what Ferrari was making. That was back in the late 1950's and early 1960's, and the rivalry still stands.YouTube channel GTBOARD.com recently got in on the rivalry and pitted the Lamborghini Aventador against the Ferrari 458 Italia in a rolling drag race.Check out the video below to see which of the two Italians takes the crown.Lamborghinis For Sale Ferraris For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2015

Santa in Ferrari 458 Hands Out Gifts to Kids

For those who celebrate Christmas, this time of the year can be both stressful and exciting.It can be stressful because we tend to find ourselves in a craze, worrying about the presents you want to buy and making sure everyone around you has a great holiday.But, it can be very exciting.Every year, millions of people get excited for Christmas because this holiday always brings those fond childhood memories of getting gifts, hanging up ornaments or even getting to see Santa.It's these memories that need to be fueling our passion for Christmas, not the thought of buying endless amounts of gifts. And it seems like the YouTube channel RichKidsTV took a break from their prank videos to make some memories for unsuspecting kids.In a video uploaded on December 14, they drove around town in a Ferrari 458 Italia with Santa behind the wheel. And, with as many gifts as they could fit in the 458's front boot, they handed out presents to kids they passed by.Even if you're not a fan of their channel, you have to admit that it's nice to see the looks on the kids faces when Santa pulls up in a Ferrari and hands them a gift out of nowhere.Just imagine if you were a kid and Santa not only pulled up in a 458, but gave you a gift out of it. That's a memory you'd probably never forget. And we appreciate these guys for taking a moment to make some memories for kids during the holidays.Remember to take some time out of your day this Christmas to give, whether it's to someone in need, someone you love or someone you don't even know at all. These acts of giving are how you can not only create special memories for yourself, but for those around you.Ferrari 458s For Sale (Source: YouTube)

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)

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