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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 – March 27, 2017

The Extreme Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Spitting Flames and So...

The Ferrari FXX Evoluzione picked up the legacy that the original FXX left behind. Thanks to this model, the life of the FXX program was extended by two years and allowed us to experience more of the amazing Italian race car supercar.The FXX Evoluzione is packed with a monster V12 engine that generates 850 horsepower. All of this naturally aspirated power is routed through an exhaust system that doesn't hold back. What also isn't held back is the car's acceleration, which is capable of a 0-62 mph run in just 2.5 seconds. In its entirety, the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione is undoubtedly one of the rawest and extreme cars that the Italian automaker has ever created.Because the car was built as a track-only vehicle, the only time you'll typically spot one of these is if you're on the sidelines of a track that's hosting one. YouTube channel 19Bozzy92 was recently at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy where two FXX Evoluziones were being pushed to their limits. The sounds and sights of these cars ripping through the track is something every car fan should experience. So, while we all can't take time off to travel to Italy, you can still enjoy the video below.All Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2017

Why the Koenigsegg Regera Doesn't Need a Transmission

Over the past decade, every automaker has doubled the number of gears in their automatic transmissions. In the name of fuel economy, Jeep has a 9-speed automatic and Ford worked with GM for the new 10 speed that will be shared across several models. So how and why did Christian von Koenigsegg choose to eliminate the gearbox? Engineering explained is a great channel for the theory behind everyday situations, but the simple answer is torque.Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough, and I will move the world". Carrol Shelby told his dealers, "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races". The reason we have transmissions is because normal car engines don't have enough torque off idle to get the car moving. But cars with massive torque don't really need multiple gears. Jeremy Clarkson explained it by taking a Corvette Z06 by starting in 5th gear and eventually reaching the car's top speed. Dragsters operate under the same principle. The rear differential is bolted to a clutch because gears would explode at those power levels. When the engine is coupled directly to the road, it operates very efficiently and uses less fuel. This is why NASCAR racers quickly get into fourth gear and stay there. GM even programmed every six-speed car to force a first to fourth shift under light throttle, arguably the most annoying feature of my Cadillac CTS-V. Launching in a high gear in a street car will cause the engine to bog down, so Christian uses electricity to help get the Regera moving. It is time to rethink everything you know about hypercars because the future is here.Hypercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2017

The Five Most Memorable Porsche Exclusive Models

Since 1986, Porsche Exclusive has been created some special German cars through extreme personalization. Since their inception, Porsche Exclusive has made bespoke versions of many models, mostly touching the 911 models.In the latest "Porsche Top 5" video, they look at the five most memorable Porsche Exclusive models that they've created over the years. The cars in the video were created with special intentions and in low quantities, making them rarities on the road.Related - Jet Black 911 S Cabriolet by Porsche ExclusiveFor example, at one point the Porsche Speedster was revitalized by Porsche Exclusive. If it weren't for this branch of the German automaker, we might've never seen a new Speedster on the road.Check out the video below to see what Porsche considers the top five most memorable Porsche Exclusive models.All Porsche For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2017

Wow: First Customer Lamborghini Centenario Spotted on the...

Customer examples of the Lamborghini Centenario are seemingly underway as there was a white version of the hypercar spotted in Paris. This Centenario was spotted by YouTube channels Goran Supercars and alexsmolik on Monday, March 20, 2017.Related - First Customers Lamborghini Centenario LeakedThe customer that ordered this Centenario opted for a white finish with Italian striping running down the center and blue trim. Goran Supercars happened to catch the car as it was undergoing a quick wash, meaning we get to see what it looks like before and after a thorough washing. However, would you take a car like the Centenario through a drive-thru wash? Some may freak out over such an act.What's the Lamborghini Centenario packing as far as power goes? Each of these Italian hypercars comes with the naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 770 hp, with Lamborghini stating it’s the most powerful engine they’ve ever produced. It can run the 3,351-pound car from 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-186 mph in 23.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 217 mph. Aiding in the quick acceleration is the permanent four-wheel drive, which includes the new Lamborghini rear-wheel steering system.Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 21, 2017

When Valet Doesn't Believe Your Pagani Huayra is Actually...

When you drop your car off at the valet, you expect to come back with the ticket and have the car brought to you. What you don't expect is the valet driver doubting your ownership of the car in question. Well, this is what happened to the owner of the Pagani Huayra Carbon Edition in Monaco. YouTube channel Supercarsfromeu was on vacation in Cannes and Monaco when he stumbled upon the hypercar. Apparently, the valet didn't believe that the owner of the car was the actual owner. In order to prove ownership, he had to provide documents. Eventually, the matter was resolved and the Huayra was started with a thunderous exhaust note. You can see the whole ordeal below and hear the fantastic sound of the Pagani Huayra. Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 21, 2017

This Jeep Can Drive Over Other Cars

Have you ever been on your way to work and were suddenly greeted by a long line of traffic? During my daily commute, I run into about an extra hours worth of traffic, but some drivers in places like Miami, Florida or Los, Angeles, California can experience hours worth of extra driving due to traffic.So, how do you combat this traffic? You drive over it.The new Hum Rider may look like a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it has a secret under its wheel wells. With over 300 feet of hydraulic lines, gas-powered generator and hydraulic pumps, the driver can push a button to raise the Rider to a height where it can pass over other cars. Essentially, this Jeep is a robot in disguise.Unfortunately, you won't be able to buy a Hum Rider, as it was a promotional car built by A2Zfx for Verizon's Hum service.Custom Jeep Wrangler For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2017

AMS Performance Sets New World Record at TX2K with Six-Se...

For most drag racers, traction can be the hardest part of the sport. It seems like All Wheel Drive would be a no-brainer for quarter-mile competition, but weight and complexity of sending massive power to all wheels have been a challenge until now. AMS Performance has been at the leading edge of pushing the AMS Nissan's GT-R into uncharted territory. A decade of innovation has outgrown the original engine, so they engineered a new block, heads, and internals using the latest in CNC tooling. Last year in Detroit resulted in a 7.14 @ 212 mph. Knocking at the door of a six-second pass is nothing short of amazing. And doing so reliably in a full frame street legal car requires many late nights and usually a fire extinguisher. Such was the case last weekend at the beginning of TX2K17. A small fire on the first shakedown pass evolved into an all-nighter, as they rebuilt the engine for another attempt. Usually, the first pass on a new engine is simply to get the drive line warmed up and verify a proper break-in. But since they are very confident in their own hardware, a full boost pass resulted in the quickest quarter-mile ever by an AWD car. At first, the timing lights signaled a speed of 196 mph which is slower than before, but then it flashed an elapsed time of 6.93 seconds.... This is not a tube frame dragster with a fiberglass body. It may have sticky tires and a roll cage but it is a real Nissan GT-R. Only a handful of street legal cars are capable of going this fast, so our hats are off to the crew of AMS Performance for raising the bar. Stay with us for more updates from the race, and a preview of FL2K17 later this summer. Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 20, 2017

Pink Floyd's Nick Mason Crashes his McLaren F1 GTR

Please try to not cry, but Nick Mason has crashed his McLaren F1 GTR. Alright, you're allowed to shed a couple of tears, because I sure did.During last weekend at the 75th Goodwood Members' Meeting, a few classic GT cars took to the track for some laps. While this was meant to be a sort of exposition, that doesn't mean that the drivers weren't pushing their cars as they should be. Mason, for example, was out in his McLaren F1 GTR.Related - "The Professor" Becomes Most Expensive McLaren P1 EverWhile taking laps, it looks like Mason slid off of the track and drove directly into a wall. After a few spins and broken pieces of the car's body flying off, the F1 GTR came to a halt. Thankfully, Mason was not hurt in the accident, but the F1 GTR certainly was.We all may be upset about such a tragedy happening to a car like the McLaren F1 GTR. However, I commend Mason for at least taking a car like the F1 GTR out and actually tracking it. While most owners of an F1 might garage it for years on end, Mason, being an experienced driver, knows that cars like this need to be taken out and driven the way they were built to.Used McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2017

This is One of the Rarest McLaren F1s: The F1 HDF

Andrew Bagnall has owned for ten years what is possibly one of the most exceptional vehicles ever created. His McLaren F1 HDF- chassis #18- has the extra downforce package that includes extensive aerodynamic modifications and the 680 bhp LM-spec racing engine. This F1 is one of only two examples that are fitted with these packages. However, Bagnall is quick to point out in McLaren Automotive's video showcasing his supercar that this is no museum piece: "We always try and drive it on back roads or somewhere for a brief spin just to open it up a little bit, but normally try and get it down to the race track now and then, because then we can really open it up."Related - "The Professor" Becomes Most Expensive McLaren P1 EverThe first owner of the car had it fitted with the previously mentioned packages. The extra high downforce pack added a massive rear wing, front splitter and louvres on the front clamshell. Additionally, the F1 HDF has larger wheels, different suspension, and the LM-spec engine that revs 1,000 rpm higher than the standard V12.You can hear Bagnall's story by clicking play below.Used McLaren For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2017

Help Cinemotive Media Make More Awesome Car Videos

Our friends at Cinemotive Media are currently entered in a contest that, if they win, will grant them a Shotover G1. What's a Shotover G1? It's a "lightweight, weather resistant, gyro-stabilized gimbal platform that delivers unshakable stability with ultimate functionality," according to the product page. It should also be noted that this product costs $145,000 USD.If they win, Cinemotive Media can attach the G1 to just about anything, allowing them to create even more amazing videos. Need an example of one? Check out the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> they made for us, which was absolutely mindblowing.In order to vote for them, click on the button below and click on the "vote" button on the page that pops up. If they win, we can assure you that they'll have even more awesome car videos coming your way.Votehttps://vimeo.com/208593951

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