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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 19, 2016

BMW Leak Causes Porsche Cayman GT4 to Crash

The Nurburgring can be a dangerous place-- people crash all the time on the track. But crashing at the Green Hell can be caused by a multitude of reasons, ranging from driver inexperience to mechanical failure. Recently it was a leak that caused chaos on the track that resulted in three cars crashing at a corner. YouTube channel Automobilchannel Nordschleife Videos in HD was on hand to capture it.According to the YouTube video, on September 18, a BMW E30 was about to head into a corner when it sprung a coolant leak. This somehow cause the E30 to spin out and tap a wall. It seemed that the German four-door would drive away with a couple of scrapes. Well, when you leak coolant you also leak it onto the road. A Porsche Cayman GT4 was coming into the corner hot when it must've hit the coolant on the road, causing it to lose control and slam into the wall and BMW. Shortly after a VW Polo followed suit and ran into the wall as well.Check out the video below to see the chaos for yourself. Porsche Cayman For Sale Porsche Cayman GT4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 19, 2016

Best V12 Engine Sounds in the World

Our friend Marchettino has been around the world filming the world's greatest cars. Whether it's on the track, road or in a garage, he's there. He's encountered quite a wide variety of cars over the years, but whenever we get a video of a V12 engine roaring to life, we all have to stop and listen. Because let's face it, the sounds of a massive V12 engine is a glorious noise.In a new video uploaded to YouTube, he's put together just over eleven minutes of V12 engine footage for us all to enjoy. The cars included in the video range from the multiple Lamborghini models, to the Pagani Zondas. Click play on the video below if you feel the need to sit back and enjoy the sounds of a massive enjoy (I know you want to).

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 16, 2016

Who Wins? Lamborghini Aventador SV vs Lamborghini Murcielago

Matching one worthy Lamborghini against another makes for good entertainment. In the video below, that's exactly what happens as a Lamborghini Aventador SV 750-4 faces off on a drag strip against a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640.(Also Check Out - Donald Trump's Lamborghini Diablo is Up for Sale)To add a little more umph to the show, the Murcielago starts off with a bang and a little burnout, but who do you think wins this race? You could say this one would probably be a close call. While we have our assumptions, go ahead and make your own, and then check out the race in the video below. View Lamborghinis For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 16, 2016

Hitting 215 MPH Top Speed in a Porsche 911 Turbo S Looks ...

When getting behind the wheel of a car that has the potential to hit more than 200 mph, it's hard to not step on the throttle. The Autobahn is the perfect place to test out just how fast your supercar can go, and that's exactly what the guys at YouTube channel, SportAuto did. In the video below, the Porsche 911 Turbo S tops out at 215 mph, and it looks like they had a blast. The driver is focused and ready to go, and luckily, the road is completely clear as he steps on the gas. Check out the video below to see just what 215 mph in a Porsche 911 Turbo S looks like. Porsche 911 Turbo S for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 15, 2016

Patrick Dempsey Brings Racing to Dinner

Patrick Dempsey really can't get racing out of his blood. From his pit stop style valet, it was easy to see how racing really runs through his veins. Apparently, dinner time is no exception. While dining in a nice restaurant with some friends, Dempsey gets a little carried away when a server brought him a bottle of champagne. It was almost like he'd just one first place in a Le Mans race. He causes quite the scene in the restaurant, embarrassing several of the guests, while one of his table mates tries to salvage a little of the champagne.Looks like Porsche teaming up with Dempsey was a great idea. He's definitely got the racing bug.Check out the full video below to see what kind of ruckus Dempsey causes in the restaurant. View All Porsches For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2016

Ferrari F40 Terrorizes Scotland

England might have been besieged by The Hound of the Baskervilles, but Scotland has been assaulted by the Hoon of the Highlands. Members of theSUPERCARDRIVER have a tendency to put rare cars in exotic locations, but they might have outdone themselves this time. In a YouTube video uploaded last night, a Ferrari F40 goes on a sunset cruise across the countryside. Robert Burns would be at a loss for words because this car has several upgrades from the F40 LM.(Also Check Out - Velocity Motorcars Ferrari Collection For Sale)Designed in 1989 to win Le Mans, the F40 LM was the ultimate expression of 80's excess. By dissecting the IMSA rulebook the F40 was given the downforce it needed and 700 horsepower from the 2.9 liter V8. The aftermarket embraced the wild styling, and a few parts are still available if your F40 desires an upgrade. The location looks similar to Lamborghini's Scottish Stampede so this road is now on my bucket list. With audio that might surpass the visuals, this one deserves full volume. Stay with us for more Ferrari footage.View F40s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 14, 2016

Russian Billionaire Indulges in Private Day on Nurburgring

When you have incredible amounts of disposable income, you've probably already experienced just about every leisure activity available. Luckily, having disposable income means you can pay for leisure in ways most can't. Shutting down Disney for an uninterrupted day with your closest friends. Renting out entire buildings for parties. You name it. When you have an incredible supercar collection and massive amounts of disposable income, you find creative ways to put your cars on display. Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, decided to bring his supercar and hypercar collection to Nurburgring for a day on the iconic outdoor circuit. In fact, according to AutoEvolution, the management team decided to just go ahead and close the Nurburgring to the public so Abramovich and his closest friends could enjoy a day on the track to themselves.(Also Check Out - Over Five Epic Minutes of Supercars Starting Up)His collection, which is valued at over $11 million, includes models like the Aston Martin Vulcan, a Bugatti and the Ferrari FXX. Check out the video below to see what other incredible cars from Abramovich's collection made it out that day.

By Andrew Nabors – September 13, 2016

Aston Martin DB11 Goes Wild on Frozen Lake

Learning to drive on ice is the best way to sharpen your racing skills. Many manufacturers offer Arctic excursions, but heading to colder climates in the dead of winter is simply unappealing to some. As the heat of summer makes northern latitudes feel like a rotisserie in the summer, our friends down under are in the depths of winter. Last month, Aston Martin invited a few select customers to join them at their Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds outside of Queenstown, New Zealand. It was an unprecedented success that combined catered meals with instruction from professional drivers.It took place between August 22nd to the 28th on the frozen surface of Lake Wakatipu. The highlight of the event was equipping the new DB11 with studded tires for a twin turbo assault on the open ice. In a YouTube video uploaded Friday, Aston Martin compiled a teaser reel for next year's event with footage of the new car in action. With 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, their latest model offered brilliant drifting around the course. Registration for next year is now available on Aston Martin's Art of Living site, but pricing has yet to be released. Stay with us for updates on the event, and check out the DB11 in person at our dealers.Aston Martin DB11 For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 13, 2016

How to Make an Exhaust Video that Isn't Trash

The guys at AfterGNARket are tired of watching your average exhaust videos on YouTube. They understand that no matter how good a car's exhaust sounds, factory exhaust just isn't going to cut it. In an attempt to figure out which aftermarket exhaust to add to his McLaren 570S, Mike Tornabene, the video's narrator, laments about the abundance of options left him overwhelmed so he turned to YouTube for help. But all he found was more confusion. The videos he watched didn't accurately portray exhaust sounds, and as a result, he still had no idea which option to choose for his supercar.This experience led him to create a video, which explains and demonstrates the intricacies of making a proper video about car exhaust sounds.Here's what we learned: DO NOT be that guy with the cell phone recording some car revving in the driveway. It's low quality and doesn't serve as an accurate representation of the sound of the vehicle DO use some kind of high-quality sound device to capture exhaust sounds DO attempt to use different perspectives to obtain the full spectrum of exhaust sounds-- driving, revving, different speeds, from the air, from the inside of the car, etc. DO add some funky music and a sweet mountainous backdrop, followed by a run-in with the law for dramatic effect Admittedly, this is one of the better exhaust videos out there. Check it out below, and let us know what you think in the comments! McLaren 570S for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2016

Porsche 911 R and Aston Martin Vantage S Reviewed by Chri...

If you need three pedals in your life, your options for new manual transmission cars have been severely limited. The latest dual clutch automatics can shift faster than any human, but they are heavy and leave the driver disconnected from the road. In a comparison we thought would never take place, Chris Harris has brought together the latest in stick shift supercars. View Video In the latest installment of Chris Harris Drives, the Aston Martin Vantage S and the Porsche 911 R are brought head to head. Flying the Union Jack, Aston Martin has just released a seven speed manual with a vintage style dog-leg 1st gear. It channels 568 hp and 457 lb-ft from the 6.0L V12 to the rear wheels via a rear mounted transaxle. With a differential ratio of 3.72 it can apply that power in almost every gear. The Porsche 911 R has six fewer cylinders, but the 4.0L is borrowed from the potent GT3 RS. Instead of the seven speed manual found in previous Carreras, a new six speed box has been designed to handle 500 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque. If heel-toe shifts are not your thing, both cars offer rev-matching that can be disabled for a lively drive. As long as manufacturers build cars of this caliber, the death of the manual will be postponed. Tell us what your favorite transmission is in the comments below and stay with us for more Top Gear footage. View 911 Rs For Sale View V12 Vantages For Sale

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