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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 – October 08, 2018

Electric Audi (1200 HP) Humiliates Supercars

Schaeffler Group is an engineering partner and supplier for automobile manufacturers, as well as a sponsor of the Audi Sport ABT Formula E team. If you're familiar with Formula E, you know that this series runs on electricity. A great example of just how wild these electric race car can be comes from Schaeffler Group and its named the Schaeffler 4ePerformance Concept.Japanese Electric Hypercar Aspark Owl Gets a Big Price TagThis race car concept is powered by four Formula E motors that were borrowed from the ABT Schaeffler FE01 Formula E racing car. The total output of these is 1200 PS, which is roughly 1,183.5 horsepower. Because this concept car is powered by electricity, all of its power is accessible at a moments notice, or at the push of the pedal.Daniel Abbot, a professional racing driver in Formula E, took the Schaeffler 4ePerformance Concept out for some test runs against powerful supercars like the Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The results were about as definitive as they could get. Click play below to see just how insane this electric car is.

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2018

New Porsche 935 Race Car Filmed During Testing

If you are reading this, you probably like fast Porsches. If you like them more than your average fan, why weren't you at RennSport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca over the weekend? You missed a chance for Dr. Wolfgang Porsche to sign your car, and you also missed the return of the Porsche 935 known as "Moby Dick." Yes, that's right, Typ 935/78 is making a 21st-century comeback. Inspired by the famous LeMans racer, the new example is based on the current GT2 RS and will be limited to only 77 examples. 2014 Foreign Cars that are Illegal in the USA More than a piece of history, these cars represent the last of the 991 series 911. We've seen various prototypes of the 2020 Porsche 992, and it's easy to say they are still far ahead of their competitors. It looks as if Stuttgart is upset to see the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ at the top of their home field track, so perhaps Moby Dick will make a triumphal return to the top of the leaderboard. If you are curious as to what the 935's 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque sounds like in motion, you can view the video from NM2255 down below. He managed to capture the new race car during a testing run at the Monza Circuit. Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2018

The New Ferrari 812 Superfast Races a McLaren 720S

DragTimes recently had the chance to test Ferrari's new 812 Superfast against the McLaren 720S at the Palm Beach International Raceway. The races were made possible through Excell Auto Group, allowing them to utilize the road course and the drag strip. Between both courses, the video shows off the 790 horsepower V12 engine of the Ferrari taking on the McLaren's twin-turbo V8 that puts out 710 horsepower. Ferrari 812 Superfast Passes Cars at 200 mph on Autobahn Both cars came into the race completely stock, with no aftermarket modifications. Before racing, Brooks did record a rev-battle between the two cars and the V12 of the 812 Superfast definitely knows how to belt out a scream. As for the racing portion of the video, found below, it was pretty surprising to see the results. For those that think power rules over everything, you need to click play below.View Excell Auto Group's Inventory View Ferrari 812 Superfast For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2018

Apollo IE Attacks an Alpine Airstrip

Nothing beats the sound and performance of a V12 engine with straight pipes. That is why the engineers at Apollo have borrowed the screaming V12 from the LaFerrari. Although it doesn't have the fancy hybrid KERS system, the Apollo IE uses traditional methods to unlock more power. The German engineers formerly employed by Gumpert have bumped the compression ratio and probably advanced the timing to unlock 769 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque.Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Cars & Times (Production Cars)Europe's most exclusive supercars gathered in Ambri, Switzerland for some high speed runs. With a curb weight just over 2,700 lbs, the Apollo IE can be heard spinning in almost every gear. The owner preferred to be anonymous because of the $2.7 Million-dollar price tag. IE stands for Intense Emotion, and Apollo hit the nail on the head. Only 10 examples will be produced, so stay with us for more coverage of this rare machine. While you are waiting for yours to be delivered, click the link below to browse our latest listings of exotic cars for sale.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2018

Vaughn Gittin Jr Drifts the Nurburgring in His Mustang RTR

My first encounter with a Ford Mustang RTR was earlier this month at our Cars & Coffee show. They are built as the ultimate American drift machine. They can be purchased new, or the RTR conversion can be done at selected Ford Performance Dealers. They are the products of a collaboration between Ford and drifting legend Vaughn Gittin Jr. To show the world just how capable it is, he decided to perform the ultimate smoke show. Vaughn Gittin Jr. Rips His New Mustang RTR On Ice In a YouTube video uploaded yesterday, Vaughn drifted the entire 12.9 miles of the Nurburgring. Their latest build is a 900 horsepower beast, complete with a roll cage and all-new suspension. The sound of the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 bouncing off the rev limiter is a symphony, and it looks like the steering has great feedback for a perfect drift. Unless you have a tire sponsor and a closed track, please don't attempt this yourself. Ford Performance sells everything you see here, but you need a late-model Mustang GT as a starting point. Click the link below to find yours, and stay with us for all your Ford updates. Browse Mustangs For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2018

McLaren Senna Races Dirtbikes Because... Why Not?

Forza Horizon 4 is launching on the Xbox One, Xbox One X and Windows PCs on September 28 for those who ordered the Ultimate Edition and October 2 for everyone else. That means the game is only days away and you have limited time to get those thumbs ready to drive across the game's British landscape. To give you a sense of how wild this game is going to be and what to expect, Xbox put together wild race between the new McLaren Senna and three motocross bikes. Why? Because why the heck not; it's a celebration of how unprecedented the races in this game can be. The race between the four vehicles took place at the Goodwood Hill Climb, with the goal being to get to the top of the Goodwood Hill. Driving the Senna supercar was one of McLaren Automotive's professional drivers, and his expertise shows in the skilled driving action shown in the video found below. Of course, the motocross bikes could take narrow shortcuts and the mandatory jumps with backflips while the Senna was kept to the streets. In the video game, however, you'll be able to take the car wherever you want-- no limits. Check out the video below and be sure to snag your copy of Forza Horizon 4. We're currently reviewing the game and will have a full review posted shortly. Pre-Order/Buy Forza Horizon 4

By Andrew Nabors – September 19, 2018

BMW M3: Four Generation Drag Race

If there is one unifying aspect of all BMW M cars, it is that their owners wouldn't trade them for anything else. When buying an M3, you are inducted into a group unlike any other. Owners stick together with more loyalty and dedication than almost any other automotive culture. Your M3 is not defined by its model year. BMW enthusiasts must memorize the chassis code of each generation. Much like fans of the Porsche 911, each generation has its own pros and cons. To see how the M3 has evolved since 1986, carwow brought together the four most significant examples. Here is a cheat sheet to help you bet on the right model: E30: 1986-92, 2.3-liter four-cylinder 192 horsepower, 5-speed manual transmission E46 CSL: 2004, 3.2-liter straight-six, 350 horsepower, six-speed SMG transmission E92 GTS: 2010, 4.4-liter V8, 444 horsepower, 7-speed DCT F80 CS: 2018, 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six, 454 horsepower, 7-speed DCT Top 10 Best BMWs of All Time You can't go wrong with any of these, as they all represent the state-of-the-art for their era. With prices for the E30 and E36 series starting to skyrocket, the E46 is a sound investment. Click the link below to find your M3 and tell us which one you want in the comments below! Browse BMW M3 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 18, 2018

1000 HP Hennessey Jeep vs Ford GT Race Ends in Surprise

What happens when an aerodynamic supercar lines up against a Jeep Grand Cherokee? These notions normally keep us awake at night, so thankfully Hennessey Performance Engineering has the answer. In order to show the potency of their 1,000 horsepower Jeep Trackhawk, they chose Mr. Hennessey's Ford GT as a worthy opponent. The 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 makes 647 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The left lane is filled by an imposing Jeep, with the heart of a Hellcat under the hood.2018 Dodge Demon Price & SpecsHennessey knows how to make big power from the supercharged 6.2-liter, but the weight and aerodynamics offer diminishing returns at triple-digit speeds. On the dyno, it makes 1,012 horsepower and 969 lb-ft of torque. The supercharger measures in at 4.5 liters and it is set at 14 lbs. Limiting boost to 1 Bar saves on drivetrain life since the Jeep retains its AWD system. Tell us which one you would daily drive in the comments below, and click the link for great deals on this game-changing Jeep.Browse Jeep Grand Cherokee For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=ijaUf3Q_VMY

By Andrew Nabors – September 14, 2018

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Smashes Laguna Seca Record

When it comes to extracting every ounce of power, Motor Trend's Randy Pobst is a legend. Jaguar and Land Rover have been on a horsepower frenzy, stuffing their supercharged V8 into anything with wheels. Their latest creation is set to shake up the world of supercar sedans. We have covered the XE SV before, but this is its first official flogging by us rebellious colonials. 2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Most Powerful of its Kind As a CTS-V owner, I take note of sedan lap times, especially if they fly the Union Jack. Under the hood, the boost has been turned up to make 590 horsepower. But Jaguar says only 300 examples will be made, making them instant collectibles. Every time another automotive journalist says V8 sedans are dead, its up to us to prove them wrong. If you want to be considered for the ultimate XE, click the link below to find our dealer near you and have a great weekend!Browse Jaguar XE For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 13, 2018

2020 BMW Z4 M40i Attacks the Nurburgring

When Toyota and BMW announced their collaboration on a new 2-seater, we knew it would be fast. The Japanese version will be the 5th generation Supra, and BMW has unleashed a new Z4. Officially known as the Z4 M40i, it is poised to offer more performance than the legendary Z8.Check Out LeBron's Car CollectionThe first lucky drivers to film their experience are from the German magazine Sport Auto. While still wearing its camo wrap, they installed cameras and GPS telemetry to see what it could do. A symphony of six-cylinder power is combined with incredible grip and a close-ratio dual clutch transmission. The car also transmits much less road noise into the cockpit, compared to other lap videos. They will be arriving at our dealers soon, so click the link below to find a Z4 near you.Browse BMW Z Series For Sale

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