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McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

The McLaren W1 marks another monumental achievement in McLaren’s history, combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with staggering performance figures. More than 30 years after the legendary McLaren F1 set the hypercar standard, and a decade after the hybrid P1 revolutionised the segment, McLaren is again pushing the boundaries with its most powerful road car ever.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the McLaren W1 is the all-new MPH-8 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which delivers a jaw-dropping 916hp and boasts the highest power density of any McLaren engine ever—an astounding 230 bhp-per-litre. Complementing this powerful V8 is an advanced hybrid system called the E-Module, which adds 342hp through a compact radial flux electric motor and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The total combined output reaches an impressive 1,258hp and 1339Nm of torque.

This power allows the W1 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 349km/h, matching the McLaren P1. The hybrid system also offers a minimal electric-only range of 2km.

Lightweight Design and Aerodynamics

One of the most remarkable features of the W1 is its lightweight construction. Despite its hybrid components, the car has a dry weight of just 1398kg, only 4kgs heavier than the P1. McLaren’s engineers achieved this by trimming 40kgs from the hybrid system compared to the P1. The chassis, dubbed Aerocell, is a monocoque design that integrates fixed seating, allowing for more compact dimensions, while also offering adjustable steering and pedals.

Aerodynamics are a key focus in the W1’s design. With over 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, McLaren refined the W1 to be its most aerodynamic car yet. The Active Long Tail rear wing, inspired by the F1 GTR, dynamically adjusts to improve drag and downforce. The W1 generates a total downforce of 2,205 pounds—with 772 pounds at the front and 1,433 pounds at the rear in Race mode. An innovative airflow diverter on the roof channels fresh air to the engine, further enhancing cooling and performance.

Handling and Braking

The W1 is equipped with McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III, offering configurable suspension settings: Comfort, Sport, and Race. In Race mode, the car’s ride height drops by 1.5 inches at the front and 0.7 inches at the rear, and the long tail spoiler extends up to 11.8 inches, also acting as an air brake.

To match its immense power, the W1 uses carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. From 100km/h, the W1 can come to a complete stop in 95 feet, and from 200km/h, it requires just 328 feet.

The W1 rides on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires as standard, with options for P Zero R tyres for daily driving or P Zero Winter tires for colder conditions.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the W1 offers a minimalist but high-tech cockpit, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It includes USB-A and USB-C connections, along with a small storage shelf that offers 116L of space behind the seats.

Exclusivity and Pricing

As expected from such an extreme hypercar, the McLaren W1 is priced at a hefty $2.1 million. McLaren plans to build only 399 units, all of which are already sold out.

The McLaren W1 continues the brand’s legacy of redefining what is possible in automotive engineering, delivering a driving experience that blends extraordinary power, lightweight construction, and advanced hybrid technology.

Castrol EDGE Launches PowerBoost Technology: 30% Better Engine Performance

Castrol has launched the Castrol EDGE with PowerBoost Technology, a high-performance automotive lubricant that promises a 30% improvement in engine performance compared to standard industry benchmarks. This advanced formulation is specifically engineered to enhance critical engine components such as pistons, valvetrain, and turbochargers, offering superior power and acceleration.

Key Features of Castrol EDGE with PowerBoost Technology:

Power and Acceleration: Designed for drivers who seek more responsiveness from their vehicles, Castrol EDGE with PowerBoost Technology delivers increased power output and faster acceleration times by blending premium synthetic oils with unique additives.
Tested Performance: Real-world simulations have shown the oil to deliver better torque and efficiency, with vehicles utilising this oil achieving quicker acceleration compared to those using standard oils.
Engine Protection: Apart from boosting performance, the lubricant also offers excellent engine protection, ensuring durability over time, even under tough driving conditions.

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Toyota to Invest $500 Million in Electric Air Taxis

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced an additional $500 million investment in Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service. This strategic investment supports the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi, advancing the two companies’ shared vision of air mobility.

The investment will occur in two phases, with the first tranche closing later this year and the second in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and conditions. Once completed, Toyota’s total investment in Joby will reach $894 million. This investment will be made as cash for common stock and further details can be found in regulatory filings with the SEC.

Joby Aviation is making significant strides toward the commercialisation of electric air taxis, recently rolling out its third aircraft from its pilot production line in California. The company has also started expanding its manufacturing facilities and is making progress in its type certification process, with one-third of the fourth of five stages already completed.

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Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair: One-Of-A-Kind Bespoke Creation

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has introduced the Spectre Lunaflair, a one-of-a-kind Bespoke creation designed for a distinguished client in the United States. The standout feature of this vehicle is its dazzling holographic paint finish, which creates a striking ‘rainbow’ effect, mimicking the beauty of a lunar halo. This natural phenomenon, where light refracts through ice crystals in cirrus clouds around the moon, served as the inspiration for the Spectre Lunaflair’s breathtaking design.

Achieving this finish was a year-long process, involving the meticulous application of seven layers of lacquer, including a pearlescent coat infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. This complex technique ensures the car exhibits a deep metallic glow in low light, while transforming into a vibrant technicolour display in direct sunlight.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Tour Kicks Off an Electrifying Chapter for Malaysia’s First National EV Brand

The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour is officially kicking off on 5 October 2024, giving Malaysians their first up-close experience with Proton’s first electric vehicle (EV). Covering over 2,000 km across all Malaysian states, the tour showcases the e.MAS 7’s capabilities and highlight Proton’s commitment to innovation and engineering excellence.

In its final phase of testing, the e.MAS 7 is being tailored for the Malaysian market through rigorous trials. The tour, inspired by the Geely E5’s Long Test Drive from China to Malaysia, will traverse Malaysian roads, starting in Negeri Sembilan and finishing in Sarawak on 29 November, while stopping at charging stations and local eateries.

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Zeekr Malaysia Opens Bookings for 009 MPV and X SUV

Zeekr Malaysia has officially launched its operations, offering the Zeekr X compact urban all-electric SUV and the ultra-luxurious Zeekr 009 MPV. Bookings are now open for both models, with indicative pricing set at below RM180,000 for the Zeekr X and below RM370,000 for the Zeekr 009. The booking fees are RM2,000 and RM4,000, respectively. Sentinel Automotive Sdn Bhd, the official distributor, will provide sales, after-sales services, and spare parts.

Zeekr X: A Premium Urban Electric SUV

The Zeekr X is available in two variants—Premium and Flagship AWD. The Flagship AWD features dual motors with 422hp, achieving 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The Premium variant offers 268hp and reaches 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. Both versions use a 66kWh battery, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes via a 150kW DC charger.

The Zeekr X comes in five colours: Crystal White, Mist Grey, Grid Grey, Palace Beige, and Pine Green, with Charcoal Black and Stone Grey interior options. It features a full suite of safety and driver assistance systems, including 7 airbags, a 360° camera, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Zeekr 009: A Luxurious and Powerful MPV

The Zeekr 009 MPV is available in two configurations—a 7-seater Luxury model and a 6-seater Ultra Luxury version. It boasts dual motors with 603hp and 693Nm of torque, achieving 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. The MPV is equipped with a 116kWh battery, offering a range of up to 582km.

Inside, the Zeekr 009 offers premium features, including aeronautic seats, massage functions, a 15.05″ OLED infotainment system, a 17″ roof-mounted screen, 30 YAMAHA surround speakers, and various high-tech amenities.