FT86CLUB Cool Wall: McLaren F1

[m.wood0213]

Originally Posted by Marchy

sub zero just because of where you sit in the car.

Totally Agree!

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Marchy

i think the car can handle an extra 240 lbs.

Interestingly, the Mclaren F1 with a driver (I'll assume 175lb) and two ladies (I'll assume 130lb each) would only weigh about 2950 pounds (assuming a euro-spec F1), or about the same as a BRZ with only the driver. It's an astonishingly light car, especially for its width, length, and power.

[rice_classic]

It must be Sub-Zero, the designer was so inspired by the NSX that he scrapped the other comparable he was using and instead wanted to replicate some of the good things the NSX did; drive-ability, comfort, fit and finish, simplicity etc.

[cfusionpm]

One of the coolest cars of all time for me. Sub-zero.

[dem00n]

Sub, still do this day shows when turbos can shove it.

[levifig]

Sub-zero for what it represents! It doesn't have the sex appeal of a Ferrari, or the exotic design of a Lamborghini, but it's technologically insane and unapologetically futuristic!


<3

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by levifig

It doesn't have the sex appeal of a Ferrari, or the exotic design of a Lamborghini, but it's technologically insane and unapologetically futuristic!

<3

We have different views on the car, but we both love it. That's the important thing.

Maybe it was the time in my life when it came out, but the F1 really strikes a chord with me. I had the pleasure of turning wrenches on that beautiful engine and it made the most wonderful sounds.

[mx5 2nr]

fastest way back from the bar with two chicks for a 3-some.... subzero...

[Exhaust]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

Respect it? Absolutely. Think its cool? not so much. When the service bills are higher then the price of a normal car, it kills alot of the appeal....maybe i'm just cheap.

Man you must not think any exotic is cool then. Check out servicing a ferrari. These cars aren't made for fuel economy and saving pennies homie

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by Exhaust

Man you must not think any exotic is cool then. Check out servicing a ferrari. These cars aren't made for fuel economy and saving pennies homie

No, I understand. The F1 just never tickled my ticklie bits though. The engine doesn't sound that great to me(for the money), its not as pretty as I always hope itd be, and the only thing its really known for is being crazy fast in a straight line.

[brillo]

This car is the definition of sub zero and frankly is still the best car ever engineered for anyone who considers themselves a driving enthusiast.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

the only thing its really known for is being crazy fast in a straight line.

???

I've never driven one, but my impression is that it's one of the best-handling road cars ever. Certainly not a one-trick straight-line-only car!

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by ZDan

???

I've never driven one, but my impression is that it's one of the best-handling road cars ever. Certainly not a one-trick straight-line-only car!

From Jeremy Clarkson season 5 episode 2:
"Even its biggest fans, and i'm not one of them, admit the gearbox is clunky, the steering is too heavy, the fronts too vague, and the backend is skitish."

He later goes on to compare it to doctor strangelove where the guy is riding the nuclear missle, "you don't know where you're going, you have no real control, you just know the journeys going to end very soon and very badly".

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Trashed675

From Jeremy Clarkson season 5 episode 2:
"Even its biggest fans, and i'm not one of them, admit the gearbox is clunky, the steering is too heavy, the fronts too vague, and the backend is skitish."

He later goes on to compare it to doctor strangelove where the guy is riding the nuclear missle, "you don't know where you're going, you have no real control, you just know the journeys going to end very soon and very badly".

From the Car and Driver review:

"As the speedo needle hits 125 mph, an instant shift—so precise and mechanical it's like pulling back a well-oiled bolt on a rifle—brings fourth gear"
So, no clunky gearbox here. Handling seems pretty good too:

"Handling? You won't find a finer supercar chassis in the world. There are compromises in building a car to be obe*dient while driving slowly, yet with the stability required to cope with warp speeds and extreme g-forces, but in the McLaren there are few of the design botches we've accepted as normal in cars of this breed. Yes, the suspension is firm, the tires noisy, and the ride at low speeds and on high*ways jiggly (especially for the passengers). Yet on interesting back roads—where it counts—the suppleness and composure are remarkable."

Steering weight sounds normal too, considering that it's unassisted:

"There is no ignoring the weight of the steering when parking, but above school-zone speeds, the steering has an almost meaty precision to its feel. Low-speed corners suggest that the steering is low-geared. Wrong. With 2.8 turns lock to lock, the steering is direct and alive, full of feel yet without kickback."

The only complaint they had? The brakes - they apparently take a fair amount of effort and feel slightly wooden.

The majority of reviews that I've seen seem to agree too - the handling of the car is nearly universally praised. Yes, Clarkson is funny to read sometimes, but I wouldn't consider him to be the end-all of car reviewers.