2023 Mclaren Artura Techlux on 2040-cars

Auto blog

That McLaren windshield smash video? It's a fake

The saying that you can't always believe what you see on the Internet continues to ring true. We reported on a video in which a skateboarder violently smashes the windshield of an orange McLaren, and apparently it was all staged. Jalopnik reported today that the people who uploaded the video came clean about the whole thing being made up. They say the windshield was already smashed and going to be replaced, so the owners, who run an exotic-car-rental company in Denver, decided to have some fun. (Note that the smash is heard but not seen in the video.) You can check out Jalopnik for the full story. So we've been fooled, but on the plus side, that skateboarding kid is safe and sound – and not in debt. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Novitec N-Largo McLaren 720s boasts big presence to match big power

If a carbon tax referred to a penalty based on how much carbon fiber were used to build a car, specialty tuner Novitec Group would be looking at a hefty bill for its most recent creation. The Novitec N-Largo adds not just a styling kit, not just a performance upgrade, not just a suspension adjustment, but all three to the already massively talented 720s supercar. Based in Germany, Novitec has made a name for itself tuning elite performance and luxury cars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Maseratis, Teslas, and McLarens. In the past, Novitec has offered its takes on McLaren's 540C, the 570S, the 570GT, and even a different example of the 720s. But this new build has a much more assertive personality than the previously subtle makeover. Limited to just 15 examples, the N-Largo gives the 720s a look similar to that of the McLaren Senna. Using molded carbon fiber, the N-Largo ditches the soft and suave curves of the stock car for a more aggressive demeanor. The car can been lowered 1.3 inches with sport springs, and it sits on staggered Vossen MC2 forged center-lock wheels, 20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the rear, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero rubber. Novitec N-Largo McLaren 720s View 26 Photos Novitec notes that the new bumpers completely replace the original McLaren parts and bolt to the secure original connection points. The styling kit was not devoid of practical thought, either, as the kit maintains the aerodynamic and cooling bits that help make the 720s such a deadly performance vehicle. The N-Largo also adds a new rear airfoil attachment that is claimed to increase downforce. Most importantly, Novitec crafted three different levels of performance tunes for the 720s. According to Vossen, an auxiliary control unit plugs in and adapts to the electronic engine controls on the car. In the most powerful stage 2 configuration, which includes a performance exhaust, the N-Largo shows up to the tune of 794 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque, 84 more horses and 80 more lb-ft than the standard 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. According to Novitec and Vossen, this gives the N-Largo a 0-62 time of 2.7 seconds, a 0-124 run in 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of about 215 mph. There's no word on pricing or availability, but we can tell you this: Novitec is already working on an interpretation of the McLaren 600LT. We have a feeling it might be even more braggadocious than the 720s. Related Video:

Fernando Alonso to race in the 24 Hours of Daytona

MEXICO CITY — McLaren Formula One driver Fernando Alonso will compete in next January's 24 Hours of Daytona as preparation for an eventual race at Le Mans. The United Autosports team owned by McLaren executive director Zak Brown announced the move on Thursday. Alonso, a double Formula One world champion who is competing in this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, made a big impression last May when he entered the Indianapolis 500 and led for 27 laps. He has set his sights on becoming only the second driver, after Briton Graham Hill, to win motorsport's Triple Crown. That entails winning the Formula One title, or Monaco Grand Prix according to other interpretations, as well as Indianapolis and Le Mans. Alonso, 36, has won Monaco as well as his 2004 and 2005 world titles. He recently signed a contract extension keeping him at McLaren in 2018. "The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic U.S. endurance race and one of the world's great races. Everyone knows it," said the Spaniard. "It's not part of the Triple Crown but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me in the preparation for any other endurance race I might take part in. "I am excited to go back and race in America," he added. "After the great time I had during the month of May for the Indy 500, I am looking forward to taking part in another legendary race that will bring back all those amazing sensations that US fans gave me." Daytona comes before the start of Formula One's pre-season testing when drivers are mostly working on physical preparation for the year ahead. Le Mans, on June 16-17, does not clash with any grand prix — unlike Indianapolis, which is on the same weekend as the showcase Monaco race. Alonso will partner British teenagers Lando Norris, the McLaren development driver tipped to take a reserve role next season, and Phil Hanson. Daytona, in Florida, will be the first time the Spaniard has raced a prototype sports car. Reporting by Alan BaldwinRelated Video: Image Credit: Getty Motorsports McLaren Racing Vehicles US