2018 Mclaren 720s Performance on 2040-cars

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McLaren 720S GT3X throws out the rule book to go faster than a race car

Race cars are some of the fastest machines on Earth. And they could be faster, if it weren't for these pesky things called "rules." Proving this point is the McLaren 720S GT3X, which takes the basic GT3-class race car and cranks up the performance, because there are no rules for track toys. Nestled between the driver and the drive wheels is the expected twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from the race car, complete with blueprinted cylinder heads and beefed up internals. But now it makes 710 horsepower, an increase of 197 over the GT3 race car. And at the push of a button, you can get a 30-horse overboost for a maximum of 740 horsepower. It's coupled to a six-speed sequential transmission. All of this is in a package weighing just 2,668 pounds, so it should be enormously entertaining. You can even share the experience with a friend, thanks to the redesigned roll cage that allowed for a second bucket seat and harness to be installed. Ideally a close friend, because that's what they'll be when they climb into the tight cockpit. But that's more than you can say for the single-occupant GT3 race car. McLaren also improved the brake cooling system to ensure the car can handle the extra weight of your ballast, er, friend. The downside to the 720S GT3X is that, because it follows no rules but its own, it's restricted in where it can drive. Neither a road car nor a race car, it's only able to be used as a track toy. Still, it should be a very fun track toy. And if you want one, McLaren is taking orders now. It can be purchased at a McLaren Motorsports dealer, and the car is built to order. McLaren will also provide technical support at your first track event with the car to ensure everything goes smoothly. No price for the car has been given, but that probably doesn't matter if you're thinking of buying one. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

F1 should scrap qualifying and drop out of the sky instead

There's always some new controversy hovering over the Formula One paddock like a thick fog. If it's not team orders or industrial espionage it's unsportsmanlike conduct between two rivals or the off-track behavior of some driver or FIA official. This year it's all about qualifying, with the new format introduced for the Australian Grand Prix already jettisoned in time for the next round in Bahrain. But as ridiculous as this video may seem, McLaren may just be onto something. The clip shows Jenson Button strapping himself into the cockpit of the latest McLaren-Honda, just as he would for any race. Only this time he's not starting from the grid or even the pit lane. This time the former world champion straps in for a computer-animated airdrop out the back of an RAF C-130. Okay, so maybe it wouldn't be the safest way to determine the starting order, at least not until those proposed new halos are installed (along with some beefier shocks). But suppose, just for a second, that instead of lining up according to the fastest qualifying times, F1 drivers hit the ground running after being airlifted and parachuted out of a cargo plane? After all, if the Stig could bungee-jump an F1 car, and drag racers can pack parachutes, why not skydive onto the grid with the engine running? It's not like the drivers can't handle the G forces, and it'd sure beat the classic Le Mans start where the drivers run across the track, jump into their cars, and get moving. Okay, fine. We're just kidding. Related Video:

New 'Hobbs & Shaw' trailer speaks — and explodes — for itself

When Dwayne Johnson tweeted that this summer's "Hobbs & Shaw" movie would be the "Biggest showdown the Fast & Furious Universe has ever seen," we didn't realize just how big he meant. Turns out he meant so big that we're going to need a bigger universe. Of course there are all kinds of cars, including enough McLarens to start three dealerships. There are also vintage customs, military APCs, a Rat Rod Optimus Prime, helicopters, and an F-22 Raptor-ish fighter with side-by-side seating. If there's anyone left on the planet who doesn't know, "Hobbs & Shaw" is about two former bad guys taking on a new badder guy. The Rock plays Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham plays Deckard Shaw in a two-hour "SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!" grudge match with the genetically enhanced Idris Elba and a small nation worth of Elba's gun-fodder clown-car henchmen. Elba's character has a real name, but we'll call him by his chosen nickname: Black Superman. It gets so much worse, and so much more explodey, from there. Since this is meant to be the beginning of a new franchise, maybe one day we'll find out how the sequel plans to outdo the first installment. Perhaps by not making one side in the final fight go to battle with 19th-century wooden implements. The date you need to mark on your calendar, whether in anticipation or warning, is August 2. Enjoy.