Aftermarket

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

A classic white Ghost Mustang Fastback parked outdoors on a dirt surface, with trees and a wooden fence in the background—a nod to modern muscle and Roush Performance heritage.

By Khris Bharath – May 27, 2025

E.C.D.’s Bespoke '67 Ghost Mustang Fastback Gets A Dose O...

Equal part heritage and high-tech, a new kind of classic Mustang has just hit the scene. This is the ‘67 Ghost, a custom 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, the first in a new line of heritage muscle from E.C.D. Automotive Design. Headquartered at a 100,000 square-foot facility in Kissimmee, Florida, E.C.D. has built its reputation in the restomod community and beyond for its meticulous restorations of classic Land Rovers and E-Type Jaguars since 2013. While a restomod typically means retro-throwback without the retro-drawbacks, with this particular project, E.C.D. is doing something different, particularly when it comes to the powertrain. Instead of an electric conversion or just dropping a crate engine, the company is partnering with legendary Ford tuner, Roush Performance, to redefine and reawaken the classic small-block from the blue oval. What this means is that the ‘67 Ghost retains the DNA and character of Detroit Muscle from the 1960s, but with modern durability. “This is the beginning of what we’re calling a Mustang stampede. '67 Ghost represents the next evolution of what E.C.D. stands for — bespoke design, authentic powertrains, and best-in-class craftsmanship. We’re offering something no one else is doing: classic Ford muscle, reborn with modern Roush engineering."- Scott Wallace, CEO of E.C.D. Automotive Design. Under the vented hood beats the heart of a stroked and injected small-block Roush IR V8 that puts out 465 horsepower. That’s nearly double the output of an original Hi-Po 289 V8, which, for context, delivered 271 horsepower. The result is a Mustang that’s not just louder and faster, but also one that’s smoother, safer, and far more usable. The upgrades don’t stop at the powertrain. A Roadster Shop RS Spec Chassis with adjustable Fox coilovers underpins this muscle car, which enhances road manners without sacrificing comfort. Visually, while the ‘67 Ghost remains faithful to pony cars of old with a high-gloss Mineral White paint and Santorini Black rally stripes, the 17-inch chrome Rambler wheels on Nitto NT555 tires and red 4-piston brake calipers add some visual drama. Inside, heated black leather Recaro seats with tan diamond stitching, a Grant Classic Steering, and brushed aluminium dash exude retro-luxury, whereas features like Apple CarPlay, JBL sound system, remote start, and a digital rear-view mirror add modern-day convenience. With future E.C.D. classic Mustang builds (1965-70 model years, Fastback and Convertible) already in the pipeline, some nodding to Shelby and Boss legends, turning their attention to this American muscle car icon marks a new chapter for the company. With every bespoke build at E.C.D., possibilities are truly endless, and if the ‘67 Ghost is any indication, there’s a lot to be excited about. View E.C.D. Automotive Design's Inventory Image Source: E.C.D. Automotive Design

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 18, 2023

Hennessey's New 'H850' Is An 850-HP Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Hennessey unveils supercharged upgrades for the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, boosting performance to 850 HP and 650 lb-ft torque.

By Edward Jones – April 14, 2020

Get 0% Financing on Select 2019 and 2020 ROUSH Models

ROUSH has a wide-range of vehicles that can add some serious horsepower to your garage or collection. From their Stage 3 Mustangs to their massive F-150s, there is a lot to choose from. And now, ROUSH Performance has announced 0% financing on selected 2019 and 2020 model-year vehicles through April 30, 2020. The models included are: ⦁ 2019 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3: 0% financing for up to 84 months ⦁ 2019 ROUSH F-150 models: 0% financing for up to 84 months ⦁ 2019 ROUSH Super Duty models: 0% financing for up to 60 months ⦁ 2020 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3: 0% financing for up to 72 months ⦁ 2020 ROUSH F-150 models: 0% financing for up to 72 months There's also the option to opt for deferred payments for the first three months with APR financing on 2019 ROUSH Super Duty, 2019 and 2020 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3, and 2019 and 2020 ROUSH F-150 models. If you'd like to learn more, contact our partners at Brown Lee Ford, Elder Ford of Tampa, Ferman Ford, Ken Grody Ford (Carlsbad), Ken Grody Ford (Buena Park) and Pierre Ford. Visit ROUSHPerformance.com ROUSH Performance also has an iRacing League that's starting on Wednesday, April 15. They're doing this to help people get their minds off of the current situation. So, they've gathered a group of professional drivers to race in Ford GTs around Road America. You can view it on Facebook Live so be sure to check them out to find out when it's starting.

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2018

Classic Mustang With Ferrari Engine Makes Debut - Corrupt...

There are plenty of Ford Mustang purists in the world that would cry foul at the notion of their favorite pony car having an Italian engine. However, today we're talking about a Mustang with a twin-turbo Ferrari engine and that's pretty dang wild. The car I'm talking about is the Corruptt Mustang, which made its debut at SEMA 2018. Under the hood of this car is the Ferrari/Maserati F136 engine. This is a V8 engine that has been used in many models, like the California, 458 Speciale and F430. American Legends, the team behind the build,have not only installed this engine but have also equipped it with a pair of Nelson Racing T4 turbochargers. A safe number for the car's total output, according to American Legends, is around 750 hp. Match that power with its six-speed manual transmission and you have a recipe for a truly wicked drive. Check it out for yourself in the video below from 1320video. " width="680"> Related: Chevrolet's New Crate Engines Heading to SEMA in Classic Style Hennessey Performance Creates 10,000th Car 2019 Roush Stage 3: Ready to Rumble With 710 HP

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2018

New Limited Edition Ford Series 1 Mustang RTR

Ford Performance has teamed up with Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his team at RTR Vehicles to create the new Ford Series 1 Mustang RTR. “Our goal was to take the driving and owner experience of the iconic Ford Mustang to the next level,” said Gittin. “This collaboration has created a Mustang that offers smile-inducing street driving, diverse capability on the track and a very distinctive owner experience for those looking to stand out from the crowd.”The highlights of this new model include a few features, most of which are visible to the naked eye. One addition that many won't notice right away is the new adjustable sway bars for the Ford Performance suspension. Here's everything else that comes with the package: Staggered wheel package - 19 x 9.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear Performance Pack 1 spoiler with RTR Gurney flap RTR grille w/ lighting Body and aerodynamic packages Graphics "RTR" fender badges, floor mats, shift knob and puddle lamps "RTR Powered by Ford Performance" desk lid trim panel badging and radiator cover badge Serialized dash plaque Vaughn Gittin Jr Drifts the Nurburgring in His Mustang RTR“Ford is bringing more Mustang magic to more customers than ever,” said Eric Cin, Director of Vehicle Personalization and Accessories at Ford. “Vaughn is a great partner, bringing a new flare for Mustang to younger audiences through drifting and other exciting performance fueled fun – we can’t wait to see what he’ll do with this car.”Only 500 examples of the Series 1 Mustang RTR will be created, so be sure to order one at your local Ford dealer as soon as you can. See All Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2018

2019 Roush Stage 3 Mustang: Ready to Rumble With 710 HP

If you are considering a new Roush Mustang, Cactus Jack has something for you. Mr. Roush and his team have been modifying Mustangs for over 40 years, and their latest achievement will leave everyone else in the dust. In writing this year's Exotic Car Buyers' Guide, Roush disclosed that the drivetrain was proven in the limited edition Roush Stage 3 Mustang "Jackhammer" earlier this year, but the aerodynamics needed attention. We're showing you the Jackhammer as an inspiration because the Stage 3 is almost ready for launch. 2018 Roush Raptor Is Ready For You Under the hood is an Eaton R2650 'Roushcharger'. It boosts the 5.0-liter V8 to 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. Having 250 more horsepower, your Stage 3 will arrive with adjustable coil-over suspension. Big brakes and specific 20" wheels complete the package, which will retail for $22,925. This doesn't include your Mustang GT donor, but the combined price is still more affordable than the Shelby GT350. The engine and transmission are backed by a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty, so click the link below to get on their waiting list. Stay with us for all your Roush news. Click Here To Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 02, 2018

Hennessey Performance Creates 10,000th Car

When a teenager starting modifying his Mitsubishi in his parents' garage, he never dreamed it would evolve into a world-class engineering company. Yesterday, our friend and longtime client John Hennessey gathered his team and his family for something unprecedented. The Hennessey Heritage Edition Mustang takes inspiration from the Ford GT Heritage Edition, except it makes much more power. Only 19 will be available for sale because John is keeping the first one for himself.This 808 horsepower Mustang is the 10,000th car to have a Hennessey badge. It has 677 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. That is enough to reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and cruise comfortably above 200 mph. It has been a long way to the top, and I know from experience that the aftermarket business is always a bumpy ride.I have driven his HP 1000 Ford GT and their twin-turbo Ferrari 599 GTB, and the quality of their builds speaks for itself. There would probably not have been a Dodge Demon or a Corvette ZR1 without Hennessey showing the world that superchargers and proper tuning are a recipe for success.John, thank you for being a fixture in our magazine and our websites, and congratulations from all of us at duPont REGISTRY!Check Out Their Lineup Herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=OVWpQPa2aRg

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2017

Liberty Walk Introduces New Acura NSX and Ford Mustang Kits

Everybody knows a Liberty Walk car when they see one. How? Two...well, one word: "wide-body."While they may be known for their wide-body kits, their two recent releases feature on with the added size and one without. Their new LB Works kit for the Ford Mustang includes front, rear and side diffusers, duck tail, wide fenders and front canard. The wide-body appearance is accomplished through those wide fenders. The total price? $6,800, not including installation.Ken Block Drifts Pikes Peak in 1,400 Horsepower Mustang For the Acura NSX, however, there are no wide fenders to be found. Instead, the LB Performance kit comes with front, rear and side diffusers and a rear wing. Pricing for this kit isn't available for international markets just yet.Check out both kits below.

By Andrew Nabors – August 08, 2017

RIP Headphones: Hennessey Mustang GT350R Screams on the Dyno

Have you ever wondered how exotic cars are able to rev to 9,000 rpm? The screaming exhaust of Ferraris and Lamborghinis comes from the most fundamental parts of the engine: the crankshaft. Traditionally, V8 engines have used a cross-plane design, which balances left to right in an even order. Somewhere along the way, the idea of a flat plane V8 was devised from two inline four-cylinder engines. Americans had little experience with engines like these until Ford dropped a bombshell on the industry.The Mustang GT350 and GT350R were unveiled in the summer of 2015 with a 5.2-liter flat plane V8. I didn't believe its claims of 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque until I got behind the wheel. It makes every bit of that power, albeit above 6,000 rpm. It takes a day or two to become accustomed to shifting at such wild RPMs, at least for a muscle car fan. Once you learn how to access the power, your left foot will become very active with double-clutch downshifts. The GT350 and its R version are fast as heck if you keep them wound up. If you want to have your cake and eat it too, the perfect solution is forced induction. In order to have a 9,000 rpm redline, the GT350 has cylinder heads that flow a massive amount of air. At lower rpm, it feels sluggish because the slow air speed isn't optimized for the huge intake and exhaust ports. So why not pressurize it?Hennessey HPE800 Mustang Will Kill Your HeadphonesJohn Hennessey and his team installed a supercharger that measures large by huge on top of the engine. On Shell 93 octane, the dyno showed gains of 311 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. A critical part in supercharging any car is choosing the right pulley for the blower. The smaller you go, the faster the rotors spin and more boost is the result. But if your engine is already at 8,000 rpm, a small pulley might spin the supercharger into meltdown. That's why Hennessey Performance digs into the bypass valve and other critical components to make sure they are up to the task. The result is 787 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Since the torque arrives at only 3,200 rpm, you won't need to work overtime to downshift for power. I am a die-hard LS fan, but this Mustang is incredible. Click here for more information and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance Engineering updates.

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2017

2017 ROUSH P-51 Released: Most Powerful American Pre-Titl...

Having spent plenty of time behind the wheel of a 2017 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang, I know firsthand how magnificent their creations really are. However, now ROUSH Performance has put out the 2017 P-51 Mustang, which Jack Roush says is "the most powerful American pre-titled car ever built."How did ROUSH Performance make this happen? The old fashioned way: supercharge it. Powering the P-51 is the 5.0-liter V8 "Coyote" engine with a ROUSH 2.3-liter Eaton TVS supercharger installed. This results in a whopping 727-horsepower. Mated to this potent powerhouse is either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.Along with the upgraded engine, ROUSH also includes a massive list of other upgrades as well. This includes the three-way adjustable coilover suspension, 19-inch Weld forged wheels with Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires (295/35ZR19), ROUSH Active Quad Tip Exhaust System, aero body trimp and a whole lot more.The P-51 may be heavily modified, ROUSH still includes a full factory 3-year/36,0000-mile warranty. If you're interested in owning your very own 2017 P-51, they start at $42,500 above the base vehicle's price.

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