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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

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2020

2020 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT350R Officially Discontinued

"Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away." Once the GT500 made its return, we knew this day was coming. So it is with a heavy heart that we must announce that the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R will not be returning for the next model year. These cars offered the first American flat-plane V8. Essentially two incredible 4-cylinders sharing a crankshaft, they are a blast on the track. With a 9,000 rpm redline, power really arrived around 6,500 rpm. They sound exotic because its the same recipe Ferrari has used for decades. Even with the stock exhaust, shifting at 8,000 rpm is truly rewarding. Browse Shelby GT350 For Sale The R model delivers 527 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb-ft of torque. The GT350 has one less horsepower but it is heavier by 100 lbs. That is because the R has carbon fiber wheels and spoilers and less interior insulation. Air conditioning and audio were optional on the R, but rear seats and floor mats were not offered. Pricing for the R starts at $73,435, with the normal GT350 is $60,440. Because the GT500 offers 760 horsepower for $72,900, it is easy to see why they are riding off into the sunset. With the return of the Mach 1 next year, buyers will have 480 horsepower for around $50,000. Ford is not planning another use of the flat-plane crank for the time being, so its worth it to experience what a wild horse sounds like at 9,000 rpm. Browse Shelby GT350R For Sale The fun factor comes down to weight. The GT500 is 4,230 lbs while the GT350R is 3,700. How can these two Mustangs be almost 530 lbs apart? The power-to-weight ratio is nearly identical 0.14 for the GT350R and 0.17 for the GT500. That means I will choose the lighter car all day long. Two tons is too much for a muscle car, so click the buttons to find a GT350 or GT350R from our dealers.

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2020

2021 Mustang Mach1 Designers Modernized Classic Details

Reviving an iconic model is no easy task. When the original Mustang Mach1 debuted in 1969, it did so with no compromises. The smallest engine option was a 5.8-liter Windsor, and it arrived with the same aerodynamic, chassis, and styling improvements that were also standard on the monster 7-liter Cobra Jet. Revived for 2003, designers did as much as possible to focus on the 4-Valve engine, with a shaker hood and original-style stripes. Now that the 2021 Mach1 will arrive with the most powerful 5-liter in Ford's history, the livery needed a modern touch. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time The new graphics are accentuated by Sans Serif, while keeping the lower-case "h". From the lighted door sills to the numbered dash plaque, each Mach1 will be treated to a higher standard than regular production ponies. “When a nameplate like a Mach 1 comes back, you need to play up the heritage, but we didn’t want this to be a retro badge,” said Dean Carbis, Ford chief designer. “We wanted it to be modern, while still calling back to the original. I think the team nailed it.”. You will have 480 horsepower, reinforced strut tower, beefy sway bars and a redline at 7,000 rpm. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Mach1 news. Browse Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 01, 2020

2021 Mustang Mach 1 Teased

Ever since we heard rumors of the latest Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, we knew the days of the GT350 series were numbered. Introduced in 2015 as the GT350 and GT350R were the first Americans with a flat-plane crank. Innovation never stops in Dearborn, so we are happy to share that the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 has been teased. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time All we have are a few spy shots along with the announcement that it will be the most powerful naturally-aspirated 5.0 V8 to-date. As a reminder, every new 2020 Bullitt Mustang for sale has 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Last month Ford Performance developed an upgrade kit for all late model Mustang GT to unlock the same power. This implies they have unlocked big gains. The 2003-04 Mach 1 saw the introduction of the Dual Overhead Cam engine. The press release mentions it will be the most powerful and track-focused 5.0 off all time, so stay with us for all your Ford updates. Browse Mustang GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2020

New 700 HP Supercharged Mustang GT For Sale: $39,995 at B...

700 horsepower for $39,995 For complete editorial disclosure, there is an old Camaro in my driveway. Nevertheless, life is too short for regrets, so I wouldn't mind having 700 horsepower and a warranty. Brown Lee Ford in Nashville outsells every other Ford Performance dealer in the U.S. year after year, and you are about to see why. They have created something unprecedented by working with Jack Roush to offer 700 horsepower for $39,995. Black 700 HP Supercharged Mustang Automatic For Sale This limited run of 200 cars is the result of extensive testing by Roush Performance and Brown Lee Ford's Master Technicians. The 5.0L Coyote V8 has proven itself capable of making much more power, but this car won't break the bank. Because the blowers are so efficient, fuel mileage doesn't take much of a hit if you are light on the skinny pedal. Performance Vehicle Sales Manager Brock Patterson loaned me one for the Nashville Auto Show, and their comprehensive upgrades are worth much more than the asking price. I asked him how they can offer them at this price, and they lose money on each car. Because they sell so many high-performance Fords, Mr. Lee is willing to take a loss on a supercharged Mustang for sale in order to bring you into the Brown Lee Ford family. Green 700 HP Supercharged Mustang Six-Speed For Sale Choose from examples in the inventory, or order a new Mustang GT with a $1,000 deposit, and it will arrive exactly to your specifications. The car I drove was a six-speed, and it had enough torque to start in 2nd or 3rd gear. With 3.55 gears it will pin you to the seat on the highway without downshifting. All trades are accepted..even Chevys, so tell them where you saw this deal and stay with us for more Brown Lee Ford news. Mustang Inventory " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2019

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Heritage Editions Unveiled

Before he could go to war with Ferrari, Mr. Shelby had to perform a miracle. Ford's Top Brass asked him to transform the new Mustang for sale into the ultimate track machine. To celebrate 55 years of potent ponies, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350 Heritage Editions have been unveiled. In a nod to the first production year, the Heritage Edition can be ordered for your GT350 or GT350R for only $1,965. It will arrive in Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes, just like the originals. If you didn't hear the news, Ford and Shelby made many upgrades to the chassis. The front suspension geometry is all-new, offering more steering feedback. New software was written for the ABS and MagneRide systems, and the aerodynamics have been refined for higher stability and less drag. Click the button below to find our Shelby dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Mustang news. Browse All Mustang Shelby GT350R For Sale Related: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 12, 2019

2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 Includes Driver Training

Hubris often leads to destruction. It has been the downfall of leaders and vagabonds, insisting they have control of a situation. That is why it is wise to learn every feature of your new car. I have driven Paganis and Bugattis, but the notion of Ford's most powerful production car is not to be scoffed at. And that is why the 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 includes driver training. Ford Performance Racing School is located at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 4-wide drag strip is adjacent to the historic NASCAR track, and the Concord Mills is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale After a few hours of classroom instruction, Ford test drivers will show you how to handle 760 horsepower. Ford is flooded with orders, so click the link above for the meanest Mustang ever offered, and stay with us for all your Ford news. " width="680"> Related: Jay Leno's Collection

By Andrew Nabors – November 13, 2019

2020 Jack Roush Edition Mustang Unveiled

Ford shocked the world with the latest Shelby GT500 Mustang. Having 760 horsepower and 625 horsepower is amazing, until Cactus Jack pulls up next to you. We witnessed the 2020 Jack Roush Edition Mustang being unveiled, and it is not for amateurs. Instead of using the 5.2 block found in the Shelbys, they developed a new Roushcharger for the bulletproof 5.0 V8. Jack himself designed the intake system. He is one of the true automotive geniuses that can see airflow more precisely than any computer modeling. This has resulted in 775 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque. Instead of a dual-clutch transmission, you have one clutch-operated by your left foot! Yes, manual transmissions can be built to handle such power, it is clearly evident in how his NASCAR teams never seem to lose a gear. Browse All Roush Mustang For Sale A total of 70 cars will be built, 60 for the U.S. and 10 for the world. The price for such power is $50,995 in addition to a new Mustang GT. This makes it a hair more expensive than the GT500, but it comes with more power and three pedals. Other parts included is their active exhaust, active rear spoiler, and closed loop cooling for the oil, transmission and differential. Click the button above to find an authorized Roush dealer and stay with us for all your Roush Performance updates. https://www.facebook.com/ROUSHperformance/videos/2409941575927983/

By Andrew Nabors – July 16, 2019

Roush "Old Crow" Ford Mustang is Heading to AirVenture 2019

Back in June, we gave you a teaser of the latest collaboration between Roush & Ford. As a way to support the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Roush "Old Crow" Ford Mustang is heading to AirVenture 2019. This annual fly-in is a week-long celebration of American aviation. Ford has been supporting the show for 21 years, building special vehicles for the auction. All the proceeds will be donated to the EAA, a non-profit group of 200,000 pilots, veterans, and the skilled crews that keep us in the air. Inspired by a legendary P-51 Mustang, Jack Roush and his team supercharged and customized the car. It offers 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. The exterior markings are almost identical to a plane flown by Colonel Bud Anderson. He spent six hours in the air on D-day and ended WWII as a Triple Ace. He is planning to attend the auction in Oshkosh on July 25th. Kudos to Ford and Roush for empowering the next generation of American pilots, and honoring a living legend. If you have been considering a Roush Mustang, click the link below and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Roush Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2019

Bullitt Mustang Stolen from Showroom in Evansville, Indiana

Last week, a brazen thief orchestrated a well-planned theft. Early Wednesday morning, a new Bullitt Mustang was stolen from the Showroom in Evansville, Indiana. The security cameras at Town & Country Ford captured none of the activity. General Manager Larry Oldham told NBC 14 News: “Our DVR was not working and it’s been repaired now, but we don’t have video. They are checking some other local businesses videos to see if they got anything.” The 2019 Mustang Bullitt is a 5.0L ,480 horsepower tribute to the 1968 Mustang GT used in the eponymous movie. A 1968 Mustang GT borrowed the Thunderbird's 390ci (6.4) engine to offer 325 horsepower and 427 lb-fr of torque. These are the old gross measurements, not the modern SAE Net engine tests. Given the modern output of 429 lb-ft of torque, the new car is easily twice as potent as its predecessor. It has 15" front, and 13" rear rotors, magnetic suspension, and a six-speed stick. Because the iconic green paint and unique exterior, Evansville Police found the car a few blocks away at an apartment complex. Town & Country Ford is repairing the car to sell it at a discount. They also arrive with 3.73 gears, making the car incredibly fast. Given the starting price under $41,000, they are an incredible collectible bargain. Our friends at Ferman Ford have this loaded example ready for you, so click the link below and own a piece of history. 2019 Mustang GT Bullitt at Ferman Ford " width="680"> Related: First 2019 Mustang Bullitt Sells Big For Charity Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Ford Teases New Bronco & Mustang GT500

Our test vehicle for the week is a new Mustang GT 500, and it's safe to say Ford is gearing up for something big if this car's exhaust is any proof. In a press release earlier today, we see a shadow of the new "off-road small utility" that is undoubtedly the return of the 2020 Bronco. Now that we have your attention, they have made known their intentions to revamp 75% of their lineup by 2020. We know what you are thinking. The last time they made such claims, we were rewarded with winners like the Probe and the Escort, but fear not. Ford in 2020 will dive deep into hybrid drivetrains, with a majority of vehicles being connected to their Transportation Mobility Cloud. This system allows for software updates and diagnostics on the go, communicating through LTE data networks. Six battery-powered vehicles are in the works for a planned launch by 2022. Also announced is Ford Co-Pilot 360, which combines active braking, blind spot monitoring, and other safety systems together. Product development and organization within Dearborn has been streamlined in order to build what customers want, not what they need. This was needed to shorten the time between sketch to the showroom. This helps the lineup stay current and it makes the process more efficient. The goal is to drop the age of products offered from 5.7 to 3.3 years. This harkens back to when the big automakers would change their most popular models each year to keep demand at its peak. Successes with the F-150 have helped Ford gain 1.3% in the pickup truck wars. This allows them to boast that profitability is on-par with Nike, Facebook, and Coca-Cola. The Raptor will see a slight refresh, and a new 3.0 liter Powerstroke diesel will be available across the board. Thanks to the resurgence of the SUV, Ford is shifting $7 Billion from cars to utility vehicles. The new Expedition is all aluminum and powered by the EcoBoost V6. The same engine will be found in the sporty versions of the Edge ST and the Explorer ST later this year. Not to leave the big trucks out, Ford is also extending the same autonomous braking, 4G LTE and lane departure warning systems on all heavy-duty trucks including the F-750 and the F59 chassis. Although not mentioned in the text, we also see a glimpse of the new Mustang GT500. A source that wants to remain unnamed tells us it will be the combination of the GT350's flat-plane V8 along with a giant supercharger. Tell us what your most anticipated Ford is in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Blue Oval news. Browse Mustangs For Sale

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