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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 Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

Ford Announces the Mustang GT California Special

Ford has a new limited-edition model for the 2019 Mustang GT that channels west coast flavor, minus the fish tacos and In-N-Out burgers. The new 2019 Mustang GT California Special is inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype, which was referred to as the original California Special.Just like the original, this new version of special Mustang GT has a blacked-out grille and side racing stripe. Other touches include a signature Ebony Black and Race Red script California Special badge, Mustang Performance Pack 1 front splitter and five-spoke painted wheels. Hennessey Has their Ford GT Heritage Edition DeliveredInside are Miko® suede-trimmed seats with "GT/CS" embossed on them, red stitching and custom GT/CS floor mats. Also, this is the first Mustang to be equipped with a Bang & Olufsen sound system. This system comes with a 10-channel amplifier that packs 1,000 watts for the 12-speaker setup.Ford will be offering the 2019 Mustang GT California Special this summer.

By Andrew Nabors – January 19, 2018

First 2019 Bullitt Mustang To Be Auctioned At Barrett-Jac...

Ford has resurrected one of the most revered names in Mustang history. The 2019 Bullitt is not just an appearance package. Borrowing intake and exhaust parts from the GT350 it offers "at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque." The first production car has VIN 001, and it will roll across the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale tonight. Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt It will be a bidding war of epic proportions because the press release says 100% of the hammer price is going to the Boys Republic. It is a school and treatment center for kids at risk, and it helped a young Steve McQueen steer away from the temptations of youth. They are a nonprofit & nonsectarian home in Chino Hills, California, where McQueen graduated in '46. His role as Detective Frank Bullitt, a San Franciso Police Officer with a troubled past is regarded as one of the best performances in film history. And true to the movie, all Bullitt Mustangs will be Highland Green, without spoilers, and no option for an automatic transmission. With a top speed of 163, it would make a great undercover car, but we advise against going airborne as much as its predecessor. Be sure to tune in tonight, because Mr. duPont might join in the bidding for such a noble cause. Keep up the good work Ford, and stay with us for coverage of this year's Barrett-Jackson auction action. Browse Mustangs For Sale https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=-Q5pHm2Cfq4

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2018

Most Powerful Street-Legal Ford is Coming: 2019 Mustang S...

Ford is officially getting in on the new super muscle trend and joining the ranks of the Dodge Hellcat and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with the introduction of a new 2019 Mustang Shelby GT500. In a teaser video released by Ford, they tout this upcoming car as the "most powerful street-legal production Ford ever." What kind of numbers would warrant such a title? They're saying that the new GT500 will have over 700 horsepower on tap, pushing it well above the GT supercar or GT350. Providing the power for the new Shelby Mustang is a supercharged V8 engine, which comes as no surprise. Ford also says that it will come with new technologies that make it more of a dominating force on the track. Stay with us for more information as it's released.

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2018

Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt

Lieutenant Frank Bullitt was determined to eliminate the Mafia in San Francisco. Bullitt was a 1968 box office hit starring Steve McQueen. His undercover car was a Mustang GT Fastback with the big block 390 V8. Without a rear spoiler or much badging, it could pass for a six-cylinder at a glance. Check Out The New LaFerrari Aperta To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, Ford announced the 2019 Mustang Bullitt in a press release last night. Finished in the same Dark Highland Green, it is also devoid of spoilers or badging. Steve's granddaughter Molly helped to unveil the car at the Detroit Auto Show. Unlike previous Bullitt editions, Ford has bumped the GT's engine power to 475 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. This pushes the top speed to 163, 8 mph faster than a normal Mustang GT. Also on stage for the event was one of the movie cars that was missing for 4 decades. While the 390 big block was a powerhouse in the late 60's, this new Bullitt would leave it in the dust. Other nice upgrades include a 12" HD instrument cluster along with Recaro seats finished in black leather & green stitching. The magnetic suspension will keep you comfy as you race through San Francisco, and the intake manifold was borrowed from the G350 for the ultimate torque at any speed. Automatic transmissions are not available because nothing beats a cue ball shifter. Mustang maniacs will need to act fast because these will undoubtedly be a limited run. Our dealers have more info, so click on the link below and stay with us for more coverage of the Detroit Auto Show. Browse Ford Mustangs For Sale https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=-Q5pHm2Cfq4

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2017

Ford Adds Line Lock to the EcoBoost Mustang for Perfect B...

Drag racers who are looking for a perfect launch will always make sure the tires are hot. This is done by holding the front brakes and spinning the rear tires. The aftermarket has offered kits that do this by interrupting brake fluid to the rear to keep them open, but it can be easily done through the ABS system thanks to clever programming. To make the Mustang more capable at the drag strip, the line lock has been a feature of the V8 powered GT models for a few years. Bean counters in Dearborn have discovered its more expensive to offer different programming on the same car, so now the tire shredding technology will be available to all 2018 Mustangs.A press release this morning states it will be offered with automatic or manual transmissions on V8, V6, and four-cylinder EcoBoost models. No, it doesn't allow for smokey launches, because the brakes are only released once the tires stop spinning. It will help with traction at the expense of your rubber. The EcoBoost doesn't exactly leave in a hurry, so a brake-boosted launch system would be perfect. The Mustang was built for competition, with one of the most advanced rear suspensions on the market. Thankfully the line lock has a time limit of 15 seconds because pushing street tires beyond that might pop a sidewall. We can't wait to get our hands on one so we can crank the steering wheel for a proper doughnut. Until then, check out the YouTube upload from Ford and keep the racing at the track. If you are in the market for blue oval performance, check out these new Mustangs for sale and stay with us for all your afFORDable news.

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2017

First Production Ford Mustang Coupe Heading To Auction

If you are looking for investment grade automobiles, Dana Mecum and Company have a knack for finding irreplaceable cars. It took many years to find the first production Ford Mustang, and the convertible now resides in the Henry Ford Museum. But the first coupe (VIN 002) was among the 121,000+ cars built in the first year, making the search like a needle in a haystack. Ford knew they had a hit on their hands, so the first cars were rushed to dealers. April 17, 1964, was the public unveiling at the World's Fair in New York, so Ford's top dealers needed to have a showroom example to land the first orders.Also, Check Out - Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Times (Production Cars)As we're well aware, mistakes happen when shipping cars, so instead of going to a domestic dealership, the first Mustang coupe was banished to the Arctic cold of Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory. Since the Mustang was based on the lowly Falcon, many early cars used many of the same parts. Under the hood was a 170 ci straight six engine backed by a three-speed manual. Drum brakes at all corners are hidden by the massive 13" wheels, but that is how the base model Mustang was able to offer decent performance at a bargain price. We wish Ford would make A/C and power windows optional again. Remember when cars were light and fun?If you need a new centerpiece for your stable, this Caspian Blue coupe will be the main event of Mecum's 30th Anniversary Auction. Taking place May 16-21st, the Indiana State Fairground will see many classics find new owners.View Listing

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2017

2018 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R: New Colors

On the same day as National Mustang Day, Ford announced that they will be making the 2018 Shelby GT350 and GT350R, marking another year of production for the models. Along with the announcement of the new model year, Ford also will be bringing three new exterior colors to the outside of the models: Orange Fury, Kona Blue and Lead Foot Gray.Related - The Rock Surprises Veteran With a New 2018 MustangAs for the equipment, the car will remain essentially unchanged. This means they will have the same 5.2-liter V8 engine (526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque). Ford has stated that this is the most balanced Mustang ever, as well as the most track-capable, street legal Mustang ever built.

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2016

Ford Unveils Race-Ready Shelby FP350S Mustang

On any given weekend, you will find many flavors of Mustang competing at track days. You can't deny that the Shelby GT350 is a potent machine, but Ford fans might be reluctant to modify such a new car in order to be certified to race. Keeping a watchful eye on motorsports, Ford Performance has released a new model that arrives ready for record times and race tracks.The Shelby FP350S is aimed at SCCA and Trans Am series racers who might be scared away from the flat-plane crankshaft of the GT350. Under the hood is a version of the 5.2 liter Aluminator crate engine which uses a traditional firing order and four valves per cylinder. Other goodies include an oil cooler and Motec data recorder.(Related - Custom SEMA Ford Mustangs Unveiled Ahead of Event)Each body panel is continuously welded instead of the spot welds found on production Mustangs. This makes the body much stronger and able to cope with the stress of racing. An FIA legal six-point roll cage is also included as standard equipment. The only transmission offered is a Tremec six-speed manual which has an internal oil pump and cooling system. The press release did not mention any suspension upgrades other than a 3.73 differential.For more information, contact Ford of Murfreesboro in the link below.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2016

Ford Releases Performance App and Mustang GT4 at SEMA

Keeping track of your lap times can be a hassle at track days. If the idea of a trustworthy friend and a stopwatch seems too old fashioned, there is Ford's new Performance App. It uses the SYNC system to import video and engine data and creates a file that can be shared on social media or with your defense attorney. Only the new Ford GT will have this ability at first, but the press release hints that it will migrate to other models early next year.(Sports Cars For Sale) If your track day machine has seen better days, Ford is also releasing a new Mustang GT4. In full compliance with FIA regulations, this turn-key race car uses the wild 5.2 liter V8 from the GT350. Instead of a six-speed manual, the GT4 arrives with a Holinger six-speed sequential transmission. Paddle shifters are never as much fun, but it will keep your focus on overtaking the competition. Chassis tuning was done by Multimatic Motorsports, the same engineers who took the Ford GT from concept to reality.To put the power to the track, Forgeline rear wheels measure in at 18" x 11". The car is based on the Shelby GT350R-C, which took the win for this season's IMSA SportsCar Challenge series. Any factory built Mustang that arrives with a roll cage invites comparison to the legendary Boss 302, and shifting at 9,000 rpm will keep you in 1st place. Stay with us for complete coverage of this year's SEMA show.All Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 31, 2016

Custom SEMA Ford Mustangs Unveiled Ahead of Event

Ford has always brought their A-game to SEMA and this year they're doing it yet again with their Mustang, F-150 and various other models. Recently, the American automaker revealed their list of Mustangs that will be making appearances at the show.(Related - Ford Introduces Four Extreme Trucks for SEMA 2016)In the press release for these models, they had this to say about the collection of ponies: "A trifecta of power, precision and performance is displayed in the distinct vision for each car, while the promise of heart-pounding excitement lurks under the hood."Check out the overview video below to get an idea of what's coming to SEMA and scroll even further to see what Ford had to see about each individual car.Ford Mustang For SaleHonoring Americans Heroes "This 2017 Mustang GT concept is an enthusiast’s dream. It uses a cutting-edge VMP Performance Gen II-R 2.3-liter TVS supercharger and custom calibration technologies to deliver an aggressive 851 horsepower. The combination of strength and nearly sinister beauty is a salute to America’s heroes who protect our great nation. From its jet fighter gray fuselage and aerodynamic cues to “landing gear” designed to pull g-force at every turn, Track Attack is the answer to childhood fantasies of fast cars and jet planes, all rolled into one amazing street and track arsenal."Sweet as Sugar: Pearl Candy Orange Mustang "This Pearl Candy Orange 2017 Mustang concept will set enthusiast hearts ablaze with a combination of great handling and performance, along with an exotic look and feel that infuse the drop-top with personality and flare. No masterpiece would be complete without a signature feature, and the custom interior coupled with the Ford Licensed Accessories lighted pony grille leaves an unforgettable impression."Supercharged Superpony "Technology and refinement distinguish this Mustang GT concept as a fast and powerful supercar. Advanced composites help reduce weight, yet speed increases thanks to a 5.0-liter V8 engine with Whipple Stage2 supercharger boasting 825 horsepower. With seamless flow between interior and exterior lines, the refabricated auto-claved carbon fiber body kit and race-inspired interior translate into excitement. Enhanced handling from an Eibach Pro-Street coilover kit with stopping power from premium carbon ceramic brakes make this much more than just another muscle car. "Black and Red Beauty "With its 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine coupled with Vortech supercharger, this black and red beauty enhances the legendary Mustang DNA for the ultimate concept in sport touring. The focus of this MRT creation is on full car balance, commanding authority and firing up adrenaline with no apologies. The car’s styling, color scheme, carbon trim and HB Engineering-finished wheels will stop you in your tracks. "Stealth and Acid "This 2017 Mustang concept combines the potent EcoBoost platform with a full array of Ford Performance parts for a knock-out package of style and substance. Beautiful Stealth Gray paint with Acid Green accents make this car a standout. With gains throughout the powerband of up to 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a full assortment of Ford Performance parts, this pony car is a class of one. "Recreating History "Re-creating the excitement of the iconic 1966 Shelby GT350, this officially licensed reproduction concept by Revology Cars captures the style and character of the original. Modern technology including Dakota Digital electronic gauge cluster with LED lighting and LCD message center, navigation, Bluetooth and voice recognition all make this classic a force to be reckoned with. With a new chassis, brakes and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Ferrari 360 Modena, it’s a thrill to drive. "

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