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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 – 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 Edward Jones – August 20, 2019

Ford Has Announced Their Own eSports Racing Team

Ford has just announced at Gamescom 2019 that they are launching their very own esports team called "Fordzilla." Why would they do such a thing? To put it simply, the esports market is absolutely massive and it's growing, expected to generate $1.1 billion in 2019. That's an increase of 26.7 percent when compared year over year. To take advantage of the hotness that is esports, Ford's new Fordzilla team will be competing in a wide array of games like Forza Motorsport 7. If you think you're good enough, Ford is actually doing some recruiting at Gamescom right now in Germany. “We at Ford have a racing pedigree that others can only envy. Now is the time to take that know-how and apply it to the world of esports – capturing the imagination of a new generation of virtual racing drivers, inspiring them to take a ride in one of our Ford Performance vehicles,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. buy a copy of forza motorsport 7 " width="680"> Also Check Out: Brown Lee Ford Unveils Gulf Licensed 808 HP Mustang 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review

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 22, 2019

Hoonigan & SVC Unveil Ken Block's new Raptor

You can't deny the popularity of the 2020 Ford Raptor. It has breathed new life into the off-road aftermarket and raised the bar for performance pickups. Several improvements were recently released, so Hoonigan and SVC have unveiled Ken Block's new Raptor. We all know that Hoonigan's goal is to push the limits in all forms of racing, so they chose to partner with the best in the Raptor aftermarket. The week leading up to Easter is normally reserved for Jeeps at Moab, but Mr. Block took trolling to the next level. Find Your Ford Raptor Here! Related: Ken Block's Hoonitruck Secrets Revealed Ken Block Takes on Britain in the Hoonicorn

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 – July 17, 2018

Ford Is Planning to Re-Open GT Applications

One of the best ways to sell a car is to tell someone they can't have it. That bit of genius was relayed to me from one of our clients who has a keen sense of what a true buyer is willing to do. Just like Ferrari did with the Enzo and the LaFerrari, you can't simply walk into a Ford Dealer and order your Ford GT. The application process for the first batch of 750 cars involved videos, a background check, and other research done by Dearborn.Accepted for a 2017 Ford GT, Including OptionsThis was done to make sure the buyer would be a good brand ambassador for the Blue Oval's supercar. Nevertheless, over 6,000 people applied to be one of the chosen. And it looks like they will have a chance to try again, as reported by MotorAuthority. It might seem silly to make us do it all over again, but it levels the playing field for those looking to spend $450,000.It might be pure speculation, but a new Heritage Edition might be the reasoning behind it. The 2017 example was black, 2018 was red, so the 2019 car will likely revive the Gulf racing blue and orange livery. Given the car's incredible performance on the world stage, we wonder who will be accepted this time around. Tell us what you think of the Ford GT, or find a great deal on a pre-owned one in the link below.Find Your Ford GT HereWhat's the Price of the New Ford GT? Find Out Here!

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2018

Are You Ready for the Ford Ranger Raptor?

Unless you believe in a flat Earth, it is already tomorrow in New Zealand. Most of us (Especially Ford Engineers) know our planet is not only round, it has rough terrain once you leave the pavement behind. That is why the F150 Raptor has been such a slam dunk. Turning to Fox Racing, the suspension offers comfort on the road along with the nice ability to go airborne over broken ground. Ford of NZ is already advertising the new Ranger Raptor, so it should be here soon!Ford Announces Ranger Raptor and We Want It…NowNow the same approach has been used on the Ranger Raptor. It is already heading to dealers in Australia and New Zealand, and they will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Oil burners are a hard sell here in the US, so most of us are betting our baby Raptor will use the EcoBoost 2.7 V6 found in the F150. It is essentially a de-stroked version of the 3.5 EcoBoost found in F150 Raptor and the Ford GT Supercar. We have an F150 with that engine as shop truck, and it has a potent kick once the turbos spool. The boss also has a 2018 F150 Raptor, and it is nothing short of amazing. Not that we would, but a few basic mods will allow for more boost and no turbo lag. So until the Ranger Raptor arrives, stay with us for updates on this mean machine.Browse Ford F150 Raptor For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

Ford & Cosworth Unveil Ken Block's Latest Ride

It is possible to transform any car into a World Rally contender, all it takes is time & $$$. The task is easier if you begin with a car that was designed to dominate: The Cosworth Escort. The English racing company was founded by Lotus employees who loved powerful engines. And over the years, Cosworth has helped almost every manufacturer along the way. Being that they have 176 victories in Formula 1, Hoonigan Racing decided on a mid 90's Cosworth Focus Group-A race car. In the press release, Ken mentioned he has owned the car for years, and he is happy to be reunited. Ken Blocks Chases Booze-Smuggling Top Gear Crew While he will still compete in some RallyCross events, Block will return to the World Racing Championship. This year's race in Spain will be his first WRC event since the same event in 2014. Other Hoonigan drivers will continue to field the Focus RS RX around the world. This season also marks another collaboration with Death Spray Custom for the graphics found on the Escort and Ken's race suit. We wish him and all the drivers a Hoonigan Racing a safe & successful season, so stay with us for all your Ford Performance news. Browse Ford Focus RS For Sale

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