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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 – September 30, 2016

Power Figures and Price for 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Released

Ford has finally pulled back the curtain on the new 2017 F-150 Raptor's power numbers in a recent press release. For anyone wondering if the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine could produce the same or greater numbers than the 6.2 V8, you're going to be surprised.The new Raptor will see its EcoBoost engine creating 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. These power figures are much higher than the V8's rating of 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.(Related - Up Close With The Ford F-150 Black-Ops Edition by Tuscany)“Raptor was designed to be a no-compromise, off-road performance machine,” said Matt Tranter, Ford Performance engineering supervisor, in the press release. “That is why we made the switch from the cast-iron V8 to the aluminum block, high-output GTDI V6 EcoBoost engine that our team tuned to add 39 horsepower and 76 lb.-ft. of torque for today’s Raptor.”As far as a top speed or acceleration goes, Ford hasn't said a word. But with trucks durability and power is typically more important than its speed. Ford will be selling the truck with a base MSRP that's less than $50,000.View Ford F-150 For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 19, 2016

New Ford GT Production Run Extended by Two Years

Ford has recognized the overwhelming response for their new 2017 GT and announced today that they will extending the production of the car by two whole years.“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director of Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”Those who were put on the waiting list will be served by year three, and deferred applicants, as well as those who missed the initial application window, will have their chance in year four. If you're one of the ones who missed the window, the applications will reopen in early 2018. As for those who already applied, they need to only update their application.View All Ford GTs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2016

2018 Ford Mustang GT500 Spied Testing in Dearborn

Automotive manufacturers work hard to keep their designs undercover, but camouflage only goes so far. The avid Mustang fans over at Mustang6G.com have been waiting for the arrival of the GT500 since the launch of the GT350, so it's no surprise they spotted it first. In a video uploaded last night, a disguised Mustang test mule was spotted returning to the Dearborn Proving Grounds and it could be the heavily anticipated GT500.Rolling on carbon fiber wheels from the GT350R, the unique exhaust note is leading many to believe the GT500 will have forced induction. Being absent from the lineup since 2014, it has large shoes to fill. The previous GT500 made 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque from a 5.8L supercharged version of their modular V8. In the meantime, they've built a naturally aspirated monster with the 5.2L-powered GT350. It uses a flat-plane crankshaft to deliver 526 hp and 429 lb-ft by screaming to 8,250 rpm. Rumors are that Ford has taken the lessons learned in this design and added a supercharger or turbos for an unprecedented level of power in the GT500. If you can't wait for 2018, check out the listings from our dealers by clicking below.View All Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2016

New 2017 Ford Raptor's Suspension In Serious Action

Bigger is better when it comes to shock absorbers. So for the 2nd generation of the Raptor, Ford renewed their collaboration with FOX racing. The off-road masters who developed the suspension on the original Raptor have returned with massive 3" diameter shocks. With two extra inches of travel, these new units offer more agility over rough terrain along with a more comfortable ride on the street.On the original Raptor, Ford underestimated how much their owners enjoyed going airborne. To protect the system on big jumps the new units have built-in hydraulic cushions when fully extended. Approach and departure angles for the new Raptor are much improved which will allow the truck to tackle larger obstacles. The new Raptor also benefits from Ford's aluminum body construction since it has less weight to deal with. We're waiting to get our hands on one to see how it performs in Florida swamps, so get ready for a muddy adventure.View All Ford Raptors For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 03, 2016

Ford's One-of-a-Kind Shelby GT350 Mustang, "Old Yeller" R...

Last week at the annual Gather of Eagles charity event, "Old Yeller," a one-off, yellow mustang with aviation influences crossed the stage for auction. It sold for $295,000 to Hank Menke, who is the president and CEO of OFS Brands. All of the proceeds from the sale of the Mustang will benefit EEA's youth education programs.EEA youth programs are dear to the company's heart, and "Old Yeller" marks the "ninth one-of-a-kind vehicle" created by Ford's engineering teams specifically designated to benefit the EEA."Old Yeller" is a Shelby GT350 Mustang equipped with a 5.2-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine. It boasts 526 horsepower and 429 l-ft of torque accompanied by a 6-speed manual transmission. According to Ford, it is "the most track-read, road-legal Mustang ever produced."Ford's dedication to the EEA's youth programs and education means much to the organization. As stated by EEA's CEO and chairman of the board,“We’re truly grateful Ford is, and has been, such a committed sponsor of EAA and AirVenture.” With its ninth Mustang donation, Ford has definitely delivered something exceptional that any auto or aviation enthusiast would love to own. The Ford “Ole Yeller” Mustang will allow EAA to provide support to our valuable programs helping us grow the next generation of aviators.” Shelby GT350s for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2016

New 2017 Ford GT '66 Heritage Edition Unveiled

For the previous generation Ford GT, there was the Heritage Edition, which paid homage to the iconic Gulf livery. This time around, the new 2017 Ford GT will have a new Heritage Edition that is modeled after another livery that can be recognized all over the world.Unveiled in a press release issued today, Ford showed off their new '66 Heritage Edition that pays respect to the No. 2 race car. Back in 1966, Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove a GT40 Mark II donning the same number to victory at Le Mans. Now, 50 years later, a fitting tribute to that victory will be brought into the world. “Celebrating the anniversary of Ford’s historic victories at Le Mans has always been a part of the return of the Ford GT. The 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a stunning tribute to the car that kicked off Ford’s string of Le Mans victories in 1966.” - Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer (Also Read: Whatever Happened To The Ford GT90?)To create the iconic livery, this edition comes with a Shadow Black exterior that can be applied in either a gloss or matte finish. Along with the finish, silver stripes and exposed carbon fiber can be found on the American supercar's exterior. Inside, Ebony leather is found on the seats, instrument panel, pillars and headliner. To signify the car's importance, there are serialized ID plates.If you're interested, act quick, because the '66 Heritage Edition will only be available for the 2017 Ford GT model.New Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2016

Ken Block's New M-Sport Ford Transit Van

Say what you want about van culture, it is definitely making a comeback. Custom vans are no stranger to our in-house artists at BLVD Customs, as they have built a time machine and a mystery machine for celebrity owners. Hoonigan prefers to build rally-capable AWD monsters, but for their first Signature Vehicle something more practical was needed. Working with UK based M-Sport, they have unveiled the Ken Block Signature Ford Transit.Taking inspiration from their Ford Fiesta rally car, the murdered out Transit has several body enhancements to increase downforce. The exterior motif was designed by artist Felipe Pantone. Forged 18" wheels and lowering springs keep it planted in corners while occupants ride on hand stitched leather. The only van to feature a carbon fiber rear diffuser has been on a shakedown cruise through Norway, with Block putting it to the test. Final specifications on price and power should be released soon so stay tuned for updates.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 13, 2016

Ford Opens Applications For 2017 Ford GT and Configurator

If owning a new Ford GT was on the list of things to do today, we have good news. The application process to become one of the lucky owners of the favored model is officially open. Reminder: Ford will only create 250 examples of the GT each year of production, bringing the grand total to 500 ultra-rare examples. In order to ensure the Ford GT goes to true Ford aficionados, Ford is taking applications rather than promising each of the 500 examples on a first-come-first-serve basis.In using this approach, Ford seeks to guarantee that the new GTs will be driven and seen, rather than holed up in a vault. Ford's move, as reported previously, ensures the Ford GT is owned by long-standing Ford customers-- brand ambassadors, in essence.Prospective buyers have from now until May 12 to complete their application. We checked out the application process, and it's pretty extensive. The first step is ensuring the prospective buyer has the ability to take delivery of the vehicle in one of 19 countries. Then, Ford asks a series of questions about your car buying history. Preferential treatment will be given to already established GT owners and those who have exhibited a long-standing relationship with the company.The GT will sell for in and around the $450,000 mark and will be completely customizable. There's even an online configurator available so potential GT owners can see what their customization options are.Ford GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2016

2017 Shelby Mustang GT350 Gets Features Customers Asked For

The customers asked and Ford delivered. For the new 2017 Shelby Mustang GT350, the American automaker has added a number of offerings that they say are the "the best of what customers have been asking for from the most track-capable, race-ready Mustang ever built."“Ford Performance is always listening to customer feedback,” said Dave Pericak, global director at Ford Performance, in a press release. “At the end of last year we started offering a back seat option for Shelby GT350R due to customer demand. Now, we have adjusted the packages available to continue to provide more of what customers want on the Shelby GT350R Mustang.”These are the new packages: Standard Track Package featuring aluminum tower-to-tower brace; high-downforce decklid spoiler; engine oil, transmission and differential coolers; MagneRide™ damping system Three new colors – Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, and Grabber Blue – replace Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange Two new available packages – Electronics Package includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system; Convenience Package includes the same options and replaces manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sport seats Available audio system upgrade from seven to nine speakers with Electronics Package, Convenience Package, and R-Electronics Package I wasn't exactly sure how they could make the pony car housing a flat-plane crankshaft any better, but these packages are most definitely sweetening what the GT350 has to offer.Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2016

Icon 4x4's Latest Creation: BR #28

To say that Jonathan Ward of Icon 4x4 pays attention to detail is an understatement. Photos and editorial can't begin to describe the dedication and time it takes to build an Icon vehicle. In a tribute to Ford's classic 60's SUV, the BR combines a timeless design with many modern conveniences. Starting with the deep exhaust note, the BR comes from the Mustang GT's 5.0L V8. This emissions-legal power plant is backed by a bulletproof Atlas 2 divorced transfer case and ARB locking differentials.The drivetrain is easy to quantify, but if you allow your eyes to wander, you will quickly get lost in the details. Smaller pieces like control knobs and mirrors look original, but in reality they are CNC machined stainless steel. A/C vents from Cessna and map lights from a MIG-29 fighter are among the few details that Icon doesn't manufacture in-house. Fabricated steel center consoles are easy to find in the aftermarket, but Icon uses stainless steel for their construction. Even the glass was specially derived from an architectural application to create a unique reflection. Braking is a partnership between Brembo & Icon that uses six piston calipers riding on titanium hardware.This being the 28th example produced, Icon's quality speaks for itself. Congratulations to Mr. Ward and his team for another amazing build and another satisfied customer. Stay tuned to Autofluence for Icon's latest projects.Icons For Sale

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