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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 Jordan Aquistapace – May 04, 2024

Adventure-Ready 2020 Ford Raptor 6x6 Super Crew For Sale

This is your opportunity to skip the build process and buy one of the only Ford Raptor 6x6 trucks for sale!

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 06, 2023

Jay Leno Drives The 700HP V8 Ford F-150 Raptor R

Jay Leno enjoys the return of the V8-powered Ford F-150 Raptor R.

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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 – 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 – August 01, 2017

F-22 Inspired Ford Raptor Brings Big Money at Oshkosh

This year's AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin was one of the biggest air shows in the world. It was the first time in 60 years that two B-29 bombers flew in formation, and spectators were also amazed at a custom Ford Raptor. The show is organized and hosted by the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), which was founded in Oshkosh in 1953. What started as a flying club of WWII Veterans is now an international organization with over 200,000 members.One of their biggest programs is the Young Eagles. It is a program aimed at getting kids interested in flight by taking them for rides in the sky. With a history of famous commanders, they have been led by General Chuck Yeager, Captain Sully Sullenberger, and Harrison Ford. Speaking of Ford, they have been a major part of American aviation. When Henry Ford adapted assembly lines to aircraft, the indestructible Ford Tri-Motor became the Model T of the air. When the Air Force was taking a beating from the Luftwaffe, Ford built the Willow Run Plant that turned out new B-24 bombers every 55 minutes.To support the Young Eagles, Ford partnered with DeBerti Design to build the custom Raptor. Taking cues from the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor, the DeBerti brothers started with a titanium grille and then replaced the hood and fender flares with carbon fiber pieces of their own design. Addictive Desert Designs provided the front suspension and Deaver supplied progressive rear springs. Shocks are full bypass units from Fox Racing, and the wheels are forged bead-locks from Innov8. The cab is topped by 1.3 Million Candela of LED illumination from KC HiLites. Turning up the boost creates more heat, so a giant Whipple intercooler was used to make 545 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.Ford has provided an auction car since 2008, and they have donated over $3 Million to the cause. The highest bid for the Raptor was $300,000 from Gary Ackerman from Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas. It couldn't have gone to a better home because Gary is the Honorary Commander & Ambassador of the F-22 Squadron at Nellis AFB. If you are wondering why Las Vegas needs protection from the world's most lethal fighter, your answer is an Area that is 51 miles north of the city... Aviation and the aftermarket have embraced the new Ford F150 Raptor, so take a look our Fords for sale and stay with us for all your Raptor news.

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

Mark Zuckerberg Helps Ford Workers Build F-150s

Just when you thought you had seen it all, social media and assembly lines collided this week. Mark Zuckerberg has challenged himself to talk to people in all 50 states in his "Year of Travel Challenge". Earlier this month, he landed in Charlotte for NASCAR driving lessons with Dale Earnhardt Jr. In his latest stop, he teamed up with the men & women of UAW's Local 600 at Ford's River Rouge assembly plant. One of the world's largest industrial complexes, it was 1,100 acres during WWII. The plant has seen the production of the Model A to forty years of Mustangs, and Ford trucks since 1949. Having its own steel mill, iron ore comes in and trucks roll out. On the assembly line, he was able to help the workers install antennas, bed cleats, and set screws as part of the finishing touches. The latest F-150 and Raptor trucks feature aluminum bodies. It allows them to be lighter and more corrosion resistant than the competition. The wonder metal requires a specially trained workforce to get ti right, so we're glad Mark was able to show their abilities to the world. Performing the same task every 52 seconds for decades demands focus and determination, so consider that if you are looking for a new Ford. We don't know where his travels will take him next, but if they are automotive related expect to see them here on Autofluence.

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2017

2017 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 is a 2017 Raptor on Steroids

Nobody will argue that the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the most epic trucks on the road. It comes with a fantastic 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that has an output of 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, and suspension that will take on just about anything thrown at it.Yeah, while the base 2017 Raptor is great, that doesn't mean aftermarket tuners aren't going to up the capabilities of this truck. In fact, Hennessey Performance has just released their new VelociRaptor 600, based on the new Raptor.The new Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 packs 605 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 622 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. That's a massive increase over the stock model, but that's thanks to a huge list of upgrades that the Texas tuner has installed into the truck. The stars of the list include the upgraded twin-turbocharger system, ECU upgrade, high-flow air induction system and more.When Hennessey tested the truck, it ran 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and completed a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds @ 110 mph. Yeah, this truck is no slouch by any means.If you're interested in picking one up or want to learn about the Off-Road Stage 1 Package, be sure to click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – January 19, 2017

Final 2017 Ford Raptor to be Auctioned for Charity

At the 46th annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, the final 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is set to be auctioned off to one lucky bidder. The news comes from Ford, today, who states that the proceeds of this auction lot will benefit JDRF, an organization that funds type 1 diabetes research.With no reserve, the lot will give the winning bidder a chance to receive the final Raptor produced and will be able to choose from a "unique one-of-one Raptor color."(Related - Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Preview: Dale Jr's 1970 Chevelle SS)“The new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is by far the most off-road-capable vehicle on the market today, boasting some of the best performance technology to come from Ford,” said Jim Owens, marketing manager, Ford Performance. “Raptor serves as a testament to our passion for creating vehicles that are designed to tackle the toughest obstacles on earth. We’re really looking forward to auctioning off our custom creation to help support JDRF.”Additionally, Mark Fields, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, is also looking to announce Raptor Assault. What's that? Ford says it's a new opportunity for 2017 Raptor buyers, allowing them to attend the Ford Performance Racing School starting in April. Ford will provide a one-day course for free, which will include instruction on how to rock crawl and more.All Ford F-150 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2016

John Hennessey Discover's the 2017 Ford Raptor's 0-60 Time

After a few delays to validate the quality of their latest build, Ford's Special Vehicles Team has delivered the new F150 Raptor. Zerin Dube from SpeedSportLife.com borrowed the truck from Ford's Press Fleet and drove it directly to Hennessey Performance to see how it compares to the previous bird of prey. John wasted no time in establishing a baseline for future tuning. The first video was a test of the powertrain on HPE's chassis dyno. A pair of EcoBoost turbos on the 3.5-liter V6 produce 365 hp and 422 lb-ft of torque. The latter appears gradually and peaks at a usable 3,700 rpm. It's easy to see that boost is carefully controlled by the computer to save fuel and wear on the 10-speed automatic transmission. Developed in a partnership with General Motors, they both have a lot riding on the new gearbox.For video 2.0, it was time for a quarter mile test. At Hennessey's adjacent Lonestar Motorsports Park, the Raptor was outfitted with telemetry and cameras to record the runs. BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires are not exactly designed for drags, but the tall sidewalls have enough flex for grip out of the hole. With a unique exhaust soundtrack, 60 mph arrives in 5.3 seconds and it goes across the finish line quicker than you might have guessed. Undoubtedly his team is already at work dissecting the data and developing a new tune. More boost and more fuel are the basic ingredients, but we hope to see bigger cams and maybe some Nitrous Oxide for the brave. As soon as pricing is released on the HPE Raptor you will see it here first. To learn what Hennessey Performance can do for you, please click on the link below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

The 2017 Ford F150 Raptor is quickly becoming one of the automaker's most popular trucks, thanks in part to a successful product launch on Ford.com and at their dealerships. According to a press release issued today, the American automaker noted that they've had more than 90,000 hits in their Raptor build and price site within the first 10 days of launch.(Related - Hennessey Reveals Velociraptor 6x6 and It's an American Monster)In the press release, Ford details some of the most popular packages and other interested factoids regarding the truck. 91% of orders are for the SuperCrew 90% of orders include the luxury group package 77% of orders include the technology package The largest markets include Texas, California and Florida Shadow Black is the most common paint color “This is one of the fastest and most popular product launches we’ve seen in some time,” says said Rob Rosenbach, Ford F-150 brand manager. “Traffic volume on the Raptor pages is more than five times our other performance vehicle lines, with dealer demand far ahead of expectations. This demonstrates the Ford Performance team hit its mark with the new F-150 Raptor.”To get your own F-150 Raptor, be sure to check out our listings by clicking the button below.All Ford Raptor For Sale

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