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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 Khris Bharath – July 31, 2025

AC Cars America Named Official Sponsor of 2025 Pebble Bea...

Most of you might know AC for the Cobra, but long before the open-top Roadster became a household name in America, thanks to Caroll Shelby and the Ford small-block V8, AC Cars was building potent lightweight sports cars in the 1950s post-war Britain and the English company can actually trace its roots all the way to 1901, when the company was a pioneer in early commercial vehicles. After the end of its partnership with Shelby, AC Cars fell into obscurity. But starting in 2020, AC Cars began a quiet revival, leading to the debut of a clean-sheet modern sports car lineup: Today, that legacy powers forward not as a tribute, but as a next chapter, because AC Cars is making a bold return stateside and back into the spotlight, This August, the legendary British marque will serve as an official sponsor of the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is one of the most prestigious events on the global automotive calendar, right up there with Villa d’Este and Goodwood. Taking center stage will be the AC GT Roadster. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with 650 horsepower, this limited-run model is a modern interpretation inspired by the iconic AC Ace that formed the basis of the legendary Shelby Cobra. It is part of the new GT lineup, representing a new era of low-volume, high-craftsmanship performance cars tailored for a select few and will appear on the legendary Concept Lawn at The Lodge at Pebble Beach on Sunday, August 17, offering collectors and enthusiasts a first-hand look at a reborn classic. While the proportions and basic silhouette of the GT Roadster exude ‘60s cool and appear to rock the unmistakable classic lines of the original, this is no replica. The car is a clean-sheet design, developed with cutting-edge materials, a modern drivetrain, and advanced vehicle control systems. It’s built to look the part and perform to 21st-century standards. AC’s presence at Pebble Beach caps a weeklong immersion at Monterey Car Week. The GT Roadster will first appear at Motorlux on Wednesday, August 13, followed by Exotics on Broadway on Saturday, August 16. In between, AC Cars America will also host a series of private events for clients and collectors, offering an up-close experience and limited allocation slots for the sports car’s exclusive production run. While all American operations, including sales, client services, and bespoke ownership experiences, are handled by the company’s U.S. HQ in West Palm Beach, Florida, the development and production of the cars will be carried out across AC Cars (England) Ltd’s facilities in Donington and southern England, with design support from partners in Germany. The occasion signals the AC Cars' comeback in the U.S. View All AC Cars For Sale Source: AC Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 19, 2023

2 Rare Shelby Super Snake Speedsters For Sale At Sarchion...

With only 98 built worldwide, Sarchione Ford of Randolph features 2% of all production as part of their extensive inventory.

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2020

2020 Shelby Mustang GT350 & GT350R Officially Discontinued

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

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By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2019

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Heritage Editions Unveiled

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

By Andrew Nabors – July 18, 2016

Ford Reveals Shelby GT350 Based on WWII Fighter Plane

If you have been to an Air Show in the past 20 years, you have seen "Ole Yeller". The beautiful yellow P51D Mustang was the inspiration for a new 2017 Shelby GT350, which will be auctioned to support Youth Education programs of the Experimental Aircraft Association. In a press release Friday night, Ford outlined the significance of the build. With parts donated by the biggest names in the aftermarket, it has more carbon fiber parts than any previous Mustang. Forgiato built a bespoke set of lightweight wheels on Pirelli tires, Focal supplied the audio system and Mustang tuner Carbon 2 Carbon offered the exterior accents.(Also Check Out - Hennessey Performance's 800 Horsepower 25th Anniversary Mustang) For the 9th year in a row, Ford has donated a Mustang in support of EAA's Young Eagles. Dedicated to empowering the next generation of aviators, the car will be the centerpiece of the EAA's Gathering of Eagles gala. Chris Magnum of MAD Industries performed the customization, including matching the historic P51's wild yellow paint. No changes to the powertrain were needed, as the 5.2L V8 is ready for the flight line. Making 526 hp and 429 lb-ft, the flat plane crank allows it to rev past 8,000 rpm. Ford was an early pioneer in the aviation industry with their rugged TriMotor, but we'll cover that another time. If you are a fan of anything that flies, head to Oshkosh, Wisconsin next week for the best air show in the world. The Gala will take place on the 28th, and for more info on how to become an EAA sponsor please visit http://www.fordairventure.com/ Mustangs For Sale

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