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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

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By Edward Jones – July 23, 2019

Dave Sparks Just Gave Andy Frisella a Ford F-550 6x6 for ...

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9vfA_gjcU/ Dave Sparks (also known as "Heavy D") of the Diesel Brothers just gave his friend Andy Frisella one of the best birthday presents we've ever seen. Heck, it may be the best. What was it? A custom 2019 Ford F-550 6x6. Heavy D uploaded a video of him gifting the present to an unknowing Andy in his driveway. Andy looked absolutely flabbergasted at the gift, but who wouldn't be? This truck is absolutely massive, gorgeous and a true one-of-a-kind. Marshmello Got a New 6×6 Truck From Diesel Brothers and It’s Amazing https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6gRK-n5Nc/?igshid=gqiq6i4mpjx1 One commenter on the video noted that when Heavy D first started Heavy Academy, he asked Andy to be a speaker. Frisella flew out and spoke, not accepting any payment for it. He did it all for free. It should be noted that he gets paid quite well for each of his appearances. It seems the two have a tradition of giving without receiving. Now that's true friendship. Andy Frisella Reviews His Brand-New 2017 Ford GT https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz6yK2dnB3-/ Upon seeing the truck, Andy wasn't the only Frisella that was stoked about the truck. His brother, Sal, loved it too. He loved it so much, in fact, that Andy is actually having Heavy D build Sal one and he's paying for it. So now we have Heavy D gifting Andy a 6x6 truck and Andy gifting his brother Sal a 6x6 truck. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

By Edward Jones – June 05, 2019

Austin Rivers of Houston Rockets Surprises Best Friend Wi...

True friendships stand the test of time, no matter where life takes you. For Austin Rivers, point guard and shooting guard for the Houston Rockets, he's had the same best friend since 4th grade and through his growth as a professional basketball player. Rivers wanted to show his best friend just how much he means to him through a very special gift: a Ford Raptor truck. Rivers posted a video of the surprise on his Instagram account, @austinjrivers. He snuck the keys to the truck in a Rolex box. Imagine opening a present, seeing a pricey Rolex box and then getting an even bigger surprise when the keys to one of the most sought after trucks are inside. Talk about thrown off. Rivers notes in the IG post that this truck has been his friend's dream truck for a while. Now that's a true friend. Austin Rivers is a huge automotive fanatic, having his own IG account dedicated to his own collection and more. You should definitely give him a follow: @riversofcars. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByUGyEcJ6S0/ Image Source: Instagram

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2019

The Rock Uses Ford Raptor as Transport to Private Jet

The big and buff actor known as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is living the life. Need proof? For his birthday, he had to go to work, like many of us do on our days of birth. To get to work, he drove a 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor to his private jet, which took him to work. Then, he flew back on the same day and took that Raptor home to his loving family. Not bad. What's also notable are the comments in the Instagram picture that shows The Rock with his modes of transportation. Celebrities like Kevin Hart, Gal Gadot, Terry Crews, Karen Gillan, Halle Berry and more all wished the actor a happy birthday. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw-EQ8PHi1f/ Also Check Out: The Rock’s New Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 The Rock Buys Longtime Stuntman New Truck The Rock Gives Make A Wish Kids Rides in Supercars

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By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2018

Hulk Hogan and Mecum Auctions Join Forces for a Great Cause

Pro-Wrestler Steve Chamberland started the 50 Legs Foundation to help amputees get the necessary care they need. Veterans and amputees find often themselves at the mercy of bad prosthetics or caught up in the healthcare system. 50 Legs Foundation aims to provide amputees with prosthetics and care that they could otherwise not afford. The organization is based in Tampa, so it receives a healthy dose of Vitamin H (for Hulk Hogan). The Hulkster will be joining the Mecum Kissimmee Auction along with a classic 1952 Ford truck, which was donated by the seller. Proceeds from the sale of this classic F1 will go to 50 Legs, so we hope it brings six figures. It has a flathead V8, dual carburetors, front disc brakes, and a gorgeous wood bed. Inside you will find a beautiful interior finished in grey and red. The original 3-speed manual with restored gauges and controls. Finding an unmolested F1 is getting very hard to do, so dont miss this opportunity. Click the link below for more details and be sure to tune in to Mecum on their YouTube channel starting January 3rd. View Price & Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2018

Graham Rahal's Debuts His Purple Ford GT

Graham Rahal, the IndyCar race car driver, is not one to shy away from sharing his latest automotive purchases. His most recent acquisition seems to be one of his best looking yet, a purple Ford GT. Rahal unveiled the car on his Instagram, where he thank's Ford in the description for allowing him to "have some fun with this." By fun, I'm assuming he means the wild purple paint, which he thanked Axalta Racing for helping with. The purple paint is incredibly vibrant and is one of the prettiest shades of the color I've seen on a car (don't worry Lambo Thirty, you're still my favorite). Rahal's Ford GT is just one of the many cars he owns. He's owned a bright green Porsche 918 Spyder, Acura NSX, Ferrari F12tdf and a wicked purple Porsche 911 GT2 RS, just to name a few. Be sure to click those links to check them all out. And I'll end this with a congrats to Rahal for making this GT a reality and gracing the world with its purple presence! https://www.instagram.com/p/BqLYnHBFhZI/ Feature Image via Instagram

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2018

John Cena's Ford GT Sells Big at Mecum Dallas

If you weren't at Mecum's Dallas auction, you missed out on the deal of a lifetime. Back in 2017, John Cena purchased a new Ford GT, but he decided to part ways with only 626 miles on the odometer. Ford's Purchase Agreement included a clause reserving the first right of refusal, but some crafty legal work allowed this to be the only pre-owned late model available for public sale.John Cena Says He did Nothing Wrong in Selling Ford GTCar #77 is blue with silver calipers, along with a black/carbon fiber interior. The celebrity status along with making headlines around the world allowed Dana Mecum & Company to drop the hammer at $1,320,000. We hope the new owner puts some real mileage on it to properly break-in the engine. Forced induction requires tight tolerances to make the most of the twin turbos. Therefore, you shouldn't baby it, no cruise control or Sunday driving for the 1st 1,000 miles. If the new owner is reading this, I will be happy to assist you in this process. If you are curious how this impacts the value of previous Ford GTs, click the link below and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. View Ford GT For Sale Ford GT Specs Related Video:

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2018

John Cena's 2017 Ford GT Being Auctioned, Again

Unlike anything in their past, Ford selects who can purchase a new GT. The 647 horsepower LeMans winner has put Ford back on top, so they want to protect the image of the car. If your application was not accepted, there is only 1 pre-owned Ford GT on the market. Originally purchased by John Cena, car #77 is en route to Mecum's Dallas auction.The twin-turbo V6 is 3.5-liters and it makes 550 lb-ft of torque. Built to win races, it has a body of carbon fiber with and integrated roll cage. Multimatic's DSSV suspensions ride on spool valves for the street, and it drops 2" on to torsion bars for the ultimate track grip.We didn't believe our friend Mr. Cena would fit in the racing-inspired cockpit, but we're sure he was just making room for something new in his collection. So if you want a Ford GT and a celebrity car, be sure to register now. Mecum Dallas starts October 3rd and runs until the 6th, so be sure to tune in on their Youtube streams and stay with us for complete coverage.Click Here To View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2018

Ken Block's New Raptor Powered Boat

Everyone loves the Ford Raptor because it combines an economical V6 with twin turbos to make great 4WD power. But what happened to the 6.2L V8 from the first generation Raptors? Ford essentially scaled up their modular V8 to build the 6.2L Boss, and it is still an option for Super Duty trucks. While it won't fit in the Mustang, the boat industry has picked up on its durability.Ken Block Drifts Pikes Peak in 1,400 Horsepower MustangWhen he is not destroying tires in World Rally Cross, Ken Block enjoys wakeboarding. So he turned to Marine Products to build a custom Supra to his specifications. For power, Jack Roush strapped one of his patented RoushCharger on to a marinized 6.2L Raptor V8. Getting a wakeboarder up and keeping them there require massive torque, so this brutal inboard delivers 575 horsepower and 580 lb-ft to a custom designed propeller. It has closed loop cooling for long life and wideband O2 sensors for fuel efficiency. If you need Raptor power on land, click the link below and stay with us for all your Hoonigan updates.Browse Ford Raptor For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 25, 2018

Kurt Busch Shows Off His Ford GT

When Kurt Busch isn't racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, he seems to be spending time driving more cars. He recently uploaded some shots of his new Ford GT that had been wrapped and ready for the goldRushRally GRX event onto his Instagram account.His GT is covered in a black and green wrap that highlights one of his main NASCAR sponsors, Monster Energy. It's a pretty mean looking GT that blends rally and NASCAR styling.View 2018 Ford GT Specs As for his car of choice, it makes sense when you consider Ford is one of his sponsors. The GT itself is powered by an Ecoboost 3.5-liter 6 engine that produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. That's a solid amount from a six-cylinder engine, and I'm sure Busch will use all of that power during the rally.Ford GTs for Sale

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2018

John Cena Settles Ford GT Lawsuit

In December 2017 we covered Ford suing John Cena over the resale of his new Ford GT. The American automaker said that this sale was unauthorized and went against the original contract signed when purchasing the car. Cena then rebutted saying he did nothing wrong.Now, thanks to a statement from Cena's law firm sent to Jalopnik, the case seems to have been settled out of court. According to this statement, the resale restriction put in place was indeed part of the contract. The restriction says all original owners need to keep their GT for 24 months before reselling the vehicle. Cena recognizes this in the statement and apologizes to Ford and says others should respect the contract.Ford GTs for SaleThe resolution of the settlement is actually a pretty good one, with the proceeds from the settlement being donated to charity. However, the amount of money handed over in the settlement was undisclosed.View Ford GT Specs and Review Here

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