Dodge

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

Two 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat SUVs, one purple and one dark green with white stripes, are parked outside brick industrial buildings on a concrete lot, showcasing the bold presence of the Jailbreak edition.

By Khris Bharath – August 08, 2025

2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat Jailbreak Debuts With 710 HP V...

The SUV muscle wars just got a whole lot interesting. This is the 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak; the three-row, tire-shredding, high-performance family hauler that lets you customize nearly every inch of it with over six million possible combinations. It is a full-blown, no-holds-barred personalization wrapped around the HEMI V8 mill. The Jailbreak program ofcourse, takes the successful formula that Dodge perfected with the Challenger and outgoing Charger and straps it to the most powerful gas-powered SUV ever built. Last year, Dodge celebrated 20 years of HEMI power with two special editions of the Durango. This year, the American automaker unlocks nearly every visual and tactile element of the Durango Hellcat high performance SUV with this extensive personlization program. A choice Six exterior factory paint colors set the stage, including the electric new for 2026 Green Machine, but the real eye-popper is Stryker Purple, a one-off hue that draws from the 2016 Dodge Viper and, later confirmed as part of Dodge’s Concierge Program, which will allow select buyers to commission their own one-of-one paint job. As for Badges? Take your pick from silver, red, Brass Monkey, orange, yellow, or Midnight Metallic. As for the stripes, you can choose from blue, gunmetal, red, silver, or Redline Red over black. Six 20x10-inch wheel designs are available with contrasting red, black, yellow, or orange Brembo Brake calipers. Inside, the extensive choice continues with five seat color choices, three seating configurations (five, six, or seven-passenger), and four seat belt colors. Color options include Demonic Red Laguna leather, Hammerhead Gray, sepia, or bold Ebony Red Nappa leather. Each Jailbreak interior also features a carbon fiber dash stamped with a special “Jailbreak” badge. Optional packages add even more depth to the overall package. You can go full-luxury with the Premium Group featuring a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ADAS driver-assist features, and a suede headliner. Performance-focused buyers can add an SRT Alcantara steering wheel, trailer tow package, or three-season Pirellis. Other available upgrades include a suede headliner, Alcantara SRT steering wheel, black exhaust tips, trailer tow package, and Pirelli three-season rubber. Even in its standard (non-Jailbreak) form, the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat keeps its 710-horsepower rating. It now comes standard with updated wheels and a five-passenger layout for maximum cargo space. As for performance, the Jailbreak Durango packs the same fire-breathing 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that made headlines in its earlier Hellcat form. That means you’re looking at 710 horsepower, 645 pound-feet of torque, and a soundtrack to go with, and yes, it’ll still tow 8,700 pounds and do 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. For those who seek the firepower without the flair, Dodge is still offering the standard 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat. It features the same 710-horsepower V8, standard all-wheel drive, eight-speed transmission and five-passenger layout for maximum cargo capacity. Updates for the new model year include redesigned 20x10-inch wheels with a Machine Face and Dark Pockets finish, and a long list of standalone options. You can still add three-row seating, a power sunroof, the trailer tow package, or performance tires, all without diving into the Jailbreak’s wild customization catalog. With Q2 Durango sales already up 51 percent over Q1, Dodge knows it’s onto something big here. With Tim Kuniskis now leading Stellantis’ in North America and the group’s CEO and architect of the Jeep brand, Antonio Filosa, at the helm, it will be interesting to see what other models Dodge has in store for 2026. We already know that Charger SixPack variants, with the Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six, will arrive in the second half of 2025. Official pricing hasn’t been announced (expect close to six figures), but the order books open on August 13, and the Jailbreak model is scheduled to arrive at dealerships by Q4 of 2025. With millions of possible combinations and a concierge program to help you paint it however you want, the 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak continues to build on the muscle SUV formula, not offered elsewhere. View All Dodge Durangos For Sale Source: Stellantis

By Khris Bharath – July 04, 2025

Back In The Driver’s Seat: Tim Kuniskis To Lead Stellanti...

Stellantis has made a quiet move that could once again reshape the trajectory of its American performance brands. The automaker has announced Tim Kuniskis, a key figure in Dodge’s modern muscle car renaissance to lead a newly created role: Head of American brands and North American marketing and retail strategy. Reporting to Antonio Filosa, who was recently named global CEO of Stellantis, Kuniskis, who after a hiatus took charge of RAM in December 2024, will retain his title as CEO of the Truck brand, but will now also work with Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge to tighten marketing and bolster dealer ties. Under former CEO Carlos Tavars, Stellantis’ U.S. sales and stock prices fell sharply, with days' supply ballooning to 122 for Dodge, 114 for Jeep, and 107 for RAM, well above the industry norm of 75. Dealers were pretty vocal about corporate leadership at the helm, with lots of unsold metal sitting on dealer lots. " width="680"> “Tim has proven time and time again that he is masterful at building brands that reach the heart and soul of the customer.” - Anthony Filosa, CEO, Stellantis But with new leadership comes hope. In Kuniskis, Dodge and Jeep fans see a champion who speaks their language. Timothy Kuniskis, who joined the Chrysler Corporation in 1992, has held a range of roles across multiple brands. During his earlier tenure at Dodge, he built upon the strong positions that both the Charger and Challenger already enjoyed, with the likes of the Redeye, the Super Stock, and most crucially, the Demon. He also relaunched Direct Connection, giving DIY hot-rodders go-faster parts with a factory warranty. The revival of the iconic Street & Racing Technology (SRT) is pretty symbolic and a great starting point. The renwed SRT Performance Division will oversee Direct Connection, North American motorsports initiatives under Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM, including the participation in the NHRA and RAM’s recently announced plans to return to the NASCAR Trucks Series in 2026. From the drag strip to the trail, SRT will essentially lead the way, when it comes to performance vehicle development, pushing the boundries in perfromance, vehicle dynamics and technology. “We’re getting the band back together. SRT is another box we needed to check as we head into a product launch cadence, enabling more performance than we’ve ever seen before. We’re working with our product development and technology organization to select the best engineers in powertrain and vehicle dynamics to build a team worthy of the SRT name.” - Tim Kuniskis While it should please the Mopar fans, there’s still a lot more to do. The new role gives him the authority to cut back on bloated inventories, right-size incentives, and refocus his efforts on each brand’s core values. For Chrysler, that could mean, finally, accelerating its long-promised EV portfolio, for the Jeep brand, more streamlined trim hierarchies, and for Dodge, we already know about the incoming gas-powered Daytona Six-pack, but a HEMI would truly win the Mopar faithful over. Stellantis simply can’t afford another year of slipping sales and eroding dealer confidence. With Kuniskis back in the driver’s seat, the company isn’t just reviving SRT, it’s reviving belief, and for die-hard fans of American performance, his appointment should signal renewed optimism for American muscle and beyond. View All Dodges For Sale Images: Stellantis

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 24, 2023

Dodge Announces Exclusive Products For Challenger SRT Dem...

Dodge unveils an exclusive lineup of personalized items for 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 owners, available for a limited time.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 21, 2023

The New Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Is The Quickest Do...

This is it. And it’s amazing.

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2021

2021 Ram Special Editon Price & Specs Revealed

Dodge gives us more than we expected Another year, another Ram tuck has won accolades for its ride quality and capabilities. If you haven't experienced the air suspension on the street, it really is more comfortable than any other truck. Powered by the legendary HEMI, you will also have meaty torque with good gas mileage. That's why the Ram Big Horn and the Lone Star Crew Cab have gained MOPAR upgrades. If you need more power, the Ram TRX is capable of big power thanks to Hennessey. Only 250 examples of the 2021 Mopar Ram will be offered, 210 for the U.S. and 40 for north of the border. Choose from Silver, White, Red and Hydro Blue with matte black graphics. The exhaust is anodized and the brightwork is blacked out. Other goodies include running boards, dual trailer cameras, locking tonneau cover and all-weather mats. All this only adds $7,900 to the window sticker, much cheaper than doing it piecemeal through the aftermarket. Click the button for all the details and stay with us for all your Ram news. You can tow 12,750 lbs or smile at 33 mpg, so reserve yours now. Shop Ram Trucks Image (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Ram Unveils 5th & Final 'Built to Serve' Edition

Active, reserve, and retired members of the Military make up 7% of the population. In order to honor all who have protected our freedoms, Ram has unveiled the 5th and final 'Built to Serve' edition. Inspired by maritime forces, 500 trucks will be offered in Spitfire and the final 750 will be Bright White. More than just custom badging, your truck will arrive with: All-terrain tires Electronic-locking rear axle Hill-descent control Front suspension skid plate Steering gear skid plate Fuel tank skid plate Transfer case skid plate Tow hooks Heavy-duty off-road-calibrated front and rear shock absorbers Aside from honoring the Armed Forces, another goal of this program is to focus the public's attention to their volunteer program: Ram Nation. This grassroots group of Ram owners and dealers has helped out recovery efforts in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters. Ram has once again earned praise from our peers at Motor Trend, being awarded Truck of the Year. You won't have to refinance your house for a downpayment, and the EcoDiesel easily tops 32 mpg on the highway. On the other end of the spectrum, Hennessey just received the new Ram TRX powered by a Hellcat Hemi, so click the button below to learn more. Shop Ram For Sale Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

The Dodge Store Debuts on Amazon

Demons and Hellcats have every other brand running scared. If your daily driver has 800 horsepower of supercharged Hemi, the Dodge store has debuted on Amazon. Once the ink was dry on the merger with Peugeot, the top brass wasted no time in offering official merchandise with Prime shipping. Staying true to their heritage, you can purchase toys, games, and accessories featuring classic logos from Dodge Brothers to the SRT Viper. By doing this themselves, Dodge is passing the savings along to their fans, a far cry from what is offered by their competitors. In case you missed it, our friends at Motor Trend named the Ram as 2021 Truck of the Year, so click the button to find yours! Shop On Amazon

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2021

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Sold Out

Three months ago we told you it wouldn't last long. Now with 2,000 customers awaiting a super SUV, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is sold out. If you missed the corporate news, Fiat-Chrysler is now Stellantis. Their first press release for Dodge confirms the NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, and the manufacturer claims a top speed of 180 mph.. Offering 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, it can tow 8,700 lbs with three rows of seating. Click the button to find your new Dodge! Browse Dodge For Sale Also, here is a great comparison with the SRT Hellcat Redeye! Image (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2020

Mopar Ugly Sweater & HEMI Hoodies Unveiled With Holliday ...

If your household has an affinity for Hellcats, we have the best stocking stuffers for your family. In a press release earlier today, Fiat-Chrysler dropped a Mopar "Ugly Sweater" along with Hemi Hoodies and perfect gift ideas. The online store is loaded with quality-tested, factory-backed accessories and performance parts offered at 15% off through December 31st. The more popular items will undoubtedly be the cotton facemask and the Oakley backpack, but they put a few ringers in to get our attention. Sorting by price reveals the 807-horsepower Hellcat Redeye HEMI, a bargain at only $21,807.Click the button below to get yours and stay with us for all your Mopar mistletoe. Shop Here Images (C) Fiat Chrysler

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2020

2021 Dodge Challenger Widebody Now Available On All Hemi ...

You will be forgiven by asserting that the narrow-body Challenger looks a bit dated. The 2021 Dodge Challenger Widebody is now available on all Hemi models so it's time to celebrate. In the latest press release from Fiat-Chrysler, we are glad to learn that customers interested in the R/T Scat Pack Shaker and the T/A 392 Challengers can now enjoy the widebody life. 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock Will Be Super Limited Its not a body kit. Nearly every aspect of the Challenger is exaggerated in order to hide massive rubber inside the fenders. From its debut on the SRT Hellcat Redeye, buyers who didnt need 797 horsepower were forced to forego the aggressive styling. The other big news for the new year is the return of "Gold Rush" Inspired by Element 79, this color is a perfect contrast to the black hand-painted hood, roof, and trunk of the high-end Challengers. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your MOPAR news. Browse Dodge Challenger Hellcat For Sale " width="680">

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