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

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 03, 2024

Dodge Reopens Its Horsepower Locator For 'Last Call' Dura...

The era of Dodge’s incredible performance SUV is nearing its end. Being at the forefront of unabashed American V8 performance for years with its HEMI engines, Dodge and SRT have made groundbreaking performance vehicles with immense power, speed, and brawn. However, times are changing, and so is the landscape of Dodge performance vehicles, and the era of V8 HEMI performance cars is coming to an end, with ‘Last Call’ models commemorating the years of glorious muscle cars that the manufacturer is known for. While the ‘Last Call’ models of the Dodge Charger SRT and Dodge Challenger SRT are the most well-known, the Dodge Durango SRT 392 also made waves as a high-performance SUV with muscle-car brawn and capability. Revealed earlier this year, the Dodge Durango SRT 392 AlcHEMI is the first in the ‘Last Call’ series of Durango HEMI V8 vehicles created to send off the model and to secure orders for the exclusive limited edition, Dodge has reopened its Horsepower Locator tool online for customers to secure spots. The Horsepower Locator tool allows clients to search for exclusive limited edition SRT models, filtering by the configuration they want, and finding a dealership they can reach out to to secure one of the last HEMI V8 Dodge Durango models available. The AlcHEMI, available for $89,795 is the last run of the SRT 392, which boasts 475 horsepower, will end production in July at the end of the 2024 model year. Meanwhile, the 2025 model year will feature Last Call models of the 5.7-liter V8-powered Dodge Durango R/T, and the incredibly powerful 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. As the current era of Dodge muscle cars comes to an end, fans across the country have one of their last opportunities to own a muscle car as we currently know it, powered by a brawny V8 engine. With the Horsepower Locator reopened, Dodge is allowing its community to capture history with the Durango’s ‘Last Call’ series. View All Dodges For Sale Image Source: Dodge

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 26, 2024

Le Mans-Raced 2000 Dodge Viper GTS R Listed For Sale

In the performance car world, the United States is often the underdog, with some of the world’s most desirable and celebrated supercars and sports cars originating in Germany, Italy, or France. While those countries are all known for their incredible innovation, engineering, and design, the United States has continued to prove itself as a worthy purveyor of performance, with many cars breaking boundaries and changing the perception of American cars when it comes to performance. View Price And Listing One of the greatest American performance cars ever is the Dodge Viper, which is one of the few cars in the world to boast a V10 engine, and combined that unorthodox 8-liter powertrain with inspiration from the Shelby Cobra to create one of the world’s most iconic performance cars. However, the Dodge Viper truly got its chance to shine on the race track, with racing versions of the car forging an unforgettable legacy, and this 2000 Dodge Viper GTS Ex-Works/Team ORECA is one of the greatest. It has a list of accomplishments achieved on some of motorsport’s most important stages, like placing 7th in its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as plenty of American Le Mans Series race wins and the season win in 2000. This Dodge Viper transcends being simply an excellent performance car or race car and is also a piece of motorsport and automotive history, a proud one for the American automotive industry and proof of its performance prowess. If you’re interested in owning this racing time capsule, view the price and listing by clicking below. Image Source: LBI Limited

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 05, 2024

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Revealed As The First Electric...

The muscle car world has officially been electrified. Dodge and SRT have represented American performance for years, and their muscle cars have pushed boundaries and broken records. However, as the entire automotive industry transforms, so does the muscle car world, and as a result, Dodge has revealed what it says is the world’s first and only electric muscle car: the new Dodge Charger Daytona. The Daytona delivers up to 670 all-electric horsepower in the top-of-the-line Scat Pack version, delivering that power to all four wheels to result in a 3.3-second 0-60 time, and an estimated quarter-mile time of just 11.5 seconds. Also electrified is the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, with 470 horsepower. Both two-door coupe and four-door sedan versions of the new Dodge Charger are available, and like an earlier concept previewed, the new electrified Dodge Charger aims to preserve the joy of the loud exhaust note of a performance car with the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which is able to deliver the loud noise that characterizes muscle cars. While the electrified Daytona is making waves as the first electric muscle car, combustion engine powertrains are also available. Also equipped with standard all-wheel drive, the Dodge Charger SIXPACK models will be powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine. The SIXPACK H.O., standing for High Output, has 550 horsepower, while the S.O. (Standard Output) has 420 horsepower. The electrified new Dodge Charger models feature a variety of dynamic performance-oriented driving modes, like Donut Mode, Drift Mode, Line Lock, Launch Control, and Race Prep. In addition, the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T boasts a driving range of up to 317 estimated miles, with fast charging capabilities that can bring the battery from 20 to 80% in as little as 27 minutes. The new generation of the Dodge Charger and of muscle cars is about to be in full swing, with production of the coupe versions of the Daytona Scat Pack and Daytona R/T set to begin in the middle of the year. The sedan’s production is set to begin in 2025, along with that of the two-door SIXPACK models. With the introduction of the new generation Dodge Charger, the muscle car world has changed significantly. View All Dodge Chargers For Sale Image Source: Dodge

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 15, 2024

1,025HP 2023 Dodge SRT Demon 170 For Sale

A record-breaking masterpiece can now be yours. The automotive industry is changing, and when it comes to record-breaking straight-line performance, electric cars are beginning to take over when it comes to breaking records and pushing boundaries. However, as SRT, one of the most pertinent names in American automotive performance, prepares to make that transition itself, the Challenger Demon 170 was introduced as its ode to muscle cars as we know them, and the final pinnacle of SRT’s current muscle car dynasty. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is capable of an amazing 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb/ft of torque, and its 1.66-second 0-60 time and 8.91-second quarter mile time at over 151 mph broke global production car records, cementing it in history as one of the greatest-ever examples of a muscle car, American performance car, or performance car on the global stage. Being as much of a testament to the capabilities of SRT performance as it is, the 2023 Dodge Demon 170 is rare, exclusive, and not easy to get your hands on. However, one of these incredible muscle cars is available for sale. It has just 10 miles on its odometer, and is finished in sleek Triple Nickel paintwork with performance-inspired yellow accents. With an interior upholstered in black Alcantara and leather, this Demon 170 is both performance-ready and luxurious, and in its stellar condition, it’s one of the greatest examples available of a history-making muscle car that is bound to be a collector’s prized possession for decades to come. If you’re interested, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 07, 2023

The New 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Boasts 690-Mile Electric...

Discover the game-changing 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger with a 690-mile range, robust power, and cutting-edge technology. The auto industry just felt a seismic shift with the debut of the all-new 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, poised to redefine the electrified sector with its staggering 690-mile range. This light-duty pickup isn't just breaking class ceilings; it's setting a new standard for what consumers expect from electrification technology. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand at Stellantis, announced the Ramcharger as the "ultimate electric truck," and and cites its impressive 663 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a lightning-fast 0-60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a head-turning 14,000 pounds of towing capacity. Moreover, the Ramcharger eliminates range anxiety, ensuring that the search for a public charger isn't nearly as much of a worry. Beneath the surface, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is a technological marvel. It houses a 92 kWh battery pack, which is complemented by a 3.6-liter V6 engine powering an onboard 130 kW generator. This setup powers the 250-kW front and 238-kW rear electric drive modules (EDMs), enabling a new era of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging. This means the Ramcharger isn't just a means of transport; it's a mobile power unit capable of charging other Stellantis EVs or even contributing electricity back to the grid. Ram’s ethos, 'Built to Serve,' is embodied in the Ramcharger's utility, offering power for homes during outages, tailgate parties, or job sites, courtesy of an onboard power panel that delivers up to 7.2 kW. Performance is also front and center with the Ramcharger, which showcases awe-inspiring stats like a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a best-in-class maximum payload capacity of 2,625 pounds. Performance aside, the Ramcharger also excels in efficiency. It cleverly integrates its liquid-cooled battery pack under the vehicle floor, maintaining a flat load surface—a feature of critical importance in a pickup. When it comes to charging, the Ramcharger offers a swift solution, capable of adding 50 miles of range in about 10 minutes with DC fast charging. Structurally, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is built on the all-new STLA Frame platform, engineered specifically for full-size electric vehicles. This robust, high-strength steel frame is designed to be lightweight yet durable, accommodating the battery pack without compromising protection. Ride quality and handling are paramount in the Ramcharger, thanks to its multi-link independent rear suspension and segment-exclusive active-level four-corner air suspension, offering five different modes to optimize the ride for various conditions. The Ramcharger doesn't skimp on advanced technology, either. The truck comes loaded with autonomous drive assist systems, including hands-free highway assist and autonomous parking capabilities. The distinctive design continues throughout, with unique exterior styling that sets it apart within the light-duty lineup, while the interior boasts ultra-premium materials and state-of-the-art technology, like the Uconnect 5 system with a colossal 14.5-inch touchscreen. With its blend of range, power, and cutting-edge features, the new 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger represents a true futuristic flagship model. With this launch, Ram isn't just leading the charge; they are defining an entirely new frontier for electrified vehicles. View All Rams For Sale Image Source: Stellantis

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 01, 2023

Dodge Announces New Crate Engine From Challenger SRT Demo...

The record-breaking V8 is now available as a crate engine, among others. The automotive landscape is ever-changing, and Dodge is looking to grab a large chunk of the spotlight. With the announcement of the new Direct Connection Crate Long Blocks, including the much-anticipated Hellephant C170 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine, the brand is sending shockwaves through the industry. It's an exciting moment, not just for Dodge aficionados but for any gearhead that appreciates ground-breaking engine technology. The highlight of this announcement is the Hellephant C170. This beast of an engine is the same one that powers the awe-inspiring, record-breaking 1,025-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. With features like a new 3.0L IHI supercharger, an improved intercooler, and a larger snout, this engine is a force to be reckoned with. It offers a whopping 1,025 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 945 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm on E85 ethanol blend. With an MSRP of $27,695, this engine promises premium performance that will set the streets and tracks on fire. But the Hellephant C170 is not the only star in the Direct Connection lineup. Other power-packed contenders include the Hellcrate Redeye 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Long Block, boasting 807 horsepower and 717 lb.-ft. of torque with an MSRP of $12,995. Then there’s the Hellcrate 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Long Block, capable of delivering 717 horsepower and 656 lb.-ft. of torque, priced at $9,495. For those seeking a bit less ferocity but still craving authentic HEMI performance, the 392 and 345 Crate HEMI Long Blocks offer 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque, and 383 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. Dodge is also introducing the HurriCrate series with its Cat 3 and Cat 1 Long Blocks. The Cat 3 can churn out up to 550 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque at just 3,500 rpm. The Cat 1 is capable of up to 420 horsepower and 468 lb.-ft. of torque by 2,500 rpm. These high-performance engines employ state-of-the-art technologies like low-inertia, high-flow turbochargers and Plasma Transfer Wire Arc coating in the cylinder bores for an ultra-thin, low-friction wear surface. All these engines are available for purchase starting in Q1 2024, but the buzz has already started. Dodge's Direct Connection portfolio has been on a rapid expansion trajectory, and the brand is signaling even more growth for 2024. To further sweeten the deal, participating Dodge Power Brokers dealerships are offering up to $1,000 off the purchase of a Direct Connection Crate Engine until the end of 2023. It's an exhilarating time for anyone involved in the high-performance automotive sector. Dodge's commitment to innovation and high-quality engineering is stronger than ever, and the Hellephant C170 and its siblings are proof of that commitment. Whether you're looking to build a resto-mod masterpiece or just ramp up your existing setup, Dodge's new Direct Connection Crate Long Blocks promise to bring high-octane thrills to the automotive world. View All Dodges For Sale

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 Tyler Rampersaud – September 22, 2022

The New 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost Is The 6th Of 7...

The second to last of the “Last Call” Dodge muscle cars is revealed. As Dodge and the muscle car world enter a new era of electrification, the V8 engines of the SRT we know today are soon to leave us, but they aren’t leaving without a bit of fanfare. Dodge’s “Last Call” 7-car series of models celebrate the legacy of the muscle cars that have helped define modern American performance and significantly raised the bar when it comes to what an American muscle car should be capable of. Each car in the series honors the glory of Dodge’s current muscle cars while also looking back on the history of Dodge's performance with looks and names that honor muscle cars of the past, especially from the golden age of American muscle. MUST READ: The Best Dodge Vipers You Can Buy Today The sixth car out of the seven has been revealed, and it’s the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, named and styled after the original Black Ghost of the 1970s, a 1970 Dodge Challenger RT SE owned by Godfrey Quails that was legendary for its mysterious time on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Paying homage to the original, the new Black Ghost features the same sleek black and chrome look with “gator skin” graphics to accentuate, as well as a modern version of the original’s incredible performance, with the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody’s 807 horsepower. Only 300 of these cars will be made, with orders opening later this fall, and as for the final “Last Call” model, fans will have to wait until November, when it will be revealed at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. View All Dodges For Sale Source: Dodge

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 01, 2022

The New 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee Is The 2nd Car In Do...

This new announcement is causing quite a lot of buzz. As we know it now, the world of muscle cars is about to make a big change. The fiery combustion engines with big power, performance, and emissions are soon going to roll off the assembly line for good, and especially for brands like Dodge, known for its muscle cars, the automotive world is at an important turning point. In order to give a proper goodbye to the combustion engine muscle cars of today, Dodge has begun offering a series of “Last Call” special edition cars, starting with the Dodge Challenger Shakedown for the 2023 model year. The series will consist of a total of 7 cars, and Dodge is announcing the second one, which is an homage to an incredible classic: the Dodge Charger Super Bee. MUST READ: The New Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept Shows Off The Electric Future Of Muscle Cars The new 2023 Dodge Charger Super Bee is the highest-performance Super Bee model ever produced, and it comes with drag radials to dominate the strip. Only 1,000 will be made, with 500 Charger Scat Pack versions in B5 Blue and 500 Charger Scat Pack Widebody versions in Plum Crazy. For the 2023 model year, these classic colors will be brought back along with classic colors like Sublime green and Destroyer Grey, bringing the total color options for Charger and Challenger cars to 14 for 2023. As the era of the combustion engine muscle car comes to a close for Dodge, it gets a proper farewell and goes out with a bang, and some sweet-sounding V8 revs. View All Dodge Chargers For Sale Source: Dodge

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