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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 Edward Jones – October 08, 2021

Ford Has Just Unveiled the Perfect Off-Road SUV

Everything you need for an epic adventure. Ford has just unveiled the new Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept, based on the 2022 Expedition Timberline series. This concept SUV was designed to offer everything you need during off-road adventures, and it delivers. As you can clearly see from the images in this article, it's abolutely loaded with features. For starters, the Expedition itself has been given an extra two inches of lift thanks to custom FOX Performance Elite Series 2.5-inch shocks. This lift gives room for the 17-inch Method Race Wheels shod in 35-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. On top of the Expedition itself is a Thule Tepui Explorer tent that rests on crossbars, as well as a Overland Vehicle Systems’ Nomadic 180-degree awning. Being an off-road vehicle, there's also a 50-inch Rigid light bar mounted right in front of the tent. Inside the Expedition, is a custom aluminum dual storage drawer unit that can be found underneath the custom Luno camping mattress that can sleep two. Accompanying the Expedition Timberline Off-Grid concept is a matching Turtleback Expedition Series Trailer. This trailer features room for additional gear, a two-burner propan stove, deep-weel sink, two dropdown tables, 42-gallon water tank, six-gallon water heater with a shower hookup and a pancake propane tank. If you'd like to see this awesome concept for yourself, it will be on display October 8-10 at the Overland Expo East at Oak Ridge Estates in Arrington, Virginia and then at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, November 2-5. View All Ford Raptors For Sale Source: Ford

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2021

2022 Ford Mustang Gets Two New Packages: Stealth Edition ...

The 2022 Mustang range just got a bit bigger and better. Ford has just announced that the new 2022 Mustang will now feature the all-new Stealth Edition Appearance Package, as well as the California Special with the GT Performance Package option. These new offerings will surely be hot selections for new Mustang customers due to them being offered for the very first time. The new Stealth Edition is a brand-new introduction to the Mustang lineup. This package gives the Mustang an awesome new blacked-out appearance thanks to the 19-inch Ebony Black aluminum wheels, black badges, performance rear wing, black mirror caps, new LED taillight covers. Inside, the blacked-out theme continues with the black instrument panel badge that can come in either matte or gloss. Ford will be offering the Stealth Edition in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Dark Matter and Shadow Black. Ford has also introduced the 2022 Mustang GT California Special that's based on the Mustang GT Premium model. This special edition package includes GT/CS side stripe, special California Special badges, and features from the GT Performance Package that enhance the Mustang's performance and driving experience. Inside, the GT/CS logos can also be found in embossed and embroidered forms, as well as black Miko® sueded-trimmed door inserts and sueded-trimmed seats. Ford will be offering the new 2022 California Special in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, Dark Matter, Grabber Blue Metallic, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, Shadow Black and Oxford White. Source: Ford

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2021

Ford Bronco Raptor Announced For 2022

It was bound to happen. So while we all knew that a Ford Bronco Raptor variant would more than likely happen, we finally have some news. Ford has just announced that there will be a Bronco Raptor available in 2022. Unfortunately, that's literally all that Ford has announced so far. That being said, it's a small statement that carries quite the punch. Alongside the announcement, Ford also released a short teaser video that can be found up above. Now... we play the waiting game. See All Broncos For Sale Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 25, 2021

Tuscany Motor Co. Launches The New 2021 Ford F-150 FTX

Presented by Tuscany Motor Co. - Introducing the All-New Ford FTX All Terrain F-150. This flagship truck blends off-road capability and aggressive stance with graceful styling and luxury finishes. The 2021 FTX features a full metal hood option along with the exclusive front bumper with the FTX logo embossed directly above the LED light bar. All these elements combined has built the FTX into "The Original Gentleman's Truck" you've grown to love. Tuscany Motor Co. Tuscany Motor Co., now a FOX Factory company, is part of a family of Special Vehicle Manufacturers that have built over 200,000 custom vehicles from four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana. From the industry leading FTX series to Shelby American and Harley‑Davidson licensed vehicles, Tuscany has a custom vehicle for your next excursion. Our manufacturing process utilizes components and exclusive recalibration methods that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Standards leading to all vehicles receiving a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty. Discover The Tuscany Motor Co. Ford F-150 FTX Media/Information Source: Tuscany Motor Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2021

Shelby American Inc. Takes On Monterey Car Week 2021

A week packed with American Muscle provided by the team at Shelby American Inc. Monterey Car Week is full of endless events and car shows displaying some of the most desirable vehicles on the market, and Shelby American was at every stop to showcase its newest models. The week began with a private showcase event for Shelby America clientele and friends at the Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel, CA for an introduction of the fleet that the professionals at Shelby have to offer. The vehicles at the event include the new Shelby F-150 Super Snake Sport, in both a lifted and lowered version, as well as the Super Snake Mustang. As part of the single-cab short bed F-150 Super Snake, Aaron Shelby and brand executives were on-site to give a few words on the aspirations of Shelby American Inc. and the legacy the company continues to follow. After a lunch session accompanied by some fantastic views of the vineyard, the Shelby American team and owners discussed the plan of events for the week, which included a group drive down the iconic Route 1 roadway and meet-up at Laguna Seca Raceway. Following the private event, Shelby American made their way to the Laguna Seca Raceway for a day fueled with modern, vintage, and historic races. The display was filled with Shelby Cobra examples, including a very special new project that the team was proud to have on-site. The first Shelby American electric Cobra made its debut at the track with owners and enthusiasts there to celebrate the event. The new platform incorporates genuine exterior and interior features of the classic muscle car. When opening the hood or trunk, the electric drivetrain of the Cobra is exposed with its battery back and electric motor stowed away. Providing a new electric driving experience for the Cobra, the new project defines the innovation and push forward for Shelby American Inc.

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2021

New 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition Unveiled

It will be making its debut at the Monterey Car Week alongside the original prototype. The new 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition has just been unveiled as a new model that will be available for the supercar's final year of production. This special model pays homage to the original 1964 Ford GT prototype that was first unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in 1964. “This is the first Ford GT Heritage Edition that goes beyond celebrating race wins – this one goes deep, and honors the earliest of Ford supercar heritage,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “The Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition is a modern interpretation of the original, with no mistaking what this car is paying tribute to.” The livery of the Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition consists of Wimbledon White paint with Antimatter Blue graphics and a triple racing stripe. Other exterior components include exposed carbon fiber components and 20-inch Antimatter Blue-painted carbon fiber wheels and silver and black Brembo brake calipers. Inside, Ford included plenty of carbon fiber trim, as well as Lightspeed Blue Alcantara, Ebony Alcantara and Ebony leather found throughout. If you'd like to see this special Ford GT for yourself, it will debut alongside the only surviving 1964 Ford GT prototype at The Quail and on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. See All Ford GTs For Sale Source: Ford Motor Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 15, 2021

Hennessey Performance Engineering Announces The All-New V...

All-new VelociRaptor 400 Bronco production limited to just 200 units for the first year. Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has turned up the power on the new Ford Bronco with its acclaimed VelociRaptor package. The all-new Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco boasts 405 bhp at 5,700 rpm and 503 lb-ft torque at 3,900 rpm as a result of comprehensive reworking by the experts at Hennessey. The team’s engineers fit new intake and exhaust systems to the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant, in addition to recalibrating the engine to maximize power. The VelociRaptor package adds 75 hp to the range-topping, Bronco Badlands, and adds 88 lb-ft to the stock torque figure enabling the 4×4 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. With Hennessey’s Off-Road Package, owners can individualize their Bronco further with 35-inch off-road tires on 18-inch Hennessey wheels; front and rear VelociRaptor bumpers; retractable side steps; and VelociRaptor branding. Thanks to the extensive Hennessey R&D process, all of the Bronco’s engine modes and off-road systems are retained, plus Hennessey provides a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty as part of the $80,000 price that the typical customer will pay (including the base Bronco Badlands). Available in two- or four-door versions, with or without a soft-top, the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco is available for order now. Production is limited to 200 units for 2021 and orders can be placed through authorized Ford retailers or Hennessey directly. View All Ford Broncos For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWxYc5l65K/ For more Ford news, Check out The GearBox: Ford F-150 Black Ops Style

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2021

Shadow Black 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" For Sale

Presented by Private Seller - This 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" is a true street-legal race car that's about as exclusive as they come. It's finished in Shadow Black paint that's accented by carbon fiber stripes and exposed carbon fiber trim with a gloss finish. On the move, this Ford GT surely looks like a stealth fighter jet. What's more, this GT is equipped with the very desirable 600A "Lightweight" package. This package includes the Lightweight graphics, 20-inch gloss exposed carbon fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, polycarbonate rear engine hatch and an Alcantara-wrapped carbon fiber steering wheel. The previously mentioned carbon fiber wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are brought to a stop by red Brembo brake calipers. Inside this GT is the Carbon interior that's accented tastefully with carbon fiber trim, including the door sills. With just 8 miles on its odometer, this exclusive 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" is a truly exquisite example of the groundbreaking American supercar. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Price and Listing

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2021

Production of the 2021 Ford Bronco is Finally Underway

After 25 years, the Bronco is officially back. The all-new 2021 Ford Bronco is finally back as the automaker has announced that production of the SUV is underway at the Michigan Assembly Plant. Ford also notes that the two-door and four-door models are now being delivered to dealerships across America. Production will surely not wind down anytime soon as Ford notes that there have been over 120,000 Broncos ordered and more than 190,000 reservations have been made in the U.S. and Canada. To prepare themselves, Ford invested $750 million into their Michigan Assembly Plant to ensure it was ready, and added about 2,700 jobs. Basically, it's all hands on deck for production on the Bronco. This historic launch has us excited to see how owners will customize their Broncos. Thanks to its modular design, it's never been easier. Custom Ford Broncos For Sale Source: Ford

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2021

Ford Opens the First Bronco Off-Roadeo School in Texas

A chance to experience the new Bronco's capabilities. Ford has just announced that the first-ever Bronco Off-Roadeo school in Texas will be opening up on June 28. This new experience is located in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, near Austin where there are plenty of trails to explore. This new experience is open to both Bronco Sport Badlands and First Edition owners, as well as those who have ordered the Bronco two- and four-door models. During the day and a half experience, guests will be able to drive the Broncos through off-road courses and trails. Trail guides will also give the guests informative instructions on how to use off-road equipment like recovery straps as well as teach them trail etiquette. Guests will also be able to take part in other outdoor activities like kayaking, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking. Ford will be opening up three more Off-Roadeo locations in Moab, Nevada and the Northeast. To learn more, visit BroncoOffroadeo.com. Source: Ford Motor Company

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