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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 Andrew Nabors – May 16, 2017

Ford GT: Comparing 2017 vs 2005

In the latest film from Doug DeMuro, he travels to the Great Salt Lake to compare a 2005 Ford GT against the latest 2017 GT. Perhaps it was presumptuous to think the new model would share anything with its predecessor, but nostalgia goes a long way at this price point. One of his coworkers has amassed almost 30,000 miles on the previous generation, so his comments on the new car are very insightful.Ford GT Price, Specs, Photos 2004-2005In our cooperation with Motor Trend, I've had a few opportunities to drive them. Ford spent a ton of money building an amazing street car with the looks and layout of the vintage 60's LeMans Winner. The 2005 GT is comfortable and balanced, with the best manual transmission ever made. Sure it shares interior parts with other Fords, so if window switches make or break your peace of mind, you might have other issues to consider.Also Check Out - Delivery of a One-Off Arancio Borealis Brand-New Ford GTThe new car is more of a race car that is detuned for street manners. With a much smaller cockpit and a lower ride height, visibility looks a bit hindered. Even at the lowest performance settings, the 3.5 liter V6 is loud. The exhaust note is exotic and throaty, but the soundtrack isn't for everyone. Interior and exterior styling leave nothing to be desired, so we hope some of the unique features will be shared with lesser models. Pros and cons can easily be seen in comparing the steering wheels. The old car was a ring of leather with a GT badge. The new one is a blend of carbon fiber with a ton of vehicle controls. Having so many features at your fingertips is handy, but it leaves any notion of aesthetics in the past. If you want the power and technology that dominated LeMans, your local Ford dealer will be ready to submit your application. But if you want classic looks and three pedals: 1: Buy a pre-owned Ford GT, and 2: Send it to Hennessey Performance!

By Edward Jones – January 17, 2017

New 2018 Ford Mustang Drops V6, Gets Redesigned Front

Today, Ford announced the new 2018 Mustang and all the details surrounding the American pony car.“The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. “Tapping Mustang’s enormous fan base, we’re bringing the new Mustang straight to the people – and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions.”As for the obvious, Ford has gone ahead and given the Mustang a brief refresh in terms of appearance. The refresh is most apparent in the front fascia, where new LED lights are the focal point. Additionally, the hood and grille were also revised with new hood vents and grilles. The rear of the car also has new LED taillights, as well as a new bumper, available rear wing and fascia.Those interested will be able to buy the car in Fall 2017.All Ford Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 01, 2017

2016 Ford Escape Review

If there was one vehicle that I've really felt truly comfortable in the last year, honestly, it would have to be the 2016 Ford Escape. Hear me out. Now I'm not talking comfortable due to luxurious plush seating, I'm talking about an overall sense of comfort. As soon as I sat down in this crossover, I felt like I already knew where everything was. From the switches and buttons on the center console, to the light, it was all very self-explanatory from the get-go. Yeah, I wasn't being swaddled in rich leathers or listening to a Harmon Kardon sound system, but it just felt right. And for that, I actually really loved the 2016 Escape.As far as power goes, the base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (22 city / 31 highway / 25 mpg combined) that's good for 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. As for the SE and Titanium trims, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is found under the hood. Those kind of power figures aren't comparable to most cars I write about, but this is one sturdy engine that provides great mileage and what I can imagine a bulletproof future. The drive our Escape offered was pleasant, not remarkable, but I didn't expect it to be. However, thanks to its short wheelbase and short stature, it was actually quite nimble around corners.Going back to that interior I was talking about in the beginning, the 2016 Escape's cabin is just great. The center console has a gear selector mounted a little bit higher than normal, which worked out quite nicely, because when your hand is rested on it, it only takes a slight movement of the hand to reach the climate controls. Above the climate controls is the MyFordTouch interface that was simple and efficient. Also, the layout of the media interface buttons almost looked a bit sci-fi, which I wasn't exepcting. When it came to space in the cabin, I never ran into an issue. As it is a crossover, I wasn't looking to fit a full-size couch in the back, but average groceries and a few larger items (bikes and whatnot) fit just fine in the rear.If you're looking for an entry-level and small crossover that will act as a flawless daily driver, this might just be the best pick.

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2016

Ford GT Caught Speed Testing, Sounds Like a Missile

The new American supercar known as the Ford GT is almost here. It's been quite a while since we were first shown the car, but it's only a matter of time until we start seeing the GT at events like our Cars and Coffee shows.(Related - New Ford GT Production Run Extended by Two Years)Until then, we will have to make due with fake spy videos from Ford, like the one they uploaded to YouTube yesterday. In this new video, we get to see the Ford GT doing some high-speed test runs. The sight of the car speeding across the screen might be spectacular, it's the missile-like sound of the car passing that really takes center-stage. That sound you're hearing is a combination of the wind passing across the car and the 600 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.Check out the video below and get ready for the next chapter in Ford GT history.All Ford GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2016

900 hp Mustang Pulls Off "Forever Drift" on Formula 1 Track

Apparently, people been racing across the Formula 1 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in a straight line, prompting Vaughn Gittin Jr. to take a more sideways approach to the track.(Sports Cars For Sale)Ford Performance recently uploaded a video of Vaughn Gittin Jr. taking his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D (that's a mouthful) around the corners in a smokier fashion than the track is used to. Laying down all of the car's power, he drifted all 1,600 feet of Turn 3 and then went on to drift for 3,200 more feet in order to connect Turn 3 with the exit of Turn 4.Normally, we see this type of drifting in video games like Forza Horizon 3 or Gran Turismo, but when it comes to Vaughn Gittin Jr., no drift is ever big enough.All Mustang For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 22, 2016

2017 Ford GT Heritage Edition Revs to Life

The new Ford GT is one of the most anticipated vehicles for the 2017 year, and the Heritage Edition is really something special. Paying homage to the iconic 1966 Ford GT, the Heritage Edition is a sight to see and features a Shadow Black exterior with matching Ebony leather interior. The 2017 Heritage Edition brings the 1966 Le Mans victory back to life.In the video below, catch a first glimpse at the menacing Heritage Edition in action revving away. The sound is the low, powerful rumble we expected from the Ford GT. It's definitely music to the ears. Check it out below and let us know what you think!View All Ford GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 28, 2016

Accepted for a 2017 Ford GT, Including Options

Acceptance letters for the new 2017 Ford GT now being sent out, as well as rejection letters. One lucky guy, Brooks from DragTimes, had his application accepted and he looks forward to adding a new GT to his collection.In a video uploaded by his YouTube channel, Brooks goes over the letter he received from Ford. In the letter, he is given different "Theme Preferences" to choose from, including Dark Energy, Re-Entry, Light Speed, Launch Control and Ford GT '66 Heritage. Brooks notes that because he is DragTimes, he will most likely go with Launch Control, although what he chooses now won't be a final decision. Essentially, these options in the letter are being used for forecasting purposes. The letter also goes on to ask for whether he will be choosing a color from the Standard Paint Palette or the Extended Color Palette, and if he will be adding stripes.As of now, Brooks has 10 days to respond to Ford with notification that he will be purchasing a 2017 GT. Will he? You bet and we're more than excited to see what he has planned for the new American supercar.Ford GT For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 13, 2016

How the Ford GT Was Tested in the Wind Tunnel

Superior aerodynamics and design aren't something that just come along as a fluke or a happy accident. An automotive maker needs some of the best designers and engineers around. Designs are tested, modified and retested to ensure the best performance. When it comes to the new Ford GT, development is of greatest importance and no expense is being spared in making sure the latest installment of the supercar is the best version possible.(Also Read This - 2017 Ford GT: Everything from Colors to Materials Represents You)According to a company press release, "the Ford GT is a study in functional design and active airflow management," thanks to a plethora of technologies and testing, including wind tunnel testing. Using Wind Tunnel B, located in Allen Park, Michigan, Nick Terzes, Ford's engineering supervisor, accompanies a Ford GT prototype for aerodynamics testing. “The prime reason we come to the tunnel is to get the actual physical data on the vehicle,” Terzes explained in the press release. “We’ll look at interior wind-noise acoustics, and the aerodynamics of the vehicle.”This testing will provide insight and information to the engineering team at Ford so when the Ford GT comes out, they'll know they've put their best work forward. Check out the video below to see the wind tunnel testing in action.View Ford GTs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 06, 2016

2017 Ford GT: Everything from Colors to Materials Represe...

Ford has long used the GT to make a statement. Bold and powerful, the Ford GT is one of the staples of American muscle. Each GT installment represents the time in which it was built and pays homage to the Ford racing history responsible for inspiring the design.For the new installment of the GT, everything on the car--- from colors to brake calipers and materials--- is deliberate and intentional. Each color option represents Ford's racing history as well as representing the style of the owner. Five different brake caliper colors are now available, giving owners the ability to further customize their GT. Coating options are now offered for components made of carbon fiber.Barb Whalen, Ford's design manager for color and materials states in a press release:“We walked a fine line with the color and materials in this vehicle – infusing energy through use of color and balance while working to ensure the raw appeal of a performance car still shines through.Everything in the all-new Ford GT was intentionally designed to express ultimate performance.”New carbon fiber components are more that just design as they play an important structural role in the GT while simultaneously, "serving as a visual anchor of the supercar's lightweight construction." A minimalist approach to color is also infused into the interior to compliment the exterior of the car so as to minimize distraction while still adding to the aesthetics.Eight exteriors colors are available, all of which serve as, " a nod to Ford's racing heritage." Though owners will have the ability to choose any color combination that suits them, suggestions for color combinations and themes are available as well.View Ford GTs For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 14, 2016

LEGO and Ford Team Up at Le Mans With This Model

Some people have the rare opportunity to drive race cars. Others are behind the design and construction process. And then there are the very few tasked with the truly unique job of building race cars out of... LEGOs. Anyone who played with LEGO as a child knows the sheer euphoria of creating something wonderful and workable out of the tiny little bricks. Some people have the opportunity to craft LEGO creations all day long as a full-time job. And when LEGO teams up with well-known car makers like Ford, one can only assume an awesome project is in the works.(Also Read: Porsche GT3 RS Kit by Lego) Le Mans, one of the most popular 24 Hour races in the world, will host a completed Ford GT race car built entirely of LEGOs at this year's competition in France on June 18 and 19. The LEGO version of the Ford GT is one-third the size of the actual car and includes the #66 race number. Additional features include, "the same green wing mirrors and screen top visor as the full-sized car," according to a company press release. The creation used a total of 40,000 individual bricks and three weeks to finish. Check out the behind-the-scenes video to see how the LEGO Ford GT came to be.Ford GTs for Sale

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