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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 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

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 02, 2016

Here's Why You Probably Won't Own a New Ford GT

Apparently, it doesn't matter if your name is John Smith or Jay Leno when it comes to acquiring the new Ford GT. All interested parties, regardless of prestige or fame, will have to participate in a meticulous review process that involves a lengthy application before they're considered as a potential buyer of one of the coveted 250 GTs available.According to The Detroit News, Ford's product chief, Raj Nair, stated in an interview that the vetting process is to ensure the GTs go to valued, long-standing Ford customers that likely won't sell the car for profit or place the car in a collection for viewing purposes only. The company wants owners of the new GT to enjoy--and by enjoy they mean drive-- the car as an automobile is meant to be enjoyed.The application process includes a section stating the potential owner is prohibited to sell the car for a certain (but currently unspecified) length of time. The purpose of the process is for Ford executives to gauge the applicant's relationship with the brand. They want only true Ford enthusiasts-- rather than just car enthusiasts-- with the new GT in their possession.The application process is scheduled to go live sometime this month.Ford GT for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 22, 2016

1965 Ford GT40 Replica for Sale: Own a Piece of Fast and ...

During the Indy 2016 auction in May, Mecum Auctions will feature the 1965 Ford GT40 replica used in Fast Five, the fifth installment in the Fast and Furious movie franchise starring Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker. This 1965 Ford GT40 is actually a replica built by Race Car Replicas in Michigan exclusively for Fast Five.The car is sold with a build sheet and registration from Race Car Replicas. You'll also receive paperwork from Universal Studios and a set of photos of the car. This is your opportunity to own a piece of Fast and Furious history. The franchise is one of the most popular movie franchises to date.Replica 1965 Ford GT40 Specs 347/540 HP small block Ford engine 5-Speed transmission Featured in Fast Five in 2011 Race tuned suspension Added A/C and heat Hand-stitched black leather interior View ListingFord GT 40 For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 18, 2016

2017 Ford GT: Specs, Review and Photos

2017 Ford GT Specs Price: Estimated $400,000 Engine: 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 Horsepower: 600+ hp Torque: TBD 0–60: TBD Top Speed: TBD Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automaticThis year, American muscle car enthusiasts everywhere were reunited with an old flame: the Ford GT. The GT re-entered the spotlight at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in January, but the car’s debut was more than just a reintroduction. Held in the heart of the American automotive industry and the car manufacturer’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan, the 2016 Ford GT made its first public appearance and reclaimed its old stomping ground in one fell swoop."...the most powerful EcoBoost engine Ford has ever created."Sure to be the start of a modern supercar era for the automaker, Ford plans to show off the 2016 GT’s American grit at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a famously grueling race known to challenge even the most skilled drivers and advanced supercars. The 2016 GT revival is forged with a twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine that yields more than 600 horsepower, making it the most powerful EcoBoost engine Ford has ever created. Ford employed the use of lightweight materials to capitalize on the car’s performance, using carbon fiber to construct the passenger cell and body panels and aluminum in the front and rear subframes. - From the 2016 Exotic Car Buyers Guide Ford GT For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2015

Why You Should Buy a Ford GT

For two years, we have been collaborating with Motor Trend in taking our duPont REGISTRY Live experience around the US. As a way of perfecting our booth, I have found that one of the best ways to drive attendance is to showcase a Ford GT.On the street you would expect the suspension to be unforgiving, but the incredibly stiff space frame allows for comfortable spring rates. The only warning against daily driving the GT is that it attracts so much attention that motorists around you become distracted.We all know that the new GT will debut with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 which will deliver great power, but its predecessor packed a 5.4-liter V8 with a decent sized supercharger. Since it was based on the V8 used in Ford’s trucks, there is an extensive aftermarket available to push your GT into uncharted territory.Find your GT from our dealer listings. Install larger camshafts. Turn up the boost. Remove the mufflers. You will have a 650+ hp rocket ship that will run laps around anything else on the street.Mark Iv Red Ford GT View ListingSilver Ford GT View ListingBlue Ford GT View ListingMark Iv Red Ford GT View ListingHeritage Blue Ford GT View Listing

By Edward Jones – December 17, 2015

New Ford GT Will Feature Same Glass as Phones

You've more than likely heard of Gorilla Glass before because it's the super strong glass used on smartphones. The company who produces the glass, Corning, has teamed up with Ford to create the first Gorilla Glass hybrid windshield, coming first on the new Ford GT.Announced in a December 15 press release, this new windshield saves 12 lbs thanks to its light properties. A typical windshield consists of two layers of glass, with a "thermoplastic interlayer binding agent" in between, per Ford's press release. This new glass technology uses " a pane of toughened automotive-grade formed hybrid" as an inner layer, instead of the binding agent. The result? A windshield that's 32% lighter and 25-50% thinner, with greater strength than traditional laminate.“During development, we tried different glass variations before we found a combination that provided both weight savings and the durability needed for exterior automotive glass,” said Paul Linden, Ford body exteriors engineer, in the press release. “We learned, somewhat counterintuitively, that the strengthened interior layer of the windshield is key to the success of the hybrid window.”If you're unsure of just how strong this new windshield is, check out the video below. It shows a massive chunk of hail being fired at traditional windshield glass and then at the new Gorilla Glass hybrid. I won't spoil it, but this new glass is the real deal.In addition to the windshield, the new GT will also be using a new and unique glass for the bulkhead panel found separating the passenger cell and engine bay.Hopefully, this new glass technology is a hit and makes its way to more cars in the future.Ford GTs For Sale(Source: Ford Motor Company)

By Caitlin Duffy – October 13, 2015

Rev Off: Ford GT vs Dodge Challenger Hellcat

Everyone knows that American cars are loud in a way few other countries have been able to replicate.They're throaty, loud, deep and intimidating, and you can feel the rumble of their engines before you actually hear it. Two manufacturers in particular, Dodge and Ford, have managed to make engines that sound more like a battle cry than a power source, but which would you say hits a better note?Salomondrin took to YouTube to try and figure that out, pitting the sounds of a Ford GT and a Dodge Challenger Hellcat against each other in an Oct. 12 video. You hear the cars starting up from both in the driver's seat and behind the exhaust, and as it switches back and forth between the two, there are some noticeably significant differences in their sounds.(See Also: Ford GT Getting a New Front at Gas Monkey Garage)Both cars make use of a V8, the Hellcat's at 6.2-liters and the GT's at 5.4-liters, but one was a toned down version of a race car, while the other is a cranked up version of a daily driver. Do they meet in the middle and have a fairly matched tune? Or is there one that's obviously superior to the other?Let us know what you think in the comments below, then find your favorite one on our website and add it to your collection.Challengers For Sale Ford GTs For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Ford News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 05, 2015

Ford GT Prepares for 2016 Racing Season

Only a few weeks separate us from now and the beginning of 2016, when the much anticipated revival of the Ford GT race car.Ford has periodically shared video updates of the GT's path to production, and the most recent one, posted to YouTube Oct. 2 by Ford Performance, focused in on the benefits of developing such a powerful vehicle.From refining their existing technologies, to developing new ones that will appear in other models down the line, preparing the GT for peak performance holds countless opportunities for the American manufacturer.Of course, the main opportunity will arrive with the new year, when it's ready for the track. All of this development goes toward perfecting the primary function of the American supercar. As Raj Nair, Group Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Ford's Global Product Development describes, "This car's function is to win at Le Mans."Another video shared by Ford Performance Sept. 21 announced the locations of 2016 races that the GT will compete in. Four different GTs will race with Chip Ganassi Racing at 11 US and 9 international races, including the 24 hours of Le Mans on June 18 and 19.(See Also: 2017 Ford GT Production Numbers Announced)Check out the two videos above to learn more about the GT's development and racing schedule, and stay with us to learn more as the 2016 season draws closer. In the mean time, find a classic Ford GT for your collection from our exclusive listings at the button below.Ford GTs For Sale(Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans) See More Ford News

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