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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 Tyler Rampersaud – February 01, 2022

Ford Announces New Mustang GT3 To Debut in 2024

The original pony car is ready to gallop again. The Ford Mustang is one of the most important cars in American history. It launched an entire segment of affordable, fast, and exciting cars that still dominate the streets today, and it’s driven and loved by all kinds of car enthusiasts, from those who want a fun and simple sports car experience, to those who want a level of performance that few other cars can achieve. Starting with 2024’s 24 Hours of Daytona, Ford is introducing the new Mustang GT3, a car that takes the Mustang’s incredible performance capability and makes it track-ready. Not only will it compete in factory-backed racing and herald Ford’s return to global sports car racing, but it will also be available for customers who want to race themselves. MUST READ: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Finally Revealed: Most Powerful Street-Legal Bronco Ever Created As a collaboration between Ford Performance and Multimatic, the Mustang GT3 will race in the GTD class starting in Daytona. The car is powered by a Coyote-derived 5.0-liter V8 engine, which will show off the incredible capabilities of Mustangs when combined with naturally aspirated V8 engines. If you thought this news couldn’t get any better, Ford has also announced that a new Mustang GT4 is on the way, as well. A new era of customer and global racing is on the rise for Ford, and we can’t wait to see it in action.

By Gabriel Vega – January 06, 2022

Ford Mustang Mach-E Review: More Than Just Its Stats

On paper, the Ford Mustang Mach-E isn't a clear winner. With slower 0-60 times than a Model Y and lower range figures, the Tesla should be the obvious choice. However, after spending a week with the Mach-E, it's clear that its greatest strengths aren't stats to brag about. Instead, this electric Ford nails the details owners will care about daily by providing a driving experience that is equal parts comfortable and refined, leaving no obvious signs that this is the American carmaker's first attempt at an electric crossover. The exact Mach-E I've been driving is a dual-motor Premium trim fitted with the 98.8-kilowatt-hour battery delivering an estimated range of 270 miles. All in, this electric crossover comes with an as-tested price of just over $50,000. Retro Cues For The Future Despite being an electric crossover, the Ford Mustang Mach-E's visual connection to its muscle car sibling is instantly recognizable. With widened rear arches, sharp creases on its hood, and taillights that come straight from a 60s Mustang, there is enough retro styling here for the Mach-E to establish itself as a performance-oriented crossover. While it may want to look as aggressive as possible, aerodynamic efficiency is the name of the game, especially if it wants to deliver the best range and performance figures possible. While its overall shape looks quite close to its competitors, Ford's design team employs clever visual tricks to keep the Mach-E looking as sharp as possible. A close look at the Mach-E's sloping roofline reveals one such trick. Thanks to a gloss black roof paired with a contrasting body color, the very top of the Mach-E visually vanishes, giving the impression of a more aggressively sloped roof. While this makes the Mach-E look sleeker, it delivers an aesthetic benefit without losing efficiency or interior space. Like the muscle car upon which it takes inspiration, you won't find a single Ford badge on the outside of the Mach-E, only the classic Mustang logo. This is a plus as this electric crossover does away with unnecessary badges, only playing to its sleek overall design. Compared to a Tesla Model Y or Volkswagen ID.4, I'd take the Mach-E every time. By blending in retro styling cues with forward-thinking design, this electrified Mustang delivers an aesthetic that is both efficient and genuinely nice to look at. More Than Just Its Stats Powering my Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium tester is the model's extended range 98.8-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering an estimated range of around 270 miles. In practice, this estimate was incredibly accurate, sometimes delivering even greater range figures than advertised. This electric powertrain produces 332 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels thanks to a dual-motor configuration. Despite not being the top GT trim, this AWD Mach-E delivers all the real-world performance anyone will ever need. Flat out, the AWD Mach-E will reach 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, about 0.7 seconds slower than an equivalent Model Y and around on par with an equivalent ID.4. In the real world, these differences are meaningless. The Mach-E feels just as fast as its closest competitors from a red light with a strong initial shove that dies down considerably once at speed. While they may be similar in performance, the electrified Ford stands out with its handling dynamics, well above both the Tesla and the Volkswagen. Around town, the Mach-E is incredibly comfortable, quickly soaking up even significant imperfections on the road. However, on the move, even without adaptive dampers, the Mustang remains stable and planted, with its most important limiting factor being its low rolling resistance tires. In contrast, its competitors are equally comfortable on the road but suffer when they pick up speed. Get on the highway, and the Mach-E's benefits continue to shine with a quiet and refined cabin that lets in minor road or wind noise. Coupled with the supple suspension, the Mustang pulls ahead by supplementing its comfort with refinement. Segment-Leading Build Quality The idea of refinement continues in the interior, where the Ford Mustang Mach-E shines with its build quality. During my time with my tester, nothing was out of alignment or making unusual noises. Despite using extensive plastics for the interior, Ford disguised them cleverly by employing different textures and soft-touch materials throughout. Even at its $50,000-plus as-tested price, this Mach-E feels like a vehicle in its price category should. Comfort-wise, the Mach-E's seats offer ample adjustability and are road-trip ready, proving quite comfortable even on longer drives. There's even ample space throughout the cabin for tall adults in both the front and rear rows, thanks in large part to the roof's visual trickery. In terms of tech, the main centerpiece of the interior is the vertically oriented 15.5-inch infotainment screen. To me, this is the only main drawback of the Mach-E as its interior is less sleek than its exterior, with a massive screen slapped in the middle. While it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Ford's native infotainment system is pleasant to use and easy to navigate. In front of the driver, you'll find a comparatively tiny, 10.2-inch display that gives you essential info such as available range and speed. Is The Mach-E The One To Buy? As mentioned in the intro, the Ford Mustang Mach-E doesn't immediately shine on paper. If the fastest 0-60 time and longest range are of utmost concern, then the Tesla Model Y is your best bet. However, the Mach-E nails the aspects buyers will appreciate the most daily, such as comfort and refinement while delivering strong performance. We also can't forget that an even faster GT trim is available with added benefits such as larger wheels and tires, adaptive suspension, and stronger brakes, albeit at a higher price point. If it were my $50,000 to spend with the current crop of electric crossovers available, the Mach-E would be the winner. However, as this segment heats up with tons of new competitors on the horizon, this electrified Mustang will have stiff competition in the years to come. All Mustang Mach-Es For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2021

New 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition Announced

An homage to the original. Ford has just announced the new 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 Heritage Edition, a special variant that pays tribute to the original through new and exclusive touches. Paying tribute to the original '67 Shelby GT500, this special edition will feature an exclusive Brittany Blue exterior finish. Joining this finish are two Wimbledon White stripe options: painted striped with a unique GT500 logo or vinyl stripes with a vinyl side stripe that features the GT500 logo. The cost for these special editions is an extra $2,140 for the vinyl stripes, while the handpainted version cost is set at $12,140. Those prices would be tacked onto the 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500's base price of $72,900. View Shelby GT500s For Sale Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2021

Watch Jay Leno Take Out The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 On J...

The Mustang Mach 1 is known as a staple to the American muscle fleet of Ford with its initial debut in August 1968. Ford is happy with the return of the Mustang Mach 1 for 2021, featuring a 480-horsepower 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8. In a recent YouTube video, legendary car collector and American television host Jay Leno put the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 to the test with Ford’s VP of Marketing Jim Owens in the passenger seat. Although the Mustang Mach 1 offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, Jay Leno opts to test the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. MUST-READ: 2021 Mustang Mach 1 Combines Historical Influences With Shelby Hardware The state-of-the-art transmission allows for the vehicle to select the optimal gear by learning the driver’s driving patterns and habits. Along with the new smart shifting technology, Jay expresses his love for the new steering feel while laying down the power throughout the test drive. The full walk-through includes a breakdown of all the new features added to the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Watch Jay Leno and Jim Owens experience the new 2021 Mustang Mach 1 by clicking the video link above. View all the current Ford Mustang Mach 1 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustang Mach 1 For Sale on duPont REGISTRY

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2021

Watch Vaughn Gittin Jr. Take On The Faro Islands In His 1...

Vaughn Gittin Jr. shows his skills behind the wheel in Ford Performance x Race Service's new video. With advancements in electric vehicle technology at an all-time high, it allows drivers to discover new roads in the most eco-friendly way possible. Professional American drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. teams up with his team at Ford Performance to put their Mustang Mach E race car to the test. In the most recent YouTube video filmed by the professionals at Race Service, Vaughn Gittin Jr. travels to the Faroe Islands of north Scotland with the electrified 1,400-horsepower Mach E. VIDEO REVIEW: Ford Mustang Mach E Pushing its performance to the limits, Vaughn Gitten Jr. drifts some of the most challenging roads paired with breathtaking views of the secluded islands. Shocked by the Mustang Mach E, locals can only smile at the sight of the race car casually strolling through the narrow streets of the village. Watch Vaughn Gitten Jr. in Free Rein Farrow Islands from Ford Performance x Race Service by clicking the video link above. View all the current Ford Mustang Mach E examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustang Mach E For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Source: Ford Performance

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 Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2021

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Price & Specs Unveiled

Sign us up! Early deliveries of the new Ford Mustang Mach-E are underway, so its time for something faster. For those that need to reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the Mach-E GT Performance price & specs have been unveiled. The press release starts with the abilities. You and your family will have ample room for errands and adventure, along with 430 horsepower. Should you need to tow a motor yacht, you will also have 634 lb-ft of torque. If you need a range of 235 miles, the GT starts at $59,900, and opting for the performance model bumps it up to $64,900. The first-production electric Mustang is at your dealer, so click the button to find one near you. Browse Ford Mustang Mach-E For Sale Images (C) Ford

By Andrew Nabors – December 22, 2020

Ford Mustang Mach-E Joins The Griswolds For A Christmas V...

The late John Hughes will be remembered as one of history's greatest humorists and filmmakers. Burned into our collective consciousness, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has joined the Griswolds for a Christmas Vacation. After being sidelined on the corporate ladder, Clark's one remaining vestige of self-worth was tied to the success of the Christmas lights. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition Sprints Like A Supercar As a foreshadowing of the Ford's abilities, his wife Ellen connects the Mac-E charger, allowing the batteries to power the display. Ford envisions a future where their cars will help balance the grid and allow you to sell extra power back to the energy company. Deliveries of the Mach-E are happening around the clock, so click the button below to find our dealer near you, and Merry Christmas from duPont REGISTRY! Browse Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition Sprints ...

Forget everything you thought you knew about electric transportation. The engineers in Dearborn have delivered your new family hauler just in in time for the Holidays, as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition sprints like a supercar. Take a deep breath and hang on. " width="680"> With two electric motors and a range of 235 miles, you will reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds...If you want a faster Ford, the Shelby GT500 does the same trick one-tenth faster. Sure, the lesser versions offer more range without the same abilities, but most of us will prefer having 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque! To celebrate this incredible power, Ford bestowed it with 19" Brembo brakes and 20" machined-face wheels. Magnetic suspension, aluminum-face gauges and Pirelli tires are also onboard. This unprecedented pony is poised to shock the world, so stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 03, 2020

See the All-Electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 Prototype's M...

The all-electric Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 was unveiled in April with plans of it being debuted at a drag racer on a later date. That drag race has happened and it was actually the NHRA U.S. Nationals. During its debuted, Ford managed to rip the electric Cobra Jet down the drag strip for a quarter-mile time of 8.27 seconds at 168 mph. During this run, it reached 1,502 peak wheel horsepower, an amount that Ford notes is equal to more than three 2021 Mustang GT V8 engines. That's astounding and it was enough to launch the front wheels way up into the air. You can see it in action for yourself in the video up above. I will admit that the sound of its electric powerplant is pretty awesome. "Since revealing the car, we’ve continued to fine-tune it and now know we're just scratching the surface of what we may be able to achieve with this much electric horsepower in a drag racing setting,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. See All Shelby GT500s for Sale

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