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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 – April 23, 2020

Ford Debuts All-Electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 Dragster

Every drag strip is filled with gas-powered monsters waiting to rip down the tarmac in hopes of getting that perfect launch and quickest time. For that launch, many of these cars rely on serious torque, something that electric cars typically have an abundance of. Knowing this, Ford Performance has revealed the new all-electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype. “Ford has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Icons. “Electric powertrains give us a completely new kind of performance and the all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 is one example of pushing new technology to the absolute limit. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible in an exciting year when we also have the all-electric Mustang Mach-E joining the Mustang family.” " width="680"> The Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype has some serious battery power, resulting in over 1,400 horsepower and over 1,100 lb-ft of torque. That is some serious power that will result in insane launches and remarkable numbers on the time slip. Ford Performance will be debuting the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 at a drag racing event later this year. See Mustang Cobra Jets for Sale Source: Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2020

Mecum Auctions Unveils Ken Miles' Shelby GT350-R

We have no idea how Dana Mecum and Company find the world's most coveted cars. Following on the successes of the $3.74 Million Bullitt Mustang and the $2.2 Million 1967 Super Snake, Mecum Auctions has unveiled Ken Miles' Shelby GT350-R. Not a tribute or recreation, this is the 1965 Competition car driven by Miles at Green Valley Raceway on Valentine's day of '65. It was the first time a Mustang was entered into a sanctioned race, and Ken took 1st place. Known as Chassis 5R002, it later served to test upgrades while being driven by Bob Bondurant, Chuck Cantwell, Peter Brock, and other Shelby team members. It will be the centerpiece of Dana Mecum's 33rd Annual Spring Classic at Indy. We cover all Mecum events, so stay with us as this story evolves. Learn More About This Historic Mustang " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 03, 2020

The Mustang Mach-E Can Turn Into a Giant Shrimp Cocktail

Now that football season is over, it's the perfect time to upgrade your tailgating game. Ford now has a model that would be perfect for tailgate parties but not in a way that you'd expect. You may know the Mustang Mach-E as the new electric Mustang that's actually an SUV. What you may not know is that the frunk (front trunk) can be filled with ice and turned into a giant cooler. Just look at the image up above, the frunk was turned into what's essentially a giant shrimp cocktail. Ford also says that the frunk can hold over 1,000 chicken wings. We're not sure if they did simple math to figure this out or actually tested it. Hopefully, it was the latter. The Mustang Mach-E's frunk also has a plug at the bottom so you can drain out the water or hot sauce after the party is over. SEE ALL MUSTANG GT FOR SALE Look at all of those chickens.

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2020

See the Original Bullitt Mustang Sell For $3.74 Million a...

Ford fans and Mustang maniacs now have reason to rejoice. If you weren't able to catch the live stream, an original Bullitt Mustang sold for $3.74 million at Mecum Kissimmee. With a documented history back to the streets of San Francisco. This 1968 Mustang Bullitt GT was driven by Steve Mcqueen in the film. We covered this on Friday as it happened, but here it is in case you missed it. Thanks to Dana Mecum and company for years of support, stay with us for all your Mecum news. 2019 Bullitt Mustang Top Speed Run on the Autobahn P.S. The 2020 Bullitt Mustang is one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engines of all time, and its a bargain price for 460 horsepower. Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680"> Related: The Original "Bullitt" Mustang Just Sold

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Ken Block Drives 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

No matter how powerful your computer is, simulations are only an approximation of real-world performance. Ford Engineers have been developing their first electric SUV for years, but they needed a talented driver to validate the designs. So joined by Ben Collins, Ken Block drive the prototype 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Those who want the most performance will choose the GT Performance Edition. It leaps to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds thanks to 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Rated to travel 235 miles on a charge, is it worthy of the Mustang name? We will have a comprehensive review ASAP, so in the meantime tell us what you think in the comments below. Related: Electric 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E Revealed: 0-60, Power, & Release Date

By Edward Jones – November 18, 2019

Electric 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E Revealed: 0 to 60, Powe...

For the first time in 55 years, there the Mustang lineup has been expanded thanks to the new Ford Mustang Mach-E. We've been hearing a lot about this new model, but it's finally been unveiled in its entirety. What we've all been wondering is how fast this new Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will be. Now, we finally know. For its power, the 2020 Mustang Mach-E will have multiple standard and extended-range battery options. The rear-wheel-drive variant with an extended range battery will have a range of 300 miles. If you turn drive configuration into an all-wheel-drive setup, it will pack 332 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Ford is also offering two performance versions of the Mustang Mach-E. The GT version will run from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Going a step further is the GT Performance Edition, which will flash from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-3-second range. As for power output, both GT variants will have an estimated 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. There's a lot more to unpack than just the Mustang Mach-E's performance. Most notably, the interior. Following the path of other electric vehicles and their minimalist style, the Mustang Mach-E has a subtle yet stylish cabin. A massive 15.5-inch screen is mounted front and center, and acts as the control center for the next generation of Ford's SYNC system. Ford has also taken advantage of the Mach-E's electrification and given the electric SUV plenty of storage space. As with most electric vehicles, a front trunk replaces the space where a gasoline engine would typically be housed. Inside, the rear trunk provides 29 cubic feet of storage. If you fold the rear seats down, that number goes up to 59.6 cubic feet of space. If you're interested in owning the 2020 Mustang Mach-E, a revolutionary model for Ford, you can throw down a $500 refundable deposit on the reservation site. Deliveries are expected to start in Spring 2021. SEE ALL MUSTANGS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2019

Ford's Electric SUV Has a Name: The Mustang Mach-E

We've been hearing about a new Mustang-based SUV for quite some time now, but it's all just become official. Ford just announced that the new alla-electric SUV will be called the Mustang Mach-E. All we have to go on now is a teaser video, found below, regarding the car but we will get a chance to see more soon. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV will be officially unveiled on November 17 at 9 PM EST and we will all get a chance to see it thanks to multiple livestreams (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). Following the broadcast, you get drop a $500 refundable deposit to reserve their spot in line for the Mustang Mach-E. SEE ALL GT500'S FOr SALE

By Andrew Nabors – September 13, 2019

Ford Sets New World Record for Largest Mustang Show

To say that the Mustang is world-famous is an understatement. Just like German and English cars have fans in the U.S., Ford fanatics across Europe own Mustangs of all generations. In their latest press release, Ford announced that 5,500 Mustangs were sold in Europe in the first half of 2019. This was cause for celebration, so they called all Mustang owners to the Lommel Proving Grounds in Belgium. Browse All Ford Mustangs For Sale In order to break the previous record for a Mustang Parade, 1,326 examples were spaced 20 meters apart. In unison, these feral Fords formed a herd of unprecedented proportions. Even if it was at an idle, it far exceeds 960 cars that performed similar maneuvers in Toluca, Mexico back in 2017. Unlike other brands, Ford has never changed the firing order of their small-block V8. The roar was probably felt in Mongolia when the Mustangs began to move. Congrats to Ford for 55 years of the Mustang. Click the link above for great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mustang news. " width="680"> Related: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Configurator Reveals Option Prices 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – September 11, 2019

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Configurator Reveals Option Prices

Ford Fans Rejoice, your new Shelby can be had in a variety of ways. It is a 760 horsepower beast with 625 lb-ft of torque. As the most powerful Mustang ever built, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 configurator reveals option prices. Not only will it allow you to order your car, you can also mix & match paint, technology, and racing packages. Starting with an MSRP of $72,900, it is actually $535 cheaper than the Shelby GT350R. Are they trying to phase out the 9,000 rpm track machine? Browse All Ford Mustangs FOr Sale Although the University of Florida is not my Alma Mater, many of us bleed for the Gators' in Orange & Blue. If you want to experience all the car has to offer, add some carbon fiber and remove the rear seats. The "Carbon Fiber Track Pack" is only $18,500 Heated mirrors and a powered RECARO driver's seat are included with the "Technology Package". It also has Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio. From here it is smooth sailing, going through the included parts. The final option is for a Shelby car cover for $395. The ultimate example of the new Mustang will cost $106,385 before dealer markup, delivery, gas guzzler, taxes, registration, etc. There are Mustang Maniacs who will view this as a bargain, so we want to hear from you. Tell us what you think of this spec in the comments below and stay with us for all your Ford updates. Related: 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R Receives GT500 Upgrades 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – August 12, 2019

Brown Lee Ford Unveils Gulf Licensed 808 HP Mustang

We knew about this project for a little while, but it took many late nights to hammer out the details and negotiations. The owners of Gulf Oil's Intellectual Property will not license their iconic colors to just anyone. As the world leader in selling high-performance Mustangs, our friends at Brown Lee Ford just unveiled a Gulf licensed 808 horsepower Mustang. It also offers 675 lb-ft of torque, and only 119 will be assembled. Here is just a small list of what you will receive: Available as a coupe or convertible (2019 or 2020) Available with 10-speed Auto or 6-speed Manual Custom painted Gulf blue and orange racing livery (Iconic to 1968 and 1969 24 Hours of LeMans Ford victories) Custom full leather and Alcantara interior with Gulf racing accents (available for Recaro and Non-Recaro seats) 3.0 Liter Stage 2 Supercharger System Air to water intercooler system Upgraded Fuel Injectors High-flow Air Induction System Gulf Mustang front grille delete Gulf Mustang rear decklid with Gulf logo Gulf Mustang CarbonAero front carbon fiber splitter Gulf Mustang CarbonAero carbon fiber side sills Gulf Mustang CarbonAero rear diffuser Gulf Mustang CarbonAero rear spoiler with gurney lip Lowered sport suspension (springs on magnetic ride cars, coilover on non-magnetic ride cars) Gulf Orange Brembo 6-Piston calipers with 15.1 inch rotors front Gulf Orange Brembo 4-Piston calipers with 15.1 inch rotors rear 20-Inch alloy wheels finished in gloss gunmetal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 Tires (285/30ZR20 front & 305/30ZR20 Rear) Chassis dyno calibration Special serial number plaques on dashboard and engine bay – 1 of 119 limited build This car is only available from Brown Lee Ford, and it comes with a great warranty for only $139,995 Click Here To Learn More

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