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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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 12, 2026

Shelby American Inc. Reveals The F-250 Super Baja

For more than 60 years, Carroll Shelby and Shelby American have transformed everyday road cars and trucks into extraordinary machines, continuing to push performance boundaries while carrying forward Shelby’s enduring legacy. Carroll’s legacy lives on as Shebly American Inc. is proud to unveil the all-new Shelby F-250 Super Baja, a limited-production heavy-duty pickup designed to balance between a serious workhorse and desert-ready 4x4.Built on the backbone of the Ford Super Duty platform, the Shelby F-250 Super Baja starts life with Ford’s iconic 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel and a 10-speed automatic transmission. That foundation already makes it one of the most capable heavy-duty trucks on the road, but Shelby’s formula has always been about turning strong platforms into something far more impressive. In this case, the 2026 model becomes the first Shelby vehicle produced at the brand’s new Shelby Performance facility in Bristol, Indiana. The build is engineered in collaboration with top-tier industry suppliers, delivering a dual-purpose machine capable of pretty much anything.Much of its overhaul centers around the suspension. A new King Shocks setup lifts the truck, increases travel, and completely changes the way this three-quarter-ton pickup feels on and off pavement. Massive 37-inch BFGoodrich tires mounted to 20-inch Shelby wheels give it the stance to match, while a steel chase rack in the bed carries a spare for longer off-road adventures. Shelby’s exterior upgrades are more functional if anything, including powder-coated steel bumpers, tow points, a functional air-induction hood with vents, LED lighting, and a massive power-actuated light bar mounted to the Baja chase rack.Inside, the Super Baja keeps things cool, calm, and comfortable. Full leather seats with Shelby embroidery, carbon-fiber accents, billet racing pedals, and digital gauges upgrade the cabin beyond typical heavy-duty pickups. Every truck comes with a serialized CSM plate and official documentation in the Shelby Registry. With only 250 units planned, pricing starts around $159,795, including the donor Lariat Ultimate F-250, and the truck will make its public debut at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in April before deliveries begin. For Shelby fans, it’s proof that the spirit of Carroll Shelby can thrive in a lifted diesel truck with 37-inch tires.

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 03, 2025

Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250s For Sale: The Ultimate Perf...

When it comes to performance pickup trucks, the Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 stands out as a powerhouse that seamlessly blends rugged aesthetics with unmatched capability. This beast on wheels is a testament to Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a pickup truck can achieve, thanks to the collaboration with the legendary team at Shelby American. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails, the Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Exterior: Bold and Rugged Design The exterior of the Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 is a sight to behold. Shelby American has outfitted this truck with aggressive styling cues that include a custom Shelby hood, a robust front bumper, and distinctive fender flares. The truck sits on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires, providing excellent traction and a commanding presence. The LED light bar and additional off-road lights ensure visibility in all conditions, while the Shelby graphics package adds a touch of exclusivity. Interior: Comfort Meets Utility Step inside the Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250, and you'll find an interior that combines luxury with practicality. The seats are upholstered in premium leather with Shelby embroidery, offering both comfort and style. The cabin is equipped with the latest technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Ample storage space and ergonomic design make this truck as functional as it is comfortable, catering to the needs of both everyday driving and adventure. Powertrain and Performance: A Beast Under the Hood Under the hood, the Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 boasts a formidable powertrain. It is equipped with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine, capable of producing a staggering 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This immense power allows the Super Baja F-250 to tow heavy loads effortlessly and conquer challenging terrains with ease. The upgraded suspension system, including Fox shocks, ensures a smooth ride even in the most demanding conditions, while the high-performance exhaust system enhances both power and sound. View All Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250s For Sale 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2023 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2023 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing 2024 Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 View Listing Buy Searching for a Ford Shelby to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of Fords for sale right now, including some of the rarest ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Porsches for sale. Shop Best Fords For Sale Sell Do you own a Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250 and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Porsche. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your Ford Shelby Super Baja F-250

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2021

Shelby American Inc. Takes On Monterey Car Week 2021

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

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 First Impressions

Another Happy Customer! Ford will be happy to sell you the most powerful Mustang ever offered, but it will be just like all the others. For those of us that dare to be different, let's watch the Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 first impressions from its owner. Mr. Devine allowed Mr. Hennessey and the team to dive into a new Shelby GT500. Starting with the supercharger, it is gutted and rebuilt to move much more air. Their snout and pulleys are turned by a new drive system that won't slip under load. The intercooler system is also new, with a massive brick and high-flow heat exchanger. What separates the Venom 1000 from lesser competitors is the ability to ingest moonshine. A new flex-fuel system is integrated into the factory computer. Once it senses E85, the boost and ignition timing are unlocked to make 1,000 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. Because you have 850 lb-ft of torque at 4,800, you might need a tire sponsor. Each example is fine-tuned for comfortable street driving, even if you only have 900 horsepower on 93 octane. The dual-clutch transmission is given a snappy tune to make the most of this power, and the look on their faces is priceless! Click the button for all the details on this Venom and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 03, 2020

Shelby Unveils GT350SE and GT500SE Signature Editions

In addition to building amazing cars, Carroll Shelby was a philanthropist. That's why proceeds their special edition models go to the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Their latest builds continue his legacy of making faster cars even faster, and treating customers like royalty. The new 2021 GT350SE is a $9,995 upgrade package that will be limited to 100 cars. Each will arrive with caster/camber plates, stiffer sway bars, and 19 x 11 forged wheels. It can be ordered without rear seats and with a harness bar, along with Pirelli SC2 tires. A dry carbon hood and widebody package are also offered. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time Big brother gets a nice performance increase, as the 2021 Shelby GT500SE for sale makes just over 800 horsepower. It is a $29,995 package that is also limited to 100 examples. Each car gets stronger axles, massive intercooler, an all-new suspension, and 20 x 11.5 tires. The dry carbon hood is 30 lbs lighter, and like above, the rear seats can be deleted in favor of a harness bar. The "First Fifteen" examples of each will be delivered at Shelby American headquarters in Las Vegas. Owners will be treated to a banquet dinner, factory tour, and a 1-night stay at "The D Las Vegas". Our Shelby dealers have all the info, so click the button below for all the details. Browse Shelby GT500 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2020

Raiders Coach Jon Gruden Buys 2020 Shelby GT500

Las Vegas is not kind to bland cars. We doubt he has any regrets about leaving Oakland, and he also won't regret buying the most powerful Ford ever sold. In a Tweet by the dealer (@FordCountryLV), we see Coach Jon Gruden take delivery of a new 2020 Shelby GT500. The beast has 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 5.2-liter. The Track Package rear spoiler has a massive Raiders logo, and he ordered every option. From the panoramic roof to carbon fiber wheels, this celebrity car will bring big money in the coming years. Click the button below to find your Mustang and stay with us for all your Shelby news. Best Mustangs Of All Time

By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2020

Fully Loaded 2020 Shelby GT500 For Sale

Full Disclosure: I was not a fan of white cars until now. This beautiful mix of carbon fiber and aluminum just arrived at Ken Grody Ford in Buena Park, CA, and I approve! The meanest Mustang ever built is a technological Tour de Force. Ford and Shelby worked together to couple a supercharged 5.2L V8 to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The most prominent features are the massive intakes. Heat is controlled by 3 engine radiators, coolers for the transmission and the differential are sandwiched between A/C condenser. It all adds up to 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. It would make no sense to have such a machine without entertainment or abilities. That is why the window sticker has two coveted lines: Track Pack and Entertainment Package. Other goodies include a line-lock and launch control for consistent quarter-mile times. This combination is one we haven't seen so far, and it probably won't happen again anytime soon. So click the link below for all the details from Ken Grody Ford. View Details

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2020

Hennessey Performance Receives 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500

Every time an automaker says "It can't be done", John Hennessey and his team prove them wrong. Ford and Shelby have produced the most powerful production Pony Car ever sold. That being said, engineers are forced to leave power on the table for insurance and safety concerns. Our friend in Sealy, Texas began his career with Vipers, so its only natural to play with Cobras. That's why we're excited that Hennessey Performance has received a 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500. What will it make on the dyno? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680"> Related: " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2020

2020 Shelby GT500 VIN 001 to be Unveiled at Barrett-Jackson

We have been a sponsor of Barrett-Jackson for over a decade. Craig Jackson and his team raise millions for worthy charities, and last year was no exception. Our team was blown away when Ford's most powerful production car approached the block. Although it was a prototype, the winning bidder secured the rights to the first production car. That is why the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 VIN 001 will be unveiled at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. A winning bid of $1.1 Million was hammered by none other than Craig himself. With all proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Craig and his wife Carolyn decided to outbid the audience to help such a worthy cause. It will be on display next to the "Green Hornet" and "Little Red" concept cars built by Carroll Shelby. Browse all Ford Mustang for sale The assembly of this new supercar was captured by Speed Phenom in the film below, and our team is already in Scottsdale for this year's auction. Stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates. " width="680"> Related: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

DragTimes Tests the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Traction, you either have it or you don't. Engineers at Ford Performance have spent many late nights ensuring their latest creation will put 760 horsepower to the ground, so our friend Brooks at DragTimes has tested the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 in Las Vegas. You can't be all things to all people, and drag racing an Independent Rear Suspension can be inviting disaster. Thankfully, Ford showcased the potent hardware by laying the car on its side for all to see. The TREMEC dual-clutch transmission shares most internals with the 2020 C8 Corvette. Before Ford fans get upset, the 10-speed found in the Raptor and the Silverado was also a joint project between Ford and GM. Moving rearward we see a carbon fiber driveshaft and a massive cast iron differential. It has a dedicated cooling circuit, aluminum lower arms, and massive axles. To make sure the power reaches the ground, the launch control system is adjustable, so this press car should leap off the line. However, Ford did not allow anyone to use the system or even turn off the traction control system. Brooks has excellent reaction times, but he was not allowed to heat the tires or even foot-brake this press car. Browse Ford Mustang For Sale Nevertheless, a factory Mustang capable of 10.6 seconds is very impressive. This is Las Vegas, so Heat Soak can build up quickly. We can barely wait to see what he will run when his GT500 arrives, and perhaps a 9" swap is in the works. Tell us what you think of the car in the comments below, and stay with us for all your DragTimes footage. " width="680">

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