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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 – January 25, 2024

Ford GT Price, Specs, Photos And Review (2005-2006)

Ford GT Price When new, the 2005 Ford GT price $145,000 and most had significant dealer markup. If you are interested in a Ford GT for sale, the price is likely a large consideration. The 2005 Ford GT MSRP, the cost is generally linked to the overall condition of the vehicle. As these models are older, factors like appearance and mileage will be the most influential when it comes to pricing. Other factors, such as how well the vehicle has been maintained over the years, and any upgrades will also guide the 2006 Ford GT price. For a 2004 Ford GT with low mileage in excellent aesthetic condition, you can expect to pay up to $400,000 while a 2006 Ford GT supercar with higher mileage and minor cosmetic blemishes may go for closer to $270,000. The jury is still out on how the car's successor will alter the demand for this limited-production classic. More desirable examples like the Heritage Edition bring higher auction prices. Cars with all four factory options are also elevated above base model Ford GT cost. Ford GT Review Designed to celebrate Ford's centenary and revive its iconic history, the 2005 Ford GT specs were first unveiled in 2002 as the GT40 concept car. This concept car was dreamed up with the aid of the original designer of Ford's Shelby GT500 in an attempt to recapture the essence of prior flagship models. While the Ford GT was built from 2004 to 2006 is inspired by the 1960's GT40, there are notable differences in size, structure, and performance. Despite this, the Ford GT was well received by Ford enthusiasts and the American automaker proved that their visionary concepts can withstand the test of time. In order to appeal to the masses, the clutch is predictable and the car can be shifted with one finger. Controls are made of machined aluminum and placed according to the ergonomics of racing. In stock form, any 1st Gen Ford GT can be a perfect daily driver. The only gripe can be opening the door with someone parked next to you. Driving a 2005 Ford GT is a delight thanks to great visibility and ideal weight balance. Brand loyalty is not a factor given an incredible quality evident in even the smallest details. Ford GT Specs From a layman's point of view, the 2006 Ford GT specs are those of an American 2-door, mid-engine supercar. It was built as a show of force, capable of smiting all adversaries. Over the past six decades, it has never had less than 500 horsepower. Capable of sustained high speeds for hours, the weak link in any Ford GT is the driver. Even professional racers have a hard time reaching the limits of what the Ford GT is capable of. That is why it belongs in your collection. Ford GT Specs: Horsepower: 550 hpTorque: 550 lb-ft0-60: 3.4 seconds1/4 Mile: 11.2 @127 mphTop Speed: 205 mphWeight: 3,485 lbsProduction Numbers: 4,038 Ford GT Engine The first generation, the 2005 Ford GT engine is a 5.4-liter Ford Modular supercharged V8 engine mounted in the mid-rear. This robust engine packs a punch with an impressive output of 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm. The inclusion of this engine, paired with an innovative design, enables the Ford GT top speed to reach a whopping 205 MPH. The Ford GT offers acceleration that is equally staggering, going from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere 3.4 seconds. Along with the production of a sound that is purely Ford, this vehicle is in a class of its own. Ford GT Transmission In a world full of automatic and semi-automatic car transmissions, the 2005-2006 Ford GT features a conventional 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive in 5th and 6th gear. For classic car lovers, this is a huge advantage because it provides a more hands-on driving experience. This incorporation of a manual transmission also pays homage to the legendary race car style models of the past, like Mustangs and Thunderbirds which also featured manual transmissions. Unlike several other Ford models, there is no option for an automatic transmission. Learn how to sell your supercar or luxury car. This era of Ford GT transmission is so reliable that used examples are rarely found for sale. However, the architecture has been used as a template for the aftermarket. Steel shift forks and triple-cone synchronizers were once limited to the race track, but Ford has made them mainstream for the world's best cars. Ford GT Brakes A lighting top speed of 205 MPH means that safety was also taken into consideration while designing the Ford GT. To ensure that the Ford GT is able to stop at the drop of a dime while flying in excess of 200 MPH, Ford designers opted to include a forceful braking system that contains four-piston aluminum Brembo brake calipers that are cross-drilled and include rotors that are vented in each corner. The inclusion of these highly regarded brakes allows you to go from 60 MPH to a stop in just 114 feet. Capable of easily running a 15" rotor, stopping any Ford GT is easy. Without traction or stability control, it is a proper track machine. Those that long for analog motoring truly enjoy not being hassled by electronic nannies. Even after repeated heat soak, the pedal remains stiff and the pads do not fade. Perhaps the best feature of the Ford GT brakes is that Brembo offers different compounds to suit your driving style. Ford GT Design Inspired by the original GT40 racecar, the first generation of the Ford GT was intended to maintain the thrilling aspects of a racecar while also developing performance and style that was suitable for the road. The most notable difference between the original and the reimagined model is the change in both the size and shape of the exterior design. With dimensions of 182.8 inches in length, 76.9 inches in width, and 44.3 inches in height, the Ford GT is significantly wider and around 3 inches taller than the GT40 race car. Every Ford GT is crafted from exotic construction materials like a superplastic frame, aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber which also aid in decreasing the curb weight and the amount of drag encountered on the street. To celebrate Ford's 100th anniversary, the automaker also incorporated a "100" in the car's headlight cluster to hint at its exclusive nature. If it looks functional, it is. Not a single line or shape was sculpted for aesthetics alone. The Ford GT's designers made it just as functional and efficient to equal or even surpass the visual appeal. 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review Ford GT Interior Entering the cockpit of the Ford GT, you are first greeted by the luxurious leather seats. While these low-slung seats are similar in composition to seats featured in racecars, the choice of leather enhances the style and comfort of the interior. A further glimpse inside reveals an equally luscious backseat suitable for two passengers as well as a sound system, sophisticated trim, and an elegantly designed center console. A sporty steering wheel paired with traditional gauges truly gives you the feel of being inside a conventional racecar with the added benefit of extra legroom and extra space in the rear. By designing the spaceframe of high-strength tubular alloys, the door sill is lower than most modern supercars. Space once occupied by fuel tanks now houses a formidable crash protection system. Without an engine up front, the cowl is low. This offers an unparalleled view of the road ahead along with gauges that are in the driver's line of sight. Leather and machined metal are bolted directly to the chassis to make a cockpit free of vibration. Even where plastics are used, they are of a quality long forgotten by the American auto industry. Ford GT Standout Features Initially, when the Ford GT specs were released, the demand for the car was drastically higher than the number of vehicles that were available. Small production numbers of around 4,038, with many designated for foreign markets, caused the original retail value of the Ford GT to skyrocket up to more than $100,000 over the suggested retail price of $139,995. This base model arrived without stripes or the perfect McIntosh audio system, and with cast wheels. Buyers could choose from nearly $14,000 in options that included wheels, suspension, stripes, audio, and the colors of Gulf Oil (heritage edition). Other notable inclusions such as the rich heritage, wide-body, and doors that cut into the roof of the car, are held in high regard by Ford fanatics. Paired with more advanced technology and more active design, the 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles are more contemporary than their namesake yet still manage to remain true to the allure and performance of their predecessor. For others, the Ford GT takes the center stage. A powerful and robust engine with a classic look and style, the Ford GT marries together the best of the past and the future to create truly one-of-a-kind vehicle. Browse Ford GT For Sale Images courtesy of Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2022

Ford Raptor Price, Specs, Photos & Review

Like its name suggests, this truck is a predator. The Ford F-150 Raptor is a great way to get the full package in a performance truck with minimal effort, and it always has been, but now, the Raptor is even better, and Ford continues to improve the F-150 Raptor to be faster, easier, and more fun to drive. With state of the art components, and loads of electronics and technology on board, the Raptor is a truck that is made ready for you to enjoy to the fullest straight out of the dealership, whether that be on the road or in the wild. Its twin-turbo V6 comes with 450 horsepower, and its suspension, tires, transmission and brakes match that power perfectly to create a well-crafted and well thought out truck that's built to impress. Better yet, all of these perks come with the Ford Raptor MSRP starting at $68,675. Not only do you have a truck that is already equipped with beastly looks and performance like a custom truck, but the Ford Raptor price is also much less expensive than the total costs of buying and customizing a truck would be. Ford Raptor Price Many truck enthusiasts consider it a bargain to find a custom Ford Raptor for sale. The cost to modify a Ford F-150 to this level would cost twice the Ford Raptor price. That is because Ford is one of the largest automakers in the world, and their leverage makes the suppliers subservient in terms of cost. Walk into any Ford dealer and you can haggle about the Ford Raptor MSRP of $68,675. As the flagship of the F-150 series, there are not many options. The Ford Raptor arrives ready to jump headlong into an off-road adventure. Now that we have entered the 3rd generation, the Raptor truck price is determined by modifications and mileage. Given the affordable Ford Raptor MSRP, many owners are inclined to add exhaust, intake, and auxiliary lighting to every Ford Raptor. Ford Raptor Review From 2010 to 2014, the Ford Raptor review was that of a 6.2L V8 with suspension upgrades. They were essentially beefed up F-150 models. The real Ford Raptor arrived in 2017. While it vaguely resembles a stock F-150, the changes to hardware and software are immense. Excellent manners on the road are provided by Fox Racing. Working as the OEM supplier, they were given an immense task to give the truck a dual-sport nature. Forged aluminum suspension components are used to keep unsprung weight down, and the aluminum body was a first in the truck market. Driving a Raptor is pure excitement. When the transmission downshifts from 10th to 4th, the turbos spool and you accelerate like a bird of prey. This truck was built to conquer tough terrain, so it has roll and inclination displays on the dash. Shift into low range and keep the boost on and you will be king of the mountain. Ever evolving, the 2021 Ford Raptor discontinued the ancient leaf springs. A new 5-link rear suspension allows more travel and articulation. With the ability to easily handle 37" tires, the Fox Live Valve suspension was tuned for the Baja 1000 endurance race. They are rated for 1,000 lbs of dampening at each corner, an order of magnitude better than other half-ton truck Ford Raptor Specs Under the fancy fenders and bright graphics, the Ford Raptor is an F-150 truck. At least that's what it says on the title. Starting at the most fundamental level, the frame is not shared with any other truck. The Ford Raptor specs start with high-strength steel that is boxed the entire length. The suspension mounts are double shear with gussets. In fact, the Ford Raptor specs have more in common with heavy-duty F250 and F350 models. 2022 Ford Raptor Revealed Because of the heavy-duty axles and driveshafts, the Ford Raptor top speed is limited to 107 mph. Specs for the street don't matter much when you are conquering unknown terrain. Nevertheless, it is quick for being a full-size truck. Running a 13 second 1/4 mile is impressive as it is faster than many classic muscle cars. Opting for the big tires, you will have 13.1" of static ground clearance along with 25% more suspension travel than the first-generation Raptor trucks. Price: $52,855 Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 Transmission: 10-speed automatic Horsepower: 450 hp Torque: 510 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 5.4s 1/4 mile: 13.9 @ 97.3 mph Top Speed: 107 mph Weight: 5,508 lbs Ford Raptor Engine As the 2nd generation of the EcoBoost V6, the Ford Raptor engine has both port and direct injection. It uses the venerable Duratec bottom end, and assembly takes place at the historic Cleveland engine plant. Both turbochargers are computer-controlled, reacting much faster than a vacuum reference. They use hardened compressor and turbine wheels to offer 16 lbs of boost. Each head has dual overhead cams with 4 valves per cylinder. It is also driven by a dedicated timing chain for years of smooth running. The cams are hollow and work on roller-tip followers. With a compression ratio of 10:1, it is designed for premium fuel only. Each piston is cooled by an oil squirter to prevent detonation and damage. The firing order is the only major grievance, as the V6 design makes an unpleasant exhaust note. Even with the funky soundtrack, the Ford Raptor mpg stays between 15 and 18 miles per gallon. The third generation of the venerable 3.5-liter has more low-end torque and a revised cooling system. Now fitted with dual-exhaust, a trombone loop is activated for more flow and a throaty growl. These upgrades allowed the towing rating to be revised, as the Raptor truck is now able to tow 8,200 lbs. More power was promised in early 2021 with the announcement of the 2022 Ford Raptor R. This limited-run signals the return of the V8-powered Ford Raptor. The real question is if it will be based on the 5.0 V8 or the 5.2 that we last saw in the Shelby Mustang. This will allow the Ford Raptor horsepower to be competitive against other V8-powered half-tons. Ford Raptor Transmission In a quest to meet a new decade of fuel economy standards, the unthinkable happened. General Motors and Ford collaborated on an indestructible 10-speed automatic. The Ford Raptor transmission is state-of-the-art. It uses a triple-clutch assembly on the intermediate shaft. This allows for close gear ratios and quick shifting. For a fun demonstration of power, manually shift into 6th gear (1:1) and watch the boost roll on for a great highway pull. It has proved so resilient that only a few minor upgrades were needed for the Super Duty series. If you want to get down and dirty, the electronic transfer case can shift to a low-range of 2.64:1 at the push of a button. The automatic transmission in the Raptor truck has proven to be bulletproof in races and running errands. It was a joint project by GM and Ford, with each brand offering insights for performance and long life. Ford Raptor Interior To keep you feeling comfortable, no expense was spared in the Ford Raptor interior. All seats are leather, with heat and ventilated Recaros up front. The carpets are well insulated from heat and sound, and the panoramic roof has a powered shade. Passengers are treated to multiple USB ports and a 120-volt AC inverter. There is no doubt that rear-seat passengers are treated like royalty, so the Ford Raptor interior is great for families. Ford Raptor Brakes Many 4WD enthusiasts never upgrade their brakes, because their hobby is not a fast one. However, with the power available, your Ford Raptor brakes are ready to stop. Front rotors measure 13.7" and the rears are 13.2". They are integrated into the ABS, stability control, and Ford's roll control to keep you safe in any situation. Perhaps one of the best features is the common bolt pattern with other Ford trucks. It has allowed the aftermarket to develop carbon ceramics and high-performance pads for us to choose from. Ford Raptor Standout Features There is nothing like the Ford Raptor standout features. From an aluminum cab and bed to the progressive rear leaf springs. No other truck has left the assembly like with Fox Racing remote reservoir shocks. The truck is pre-wired for 5 fused 12v circuits, with switches on the dash. No other top-level pickup uses a twin-turbo V6 instead of a V8. Finally, no other truck has stolen buyers away from other brands simply because it exists. One of the most popular options is the Pro Power system. This uses a massive alternator along with an inverter to offer 2,000 kW of power. Several 120v sockets in the bed can power tools and equipment, or your outdoor toys. Every Ford Raptor is your ticket for adventure, so click the button below. Ford Raptor For Sale " width="680">

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

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