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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 Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2020

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Teased in Cyber Orange

Crossovers provide the perfect blend of SUV along with the practicality of a minivan. What's more, their shape is very conducive to battery power. Although Elon beat everyone to the market, Ford and GM are pouring millions into the future of American commuting. When Ford first tested an electric crossover, the performance and handling proved worthy of the Mustang name. That is why we are happy to see that the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT has been teased in Cyber Orange. A press release this morning outlines that this new brilliant finish will be joined by Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver and Space White on the upper-end GT models. Deliveries are slated to begin at the end of the year, so stay with us for all your Mustang news. Browse Mustang GT For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 28, 2020

Watch Ken Block Drift an F-450 Dually!

Now that Hoonigan has escaped from lockdown, it appears that Ken Block and his team are back in action. Their goal was to shakedown the latest iteration of his MK2 drift car, but the axles decided to leave the party. So what do you do when your race car breaks? Unleash your skills on the massive Ford F-450 dually. Travis Pastrana Takes Over Gymkhana 2020 for Ken Block It offers 450 horsepower and a whopping 935 lb-ft of torque. Plenty enough to get four 10-ply tires up in smoke. While the truck remains stock in order to meet emissions laws, it would be nice to hear more from the exhaust. We don't recommend drifting something this massive without years of experience, and never on public streets. Stay with us for all your Hoonigan action, and find your new Ford by clicking the button below. Find Your F-450 Here! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Ford Launches "Built For America" to Celebrate the U.S. W...

Assembly plants and suppliers for the Blue Oval are preparing to resume production on Monday. During the shutdown, many resources were transitioned to making protective gear, which will continue until the threat subsides. In the meantime, Dearborn will be a shining city upon the hill, as Ford launches their "Built for America" campaign. This new series highlights adherence to safety, and the inherent strength of their brand. Ford employees more hourly workers than any other domestic automaker, and builds more cars in the U.S. than anyone else. Browse Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

Ford Performance Offers More Power For Mustang Owners

While aftermarket tuners can make big power with Ford's 5-liter Coyote V8, the more conservative enthusiast prefers parts from their dealer. That's why Ford Performance has unlocked more power for all Mustang GTs from 2018 to now. Using parts developed for the Bullitt Edition, part number M-9603-M8B consists of a new throttle body, cold air intake and much more. For $1,275 you will receive: Features enhanced throttle response Ford Performance calibrations feature exclusive Ford proprietary software and engineering Ford Performance calibration is 50 state emissions legal with CARB EO (D-752-9) Calibrations available for manual and automatic transmission at a transmission shop Allows gear ratio changes up to 4.09:1 Automatic calibrations feature optimized performance shift schedule +42 lb/ft of torque at 2,000 rpm +19 hp at 6,500 rpm +18 lb/ft of torque at 4,500 rpm Premium fuel, 91 octane or higher, is required Calibrations are for US and Canadian vehicles only Comes with a 3yr/36k mile warranty from new vehicle in-service when installed by a Ford dealer or ASE/Red Seal certified technician The amount of torque at low RPM is incredible. This is where smiles happen, and it will allow you to get the jump on an unsuspecting opponent. Optimizing airflow will also allow for better mileage in the city and on the highway, and it would make a perfect Mother's Day gift. It must be installed by your local dealer to have warranty coverage, so imagine the ability to swap in 4.09 gears without a hassle. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Mustang news. Browse Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2020

2020 Ford Raptor Review by Carfection

Usually, Henry Catchpole and his talented team are caught in dismal English weather. It seems as if they needed a California vacation in their latest upload. Blasting across Hungry Valley, here is a 2020 Ford Raptor review by Carfection. Why review a Truck that has been in production since 2017? Because Ford gave it a host of upgrades last year. After realizing how hard owners push their trucks, Ford and Fox Racing developed an all-new suspension. Instead of 9 distinct settings, ride-level sensors were added to make each corner continuously variable. I have driven a 2018 and 2019 back to back, the new model is truly capable of anything. Click the button below to find your Raptor, and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse All Ford Raptor For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2019

Roush Unlocks Unprecedented Power From the Ford Ranger

Small trucks are back, and Ford is leading the way. In keeping with tradition, the new Ranger is powered by a 4-cylinder, but that is all it shares with its predecessor. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost has proven to be bulletproof in the Mustang, and Ford has told us multiple times that North America won't get the Ranger Raptor. That is why Roush Performance has unlocked unprecedented power from the Ford Ranger. Jack Roush has been racing Fords for 40 years, and his NASCAR engines have seen many checkered flags. That is why the Ranger test mule was treated to multiple pressure sensors, EGT, and wideband O2 for the dyno runs. Browse All Ford Ranger For Sale The end result is the Level 1 Performance Pac (P/N 422173). It adds 14 horsepower and 53 LB-FT OF TORQUE! You will have 339 lb-ft at only 3,200 rpm. That is very close to the V8-powered Tundra and Titan full-size trucks. Click the button above to find a new Ford Ranger for sale, and stay with us for all your Roush updates! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 20, 2019

Ford GT: 2005 vs. 2018

What happens when two social media icons meet at the drag strip? As you might have known Shmee150 is on a tour of the U.S. in his 2018 Ford GT. As no American vacation would be complete without South Florida, he called Brooks (DragTimes) to discuss a possible collaboration. While it would be a rare sight to see two 3rd-Generation Ford GTs battling it out on the quarter-mile, Ford has made sure that they consistently run similar times. So Brooks decided to dust off his classic 2nd generation model. Although it has a few mods, get ready for Ford GT: 2005 vs. 2018. 2005 Ford GT Price & Specs Speaking of mods, Brooks has a Heffner Performance pulley and a tune to match. It allows the 5.4L to put 650 horsepower to the ground. A stock 2018 Ford GT sends 590 horsepower to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch. While Brooks has to shift his 6-speed stick, Shmee's car has uninterrupted power between gears. The only part these cars share is the Blue Oval badge, so it is shocking to see how far technology has advanced. Tell us which version you prefer in the comments below, and click the link to find a Ford GT near you! Browse Ford GT For Sale Related: 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review Jay Leno Reviews His 2005 Ford GT Originally Published on August 5, 2019

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">

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 – July 16, 2019

2019 Bullitt Mustang Top Speed run on the Autobahn

This one probably caught a few Germans off-guard. Our friends at AutoTopNL like to push cars to their limits, and we're glad they filmed a 2019 Bullitt Mustang top speed run on the Autobahn. Ford pulled out all the stops for the 50th Anniversary of an epic film. Because Detective Frank Bullitt drove a green big-block Mustang GT, Ford Performance has delivered the most powerful 5.0L V8 ever offered. For only $47,810 you will have 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Engineers used a larger throttle body and a cold air intake for better flow, and the engine's tuning was remapped for a nice bump in power. Every example also has the latest in magnetic suspension and a short-throw shifter. Driven casually it will also reward you with 24 mpg. It is only offered in Bullitt Green with a six-speed manual transmission. Turn up your audio and listen to the soundtrack at 7,500 rpm. The car reaches 161 mph in 5th gear: Achievement Unlocked! Bullitt Mustang Stolen from Showroom in Evansville, Indiana The driver has years of experience driving fast cars, so we don't advise you to replicate this on any public roads. Production will be limited to Model Year 2019 only, but our dealers have a few left in their showrooms. Click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your Autobahn action! Find Your Bullitt Mustang Here! Related: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos, & Review Ford & Roush Unveil "Old Crow" P-51 Inspired Mustang

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