Ford News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2024

Ford Is Bringing The New F-150 Lightning SuperTruck To Pi...

Ford brings electric truck performance to the hallowed Pikes Peak. The Ford F-150 Lightning is the innovative all-electric rendition of the Ford F-150. It shows that electrification can rise to the occasion when it comes to the many tasks and demands that pickup trucks are asked to perform. However, enthusiasts will tell you that initially, the Ford F-150 Lightning was the name given to a zany performance-focused version of the F-150, courtesy of SVT with a V8 engine and modifications throughout that contributed to hot-blooded performance. While the current Ford F-150 Lightning name is being used for something slightly different than its original, Ford’s latest announcement sees the name being used for a purpose that pays an amazing homage to the original, with a Ford F-150 Lightning-based “SuperTruck,” set to dash up Pikes Peak as part of the highly anticipated 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event this June. Race driver Romain Dumas will be behind the wheel to take on the intense 12.5-mile climb, with qualifying runs happening from June 18-20 and the hill climb on June 23. The daring demonstration of all-electric truck performance is just a part of Ford’s bold futuristic performance ambitions, with the Mustang Super Cobra Jet 1800 and Mustang Mach-E 1400 showing off incredible feats and helping advance EV technology, and Ford reentering the prestigious Formula 1 in 2026 through a strategic partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing. View All Ford F-150 Lightnings For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2024

Ford Performance Teases Its New 2025 Dakar Rally Ford Rap...

In the world of motorsports, there's no race more grueling and challenging than the historic Dakar Rally. Having humbled a long list of world-renowned drivers from all walks of life, the endurance race sends competitors on an 8,000-kilometer journey across all types of terrain in hopes their race-built chassis survive until the finish line. Signing racing legend Carlos Sainz Sr. to lead its Dakar Rally program for 2025, Ford Performance is punching its ticket as a contender for next year's race by teasing the new 2025 Dakar Rally Ford Raptor. And while we're only given a small glimpse at what's to come through blurred images and spy camo, the Dakar Rally Ford Raptor heralds the return of two legendary drivers, Carlos Sainz Sr. and Nani Roma, to the Ford family. For Sainz, this marks his fifth Dakar Rally title with the brand, which has been essential to his successful racing career spanning nearly four decades. Roma, a two-time Dakar winner, continues his partnership with Ford and M-Sport, following his impressive performance in the 2024 Ford M-Sport T1+ Ranger. The start of active testing highlights Ford Performance's dedication to conquering one of the toughest races on the planet. Matthew Wilson, M-Sport director and Dakar team manager, expressed enthusiasm about the reunion with Roma and the reputation of Sainz. Their wealth of experience promises to elevate the Ford Raptor to new heights. As testing continues, the team remains loyal to refining the Ford Raptor to tolerate the grueling conditions of the Dakar Rally. The collaboration between Ford, M-Sport, and its world-class drivers shows a shared devotion to pushing the boundaries of off-road racing. Stay tuned as Ford prepares to dominate the 2025 Dakar Rally with the force of the Ford Raptor. View all Ford F-150 Raptors for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford F-150 Raptors For Sale Source: Ford Performance

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 18, 2024

The Ford Mustang Experience Center At Charlotte Motor Spe...

This will be the place for all things Ford Mustang. With 60 years of history, and a legacy full of incredible moments, the Ford Mustang is nothing short of a lasting cultural icon and one of the most storied sports cars of all time. With a range of celebrations set to ring in the Mustang’s 60th not only includes an exclusive special 60th Anniversary Edition for the 2025 model year but also a new hub where all things Mustang can be celebrated: the upcoming Mustang Experience Center. The center is set to open next year in time for the 60th anniversary of the Mustang at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. There, fans of the ubiquitous and quintessential pony car will be able to enjoy Mustang merchandise, events at the track, and a celebration of the Mustang’s six-decade history. The Ford Mustang’s appeal has always been about more than just the car, although its style, performance, innovation, and engineering have all showcased excellence. As a legend that’s cemented itself as a staple of American culture for decades, the Ford Mustang has developed a community of fans who share a passion for one of the automotive world’s greatest sports car icons. Throughout all of the experiences that will be available at the Mustang Experience Center, the goal is to bring owners and fans of the iconic Ford Mustang together to celebrate the 60-year pedigree of one of the world’s most revered and celebrated sports cars. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale

Preproduction model shown. Available fall 2024.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 17, 2024

Ford Reveals New Retro-Inspired 2025 Mustang 60th Anniver...

One of the greatest sports car legends turns 60. Especially in the United States, it’s difficult to name a sports car that is more iconic or recognizable than the Ford Mustang. Since it was first introduced to the automotive world at the 1964 World’s Fair for the 1965 model year, it’s been almost 60 years since the Ford Mustang changed the landscape of sports cars. To celebrate the incredible milestone, Ford has revealed the new 2025 Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition, a beautiful tribute to the Mustang’s history that pays homage to the original and celebrates the Mustang’s entire legacy. Only available for the Mustang GT Premium with the 5.0-liter V8 engine in both coupe and convertible body styles with manual and automatic transmissions, only 1,965 60th Anniversary Edition cars will be made, reflecting the year when the Mustang legend began. The 60th Anniversary Edition is available in three colors: the classic Wimbledon White, and the modern shades of Race Red and Vapor Blue. The available interior hues for the new 2025 Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition are Space Gray, Carmine Red, and Onyx. A unique serialized instrument panel badge indicates the special edition, but design cues throughout the car serve to do the same. A special 60th-anniversary side badge echoes the original Mustang, as do retro-inspired 20-inch wheels, exclusive side graphics, a unique grille with a design that evokes the original with functional air intakes for the V8 engine, and silver mirror caps for Race Red or Vapor Blue cars that echo vintage chrome-finished mirrors (Wimbledon White cars get body-colored mirrors). With only 1,965 of these commemorative pieces being made, the new 2025 Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition is the latest collector piece, meant for the Ford Mustang enthusiast who revels in the legendary Mustang’s undeniable impact and influence on automotive history at large. Set to hit dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year, pricing on the exclusive special edition is said to be revealed soon. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Image Source: Ford

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 12, 2024

Ford Assembled 144,000 New Trucks In Q1 2024

One of the most iconic names in the pickup truck world plans to continue its domination. Ford is known for making some of the most ubiquitous and iconic pickup trucks of all time, with the F-Series being one of the most legendary pickup truck lineups ever, and electrification, off-road performance, and other aspects adding to its incredible versatility. However, launching into the second quarter of 2024, Ford is ready to bolster its presence in the truck world more than ever before. With a lineup considering of a renewed Super Duty, F-150, and Ranger since last spring, Ford has assembled 144,000 of these trucks in the first quarter of the year, and with hybrid, gas, diesel, and fully-electric options to choose from, American truck customers have an incredibly wide range of options with Ford, as well as different body styles and trim levels. Of course, the favorite of many automotive enthusiasts among Ford’s truck lineup is the F-150 Raptor, and its even more hot-blooded, V8-powered sibling, the F-150 Raptor R. With high-performance, off-road-ready setups, these two trucks are now being joined by the 2024 Ranger Raptor, which is bringing the high-performance version of the smaller Ranger truck to North America for the first time. A 430-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is responsible for its thrilling off-road performance, and along with all the other Ranger and F-Series trucks for the US, which are assembled domestically, it’s getting ready to be shipped to dealers across the country and hit the road, reaffirming Ford’s domination in the truck world. View All Ford F-150s For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2024

Rally Legend Tribute 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Listed ...

The notorious Group B era of rally racing was one of the greatest in motorsport history when it comes to homologation specials, giving the automotive world at large some of the most interesting and memorable sports cars as a result. Ford was one of the largest contributors to that wave, and its rally legends remain some of the automotive world’s favorites today, the Escort RS Cosworth being one of the greatest. View Price And Listing Succeeding the also-legendary Ford Sierra, the Escort RS Cosworth forged its own incredible racing legacy, and its powerful Cosworth engine, four-wheel drive, and iconic styling made it an instant classic. The opportunity to own a Ford Escort RS Cosworth, let alone one that pays tribute to the model's rich rally racing history, is a rare one. However, if you’ve been looking for an adventurous race-ready machine to add to your collection, your search is over thanks to Speedart Motorsports in Miami, Florida offering this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth for sale. The wild racing machine features an iconic Repsol livery, paying tribute to the legendary Carlos Sainz Sr.’s return to WRC in 1996, and his 1997 Race of Champions victory. In addition, this specific example for sale, chassis number 92857, was raced at Tramo de Tierra Galilea-Valle de Ocón, Rally de Tierra Villa de Autol, and Rallye de Tierra de La Rioja, all in 2010. The car is a Group N specification rally car that is still FIA compliant, with modifications like a Bilstein suspension, carbon fiber parts, an Airtec intercooler, an oversized radiator, and more. If your garage has been needing a racing legend, this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a beautiful homage to a gem of rally heritage and legacy that is perfect to add to any exotic or luxury car collection. Available for sale at Speedart Motorsports in Miami, Florida, you can view the price and listing by clicking the button if you want to own this stunning piece of rally-ready machinery.

Preproduction model shown. Available late summer 2024.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 08, 2024

New Ford Bronco Raptor Apperance Pakcage Revealed In Tota...

The Bronco Raptor goes dark at an appropriate time. You probably know that today saw a unique celestial event, one that won’t happen the way it did again until August 2045. A total solar eclipse traveled a path across the 48 contiguous states of the U.S., and in Austin Texas, the anticipation built incredibly high as the city sat in the eclipse’s path of totality. As lodging in Austin reached unprecedented demand, Ford invited owners of the Bronco to its Texas Off-Roadeo, where they were able to camp under the sky that mesmerizingly darkened this afternoon. However, the eclipse wasn’t the only harbinger of darkness in Austin, as Ford also took the unique and rare opportunity to reveal the new Black Appearance Package for the Bronco Raptor. Joining the Code Orange package, the Black Appearance Package gives Bronco Raptor customers the opportunity to add style to their performance-oriented off-roader with features throughout finished in Shadow Black and Matte Black for a dark, sleek, intimidating look. The roof is finished in Shadow Black with the package, along with the mirror caps, fender flares, and roll bar. Meanwhile, the steel bumper, skid plate, and tow hooks are finished in Matte Black. The package is available at the end of April as a $4,995 option for the new Ford Bronco Raptor and revealed under a peculiarly darkened solar eclipse sky, it has already made quite the statement. View All Ford Bronco Raptors For Sale Image Source: Ford

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 28, 2024

Ford Announces The Winner Of Sydney Sweeney's 2024 Mustan...

And the winner is... As part of an inspiring collaboration, Ford recently teamed up with actress Sydney Sweeney to create a unique opportunity for Mustang enthusiasts. Brittley, from Washington State and a proud owner of a 2005 Mustang, emerged victorious in a contest designed to highlight those who challenge societal expectations in their pursuits of passion. Among approximately 5,000 hopeful participants, Brittley stood out for her resonance. The four-wheel grand prize mirrors Sydney’s Brittany Blue 1965 Mustang, featuring a Robin’s Egg Blue exterior paired with a crushed glass clear coat and 20-inch chrome wheels. Growing up working on her Mustang with her father, Brittley's journey is about breaking barriers and making strides in areas traditionally dominated by men. Her experiences range from the culinary world as a sous-chef to the tech realm of video game development, and the hands-on mechanical work she loves. In her submission, Brittley shared the importance of self-confidence and the power of raising her voice. As Brittley prepares to take delivery of her new 2024 Ford Mustang GT next month, her story serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when passion meets empowerment, steering us toward a more inclusive future. View all Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 27, 2024

Ford Mustang: Celebrating 60 Years of Iconic Performance

The Ford Mustang continues its legacy as an emblem of power. With over seven decades of success in the automotive world, the Mustang stands out as both an American muscle car icon and a staple to Ford's fleet. Having sold more than 10 million Mustangs since its debut, it's no surprise to hear that the Ford Mustang has taken the title of America's Best-Selling Sports Car, Globally for 10+ years. In 2023, more than 59,000 owners welcomed a new Mustang into their lives, contributing to almost a million Mustangs finding homes over the last decade. The surge in popularity overlaps with the release of the seventh-generation Mustang in North America, with plans to bring the latest iteration to markets across China, Europe, Australia, and South America in 2024. As Ford prepares to celebrate the Mustang's 60th anniversary, it introduces a specially designed Vermillion Red and Ebony Black logo, reminiscent of the original Mustang's debut in 1964. The celebration invites owners of the seventh-generation Mustang, who are offered an exclusive feature update in April. The latest Mustang iteration is an example of Ford's dedication to performance, whether it's the iconic rumble of the V8 or the efficiency of the turbocharged 4-cylinder. As it embarks on its 60th year, the Mustang is maintaining its legendary status while captivating hearts on roads and racetracks around the globe. View all Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale As part of Mustang’s 60th anniversary, Ford debuts a special Vermillion Red and Ebony Black logo, inspired by the badging and wheel center caps on the Mustang that debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair. Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 26, 2024

Ford Announces Its New 'Mustang Unleashed' Nationwide Tou...

When you think of classic Americana and the roar of a high-revving V8, nothing comes to mind quite like the Ford Mustang and its ongoing legacy as an automotive icon. For years, the Mustang has pioneered and paved new roads for American-made sports cars while establishing a status that continues to evolve with the ever-changing industry. And while we may be forced to welcome variants with smaller engine sizes and other EV-based powertrains, the dream of one day experiencing and or owning a Ford Mustang is still very much alive for many passionate enthusiasts. Ford is helping to kickstart that dream by announcing a new interactive Mustang Unleashed display that will travel on a nationwide tour to attract current and future fans. Whether you're a GT500 Supersnake fanatic or a Mach-E enthusiast, Mustang Unleashed promises to excite all with hot laps, line lock demos, and vehicle walkarounds. In addition to the hands-on experience, the Mustang Garage allows visitors to customize the look of their dream Mustang with an interactive configurator. The tour starts April 12 and registration opens today for 2024 Mustang owners. Registration for the public is available at the events. Mustang Unleashed will visit six cities to start, with six additional cities to be announced later this year: April 12-13: Formula Drift, Long Beach, California April 21: Fabulous Fords, Irwindale, California April 26-28: Psych Fest, Austin, Texas May 10-11: Formula Drift, Braselton, Georgia May 17-19: HyperFest, Alton, Virginia June 7-9: Backwoods, Ozark, Arkansas Make sure to find the closest tour stop mark your calendar to experience all that Ford's new Mustang Unleashed nationwide tour has to offer. Check out all the Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Source: Ford

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