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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 – September 23, 2024

300+ Ford Raptor Owners Gather In Utah For Ford's First-E...

The day was filled with tons of off-road experiences. Rallies have since become a quintessential part of car culture worldwide, whether you're twisting through canyon roads in a Porsche pack or sunset cruising the beach in a convoy of vintage VWs. It gives owners and enthusiasts an opportunity to gather, share some knowledge, and participate in group drives through picturesque locations. Ford Performance recently brought together its dedicated community of adventurists for the first-ever Raptor Rally. The exclusive, one-day off-road rally took place in Fairfield, Utah, with over 300 Ford Raptor owners, guests, VIPs, Ford Ambassadors, and media in attendance. In addition to showcasing one of the largest lineups of Ford Raptors, the day also included trail rides, expert workshops, the chance to jump their own Raptor, and meet-and-greets and hot laps with pro-off-road racers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy, Chris Polvoorde and more. Ford also brought some of its latest race platforms to give the crowd a close look at how the manufacturer develops its production vehicles directly from off-road racing. If you're an adventurous Ford Raptor owner looking to participate in next year's festivities, stay tuned into Ford Performance for more information on the next Raptor Rally. View all Ford Raptors and Bronco Raptors for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Raptors & Bronco Raptors For Sale Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 03, 2024

Ford Reveals Its F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV For Pikes ...

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, often dubbed "The Race to the Clouds," is one of motorsport's most legendary events, captivating racing enthusiasts since 1916. This iconic race pushes even the most skilled drivers to their limits as they tackle a thrilling 12.42-mile sprint up the 4,115-foot Pikes Peak. With its hairpin turns, unpredictable weather, and steep cliffs, it's a true test of bravery and precision, making it a must-see spectacle in the racing world. Having set a new Open Class record with its Electric SuperVan 4.2 in 2023, Ford is proud to debut its F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV demonstrator as its newest Pikes Peak International Hill Climb competitor. Ford Performance is revving up excitement with the reveal of its F-150 Lightning SuperTruck EV in camouflage, gearing up for testing ahead of its highly anticipated return to Pikes Peak. America's Mountain will see the legendary Romain Dumas, current record holder, piloting this beast to the top on June 23, 2024. This EV truck draws inspiration from the F-150 Lightning and has been developed in collaboration with STARD. With aerodynamics designed to achieve a whopping 6,000 lbs of downforce at 150 mph, the truck is built for the unusual challenges of the Pikes Peak ascent. Insights gained from tackling Pikes Peak will influence software calibration and battery cell chemistry for future production vehicles and race programs. Last year, Ford's Electric SuperVan 4.2 set a new Open Class record at Pikes Peak, completing the course in a blistering 8:47.682. Now, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck continues this legacy of pushing boundaries. As we await the main event, all eyes are on the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and its quest to conquer America's Mountain once again. View all Ford F-150 Lightnings for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford F-150 Lightnings For Sale 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

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 01, 2022

10 New Custom Ford Builds Will Be At This Year's SEMA Show

Ford is showing off its lineup and incredible customization potential. The SEMA show in Las Vegas is one of the most important automotive events every year, but when it comes to the world of customization, the SEMA show is always the place to be. Showing the boundless potential for making a personal statement out of your car, Ford is showing off 10 custom builds at the SEMA show this year, and they help demonstrate what is possible with Ford Accessories available for models like the F-150, Maverick, Bronco, and Bronco Sport. MUST READ: 2021 Ford F-150 Shelby Baja Raptor Listed for Sale Tucci Hot Rods customized a Ford Mustang Mach-E GT with custom bodywork and wheel covers, and a custom graphic wrap done by Kay Automotive Graphics. Yakima and Hypertech collaborated on a custom Ford Bronco Sport “Off-Roading Heritage” build, with custom paintwork and a whole host of accessories made for an incredible off-road journey. Also at the show will be an “Extreme Beach/Extreme Sports” Bronco build by WARN Industries, with fishing equipment on board as well as enhanced off-road capability, as well as a rugged and modern take on the Service Unit Vehicles of the early 1900s created from a Bronco by ARB. A custom Maverick “Street Truck” by LEER will be featured, as well as a “Swiss Army Knife” custom Ford F-150 Lightning built by Tjin Edition and Thule. Also showing off the F-150’s customization capability is the F-150 Lightning “Race Support” build by Real Truck and Motor City Solutions. BDS Suspension created an F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid for remote off-roading. Two more off-road-ready Ford builds will be featured at the SEMA show: a Ford Transit “Digital Nomad” by John Pangilinan, and an “Off-Road Performance” Bronco by SEMA Businesswomen’s Network. With great cars and even greater potential for customization, it’s no wonder why Ford is showing off at this year’s SEMA show. Ford Bronco For Sale Source: Ford

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 – February 01, 2021

Ford Bronco Debuts At King Of The Hammers

One of the most brutal off-road events starts tomorrow. Three examples of the Ford Bronco have debuted at King Of The Hammers, and the trio aims to conquer Johnson Valley, California. The ULTRA4 4400 unlimited class allows them to use long-travel suspension and a tubular chassis. Inspired by the Bronco R concept, this marks the return of the Bronco to FIA-sanctioned racing. Led by Vaughn Gittin Jr, the drivers are a who's who of off-road winners. Before the start of the main events, a new Bronco model will be unveiled to the world. The 2-door and 4-door examples are available to order at your dealer, so tell us how these compare to the Hoonicorn Mustang price & specs! Browse Ford For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 20, 2020

Ford Auto Nights Is The First Virtual SEMA Show

If you have never been to the SEMA show, it is best described as Ford above all others. I was shocked by their floating booth in 2011, an office room suspended in the rafters of the Las Vegas convention center. But the virus had other plans for the show this year, so Ford Auto Nights it the first virtual SEMA show. A series of videos launched last night on YouTube, and we have been introduced to exciting new concepts. " width="680"> Starting with the Bronco, a new Sport model was built by MAD Industries. Going without doors, the Badlands Sasquatch has flared fenders and orange graphics. High voltage excitement can be found in the Mustang Mach-E 1400. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his team from RTR incorporated seven electric motors and incredible downforce. Ford Performance pulled out all the stops for a Ranger XLT Tremor Supercrew, and the F-150 Limited Hybrid SuperCrew was built by BDS Suspension. Our Ford dealers have the scoop on what the videos don't show, so click the button below to find one near you. Browse Ford Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2018

Custom Ford Rangers Arrive at SEMA

A few days ago, Ford announced the 2019 Ranger was in full production. One of the most anticipated pickups in recent history, they are the centerpiece of Ford's SEMA booth. In a press release this morning, we see that Ford Performance and Ford Accessories have joined forces to showcase over 50 vehicles in their booth. Seen above is the Ranger Pre-Runner. Based on the FX4 off-road model, it arrives with a 3.73 locking differential, Fox-BDS suspension, BFG KO2 tires, & 17" wheels.Hennessey and Post Malone Collab in the Works?Accessories include a Rigid LED light bar, spray-in bed liner, Borla exhaust, Desert Racer front bumper, illuminated rock slider steps and a chase rack fro Addictive Desert Designs. The extra range comes from twin 3.5-gallon Rotopax tanks, and a WARN recovery kit in case you get stuck.The next concept is the Ranger Base Camp. It uses the same Fox-BDS suspension and adds a WARN 10k Zeon winch. Yakima provides the Skinny Warrior roof basket, Outpost rack kit, and a Slim Shady awning.Next up is a collaboration between Addictive Desert Designs and Xbox Design Lab. This one has dual screens in the bed along with two built-in Xbox One X consoles. The same suspension as the trucks above is fitted with BFG KM3 mudders on 17" 883 wheels. Check it out in Forza Horizon 4.If you need a Ranger that is at home in the city, Project Nightfall has Bushwacker fender flares, Airlift load-adjusting rear suspension, and Ford Performance stealth bumpers. Lynch Concepts designed the cool matte gray with green highlights, it represents a stylish return to the US market. All of these concepts share the venerable 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four cylinders. Backed by a 10-speed automatic, the Ranger combines power and economy with the deep ratios needed to head off-road. The press release has a dozen more examples, but we'll leave you with the Project Ranger X. BDS Suspension went all out. It has a Knapheide utility bed, 6" lift, Fox 2.5 DSC coil-overs & airbags. Until we get our hands on one, check out great deals on Raptors in the link below and stay with us for all your Ford news.View Ford Raptors For Sale

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