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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 – March 31, 2021

2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition For Sale

Presented by Palm Springs Motors - The 2019 Heritage Edition pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 with limited edition Gulf Oil tribute racing livery, which is auto racing’s most famous color scheme. Approximately 250 GT’s were built for worldwide distribution in the 2019 model year and of these, only a projected 50 were the Heritage Edition. Chassis number 031 has 75 original miles and has been displayed at PGA Tour Event, numerous auto shows, the world-renowned “Vault” at Big Horn Country Club and otherwise displayed in an air-conditioned monitored showroom since it has been delivered to the dealership. The exterior has exposed carbon fiber A-pillars and it has 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts. Orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look. This particular Heritage Edition is optioned with the exposed carbon fiber accents featuring No. 9 graphics, which are unique to the 2019 model year only. The No. 9 graphics are featured on the hood and doors, as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels. The “9” is a nod to the Ford GT40’s car number when it won the 1968 Le Mans 24 Hours. The interior has black alcantara that wraps the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner, and steering wheel. Blue and orange stitching is implemented throughout the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original 1968 Le Mans-winning car as well as clear and polished anodized paddle shifters. Ford even worked on something as minuscule as the upholstery pattern on the seats, proving that no detail is too small for a car that wears such an iconic livery. A few trim pieces were also thrown in for good measure. The paddle shifters, for example, are anodized. The instrument panel, door bezels, and x-brace all wear high-gloss dark stainless-steel finishes. And then there’s the carbon fiber, which you can see adorning the door sills, air vents, and center console. This GT comes with added bonuses which truly separates this GT from the rest. The carbon fiber door sill is signed by the whole Ford family which is a unique memento to add along with this GT. Also, the vehicle has a full vehicle protective film that was wrapped by Protective Film Solutions ($13,000 addition). Also, there are pictures taken of the actual build of this particular GT. Finally, a car carrier, valued in excess of $30,000, customized for trailering and working on GT’s comes with this special edition. View Price and Listing

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2021

First 2021 Ford GT Studio Collection Car Revealed

Last year, Ford announced the new GT Studio Collection series. This new series is bringing a new graphics package to the GT supercar, something that was possible thanks to a collaboration between Ford and Multimatic, the company that produces the vehicle in Canada. Now, we finally get to see the first example of the 2021 Ford GT Studio Collection. This GT has a black exterior that's contrasted by three extremely vivid red stripes. What I really like about these stripes are the two that start behind the headlights and run around the side air intake. Matching the red stripes are the brake calipers, which complete the entire look. This is a great new addition to the Ford GT lineage and I can't wait to see what's next. To learn more about the Ford GT, be sure to check out our 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review post. See All Ford GTs For Sale Source: Ford

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2021

GAA Classic Cars Feb. 2021 Auction: 2017 Ford GT '66 Her...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - Going up for auction at GAA Classic Cars' February 2021 event is a very special Ford. This 2017 Ford GT is #50 and has only 12 actual miles on its odometer. That's an insane mileage for a car that's begging to be driven. It's finished in the '66 Heritage Edition livery with a black body that's cut down the center by a silver racing stripe. Inside is a black interior that perfectly matches the exterior. Just like the other 2017 Ford GTs, this example comes packing a 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost engine that's mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That engine provides the GT with 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, which is good for a top speed of 216 mph. To put it quite bluntly, Ford's third-generation GT is a true supercar that is one of the best-looking vehicles on the road today. This 2017 Ford GT will be auctioned off at GAA Classic Cars' February 2021, which run from the 25th to the 27th. For more information about the event, click here. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2021

Autodromo Announces The Exclusive Ford GT Owners Edition ...

The Ford GT not only holds significance in the world of automotive history but also in the watch industry. Autodromo continues its automotive-inspired watch collections with inspiration from vehicles like the Ford GT40 from Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby’s 1966 Daytona 24 Hours victory. As a staple to the Heritage series, Autodromo is proud to unveil the Ford GT Owners Edition Chronograph. The latest release from Autodromo incorporates a perfect blend of past and present design features to best pay tribute to the vehicle and drivers that helped stamp the Ford GT badge into racing history. The Chronograph is styled to reflect the livery of the original GT40 using a white, black, and red color scheme with parts like the bronze wheels incorporated into the matte gold-tone stainless case. A comfortable rubber strap makes for great daily wear, especially if your new Ford GT is taking you to work that day. The Autodromo Ford GT Owners Edition Chronograph is available exclusively to owners of the 2021 Heritage Ford GT through a GT Concierge for $11,500. For more Ford Gear news, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Big Game Bound In The 2020 Shelby Super Snake

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

Three Generations Of Ford GT For Sale

Don't be fooled by what you see on the silver screen. Ford did not build the GT as a reaction to competitors. Instead, it was and is a statement to the world. As such, every few decades the brass in Dearborn pulls together the best blue oval designers, engineers, and drivers. Their efforts have resulted in three generations of Ford GT for sale, so don't miss this opportunity. 1966 Ford GT :: $135,000 1966 GT40 Mk1, built 2004 by GT40 North America, titled Arizona 2004 as a 1966, titled 2011 as a “Special Construction”. Eric Broadley of Lola, the original designer of GT40 Mk1, son Andrew Broadley GT40 North America built an estimated 12 GT40 Mk1 Replica’s in 2004, with the first few cars exceeding $200K plus! This is not a kit car, but a handcrafted carbon-fiber body. 2,012 lbs, 351W Injected 560 HP, absolutely beautiful, NO STORIES! $135,000. 3004 miles. View Listing 2005 Ford GT :: $319,995 Single owner Ford GT with all 4 options! McIntosh Sound System, Lightweight forged aluminum wheels, Red painted brake calipers, and the painted racing stripes. We have fully vetted and serviced this car to prepare it for its' new owner. The new owner will receive all associated items with the new car: Car cover, 2 sets of keys and remotes, and tool kit. This car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic shape and ready to tackle the open road! With the current model Ford GT's selling for over $1 million, this GT is a sure-fire investment for years to come 2004-2006 Ford GT Price, Specs, Photos & Review Inside the driver is treated to the best leather and surround sound by McIntosh. In contrast to every other supercar of that era, the gauges, controls, and ergonomics were top-notch. The supercharged 5.4-liter has a six-speed manual that can be shifted with a pinky finger. While not intended to be a race car, the 2004 to 2006 Ford GT is lauded as the best car of all time by drivers and publications around the world. View Listing 2017 Ford GT :: Call For Price The 2017 Ford GT was only available in a limited-edition Heritage theme honoring the GT40 Mark II driven to victory by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at Le Mans in 1966 – part of the historic 1-2-3 Ford GT sweep. The car will feature unique interior and exterior color themes, and an exclusive wheel finish. 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review “Celebrating the anniversary of Ford’s historic victories at Le Mans has always been a part of the return of the Ford GT,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a stunning tribute to the car that kicked off Ford’s string of Le Mans victories in 1966.” View Listing Examples of the first and second-generation cars are hard to come by, as collectors don't part with them easily. Scarcity is the issue with the late models, with only 500 for each model year. But that doesn't keep us from offering you the world's best cars. Here are a few others for your consideration: 2017 View Listing 2005 View Listing 2018 View Listing 2019 Scott Dixon's personal Ford GT -6-time IndyCar champion - 2008 Indy 500 winner - Ford GTLM 24 Hours of LeMans team driver-Includes all specialty items delivered from new- 44 miles from new- Extremely Rare Carbon package with exposed carbon fiber stripes. Scott Dixon is one of the most successful IndyCar drivers of all time. With 6 combined IndyCar championships to his name, only the legendary A.J. Foyt has more championships than Dixon. Racing for Chip Ganassi and Chip Ganassi Racing for most of his IndyCar career since starting in 2001, Dixon started racing in 1987 with go-karts and moved into Formula V cars at the age of 13. He is also the youngest driver to have a racing license due to loopholes in his original home, New Zealand. Scott Dixon's accomplishments include 6 IndyCar Championships, 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner, 50 race wins in the IndyCar Series, 24 Hour of Daytona overall winner, 24 Hours of Le Mans 2016 3rd place in Ford GTLM, class winner in 2018 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, in addition to overall 24 Hours of Daytona win for 2020. View Listing 2019 View Listing 2006 View Listing There you have the world's best assortment of fast Ford GT for sale. Click the button below for all the latest inventory and stay with us for all your Ford GT news. Sell My Ford GT: Get a Cash Offer Browse Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 22, 2020

Ford GT Carbon Edition vs Hoonicorn Mustang

Players of Forza Motorsport know not to provoke the beast. Because it offers AWD and 1,400 horsepower, the Hoonigan team decided to film a Ford GT Carbon Edition vs the Hoonicorn Mustang. This special Christmas feature is the ultimate Blue Oval comparison. We have been delighted to see Ken Block line up against diesels, donks, and a 4-rotor Mazda to prove the potency of his car. Now we can see how it fares against the car that won LeMans. Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang Price & Specs With 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, the Ford GT is a supercar by any standard. The opponent has more than twice the power along with 1,250 lb-ft of torque. The real secret is the opposing driver. David Borla is the owner of Borla exhaust, and he has been modifying cars since he could walk. So how do these Fords compare? Tell us which one you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hoonigan uploads. Browse Ford GT For Sale " width="680"> Hoonicorn and Hoonigan (C) Hoonigan Industries

By Andrew Nabors – August 17, 2020

2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition & Studio Collection Unveiled

Fans at Daytona watched in awe is car #98 took first place. After 24 hours of trial and tribulation, the 1966 Ford GT took on the world's best. To celebrate the car's first win, the 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition was unveiled this morning. If you want to express the modern lines of the car, the 2021 Studio Collection Graphics Package is also an option. Due to the time-intensive nature of each car, Ford has only committed to 40 cars for the next two model years. " width="680"> About the Heritage Edition, it is an homage to Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby, who led the Fords to claim spots 1-2-3-5 at the finish line. It is their first livery to celebrate a race other than LeMans. 20" gold wheels with red calipers are standard, but the Heritage Update Package includes glossy carbon fiber wheels with red barrels and black calipers. Browse Ford GT For Sale The new Studio Collection Graphics Package is a digital way to customize your car. While Ford will still send you the acceptance box if you are chosen to buy one, you can now see it in the virtual realm. You can customize the colors on the air intakes along with other trim to make it truly your own.

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2020

2018 Ford GT Heading to Barrett-Jackson July Auction

We may be at a crossroads when it comes to auctions. While nothing beats the fanfare and camaraderie of attending a Barrett-Jackson auction, many of us can't carve it out of our workload. By ramping up their online presence and moving to the fastest servers on the market, Craig Jackson and his team have an impressive docket for next month. 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review Eclipsing everything else in the lineup is a 2018 Ford GT. It is the first time this model-year has been offered at an auction, and chassis #74 has only been driven 850 miles. If you need 647 horsepower and the ability to reach 217 mph, click below to find a Ford GT for yourself and stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news. Browse Ford GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2020

Rare 2017 Ford GT With Martini Livery is For Sale

If your garage is in need of some American power, we have the perfect car for you. For sale at Fusion Luxury Motors is a rare 2017 Ford GT that's donning the Martini & Rossi Graphics Package. If that's not enough to pique your interest, this American supercar also reads just 927 miles on its odometer. Other features of this unique Ford GT include the Vossen Monoblock Wheels, exterior carbon fiber package, outdoor cover, six-point harness anchors and the blue brake calipers. If you'd like to learn more about this stunning example of Ford's engineers prowess, like its price and more images, click the button below. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

2005 Heffner Twin Turbo Ford GT For Sale

The new Ford GT is a great looking car. It has impressive engineering and it won LeMans. But something about stressing a V6 to an inch of its life is enough to give many people anxiety. Fear not, because our friends at Heffner Performance can extract unbelivable and reliable power from the 2nd generation (2005) cars. Their shop is not far from our headquarters, and it is as clean as an operating room. Fabricating intake and exhaust from titanium and inconel is expensive and time consuming. That's why each Heffner Ford GT is analogous to a Fabergé egg. Once their 1,000+ horsepower kit was installed, the previous owner spared no expense. From carbon fiber inside and out to remote reservoir suspension, this car has over $150,000 in tasteful modifications. Our friends at CNC Motors have it priced to move, so it deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection. View Listing

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