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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 – June 15, 2018

Custom Eagle Squadron Mustang GT Created for Charity

Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr. have teamed up to create a one-off Mustang GT that honors American fighter pilots who flew in the Royal Air Force in WWII known as the Eagle Squadrons. These pilots were actually volunteers that wanted to fight against the enemy before America entered the War.The custom Mustang was created through a collaboration between Ford Performance and Gittin's RTR Vehicles. As for the car itself, the exterior was designed after the Hawker Hurricane plane, one of the most successful planes used in WWII. For power, this Mustang GT's power has been increased up to 700 horsepower thanks to a Ford Performance supercharger. It also comes with an RTR carbon fiber widebody kit and Tactical Performance suspension.The car will be debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and then brought back to the United States for the Experimental Aircraft Association's "The Gathering" event on July 26. During this event, the Mustang GT will be auctioned off to support EAA's youth education programs.Vaughn Gittin Jr. Tests Out His New 900 hp Mustang RTR“Supporting young pilots through the EAA charity auction reflects Ford’s aviation history, tracing back to the company’s early days and the Arsenal of Democracy during WWII,” said Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief. “The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT build with Vaughn and the Ford design team is a great way to honor our heroes and keep the spirit of aviation alive for the next generation of American pilots.”Whoever gets the winning bid on this Mustang will also get an all-inclusive package for two to attend the 2018 Ford Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit where they will take delivery of the car.

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2018

2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Improved for Better Lap Times

Ford Performance has now revealed their improvements to the 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 sports car. They say these changes give the car more precision and balance, enabling it to deliver faster lap times and better performance on the track and street.“Somewhere, Carroll is smiling,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director for Ford Performance vehicle programs. “The new Shelby GT350 is our ultimate track Mustang. We’ve stuck to Carroll Shelby’s original formula for winning championships and made our Shelby GT350 even better with the latest in race-proven aerodynamics, tire and chassis technology.” 2018 Shelby Super Snake Package UnveiledIf you're hoping for more power, you're out of luck as the 5.2-liter V8 engine's output remains at 526 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Granted, that's not a bad thing when you consider how formidable this engine is.Those looking to order a new 2019 Shelby GT350 will be able to choose between the known colors, as well as the new Velocity Blue and Ford Performance Blue. It will be available in early 2019.

By Andrew Nabors – May 25, 2018

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Teaser

We all knew it was coming, but instead of a massive unveiling, Ford uploaded a bird's eye view of their meanest Mustang GT500 Super Snake. The largest hood extractors we've seen are mounted on a massive cowl hood. Of course, it will be supercharged, but we're wondering if it will have the flat-plane architecture as the GT350.Aimed at the Camaro ZL1 and the Challenger Hellcat, it will be interesting to learn the details at the formal reveal. It is going to happen at the Detroit Auto Show, so if you can't wait till then, check out these great deals on Fast Fords!Browse Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

Ford Unveils 50th Anniversary Mustang Cobra Jet

Don't let anyone tell you the glory days of Super Stock racing are behind us. That's because Ford Performance has an eight-second car with your name on it. When the original Mustang Cobra Jet arrived at the 1968 Winter Nationals, it blew the doors off of everyone. The 428 Big Block is heavier than a Prius, but it powered Ford to first place.Five decades later, the new Mustang Cobra Jet packs a supercharged 5.2 liter V8 with your choice of transmission. The rear is, of course, a 9" from Strange which is bolted to a 4-link. The press release says the prototype ran a mid-8 second quarter-mile, going thru the lights at 150 mph! Only 68 examples will be assembled this year, a reference to the year the car was introduced. They can be ordered from any Ford dealer and sold on Bill of Sale only. Without a VIN, the Cobra Jet is not street legal by any means. The parts used to build it are available from your Ford parts department, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. A video of the pass will be uploaded soon, but for now, take a look at the Mustang GT4 below.

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2018

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt: Order Yours Now

If you have ever dreamed of chasing bad guys through San Francisco, your wait is over. In a press release this morning, Ford announced that dealers can now order the 2019 Mustang Bullitt. Finished in the iconic Dark Highland Green, this 480 hp beast arrives with the 87mm intake from the GT350. It also produces 420 lb-ft of torque, as long as you run premium fuel. Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt Instead of a dual-mode exhaust that is either open or closed, the NitroPlate system is fully active and responds to throttle inputs. Top speed is up to 163, an 8 mph increase over a normal Mustang GT. If green is too flashy, the latest Bullitt is also available in Shadow Black. American Racing supplies the classic Torque-Thrust wheels in 19", with big Brembo brakes lurking behind them. It has been 50 years since Steve McQueen performed the ultimate chase on the big screen, and one of the actual movie cars was found abandoned in Mexico last year. Nothing will ever replace the sound and power of the 390 Big Block, but something tells us this new car would outperform its predecessor in every way. Click the link below to find a Ford dealer near you and stay with us for all your Mustang news. The lady driving in the video below is Molly McQueen, her Grandfather would be proud

By Edward Jones – October 23, 2017

New Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 Coming for 2018

To sit between the Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack and the GT350 is the new GT Performance Pack Level 2. How did the Performance Pack get a level up? A dedicated team Mustang engineers and specialists put in extra hours for the development of the new upgrade to ensure it exhilarates drivers with an incredibly responsive experience."A passion to create something special is what really drove this project,” said Tom Barnes, Mustang vehicle engineering manager. “And that really showed in the off-the-clock way we went about doing our work.” Ken Block Drifts Pikes Peak in 1,400 Horsepower MustangComing with the Performance Pack Level 2 are all of the upgrades found in the Level 1 pack - chassis and anti-lock brake tuning, electric power-assisted steering, Brembo six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, k-brace, larger radiator, silver strut tower brace, "unique" stability control and a TORSEN rear differential with 3.73 axle ratio. As for the new features, those include: New front splitter New rear spoiler 305/30/R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires Split-fitment aluminum wheels (19x10.5-inch front and 19x11-inch rear) Custom-tuned MagnaRide dampers 67 percent stiffer rear stabilizer bar 12 percent stiffer front stabilizer bar 20 percent stiffer front springs 13 percent stiffer rear springs The new GT Performance Pack Level 2 will be available for 2018 models and will be available exclusively with a manual transmission. Price has not been revealed yet.

By Edward Jones – July 14, 2017

There is Actually a Ford Mustang Ice Cream Sandwich

This Summer is a scorcher, and there's no better way to cool of that a nice ice cream sandwich. Alright, actually cold air conditioning is a much better way to cool off, but for the sake of this article just follow along. Back to cooling off, Ford is looking to keep temperatures down with a new ice cream sandwich that they've created with Coolhaus Premium Ice Cream.The treat was inspired by the by the new 2018 Mustang's paint called "Orange Fury." Naturally, this ice cream sandwich is all orange in appearance, and even in Florida. The ice cream has a zesty orange flavor, which is sandwiched in between two Vanilla Whoopies that have orange icing. The proverbial icing on the cake? An edible wrapper with edible ink, because you don't want to leave any trash in your Mustang.“I typically focus on things like color research, leather seats and hand stitching, so this was definitely a bit different for me,” said Barb Whalen, Ford color and materials design manager. “It was fun applying some of those same design philosophies into helping Coolhaus create an ice cream flavor that really embodies the new Orange Fury color.”Want one? Coolhaus is giving the sandwiches for free for four days at their New York City locations, and from their Mustang-decaled ice cream truck.

By Edward Jones – January 17, 2017

New 2018 Ford Mustang Drops V6, Gets Redesigned Front

Today, Ford announced the new 2018 Mustang and all the details surrounding the American pony car.“The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. “Tapping Mustang’s enormous fan base, we’re bringing the new Mustang straight to the people – and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions.”As for the obvious, Ford has gone ahead and given the Mustang a brief refresh in terms of appearance. The refresh is most apparent in the front fascia, where new LED lights are the focal point. Additionally, the hood and grille were also revised with new hood vents and grilles. The rear of the car also has new LED taillights, as well as a new bumper, available rear wing and fascia.Those interested will be able to buy the car in Fall 2017.All Ford Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2016

900 hp Mustang Pulls Off "Forever Drift" on Formula 1 Track

Apparently, people been racing across the Formula 1 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in a straight line, prompting Vaughn Gittin Jr. to take a more sideways approach to the track.(Sports Cars For Sale)Ford Performance recently uploaded a video of Vaughn Gittin Jr. taking his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D (that's a mouthful) around the corners in a smokier fashion than the track is used to. Laying down all of the car's power, he drifted all 1,600 feet of Turn 3 and then went on to drift for 3,200 more feet in order to connect Turn 3 with the exit of Turn 4.Normally, we see this type of drifting in video games like Forza Horizon 3 or Gran Turismo, but when it comes to Vaughn Gittin Jr., no drift is ever big enough.All Mustang For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 09, 2015

Color Changing Mustang is an American Muscle Chameleon

At first glance, it just looks like a matte black Mustang. It's sleek, aggressive and fierce. But then some water winds up on the hood, and you have an entirely new creation.The Hidalgo Mustang is artist Rene Turrek's latest color-changing automotive creation and the first muscle car he's taken a paintbrush to. Turrek shared a few photos of the creation process with us in an email, giving us a look behind the scenes of his Nov. 6 YouTube video showing off the color changes in full glory.It took him two weeks to paint this masterpiece, with careful attention paid to each detail. On the hood of the car under the matte black finish is a faded American flag, stars, stripes and all, while the passenger side features the outline of the Ford Mustang running horse emblem.Of course, you need warm water to see these paintings. A healthy splash from a large bucket will allow a few seconds of clarity, before the color changing finish cools down and returns to solid black. As Turrek describes, this car garnered the name Hidalgo as a tribute to the Mustang by the same name. The focus of the 2004 movie starring Viggo Mortenson, Hidalgo carried American Frank T. Hopkins to victory in the 3,000 mile Arabian horse race in 1890, finishing the race in first place after 68 days. As FrankHopkins.com tells, of the 100 horses entered in the race, only three technically finished.Check out the video of this shape shifting Mustang, and when you're finished, find your own Mustang for Turrek to take his hand to from our listings. Be sure to visit www.ReneTurrek.com to learn more about the German artist and his other works, including the Iron Man Aventador and Captain America Gallardo.Mustang GTs For Sale Gallery (via Rene Turrek, FrankHopkins.com) See More Ford News

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