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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Andrew Nabors – September 18, 2019

Ford Performance Unveils Fox Racing Leveling Kits

There are thousands of ways to lift a truck, and a few can be dangerous. That's why changing suspension parts is usually handled by dedicated 4WD shops. The aftermarket industry is quick to develop upgrade parts for new trucks, and one company has found a better way to market their suspension systems. That is why Ford Performance has unveiled Fox Racing leveling kits for the Ranger and F-150. Now you don't need a Raptor to enjoy some of their fun! browse Ford F-150 Raptor For Sale A new coil-over package has been developed for both trucks, and it is based on a 2" front lift. Fox Racing spent countless hours with Ford engineers to develop the perfect spring rate and shock valving. As a true coil-over, the springs can be pre-loaded with a spanner wrench and lock rings. This gives the Ranger a 21% increase in approach angle and 10% more on the break over. Numbers for the F-150 are similar, with 22% front and 7% respectively. The kits include new upper shock mounts with poly bushings, and they are available at any Ford Parts Department. It is nice to see the Raptor's technology becoming available across the lineup, so stay with us for all your Ford Performance updates. " width="680"> Related: Are You Ready for the Ford Ranger Raptor? 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor

By Andrew Nabors – July 25, 2019

Ford Mustang55 Anniversary Edition Unveiled in Germany

You can't deny the looks and power of the latest Mustang GT. With world-class build quality and the classic 5.0L V8, it enjoys popularity around the world. Europe accounts for a large chunk of Ford's sales, so that's why they are getting two unique versions. In a press release this morning we learned that the Ford Mustang55 Anniversary Edition was unveiled in Germany. To celebrate the car's 55th birthday, the car has a unique exterior, graphics, and an optional rear spoiler. Because the European Union taxes are based on engine size, the 4-cylinder Mustang also gets a few upgrades. The 2.3L EcoBoost cars now have styling inspired by the Shelby Mustangs, and the active exhaust is now standard equipment. New colors include Twister Orange, Grabber Lime, Iconic Silver, and Lucid Red. FordPass Connect allows the car to be a mobile WiFi hot spot for up to 10 devices. Also onboard is the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. The biggest news is the European customers can order the Bullitt Mustang for another model year. Unprecedented demand for the iconic model is thanks to Steve McQueen being loved by gearheads around the world. To stay in-line with emissions and efficiency standards, the European Bullitts are limited to 464 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. We hope the domestic sales are also extended because our version offers 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Congrats to Ford for 55 years of the Pony Car. Click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your Mustang news. Browse Mustangs For Sale " width="680"> Related: 2019 Bullitt Mustang Top Speed Run on the Autobahn First 2019 Bullitt Mustang Sells Big For Charity

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2019

Ford Invests $500 Million in Rivian

What do you do if you have developed a game-changing electric car platform? Rivian is planning to launch 2 new American electric vehicles using a common chassis for both. The R1T and the R1S will launch next year, the fist is a pickup and the second is an SUV. Their range of 400 miles is unprecedented, so Ford invested $500 Million in Rivian. It is a major part of Ford's $11 Billion EV program. The press release from Dearborn also confirms the Mustang-inspired crossover and an electric F-150 are far along in development. Ford President & CEO Jim Hackett said: " As we continue in our transformation of Ford with new forms of intelligent vehicles and propulsion, this partnership with Rivian brings a fresh approach to both. At the same time, we believe Rivian can benefit from Ford’s industrial expertise and resources.” While the percentage of ownership was not mentioned, President of Global Opereations Joe Hinrichs is now on Rivian's board of directors. This is very similar to Porsche, who sourced electric parts from Rimac before purchasing 20% of the company. " width="680"> Related: Porsche Joins Forces With Rimac

Heritage-Inspired Grabber Lime 2020 Ford Mustang

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2019

2020 Ford Mustang Revives Classic Color Options

What once was old is new again. Iconic colors that were popular in the past are now seeing a resurgence. Making a statement can be difficult if your car looks bland, so the 2020 Ford Mustang has revived classic color options. St. Patrick would approve of Grabber Lime, and it will make your friends green with envy. It is joined by Twister Orange, Iconic Silver, and Red Hot Metallic for the upcoming model year. Barb Whalen, Ford color and materials manager said: "It’s lime green on steroids. This color traces back to a Mustang heritage color while bringing it forward with more modern, dynamic pigments and bold new energy. These bright, vibrant retro colors are trending in design – in home furnishings, sportswear, and even appliances. Aspirational and confident, they are fun, youthful colors that make a statement of how you want the world to see you and who you want to be. And your car is an extension of that.” Click a link below to find our Ford dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Mustang news. Shop Ford Mustang Related: Green Supercars for sale on St Patrick's Day Pagani Roadster Sports Wicked Acid Green Trim

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2019

2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Breaks Auction Record at Barret...

Saturday in Scottsdale was the place to be. While many were recovering from our Friday night party, Ford partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Their goal was to auction the first-production example of Ford's new supercar. Watching from the Muscle Lounge, we saw the bidding frenzy erupt as the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 broke auction records. The winning bid was the highest ever offered for a new Mustang, $1.1 million, and it came from an unlikely bidder. Starting with no reserve, the price quickly escalated thanks to Ford fans and philanthropists who want to advance the cause of diabetes research. The frenzy reached a new high when our friend Craig Jackson tossed his hat in the ring. The owner and CEO of Barrett-Jackson could not be beaten, so he has won the rights to the first production car. 2020 Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review The prototype on stage was shown with all available options, but Craig and his wife Carolyn will be able to order VIN 001 exactly to their liking. Stay with us for a complete recap of the weekend's events, and all your Shelby updates! View All Mustang Shelby GT500 For Sale https://www.facebook.com/ford/videos/10157202060559569/ Related: Dodge Hellcat Bested by Decade-old GT500 Classic Mustang With Ferrari Engine Makes Debut – Corruptt Mustang New Limited Edition Ford Series 1 Mustang RTR

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 – May 24, 2018

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Upgrades Announced

You can't deny the popularity of Ford's rugged F-150 Raptor. These potent pickups are aimed at off-road enthusiasts so they arrive with unique suspension and aggressive suspension and meaty tires. But Ford never stops refining their products, so in a press release this morning we've learned the details of the 2019 F-150 Raptor.Ford Announces Ranger Raptor and We Want It…NowThe third generation of FOX Internal Bypass shocks is how it is able to crawl over rocks and also go airborne. And now they have been upgraded with Live Valve control. Sensors monitor wheel travel at all corners, and the valves are constantly adjusted. Active suspension is something all cars should have because it offers civilized street manners along with dominance on tough trails. When your new Raptor finds itself attacking a low-speed obstacle course.The new Trail Control system is essentially cruise control for rock climbing. it works with the active shocks and the stability control system to send power to tires that have grip. Without having to deal with the gas pedal, you can focus on steering and navigate the obstacles. Be careful to not spill your Yeti because this is the first F-150 to offer Recaro seats. These comfy 2-tone buckets will coddle you on the trails. Our dealers are selling Raptors as fast as Ford can build them, so click the link below and get yours on the way.Browse Ford Raptors 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 – January 08, 2018

Ford Reveals First Ever Diesel F-150

Despite what you hear on the news, Diesel isn't dead. Oil burners are making a comeback in a small & efficient way. Advancements in turbocharging and the innovation of Diesel Exhaust Fluid have allowed Ford to shock the world in a press release this morning. It is the 6th engine choice for the F-150, and it will be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 versions across their lineup.Great Deals On Leftover Lamborghini Huracan Spyders!If you are in the market for a half-ton pickup, the F-150 will soon arrive with a 3.0 liter V6 turbo diesel. The new baby Power Stroke shares many features with Land Rover's small diesel, and it offers 30 mpg on the highway. How is that possible? It makes 250 horsepower and only 440 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. That translates into incredible pulling power along with the ability to idle on the highway.It uses the same compacted graphite iron block and forged bottom end of the EcoBoost series along with a variable geometry turbo. The common-rail injectors are ready for 29,000 psi, and the system has twin fuel filters for years of reliability. Other hardcore parts include a viscous-coupled cooling fan and active grille shutters. These serve to keep the coolant warm in arctic weather and increased aerodynamics on the highway. The 10-speed automatic has specific gearing to make use of the low-end torque with the ability to skip multiple gears at an instant.For the ultimate validation of the new engine, Ford tested it at the Davis Dam in Arizona. A 6% grade for over 13 miles in the triple-digit heat was no problem. It will arrive later this year with a towing capacity of 11,400 lbs, shaming many of its V8 competitors. Our tuners are waiting to throw nitrous and propane at the new Power Stroke, so stay with us for all of your F-150 updates. Search Ford F Series For Sale

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2017

Team Shelby South Atlantic Receives Their New Ford GT

Team Shelby South Atlantic has just received their own new Ford GT. The news comes from Instagram account @teamshelbyracing owned by Bob Zinzell, Team Shelby South Atlantic Regional Director. The new supercar is finished in Frozen White with what looks like the Dark Energy interior. We can't wait to see their team take the American supercar out for a drive and put its engine to use.The Ford GT’s EcoBoost engine is the most powerful of its kind that Ford has ever created. With 647 horsepower on tap, it’s so powerful that the Daytona Prototype’s crankshaft had to be replaced with the pre-production F-150 Raptor’s crankshaft. Why? The team was noticing that the original crankshaft was cracking under grueling condition. Thanks to this swap, the Daytona Prototype went on to win its first race at Sebring that very same year.https://www.instagram.com/p/BW3AKaWHz_i/

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