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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 – June 07, 2019

Ken Block Unveils New Raptor Powered Supra Boat

Wakeboarding is a great way to spend time with friends, so you need a proper boat to entertain them. That is why Ken Block has unveiled his new Raptor powered Supra boat. It is similar to the one he bought last year, although the new SL550 offers more entertainment and more room. It is powered by a Roush 6.2L V8, the same 575 horsepower beast found in the first generation Roush Raptor. Marine Products customized the interior with incredible audio, full color LED lighting, HD instrument and navigation displays, and a wild paint job. It is a perfect match to his Hoonigan Raptor, with both being as subtle as a train horn. Ronix Wakeboards provided two wakesurf boards emblazoned with photos of Ken's dogs. Life is good for the Chief Hoonigan, so tell us what you think of this setup in the comments below. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2019

Hennessey VelociRaptor 600: Up Close & Personal

It is Spring in Sealy, Texas, and the flowers are blooming. Just when we thought this was a nature film, the roar of a 600 horsepower Ford is heard across the field. In their latest upload we can see a Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 up close and personal. For only a minute long, it includes scenes around and under the beast as the driver gets in and out of boost. This gives us a nice look at the mandrel-bent exhaust, custom fabricated bumpers, and the bright LEDs. The VelociRaptor V8 offers a 5.0L Coyote swap if you want a more traditional exhaust sound. Both are available in 4WD or the ultimate 6x6. Tell us which one you would own in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. View Hennessey Performance Velociraptors Related: Hennessey Performance McLaren Senna HPE1000 Hennessey Performance Ferrari F12berlinetta HPE800 Testing

By Andrew Nabors – September 10, 2018

2019 Ford Raptor Gets Off-Road Cruise Control

One of the main challenges of rock crawling is choosing the perfect line. In the old days, 4WD trucks had "granny" gears that would offer gear reductions of over 60:1. This allowed the engine to idle up a mountain without input from the gas pedal. Although the Raptor has the latest in 10-speed automatics, granny gears are hated by the EPA. So Ford has the answer to perfect crawling, an off-road cruise control system. 2014 Foreign Cars that are Illegal in the USA In a press release this morning, a YouTube video shows the capabilities of the system. Dial-in your speed from 1 to 20 mph and the Trail Control sends torque where it is needed to keep your momentum. Our dealers have a few already, so click the link below to find your Raptor 2019 Ford Raptor For Sale https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=iwDq2Kwan6U

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 Edward Jones – February 07, 2018

Ford Announces Ranger Raptor and We Want It...Now

The Ford F-150 Raptor just received a new little baby brother, the new Range Raptor. Announced today, this performance truck was designed to carry the powerful aspects of the Raptor truck over to the brand-new Ranger pickup truck. Before I go any further, you should know that this truck was announced in Thailand and no word of a United States release date has been mentioned.Now that we are all upset that the U.S. isn't getting the truck at the moment, here are the details...The Ranger Raptor is powered by a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine that provides 210 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission that is shared with the F-150.2017 Ford GT Sells For $2.5 Million At Barrett-Jackson Of course, no Raptor truck would be complete without a more ferocious-looking body. For that, Ford his it out of the park with a new body that, honestly, damn good looking. Wide fender flares, front bumper with extra clearance, and enough space in the wheel wells to take a nap in make for a mean looking pickup truck.Will we see a Ranger Raptor in the United States? More than likely, but it probably won't be a diesel. For that, stay with us on more news regarding the Ranger Raptor as it's released.

By Edward Jones – November 20, 2015

Fab Fours' Monstrous Supercharged 2013 Ford Raptor SVT

To introduce Fab Fours' new Vengeance Series bumpers, they equipped them on a monstrous 2013 Ford Raptor SVT with the ROUSH Off-Road Phase 2 Supercharger kit for the 6.2-liter engine.These new bumpers do a fantastic job of displaying the power underneath the hood, rated at 590 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, thanks to the R2300 supercharger. In the front is their Vengeance Series bumper with a pre-runner guard, Rigid Industries 20-inch E-Series center light bar and four Rigid Industries 22x2 Dually LEDs. In the rear, their new bumper is on display, so people you leave in the dust have something to look at.Along the sides are side steps from Fab Fours that make getting in and out of the truck easier, and add some serious flair. On top is a Fab Fours installed their Headache Rack, 60-inch Roof Rack and Light Rood Rack Face Plate, all fitted with LED lights.Fab Fours CEO, Greg Higgs, founded the company around his love for the outdoor and a passion for customizing vehicles. With the help of his engineering team, they have created incredible aftermarket parts and have even created their own beasts known as the Legend and Legend 2.Woah. Each piece that comes out of their factory is born out of the finest and most reliable materials, cutting edge metal cutting technology and a drive to provide customers with the parts they need to create their dreams vehicles.To learn more about Fab Fours, be sure to visit FabFours.com or click the button below.Learn MoreGallery Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2015

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Prototype Tears Up Trail

The new 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is in the business of tearing through dirt trails, as made apparent in a video uploaded by the American automaker yesterday, August 20.While this new high-performance beast isn't on showroom floors as of yet, Ford was kind enough to give us a taste of what the its prototype is capable of in the form of the aforementioned video, found below.A press release issued by Ford Jan. 12 gave us all of the juicy details on the new truck, including its new engine and underpinnings.Powering the new 2017 Raptor is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that produces more than the 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. More information on the truck can be found in our January 13 article covering the unveiling of the car at the North American International Auto Show.Check out the video below to see the prototype in action and expect to see it become available in Fall 2016.(Source: YouTube, Ford) See More Ford News, Pics and Videos

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2015

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Finishes Primary Durability Tests

Turbochargers work well in cool, dry places as long as their intakes are protected from dust and dirt intrusion. So, of course, Ford chose one of the world's most inhospitable places to test the new twin turbo 2017 Raptor.As a July 7 press release tells us, Ford has dropped the 6.2-liter V8 in favor of their 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, rumored to make 450 hp. This is a nice bump from the 411 hp of the outgoing model’s 6.2-liter V8. Now that the new F-150 has transitioned to a mostly aluminum construction, the weight savings combined with more power will make for a more competent truck off road and greater fuel economy on the street.Working with GM, they have also developed a new 10-speed automatic transmission for trucks that will help both companies meet upcoming fuel economy standards. Due to the hardcore suspension parts of the previous trucks, many owners pushed their cars beyond their designed limits and experienced cracks in the body and frame, so Ford chose a 66 mile closed course in the southwest that replicates many features found on the famous Baja 1000.(See Also: 2016 Shelby Mustang GT350R Scares the British)The next round of testing will probably be cold weather reliability and fuel mileage proving, so stay tuned to Autofluence as more Raptor updates become available. To find a Raptor in the meantime, check out our exclusive listings.F-150 Raptors For SaleGallery (Source: Ford) See More Ford News

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2015

Ford Creates Halo 5-Inspired Truck: The F-150 Raptor Halo...

You may not know this, but a lot of video game news is breaking right now because of the ongoing E3 conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. A lot of different games are being announced, while many other upcoming games are having more details revealed. One of these games is "Halo 5: Guardians", a high anticipated first-person-shooter coming to Xbox One, created by 343 Industries.To build on this new game's hype, Ford has created a one-of-a-kind 2015 F-150 inspired by the new Halo video game. Called the Ford F-150 "Halo Sandcat", it's been given the codename "M55s" by the United Nations Space Command (UNSC, from the Halo franchise).(Related: 2015 Ford F150 Black Ops Edition)This war-ready truck is based around a 2015 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, with the FX4 off-road package. Other modifications include the Addictive Desert Designs' Baja XTR off-road conversion kit, Deaver leaf springs, a Currie full floater rear axle, ADD fenders, side steps, a chase rack and 17-inch wheels shod with off-road capable tires. Covering the exterior of the truck is a custom Halo wrap that truly puts the truck into the Halo universe.And, of course, there is an Xbox One gaming system, complete with monitors, in the back of the head restraints.This truck will be on display at the Los Angeles Convetion Center for E3 and will be shown at several other location as we draw closer to the game's release date of October 27.Gallery (Source: Ford) Click Here For More Ford News

By Caitlin Duffy – February 20, 2015

2015 Ford F-150 Pre-Runner Race Truck for Sale

It's designed to travel through rough terrain at insane speeds while keeping you and two passengers safely strapped in. You can hit a 3" hole or bump at up to 140 mph without any problems. And this 2015 Ford F-150 Pre-Runner Race Truck can be in your garage before you know it.(See Also: Hellcat vs. Mustang vs. i8 vs. Huracan)Featured in the first ever Battle of the Builders at SEMA 2014, which will be aired on Velocity Network March 8, this one-of-a-kind Pre-Runner was completed in November of last year. You can check out the trailer for this new show below.At 7,000 pounds with a 130" wheel base, it's big, but don't let size fool you. The Motec Injected Motor creates 800 hp and 700 ft-lb of torque, meaning you'll be ready for any off-roading race rally. Check out the pictures in the gallery to get a better look, and hit the button below to see the full details of this insane off-roader.View Price and Listing Details Gallery See More Ford News

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