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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 – July 02, 2021

Shadow Black 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" For Sale

Presented by Private Seller - This 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" is a true street-legal race car that's about as exclusive as they come. It's finished in Shadow Black paint that's accented by carbon fiber stripes and exposed carbon fiber trim with a gloss finish. On the move, this Ford GT surely looks like a stealth fighter jet. What's more, this GT is equipped with the very desirable 600A "Lightweight" package. This package includes the Lightweight graphics, 20-inch gloss exposed carbon fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, polycarbonate rear engine hatch and an Alcantara-wrapped carbon fiber steering wheel. The previously mentioned carbon fiber wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are brought to a stop by red Brembo brake calipers. Inside this GT is the Carbon interior that's accented tastefully with carbon fiber trim, including the door sills. With just 8 miles on its odometer, this exclusive 2019 Ford GT "Lightweight" is a truly exquisite example of the groundbreaking American supercar. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Price and Listing

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

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 Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2019

Gateway Bronco Joins Forces With Ryan Blaney for a Great ...

NASCAR drivers have a demanding schedule, so there isn't much free time for them to enjoy. Ryan Blaney comes from a racing family, with his grandfather Lou winning over 600 races. His father Dave Blaney had a successful racing career, spending 17 years chasing the Winston Cup. Losing a race is hard, but Ryan and his father could barely comprehend Lou's battle with Alzheimer's. https://vimeo.com/338285111 That is why the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation has commissioned Gateway Bronco to build something wild. As you follow along with us, we will take you behind the scenes to show you how Gateway does it right. What we can tell you so far, is that it is heading to a prime time spot at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. But before it hits the auction block next year, it will be unveiled at the Eaton booth at SEMA this fall. Because all proceeds are going to the Alzheimer's Association, Ryan and Gateway have sponsors on board. Major contributors include: Barrett-Jackson Eaton Xpel Paint Protection Harrop Performance Borla Goodyear Discount Tire PPG Penske We can't tell you all the details, but it is a 1974 Bronco with a modern drivetrain. Under the hood is a new 5.0L Coyote V8 along with a six-speed automatic. Harrop Performance will supply the boost from their latest supercharger, and the body will be sprayed in PPG paint. It could be the first Bronco to reach the Million-Dollar mark, so stay with us for monthly updates on the build. To give you an idea of the end result, click the link below to view their inventory. Visit Gateway Bronco

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:

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