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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 – May 10, 2021

Ford Lightning Returns As An Electric F-150 on May 19th

Sign me up! With the announcement of Chevrolet's upcoming electric Silverado, Bill Ford and his team have beat them to the punch. In a shocking (literally) press release, we're happy to announce that the 2023 Ford Lightning will be an all-electric F-150. The formal unveiling will be live-streamed from Dearborn on May 19th. CEO Jim Farley says: “Every so often, a new vehicle comes along that disrupts the status quo and changes the game … Model T, Mustang, Prius, Model 3. Now comes the F-150 Lightning. America’s favorite vehicle for nearly half a century is going digital and fully electric. F-150 Lightning can power your home during an outage; it’s even quicker than the original F-150 Lightning performance truck; and it will constantly improve through over-the-air updates.” What he was referring to is the 1st generation of the Lightning. These muscle trucks were loaded with every luxury along with a 5.8-liter V8. High-voltage is much like a rising tide, so the values of classic Lightnings are about to skyrocket. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Ford F-150 For Sale Image (C) Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2021

Ford Donates Over $100,000 of Leather to Help Detroit's V...

Fancy Hides Going To Support Worthy Causes Spring Cleaning is a great time to part ways with superfluous sundries, so Ford has donated over $100,000 of leather to help Detroit's veterans. The future is coming soon, so the blue oval is bulldozing the old development center. This is where concept cars are made ready for production, and it is where interior designers finalized the leatherwork in the King Ranch and Lincoln Black Label trucks. Cleaning out the building to make way for demolition yielded a treasure trove in the basement. Not wanting these hides to be tossed, they are being donated to Pingree Detroit. This operation employs veterans who craft boots, wallets, and accessories to learn a trade and earn a living wage. The other beneficiary is Mend on the Move, a nonprofit that employs abuse victims in greater Detroit. To see what makes this leather so outstanding, our dealers have nice incentives on the new 2021 King Ranch. Click the button to find yours. Shop Ford F-150 Images (C) Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch Unveiled In Texas

Loaded with more luxury than any other SUV, the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch has been unveiled in Texas. The "Running W" logo has adorned Ford's flagship trucks for the past two decades. Since 2001 it has represented the best leather, audio, and wood in the industry. In keeping with the latest F-150 King Ranch edition, you will be massaged by Mesa Del Rio leather seats. Those aren't veneers, they are real Sapele wood accents. The 3-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, and you won't hear it thanks to 14 B&O speakers. Other standard equipment includes Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering, and traffic sign recognition. With a starting price of $52,350, the Explorer King Ranch offers incredible value, and that is why the Explorer is still the best-selling American SUV. Tell us how it compares to the Ford Raptor specs in the comments below and stay with us for all your Ford news. Ford Explorer For Sale Images (C) Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

2022 Ford Raptor Revealed

For the first time, the 2022 Raptor will arrive with a 5-link rear suspension. Leaf springs are ancient technology, so this is a solid starting point to build the world's most capable truck. Fox Suspension offers their new Live Valve technology. This allows 37" tires to react to any situation, articulating much more than the previous generations. Ford Raptor Price, Specs, Photos & Review We speculated on what would power it, and we're happy to announce a new version of the 3.5-liter V6. Using twin turbos it makes more than 510 lb-ft of torque and 450 horsepower, but Ford says official numbers are coming soon. Other details include a TORSEN 4.10 front differential with an electric rear locker. A true 3" active exhaust makes use of an X-pipe with a "trombone loop" that offers a deep rumble. Perhaps the biggest speculation surrounds the 2023 Raptor R that will arrive next year! 2022 Ford Raptor For Sale Images (C) Ford Motor Company

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.

All-Electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

By Andrew Nabors – July 21, 2020

Ford Mach-E 1400 Unleashed by Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Engineers can only test a car so far in the virtual realm. Much like the new Bronco for sale, Ford wants to make sure the Mustang Mach-E arrives without any issues. Instead of boring laps at the proving grounds, the team decided to let RTR and Ford Performance work their magic. After receiving the latest prototype, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his team dropped it, flared all the fenders, and carfully sculpted carbon fiber to offer 2,300 lbs of downforce at 160 mph. To achieve 1,400 horsepower, seven electric motors are onboard. Having 5 more engines than the Mach-E GT, RTR is pushing the Mach-E chassis, suspension, and battery system far beyond their limits. The battery is only 56.8 kWh, but it circulates dielectric coolant around each cell for optimal range and performance when needed. Several body panels are made of organic composites, which are proving to be lighter, stronger, and more sustainable than the carbon fiber that makes up the rest of the sedan. Our Ford dealers are ready to take your deposit, so browse the latest customized Mustang GT for sale below and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Custom Mustang GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

Ford Bronco Lineup Teased Along With Reveal Date

Anticipation for the new Ford Bronco is growing with each passing day. Last week we learned that the return of the historic SUV will be simulcast by Disney across ABC, ESPN, National Geographic, and Hulu at 8 pm (Eastern) on July 13th. Immediately after, fans can reserve theirs for $100 each at Ford.com. Today's press release confirms the trifecta we've been assuming. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time The Bronco lineup will feature a 2-door model inspired by the original series, a 4-door version to rival the Wrangler, and the Bronco Sport will be a 4WD family crossover. This will allow the Bronco to appeal to a wider audience than ever before, and it will allow the aftermarket to unleash a herd of custom Broncos, hopefully in time for SEMA. Stay with us for all your Bronco news and click the button below to find a restored classic example. Browse Ford Bronco For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2020

All-New 2021 Ford F-150 Offers Hybrid Power and Efficiency

Usually, it doesn't make sense to change your best-selling model. Ford trucks are the backbone of their company, and the F-150 alone could be considered one of the world's largest automakers. Therefore, engineers and stylists in Dearborn have delivered the world's first full-hybrid pickup. A new aluminum body still rides on a frame of high-strength steel, but those aspects are all that is shared with last year's lineup. Using lessons learned in the Raptor and at LeMans, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost is now PowerBoost. This optional system combines an electric motor/generator inside the 10-speed automatic transmission. It allows the V6 to act as a generator, with options for 2.4 kW or 7.2 kW. Several 120v plugs in the bed offer 20 amps to recharge tools, or keep your electric bikes ready for another adventure. The real shocker is a 240-volt plug rated at 30 amps. That is more than enough to power 28 refrigerators if you want the ultimate tailgate party. Their real goal was to allow one truck to power an entire Jobsite. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time Without anything plugged in, the hybrid system offers 12,000 lbs of towing or a range of 700 miles on one tank of gas. Such efficiency doesn't mean skimping on luxury. A 12" center screen is standard on XLT models, while the XL offers an 8" version. Another option is an Interior Work Surface that is ideal for signing documents, looking at blueprints, or providing a stable platform for a 15" laptop. When you are done, it disappears into the center console without sacrificing storage between the seats. Speaking of those seats, the Max Recline option allows them to fold flat, nearly to 180 degrees. Because the cab is triple-sealed, you can sleep in comfort. The hybrid battery also powers the starter motor, water pump, and the A/C compressor. This allows climate control with the engine off, another innovation that the industry couldn't have foreseen. Higher trim levels allow the driver to turn off individual sections of ambient lighting, or black out the cab entirely. Even small details like this, along with all the power and SYNC 4 connectivity can be controlled from your phone. As with the previous generation, the 3.5 will probably be the most popular engine choice, but the press release also introduces a new naturally aspirated 3.3-liter Flex-Fuel and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel. The 2.7-liter remains the base engine, and the Coyote 5-liter is also now E85-capable. Last but not least, the hybrid 3.5 can be ordered with 4WD and locking differentials. Our dealers have all the info, so click the link below for all the details. Browse Ford F-150 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2020

Gateway Bronco Expands to Classic Ford Trucks

What began as a labor of love has expanded into full-scale vehicle production. Seth Burgett and his team started Gateway to be an industry leader in first-generation Broncos. Attention to detail and quality builds caught the eye of Ford executives, who asked what else they might be capable of. That question will be answered this fall, as Gateway Bronco will begin deliveries of 1967-72 Ford trucks with truck tonneau covers included. Their goal is to take neglected F-100, F-150, and F-250 trucks completely apart and start over with new steel. Using NOS parts along with a host of proprietary upgrades, it will keep C10 fans awake at night. Ford will be supplying a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 along with the Raptor's 10-speed automatic. Other standard equipment includes push-button 4WD, active exhaust, powder-coated chassis, Bison Leather, and a bed made of restored barn wood. If you need more, it will be the first Ford authorized use of the new 7.3-liter OHV gas V8. Topped by a Harrop supercharger, you will have 700 horsepower in any situation. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Gateway Bronco updates. Learn More " width="680">

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