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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 – April 20, 2021

Ford Evos Debuts in Shanghai

By China, for China While it looks as wild as a concept, the new Ford Evos is very real. As the flagship of their China plan, it is their first electric crossover designed by, and built for Chinese owners. Sharing much of its running gear with the Mach-E GT, and the body exemplifies 'Progressive Energy in Strength'. This means no detail was overlooked because every component could potentially carry a culturable taboo. Ford hired locals to help with the aesthetics in details like the 3D parametric grille and the scale pattern on the taillights. Could we be looking at the return of the Fusion thanks to battery power? Tell us why or why not in the comments below. Images (C) Ford

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2021

Ford Unleashes Two Wild Special Edition Rangers

Wolftrak & Stormtrak debut in Europe today Who says midsize trucks are dead? Not everyone wants or needs the massive F-150 Raptor despite what it is capable of. The Ranger marks a return of practicality for Ford, and it appeals to a global market. While the aftermarket here in the U.S. has embraced the Ranger, customizing them across the pond is a bit more challenging. Europe and the U.K. make it very hard to modify any aspect of your car. This creates a demand for more options and a wider array of paint colors. This has lead Ford to start with the Stormtrak. It appeals to active families who need room for bikes, camping, etc. It has a powered tonneau cover and the most interior room in its class. You wont find Rapid Red on any other Ford, and it looks great to us! Next up is the Wolftrak. Aimed at builders, their goal was to offer a 4WD for framing and construction crews. The blacked-out motif is based on the XLT series, and it arrives with locking differentials and shift-on-the-fly running gear. Both trucks are offered with six-speed manuals or the 10-speed automatic, with the 2-liter turbo diesel up front. Your Ford dealer can show you the millions of ways to spec a new Ranger, so click the button after telling us your best Ford story in the comments below. Browse Ford Ranger For Sale Images (C) Ford Motor Company

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2021

How Fast Is The Hennessey VelociRaptor 700 F-250?

Let's watch their latest build lineup against a stock Ford When Ford announced their all-new big-block V8, we figured it would be an evolution of the Coyote or even the return of the Trinity. But the world is still in awe of the new Godzilla. So just how fast is the new Hennessey VelociRaptor 700 F-250? Blue Oval engineers had a goal to offer best-in-class fuel economy and towing ability, so it has 430 horsepower and a stump-pulling 475 torques from the factory. So once it arrived in Texas, the team realized that nobody in the aftermarket had stepped up to see what it is capable of. Starting with their belt-driven intake manifold, the Hennessey supercharger and their proprietary intercooler were added. That boost needs to be heard, so a new exhaust was fabricated from stem to stern. After 200 miles of real-world testing, the computer received instructions for safe ignition and fuel mapping. The dyno doesn't lie, and it shows 700 horsepower and 722 lb-ft of torque. This is without touching the cam or heads, so there is undoubtedly more power to be had. If you need to tow 15,000 lbs before the drag race, this is the truck for you! Click the button for all the details. View Hennessey Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 First Impressions

Another Happy Customer! Ford will be happy to sell you the most powerful Mustang ever offered, but it will be just like all the others. For those of us that dare to be different, let's watch the Hennessey Venom 1000 GT500 first impressions from its owner. Mr. Devine allowed Mr. Hennessey and the team to dive into a new Shelby GT500. Starting with the supercharger, it is gutted and rebuilt to move much more air. Their snout and pulleys are turned by a new drive system that won't slip under load. The intercooler system is also new, with a massive brick and high-flow heat exchanger. What separates the Venom 1000 from lesser competitors is the ability to ingest moonshine. A new flex-fuel system is integrated into the factory computer. Once it senses E85, the boost and ignition timing are unlocked to make 1,000 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. Because you have 850 lb-ft of torque at 4,800, you might need a tire sponsor. Each example is fine-tuned for comfortable street driving, even if you only have 900 horsepower on 93 octane. The dual-clutch transmission is given a snappy tune to make the most of this power, and the look on their faces is priceless! Click the button for all the details on this Venom and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More

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 Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

Five Ford Broncos Showcase Aftermarket Upgrades at Moab

Ford & Aftermarket Suppliers Join Forces Competition brings out the best, especially where the pavement ends. Instead of waiting for SEMA or the Overland Expo, Ford tapped the best aftermarket suppliers to showcase new Bronco upgrades at Moab. Look at the calendar. The reason for the season could be Passover or Easter, but it also represents an annual pilgrimage of 4WD fans to Moab, Utah. What was once known as the Easter Jeep Safari must now renounce their brand because Ford has food for thought. Not limited to the 2-door models, Bronco Sport has opened the door for family fun. Vaughn Gittin Jr. unleashed his RTR team to build the ultimate Bronco Badlands SUV. They fabricated rock sliders, bumpers, a 3D printed grille, light bars, and a roof rack. RTR Tech-6 wheels were fitted with 35" Nitto Ridge Grapplers, and the finishing touch is a Type S Blizzard box freezer. It's almost as if the Bronco was made to be customized. ARM 4x4 is best known for locking differentials, and its Badlands rides on air suspension. Throwing in their bumpers, sliders, and a twin-compressor will keep you wheeling where other rigs can't go. Finally, our friends at 4 Wheel Parts took a new Black Diamond SUV and blessed it with SmittyBuilt, Method Wheels, and 30 other exclusive parts. The video has no sound but its a great way to see what your new Bronco is capable of. Tell us what you will do to your new Bronco in the comments below. Browse Bronco For Sale Images (C) Ford

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

2022 Ford Super Duty Lariat Tremor with Sport Appearance Pack 04

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

2022 Ford Super Duty Receives Style & Connectivity Updates

You shouldn't have to sacrifice the latest technology at work or at the campsite. That's why the 2022 Ford Super Duty has received style and connectivity updates. Before we dive in, you need to check out what Shelby has unleashed in their latest Baja build in our April anniversary issue. The F-150 series will remain Ford's #1 truck, but the Super Duty lineup remains their flagship As such, the latest Lariat can be had with a Sport Appearance Package. This deletes most of the chrome in lieu of body color. If that's too bright, the blacked-out package is now available on the XLT model. The interior has received the most attention. A massive screen incorporates their SYNC 4 operating system with analog controls below as a backup. Apple and Android are onboard along with voice control for all systems. The big-block gas engine is gaining popularity thanks to 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft, but the Power Stroke delivers 475 horsepower and only 1,050 lb-ft of torque! If you need to tow 32,500 lbs, our dealers have all the details. Stay with us for all your truck news. Shop Ford F-250 Images (C) Ford Motor Company

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2021

The New Ford Bronco Was Made To Be Customized

One of the most popular trends in the automotive world right now has to be the custom off-road one. I can't tell you how often I see customized trucks and SUVs cruising around, each of them looking unique in their own right. Ford knows just how popular custom off-road vehicles are and created the new Bronco with that in mind. The result is a model that was made to be customized. Both the two-door and four-door Broncos were built on a modular platform that allows owners to create the off-road SUV of their dreams. This ranges from something as simple as a new grille to a completely custom Bronco. Some of these modifications can be completed in minutes, like taking off the optional modular roof panels or rear quarter windows. In order to tell which components are modular, Ford stamped Bronco logos on the fasteners to indicate them as such. Ford notes that this type of build for the Bronco allows it to be future-proof, allowing the aftermarket community to build upon the model for years to come. That bodes well for owners of Broncos who intend on driving them for years to come. See All Broncos For Sale

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

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