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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 – November 20, 2019

Ford GT: 2005 vs. 2018

What happens when two social media icons meet at the drag strip? As you might have known Shmee150 is on a tour of the U.S. in his 2018 Ford GT. As no American vacation would be complete without South Florida, he called Brooks (DragTimes) to discuss a possible collaboration. While it would be a rare sight to see two 3rd-Generation Ford GTs battling it out on the quarter-mile, Ford has made sure that they consistently run similar times. So Brooks decided to dust off his classic 2nd generation model. Although it has a few mods, get ready for Ford GT: 2005 vs. 2018. 2005 Ford GT Price & Specs Speaking of mods, Brooks has a Heffner Performance pulley and a tune to match. It allows the 5.4L to put 650 horsepower to the ground. A stock 2018 Ford GT sends 590 horsepower to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch. While Brooks has to shift his 6-speed stick, Shmee's car has uninterrupted power between gears. The only part these cars share is the Blue Oval badge, so it is shocking to see how far technology has advanced. Tell us which version you prefer in the comments below, and click the link to find a Ford GT near you! Browse Ford GT For Sale Related: 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review Jay Leno Reviews His 2005 Ford GT Originally Published on August 5, 2019

By Edward Jones – November 18, 2019

Electric 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E Revealed: 0 to 60, Powe...

For the first time in 55 years, there the Mustang lineup has been expanded thanks to the new Ford Mustang Mach-E. We've been hearing a lot about this new model, but it's finally been unveiled in its entirety. What we've all been wondering is how fast this new Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will be. Now, we finally know. For its power, the 2020 Mustang Mach-E will have multiple standard and extended-range battery options. The rear-wheel-drive variant with an extended range battery will have a range of 300 miles. If you turn drive configuration into an all-wheel-drive setup, it will pack 332 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Ford is also offering two performance versions of the Mustang Mach-E. The GT version will run from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Going a step further is the GT Performance Edition, which will flash from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-3-second range. As for power output, both GT variants will have an estimated 459 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. There's a lot more to unpack than just the Mustang Mach-E's performance. Most notably, the interior. Following the path of other electric vehicles and their minimalist style, the Mustang Mach-E has a subtle yet stylish cabin. A massive 15.5-inch screen is mounted front and center, and acts as the control center for the next generation of Ford's SYNC system. Ford has also taken advantage of the Mach-E's electrification and given the electric SUV plenty of storage space. As with most electric vehicles, a front trunk replaces the space where a gasoline engine would typically be housed. Inside, the rear trunk provides 29 cubic feet of storage. If you fold the rear seats down, that number goes up to 59.6 cubic feet of space. If you're interested in owning the 2020 Mustang Mach-E, a revolutionary model for Ford, you can throw down a $500 refundable deposit on the reservation site. Deliveries are expected to start in Spring 2021. SEE ALL MUSTANGS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2019

Ford's Electric SUV Has a Name: The Mustang Mach-E

We've been hearing about a new Mustang-based SUV for quite some time now, but it's all just become official. Ford just announced that the new alla-electric SUV will be called the Mustang Mach-E. All we have to go on now is a teaser video, found below, regarding the car but we will get a chance to see more soon. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV will be officially unveiled on November 17 at 9 PM EST and we will all get a chance to see it thanks to multiple livestreams (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). Following the broadcast, you get drop a $500 refundable deposit to reserve their spot in line for the Mustang Mach-E. SEE ALL GT500'S FOr SALE

By Andrew Nabors – November 07, 2019

Jay Leno's Bronco Restored by Ford Performance

On his final evening hosting the Tonight Show, our friend in denim was pranked by Craig Ferguson. The host of the Late Late Show left a rusty Ford Bronco for sale in the VIP lot, not knowing how his friend was in the market for one. After gathering dust in his garage, Jay Leno's Bronco has been restored by Ford Performance. Working with SEMA Garage, Ford was able to source new body parts from Dennis Carpenter, an authorized Ford parts supplier. The engine was borrowed from the new GT500 assembly line. Behind it is a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission and an AtlasII transfer case. Browse Jay Leno's Car Collection From BFG tires to "Tonight Show" blue paint, nothing was overlooked. All the details will be revealed on an upcoming episode of Jay Leno's Garage, so stay with us for all your Jay Leno updates. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2019

Ford Bronco R Prototype: A Hint at the Production Model

The modern Ford Bronco has not been revealed as of yet, but the American automaker has us something to satiate our hunger for the SUV. Introducing the new Ford Bronco R race prototype, a new SUV that was developed by Ford Performance and Geiser Bros Design and Development and Baja 1000 Trophy Truck champion Cameron Steele. Ford notes that the Bronco R acts as a tribute to Rod Hall's Baja 1000 win 50 years ago. His overall victory in the Bronco is one that no other 4x4 has replicated since. For the celebratory Bronco R, Ford wrapped it in a livery that was inspired by Hall's winning vehicle. The Bronco R is also a hint as to what to expect when the production Bronco is revealed next spring. SEE ALL BRONCOS FOR SALE Ford’s Bronco R race prototype debuts in the desert to celebrate 50th anniversary of Rod Hall’s historic Baja 1000 win, an overall victory in a 4x4 that’s never been duplicated in 50 years.

By Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2019

DragTimes Tests the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Traction, you either have it or you don't. Engineers at Ford Performance have spent many late nights ensuring their latest creation will put 760 horsepower to the ground, so our friend Brooks at DragTimes has tested the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 in Las Vegas. You can't be all things to all people, and drag racing an Independent Rear Suspension can be inviting disaster. Thankfully, Ford showcased the potent hardware by laying the car on its side for all to see. The TREMEC dual-clutch transmission shares most internals with the 2020 C8 Corvette. Before Ford fans get upset, the 10-speed found in the Raptor and the Silverado was also a joint project between Ford and GM. Moving rearward we see a carbon fiber driveshaft and a massive cast iron differential. It has a dedicated cooling circuit, aluminum lower arms, and massive axles. To make sure the power reaches the ground, the launch control system is adjustable, so this press car should leap off the line. However, Ford did not allow anyone to use the system or even turn off the traction control system. Brooks has excellent reaction times, but he was not allowed to heat the tires or even foot-brake this press car. Browse Ford Mustang For Sale Nevertheless, a factory Mustang capable of 10.6 seconds is very impressive. This is Las Vegas, so Heat Soak can build up quickly. We can barely wait to see what he will run when his GT500 arrives, and perhaps a 9" swap is in the works. Tell us what you think of the car in the comments below, and stay with us for all your DragTimes footage. " width="680">

Blood Type Racing Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid

By Edward Jones – October 17, 2019

The Ford SUV's You'll See at SEMA 2019

As always, there are going to be a long list of custom Ford vehicles heading to the SEMA 2019 show. Like years before, they have released a press release that details the Ford vehicles that can be seen on the floor of the SEMA show. For this press release, they showed off the SUVs, more specifically the 2020 Escapes and Explorers. You can see them all below. “There’s a growing hunger for consumers to personalize their SUVs, which have a huge range of possibilities from lowered street rides to off-road overlanding,” said Eric Cin, global director, Ford vehicle personalization and accessories. “As the latest versions of Escape and Explorer continue to provide buyers with even more options for what they want, the aftermarket is a great place to see just how much more there is out there.” Air Design USA Ford Escape Sport Hybrid "Where style and capability meet, this Air Design USA 2020 Ford Escape Sport Hybrid emerges." Blood Type Racing Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid "Blood Type Racing embraces the concept of sustainable exploration of both road and trail with the first 2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid modified by the aftermarket." CGS Performance Products Ford Explorer ST "This 2020 Ford Explorer ST from CGS Performance Products gets a clean and mean look perfect for turning heads at any event." Good Boy Daisy LifeStyle Ford Expedition Limited MAX "This Good Boy Daisy LifeStyle 2019 Ford Expedition Limited MAX pumps up the volume with its unique ability to livestream in-car musical performances from all over the country." LGE-CTS Motorsports Urban Ford Escape "Equally adept on a routine trip around town as it is blasting down dirt roads in Baja in search of that epic spot to surf, this Urban edition 2020 Ford Escape by LGE-CTS Motorsports is driven by attitude and poised to attack." MAD Industries 2020 Ford Escape "This MAD Industries 2020 Ford Escape puts the sport in the automaker’s latest SUV offering or, in this case, right on top of it." MAD Industries Ford Expedition Stealth "MAD Industries evolves the 2019 Ford Expedition into a daily driver with the chops for some serious weekend adventuring." Prefix 2020 Ford Explorer "This 2020 Ford Explorer customized by Prefix is designed to be the king of racetrack support vehicles. It serves as a tribute to the men and women who work behind the scenes on the safety and support side of motorsports."

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 – September 13, 2019

Ford Sets New World Record for Largest Mustang Show

To say that the Mustang is world-famous is an understatement. Just like German and English cars have fans in the U.S., Ford fanatics across Europe own Mustangs of all generations. In their latest press release, Ford announced that 5,500 Mustangs were sold in Europe in the first half of 2019. This was cause for celebration, so they called all Mustang owners to the Lommel Proving Grounds in Belgium. Browse All Ford Mustangs For Sale In order to break the previous record for a Mustang Parade, 1,326 examples were spaced 20 meters apart. In unison, these feral Fords formed a herd of unprecedented proportions. Even if it was at an idle, it far exceeds 960 cars that performed similar maneuvers in Toluca, Mexico back in 2017. Unlike other brands, Ford has never changed the firing order of their small-block V8. The roar was probably felt in Mongolia when the Mustangs began to move. Congrats to Ford for 55 years of the Mustang. Click the link above for great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your Mustang news. " width="680"> Related: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Configurator Reveals Option Prices 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – September 11, 2019

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Configurator Reveals Option Prices

Ford Fans Rejoice, your new Shelby can be had in a variety of ways. It is a 760 horsepower beast with 625 lb-ft of torque. As the most powerful Mustang ever built, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 configurator reveals option prices. Not only will it allow you to order your car, you can also mix & match paint, technology, and racing packages. Starting with an MSRP of $72,900, it is actually $535 cheaper than the Shelby GT350R. Are they trying to phase out the 9,000 rpm track machine? Browse All Ford Mustangs FOr Sale Although the University of Florida is not my Alma Mater, many of us bleed for the Gators' in Orange & Blue. If you want to experience all the car has to offer, add some carbon fiber and remove the rear seats. The "Carbon Fiber Track Pack" is only $18,500 Heated mirrors and a powered RECARO driver's seat are included with the "Technology Package". It also has Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio. From here it is smooth sailing, going through the included parts. The final option is for a Shelby car cover for $395. The ultimate example of the new Mustang will cost $106,385 before dealer markup, delivery, gas guzzler, taxes, registration, etc. There are Mustang Maniacs who will view this as a bargain, so we want to hear from you. Tell us what you think of this spec in the comments below and stay with us for all your Ford updates. Related: 2020 Mustang Shelby GT350R Receives GT500 Upgrades 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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