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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 – March 25, 2019

Ford GT Goes 300 MPH at the Texas Mile

The quest for 300 mph in a street-legal car has been likened to breaking the sound barrier. But our friends at Turnpike Racing League witnessed history this weekend. Team M2K motorsports. After 9 prep runs, #10 resulted in 299 mph. For their final attempt, the quarter mile was smashed at 175 (which is wild to comprehend also). The 1/2 mile saw 240 mph on their multiple GPS instrumentation. Just before pulling the chutes, this unassuming Ford GT goes 300 mph at the Texas Mile. Lets put that into perspective: The car to break 300 mph was the Blue Bird, and it was a Bonneville racer powered by a massive 36.7L supercharged Rolls-RoyceV12 Merlin plane engine. It needed 2,300 horsepower to do so, on September 3, 1935. Team M2K also broke several other records this weekend. They include the half-mile stick shift record at 240 mph. Now we have seen 300 mph, where do we go from here? Congrats to M2K Motorsports, your names are now in the history books. Shop Ford GT Related: Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review 2004-2006 Ford GT Specs, Prices, Photos & Review

Heritage-Inspired Grabber Lime 2020 Ford Mustang

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2019

2020 Ford Mustang Revives Classic Color Options

What once was old is new again. Iconic colors that were popular in the past are now seeing a resurgence. Making a statement can be difficult if your car looks bland, so the 2020 Ford Mustang has revived classic color options. St. Patrick would approve of Grabber Lime, and it will make your friends green with envy. It is joined by Twister Orange, Iconic Silver, and Red Hot Metallic for the upcoming model year. Barb Whalen, Ford color and materials manager said: "It’s lime green on steroids. This color traces back to a Mustang heritage color while bringing it forward with more modern, dynamic pigments and bold new energy. These bright, vibrant retro colors are trending in design – in home furnishings, sportswear, and even appliances. Aspirational and confident, they are fun, youthful colors that make a statement of how you want the world to see you and who you want to be. And your car is an extension of that.” Click a link below to find our Ford dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Mustang news. Shop Ford Mustang Related: Green Supercars for sale on St Patrick's Day Pagani Roadster Sports Wicked Acid Green Trim

By Edward Jones – February 25, 2019

2017 Ford GT Top Speed Run on One of World’s Longest Runw...

The new Ford GT is a model that we've been looking forward to ever since the automaker announced the end of the previous generation. At first, many were a bit surprised that the new GT would be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. When Ford revealed this engine's power (647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque), imany breathed a sigh of relief now that they knew the supercar would truly have supercar-like power. But does this power translate to speed? That's where Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds comes into play with their ability to run cars down a 2.7-mile runway. Wait. How many miles? Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds utilizes the Shuttle Landing Facility, which measures in at 15,000-feet long (around 2.8-miles) and 300-feet wide. Having visited the runway for Straight Line Aerodynamic Testing Sessions, I can attest to its colossal proportions. While testing the Ford GT, they managed to use the entirety of runway, hitting a top speed over 200 mph. There are not many Fords that can run over 200 mph, so it's nice to see some American power hit speeds over that magic number. That being said, there are not many places in the world where you can run a car flat out for over two miles. Check out the run above! view all ford gts for sale Related: High Speed Aerodynamic Testing With Johnny Bohmer Racing Bugatti Chiron Top Speed at JBR Proving Grounds

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2019

Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ford GT in the 1/2 Mile

Many modern supercars are geared to really come alive above 100 mph. That is why 1/4 mile grudge racing isn't the best way to compare their abilities. So our friend Brooks from DragTimes.com decided to take on the world at WannaGoFast. If you have wanted to see a Ferrari 488 GTB vs Ford GT in the 1/2 mile, hang on to your seats. This isn't merely a twin turbo V6 vs twin turbo V8. The Ford vs Ferrari battle has been a war of attrition since 1963. Ford offered Enzo a boatload of cash for his company. After being rejected, Carroll Shelby was hired to beat them on the world stage. The new Ford GT was also designed to put the blue oval back in 1st place, so watch what happens when the green flag drops. Shop Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale Shop Ford GT For Sale " width="680"> Related: Dragtimes Races Ford GT vs Dodge Demon Dragtimes: What's Underneath A Ford GT

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2019

Dragtimes Races Ford GT vs Dodge Demon in the 1/2 mile

Our friend Brooks has followed all the rules while breaking in his Ford GT. And the car has rewarded him with several victories in the quarter-mile. But now its time to take it to another level. Instead of filming at the Palm Beach International Raceway, he and his crew headed west. Get ready for triple-digit speeds because Dragtimes raced the Ford GT against a Dodge Demon in the half-mile. Dodge Challenger Demon Price & Specs: DON'T MISS Immokalee Regional Airport was built to train Air Force bomber crews in WWII. Much like Sebring, it also became home to high-speed racing thanks to General LeMay. It lies at the edge of the Everglades and is host to several racing events year-round. The organizers of WannaGOFAST have created a safe & fun half mile racing series that allows supercars to show their true potential. DragTimes: What's Underneath a Ford GT Brooks went head-to-head against an Aventador in the quarter-mile back in October. Now its time to see how Ford's fancy aerodynamics compare to the 840 horsepower Demon. Tell us which car you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for all your Dragtimes updates. Related: 2018 Ford GT vs Lamborghini Avendator 2018 Ford GT Delivered to Dragtimes

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2019

2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Breaks Auction Record at Barret...

Saturday in Scottsdale was the place to be. While many were recovering from our Friday night party, Ford partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Their goal was to auction the first-production example of Ford's new supercar. Watching from the Muscle Lounge, we saw the bidding frenzy erupt as the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 broke auction records. The winning bid was the highest ever offered for a new Mustang, $1.1 million, and it came from an unlikely bidder. Starting with no reserve, the price quickly escalated thanks to Ford fans and philanthropists who want to advance the cause of diabetes research. The frenzy reached a new high when our friend Craig Jackson tossed his hat in the ring. The owner and CEO of Barrett-Jackson could not be beaten, so he has won the rights to the first production car. 2020 Shelby GT500 Price, Specs, Photos & Review The prototype on stage was shown with all available options, but Craig and his wife Carolyn will be able to order VIN 001 exactly to their liking. Stay with us for a complete recap of the weekend's events, and all your Shelby updates! View All Mustang Shelby GT500 For Sale https://www.facebook.com/ford/videos/10157202060559569/ Related: Dodge Hellcat Bested by Decade-old GT500 Classic Mustang With Ferrari Engine Makes Debut – Corruptt Mustang New Limited Edition Ford Series 1 Mustang RTR

By Edward Jones – January 14, 2019

2020 Ford Explorer ST: Most Powerful Explorer, Ever

You may not have asked for it, but it's here and we're glad it exists: the 2020 Ford Explorer ST. This new model is the most powerful Ford SUV ever created, thanks to the minds over at Ford Performance. Powering the Explorer ST is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that is set to produce 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford notes that they believe they can get the Explorer ST's top speed all the way up to 143 mph. Mated to the EcoBoost engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the four-wheel drive system. “We designed it to be an ST from the beginning,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief functional engineer. “There’s no mistaking its ST DNA. It has a performance feel with sustained performance capability and wears an unmistakably ST appearance. More than anything, it's just a hell of a lot of fun to drive.” 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Finally Unveiled Those who order an Explorer ST will have two available upgrades: ST Street Pack and ST Track Pack. Both come with 21-inch aluminum wheels, but they offer different performance brakes solutions. Pricing and delivery dates on the 2020 Ford Explorer ST have not been revealed just yet. Also Check Out: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snakes For Sale Say Hello to the 2020 Toyota Supra Cadillac Unveils Their First EV at the Detroit Auto Show

By Edward Jones – January 14, 2019

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Finally Unveiled

The new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been teased for what seems like eternity, but the American automaker has finally unveiled the new muscle car and it does NOT disappoint. The all-new GT500 comes into the world as the most powerful street-legal Ford ever built, thanks to its incredible supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that packs over 700 horsepower. This hand-built engine's 2.65-liter root-type supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler are tucked right in the V8 engine valley. Mated to this engine is a TREMEC 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's no word about a manual transmission. “With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “As a Mustang, it has to be attainable and punch above its weight. To that end, we’ve set a new standard among American performance cars with our most powerful street-legal V8 engine to date, plus the quickest-shifting transmission ever in a Mustang for all-out precision and speed.” Classic Mustang With Ferrari Engine Makes Debut – Corruptt Mustang Ford has made sure that the new 2020 GT500 has the right equipment installed to handle all of its power. This includes electronic power steering unit, light-weight coil springs (front and rear), active MagneRide suspension, custom Ford Performance-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, six-piston Brembo brake calipers and a lot more. There are also two packages that will further the GT500's performance. The first is the Handling Package that adds adjustable strut top mount and a spoiler with a Gurney flap. The second is the Carbon Fiber Track Package that features 20-inch exposed carbon fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, adjustable exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing, splitter with dive plane and a rear seat delete. There ya have it, the new 2020 Shelby GT500 is not only the most powerful street-legal Ford, but also the quickest street-legal Mustang ever. Pricing and a delivery window have not been announced as of yet.

By Edward Jones – November 26, 2018

Solid Gold Ford GT Being Auctioned

Are you one of the people who submitted an application for a new Ford GT and didn't get approval? Looking to get a Ford GT but don't want to spend six-figures? We may have a solution for you... kind of. Being auctioned online by Sotheby's is a solid gold Ford GT 1/25 scale model. The model has an 18-karat two-tone gold body that functions like any scale model would. By that I mean you can open the doors, hood, engine bay cover and spin the tires. Sotheby's also notes that this model was the property of a Henry Ford descendant. While you won't be able to drive this Ford supercar, it would still fit in a car collection, but it won't be cheap. Sotheby's is expecting the model to sell from $30,000 to $40,000. If you're interested in buying a Ford GT that could fit inside a real one, then this one's for you. Click here to view the current bid or even place your own. But hurry, because the auction ends on December 3 at 11 AM EST. Source: Sotheby's Related: Graham Rahal’s Debuts His Purple Ford GT 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series Drops Weight, Adds Style

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2018

Gulf Livery 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition (VIN 001) Being...

The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition is coming into the world celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 thanks to its Gulf Oil livery. Ford knows just how important the livery is in their heritage and how much fans love the paint scheme, so it was a no brainer to create the car. With such adoration for the livery, this GT is going to be a hot ticket but Barrett-Jackson is giving their bidders a chance to take home VIN 001. At the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, Arizona auction on January 19, 2019, the special GT will be auctioned off by Ford. What's more, proceeds from the sale will be donated to United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition instantly became one of the most anticipated cars in the world with its famous paint scheme,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president, Global Operations. “This car’s amazing history should help the United Way for Southeastern Michigan raise a lot of money to advance their mission of helping make lives better in our communities.” For the 2019 model, the car comes with the blue and orange exterior, as well as No. 9 graphics on the hood and door. Inside the car is an Ebony Alcantara interior with blue and orange stitching. Each Heritage Edition will also come with a serialized ID plate. Related: Graham Rahal’s Debuts His Purple Ford GT Ford Announces 350 Additional GT Supercars 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review

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