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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 – August 08, 2018

Ford Celebrates 10,000,000 Mustangs

As a Camaro connoisseur and an automotive writer, sometimes I have to mention the Ford Mustang. You can't argue with sales numbers and dealer orders, so Ford announced earlier today that the 10 Millionth Mustang has galloped off the assembly line in Flat Rock Michigan. Ford beat Chevrolet to market by 2 years, and the rest is history.Production of the 1965 Mustang began early in 1964, in order to be ready for the World's Fair. The cars were hidden behind lock and key at dealers across the country. Gail Wise purchased #001, and she was a guest of honor at this event. The car is one of the main exhibits at the Henry Ford Museum, so it was nice to see her back behind the wheel. When the car was shown the world it caused a sensation when dealers unveiled them. Aimed at a younger demographic, Ford invented a market that left other manufacturers scratching their heads. Gail Wise and the first production MustangThe press release says car # 10,000.000 is a Wimbledon White GT convertible, the same color combination as VIN 001. Despite being 54 years apart, both cars are V8 powered with manual transmissions. The first Mustang only offered 164 horsepower, but the latest Mustang GT arrives with 460, and the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual shifts much smoother than the original cast iron 3-speed stick. Ford invited all Mustangs home to Dearborn, where the show was overflown by a P-51 Mustang, the car's namesake. Then they traveled in a parade to the Flat Rock Assembly Plant to see the latest cars leave the plant.Ford was first to market with overhead cams in the 427 "cammer" engine. The 1999 Mustang was the first Pony Car with independent rear suspension. Mustang was also first to have factory turbocharged power in the 80's SVO, and the first supercharged V8 in the 2003 SVT Cobra. It also introduced America to flat-plane V8 engines in the latest Shelby GT350.Finally, Ford has always priced the Mustang under the Camaro, at least in base model trim. If you want the ultimate, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt offers 480 horsepower in an unassuming green body. Click the link below to find your Mustang, and congratulations to Ford for 54 years of strong sales. Tell us your favorite Mustang moment and stay with us for all your Ford updates.Find Your Mustang Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2018

How to do Launch Control in a New Ford GT

If you ever want to take your new Ford GT drag racing, you need to learn how to launch it. As the state of the art in supercar technology, the GT arrives with the latest in launch control. Our friend Brooks from DragTimes took a few minutes to show us how the system works. But first, he and his friends had to make a mandatory stop at Prestige Imports for Espresso & Exotics.Once you access drag mode, it allows you to build rpm to spin up the turbos. Holding the brake and give it some gas and you will hit a 2-step rev limiter at 3,000 rpm. This gets the intake out of vacuum and in the boost by 2 psi. Thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, you are already in 1st gear. Release the brake and hang on! Later on, he goes into detail about Ford's performance app and its data logging abilities. If you think you can handle it, our dealers are ready to take your deposit. So stay with us for all your DragTimes updates.Find Your Ford GT HereView the 2018 Ford GT Horsepower Specs

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2018

Matt Damon to Play Carroll Shelby in Movie?

Back in the 1960's, Ferrari was an unstoppable force when it came to motorsports. In fact, they were so good that Henry Ford II had Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles tasked with the objective of creating a car that would beat Ferrari. The result was the Ford GT, which took first, second and third place at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, there was a lot of drama between the beginning and realization of Ford's wishes, including the passing of Ken Miles.Director James Mangold is set to create a movie that tells the story of the famous Ferrari vs Ford feud of the 1960's, according to Variety. The movie does not have a title yet, but it's internally known as the "Untitled Ford vs. Ferrari Project."2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Improved for Better Lap TimesYou may know Mangold from his recent films like "Logan," "The Wolverine," and "3:10 to Yuma." Additionally, it's rumored that he will be directing a Star Wars Boba Fett spin-off movie.As for actors, Variety is saying that Mangold is interested in casting Christian Bale as Ken Miles and Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby.A release date or even announcement for the start of production has yet to have been announced.

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2018

Custom Eagle Squadron Mustang GT Created for Charity

Ford and Vaughn Gittin Jr. have teamed up to create a one-off Mustang GT that honors American fighter pilots who flew in the Royal Air Force in WWII known as the Eagle Squadrons. These pilots were actually volunteers that wanted to fight against the enemy before America entered the War.The custom Mustang was created through a collaboration between Ford Performance and Gittin's RTR Vehicles. As for the car itself, the exterior was designed after the Hawker Hurricane plane, one of the most successful planes used in WWII. For power, this Mustang GT's power has been increased up to 700 horsepower thanks to a Ford Performance supercharger. It also comes with an RTR carbon fiber widebody kit and Tactical Performance suspension.The car will be debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and then brought back to the United States for the Experimental Aircraft Association's "The Gathering" event on July 26. During this event, the Mustang GT will be auctioned off to support EAA's youth education programs.Vaughn Gittin Jr. Tests Out His New 900 hp Mustang RTR“Supporting young pilots through the EAA charity auction reflects Ford’s aviation history, tracing back to the company’s early days and the Arsenal of Democracy during WWII,” said Darrell Behmer, Ford Mustang design chief. “The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT build with Vaughn and the Ford design team is a great way to honor our heroes and keep the spirit of aviation alive for the next generation of American pilots.”Whoever gets the winning bid on this Mustang will also get an all-inclusive package for two to attend the 2018 Ford Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit where they will take delivery of the car.

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2018

2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 Improved for Better Lap Times

Ford Performance has now revealed their improvements to the 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 sports car. They say these changes give the car more precision and balance, enabling it to deliver faster lap times and better performance on the track and street.“Somewhere, Carroll is smiling,” said Hermann Salenbauch, global director for Ford Performance vehicle programs. “The new Shelby GT350 is our ultimate track Mustang. We’ve stuck to Carroll Shelby’s original formula for winning championships and made our Shelby GT350 even better with the latest in race-proven aerodynamics, tire and chassis technology.” 2018 Shelby Super Snake Package UnveiledIf you're hoping for more power, you're out of luck as the 5.2-liter V8 engine's output remains at 526 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Granted, that's not a bad thing when you consider how formidable this engine is.Those looking to order a new 2019 Shelby GT350 will be able to choose between the known colors, as well as the new Velocity Blue and Ford Performance Blue. It will be available in early 2019.

By Andrew Nabors – May 25, 2018

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Teaser

We all knew it was coming, but instead of a massive unveiling, Ford uploaded a bird's eye view of their meanest Mustang GT500 Super Snake. The largest hood extractors we've seen are mounted on a massive cowl hood. Of course, it will be supercharged, but we're wondering if it will have the flat-plane architecture as the GT350.Aimed at the Camaro ZL1 and the Challenger Hellcat, it will be interesting to learn the details at the formal reveal. It is going to happen at the Detroit Auto Show, so if you can't wait till then, check out these great deals on Fast Fords!Browse Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 24, 2018

DragTimes: What's Underneath A Ford GT?

If you have been curious about the 2018 Ford GT, this will answer a few questions and raise many more. Brooks from DragTimes took delivery of this car only a week ago, but he already had his lift modified to accommodate the unique car. His goal this week was to install a dash cam, which everyone should own if you value your car.Top 10 Mecum Indy Sales (Including 2017 Ford GT)But since the lift was modified, he allows us to see the underside of Ford's supercar. Aerodynamic features are everywhere you look. Active front splitters and NACA ducts keep it glued to the racetrack, but those front lower control arms are massive! It probably has something to do with packaging the spool valves and torsion bars, what a wild system. Tell us your favorite feature of the Ford GT in the comments below and stay with us for all your DragTimes updates.Find Ford GTs For SaleCheck Out the Amazing 2017 Ford GT Specs Here

By Andrew Nabors – May 24, 2018

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Upgrades Announced

You can't deny the popularity of Ford's rugged F-150 Raptor. These potent pickups are aimed at off-road enthusiasts so they arrive with unique suspension and aggressive suspension and meaty tires. But Ford never stops refining their products, so in a press release this morning we've learned the details of the 2019 F-150 Raptor.Ford Announces Ranger Raptor and We Want It…NowThe third generation of FOX Internal Bypass shocks is how it is able to crawl over rocks and also go airborne. And now they have been upgraded with Live Valve control. Sensors monitor wheel travel at all corners, and the valves are constantly adjusted. Active suspension is something all cars should have because it offers civilized street manners along with dominance on tough trails. When your new Raptor finds itself attacking a low-speed obstacle course.The new Trail Control system is essentially cruise control for rock climbing. it works with the active shocks and the stability control system to send power to tires that have grip. Without having to deal with the gas pedal, you can focus on steering and navigate the obstacles. Be careful to not spill your Yeti because this is the first F-150 to offer Recaro seats. These comfy 2-tone buckets will coddle you on the trails. Our dealers are selling Raptors as fast as Ford can build them, so click the link below and get yours on the way.Browse Ford Raptors For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2018

Ford Unveils 50th Anniversary Mustang Cobra Jet

Don't let anyone tell you the glory days of Super Stock racing are behind us. That's because Ford Performance has an eight-second car with your name on it. When the original Mustang Cobra Jet arrived at the 1968 Winter Nationals, it blew the doors off of everyone. The 428 Big Block is heavier than a Prius, but it powered Ford to first place.Five decades later, the new Mustang Cobra Jet packs a supercharged 5.2 liter V8 with your choice of transmission. The rear is, of course, a 9" from Strange which is bolted to a 4-link. The press release says the prototype ran a mid-8 second quarter-mile, going thru the lights at 150 mph! Only 68 examples will be assembled this year, a reference to the year the car was introduced. They can be ordered from any Ford dealer and sold on Bill of Sale only. Without a VIN, the Cobra Jet is not street legal by any means. The parts used to build it are available from your Ford parts department, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. A video of the pass will be uploaded soon, but for now, take a look at the Mustang GT4 below.

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2018

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt: Order Yours Now

If you have ever dreamed of chasing bad guys through San Francisco, your wait is over. In a press release this morning, Ford announced that dealers can now order the 2019 Mustang Bullitt. Finished in the iconic Dark Highland Green, this 480 hp beast arrives with the 87mm intake from the GT350. It also produces 420 lb-ft of torque, as long as you run premium fuel. Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt Instead of a dual-mode exhaust that is either open or closed, the NitroPlate system is fully active and responds to throttle inputs. Top speed is up to 163, an 8 mph increase over a normal Mustang GT. If green is too flashy, the latest Bullitt is also available in Shadow Black. American Racing supplies the classic Torque-Thrust wheels in 19", with big Brembo brakes lurking behind them. It has been 50 years since Steve McQueen performed the ultimate chase on the big screen, and one of the actual movie cars was found abandoned in Mexico last year. Nothing will ever replace the sound and power of the 390 Big Block, but something tells us this new car would outperform its predecessor in every way. Click the link below to find a Ford dealer near you and stay with us for all your Mustang news. The lady driving in the video below is Molly McQueen, her Grandfather would be proud

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