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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

A close-up of a Ford Megazilla engine displayed indoors on a stand, showcasing its 1000+ HP prowess and intricate belts and components against a brick wall backdrop.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 30, 2025

Ford Unveils New 1,000+HP Megazilla & 800+HP Coyote Crate...

Ford opens the floodgates for serious American performance. Known as one of the most legendary names in the automotive industry, Ford boasts a rich history, as well as a compelling lineup of American icons that are known for their iconic heritage and popularity today. Its performance cars play an important role in defining the landscape of American performance, with the Mustang lineup, as well as the off-road-ready Raptor vehicles made to dominate various realms of performance. However, one of the most important parts of what makes Ford’s performance cars iconic is their heart: the engine. Now, Ford has unveiled Megazilla and Coyote crate engines, offering incredible levels of performance to enthusiasts who want to create custom performance-ready masterpieces. Meant for drag racing and uncompromised speed, the new Megazilla 2.0 engine is a 7.3-liter supercharged V8 engine that uses a Gen 6 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger to target a figures even higher than 1,000 horsepower. Meanwhile, those who want to create custom street-legal builds can use the new Coyote crate engine, a supercharged 5.0liter V8 derived from the new high-performance Mustang Dark Horse. With a 3.0-liter supercharger, the engine targets over 800 horsepower and 615 lb/ft of torque. Both crate engines offer enthusiasts an easy-to-install high-performance powerplant with Ford’s renowned American performance excellence, along with street legality and a warranty in the case of the Coyote engine. Available to order through Ford dealerships now, the new crate engines usher in a new era of classic American performance brawn. View All Fords For Sale Image Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2025

The First Look At Ford's All-New 2025 Mustang RTR

The 2025 Mustang RTR debuts as the ultimate turbocharged Mustang. With seven generations and millions of passionate owners and enthusiasts, the Ford Mustang will forever be known as one of the most influential sports cars in automotive history. Since its debut in 1964, Ford has produced over 10 million Mustangs and continues to add to that number with its next lineup of 2025 models. Ford is making waves with the all-new Mustang RTR, unveiled ahead of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show with a demo led by Vaughn Gittin Jr., two-time drift champion and RTR Vehicles founder. Designed as the ultimate enthusiast-focused turbocharged Mustang, the collaboration brings RTR’s motorsport expertise to the Mustang EcoBoost platform, delivering an accessible, performance-packed option for drivers looking for a track or twisty back roads. Packed with RTR’s signature styling, Hyper Lime Brembo brakes, and Dark Horse-inspired parts, the Mustang RTR is the perfect addition to the Mustang lineup. This marks only the second time in Mustang’s storied history that Ford has worked with an outside partner to create a factory performance model. RTR’s partnership with Ford, spanning 18 years, also influenced the Mustang’s exclusive drift brake feature in seventh-generation Performance Packages. Whether practicing reverse entries or tearing up an autocross circuit, the RTR delivers precision for drivers of any skill level. Making its public debut at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, the Mustang RTR will share the stage with the all-new Mustang GTD Spirit of America. View all Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Source: Ford

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 10, 2025

New 815HP Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America Revealed

This special edition of Ford’s pinnacle Mustang is an ode to American performance. With the latest generation of the legendary Ford Mustang came with the introduction of an unprecedented variant of the American sports car icon: the Ford Mustang GTD. Crafted as a true track-ready performance machine, the Mustang GTD showcases the Mustang in a way it never was before, with immense power, highly advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight construction. The new Mustang hero has already earned an incredible accolade as the first production car from an American manufacturer to lap the Nürubrgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. In celebration of that achievement, and in celebration of the Mustang GTD’s pursuit of American performance achievement, the new 2025 Mustang GTD Spirit of America has been revealed. Designed with a special edition livery, the special edition 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America is inspired by another hero in American performance, Craig Breedlove, who wore overalls with red and blue stripes when he used a jet engine from a Korean War fighter plane to break the 500-mph and 600-mph barriers on land. The design, which features a white body, and stripes in red and blue, also echoes historic racing Mustangs from the early years of the Mustang in the 1960s. Other elements include exposed carbon fiber, which highlights the racing-readiness of the Mustang GTD, as well as Race Red endplates on the spoiler, mirror caps in Race Red or exposed carbon fiber, and Race Red brake calipers. With a historically inspired design, 815 horsepower, and the ability to reach 202 mph, the new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America is a celebratory testament to what American performance is capable of. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Image Source: Ford

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 07, 2025

Ken Block's "Hoonitruck" 917HP 1977 Ford F-150 To Be Auct...

The late legend’s masterpiece will be up for auction soon. Whether for his longstanding racing career in the rally world, or for the iconic, loved, and viral Gymkhana series of videos, the late Ken Block is one of the most respected and revered people in the automotive world. His years-long legacy of incredible stunts and racing achievements has inspired and wowed enthusiasts, and the cars that participated in that legacy have earned a reputation as some of the most desired collector cars on the market. One of those is the “Hoonitruck,” a customized 1977 Ford F-150 that was the result of two years of engineering work in collaboration with Detroit Speed, including a bespoke intake manifold from Ford Performance. As a result of its incredible engineering, the Hoonitruck sends an amazing 917 horsepower through its twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine to all four wheels, and its other extensive modifications throughout made it a bespoke creation purpose-built for incredible viral drifting stunts. The truck will soon be up for auction at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction. As a vehicle with an incredible legacy as one of the Gymkhana vehicles driven by the legendary Ken Block, and as an amazingly engineered custom racing truck with serious performance ability, the auction of this unique vehicle is highly anticipated. View All Vehicles For Sale From Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom Image Source: Barrett-Jackson

A black Ford Mustang GTD tears through the curvy, hilly racetrack of Nürburgring, surrounded by lush greenery.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 10, 2024

Ford Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring In Under 7 Minutes

Ford’s track-ready Mustang dominates the ‘Ring. Dubbed the “Green Hell” by many automotive enthusiasts, the Nürburgring is one of the world’s most revered and feared racing circuits, with impressive length, dramatic elevation changes, and no shortage of challenging corners. It’s where the greatest automotive manufacturers and the greatest drivers come to test their skills, determining if a driver is truly capable and if a car is engineered for track excellence. For the new Ford Mustang GTD, Ford’s pinnacle track-oriented Mustang model with immense power, advanced aerodynamics, and lightweight construction, the test of the Nürburgring Nordschleife was passed with flying colors. With Multimatic Motorsports driver Dirk Müller behind the wheel, the new Mustang GTD lapped the Nordschleife in under 7 minutes, with its 6:57.685 lap time making it the fastest car to lap the track from an American brand. At 12.9 miles in length with 73 turns, the Nürburgring is an incredible challenge to complete for any sports car, and the new Ford Mustang GTD is the fifth fastest production sports car to lap the track according to the official Nürburgring records. To highlight the journey that led to the incredible lap time, Ford has created a 13-minute documentary called “Road To The Ring,” which is available to watch now on Ford’s social channels. With its sub-7-minute Nürburgring lap time, the new Ford Mustang GTD proves the incredible potential of the Mustang as a high-performance machine. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale " width="680"> Image Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 26, 2024

Ford Calls Its 815HP Mustang GTD The Fastest, Most Powerf...

The 2025 Mustang GTD is setting a new bar for Mustangs. Ford unveiled the 2025 Mustang GTD as the most powerful Mustang ever built. With an outrageous 815 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, Ford Performance's newest track monster is built for speed, showcasing a top speed of 202 mph. Powered by a supercharged 5.2L V8, the GTD features Mustang’s first-ever dry-sump oil system and a Drag Reduction System that adjusts airflow for optimal speed and grip. Ford engineers are confident that its new motorsport-inspired technology will deliver a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap time. The GTD’s innovative engineering doesn’t stop with its v8 powerhouse. Active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes, and semi-active suspension all contribute to its exceptional handling and performance. According to Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall, the team focused on merging world-class performance with the Mustang's signature soul. As a result, the GTD promises top-tier precision, power, and agility on the track and the street. With a focus on pushing limits and breaking records, the 2025 Mustang GTD is poised to be a game-changer for Ford and the lucky owners chosen to buy it. View all Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale Source: Ford

A custom Ford pickup truck with rugged tires is parked, showcasing its SEMA 2024 vibe with a bicycle in the bed, flaunting Custom Garage Packages.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 31, 2024

Ford Launches New Custom Garage Packages At SEMA 2024

Ford offers a new way to customize vehicles. With iconic trucks, SUVs, and performance cars, Ford is responsible for a lineup of legendary American vehicles that appeal to a diverse range of automotive enthusiasts. Now, owning and buying a Ford has gotten even better for enthusiasts, with the manufacturer revealing its new Custom Garage Packages for its vehicles. Unveiled at the 2024 SEMA show, a hub for automotive customization, Ford showed off four project vehicles that show the available and planned Custom Garage Packages. The packages start with two variants of the iconic Bronco: Matte Black and Sinister Bronze. Both packages feature various custom parts and give the Bronco a unique look that will help customers set their cars apart from the standard variants. Pricing for both packages is $5,200. The project vehicles include two variants of the Bronco: the Bronco Wild Fund Project vehicle, made to celebrate and advocate for the preservation of trails and their natural beauty, along with the similar Bronco Sport Wild Fund Project Vehicle. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 ORV Project Vehicle is an off-road-ready 5.0-liter V8-powered F-150, and the F-150 FP700S is a street truck showing off a planned future Custom Garage Package. Rounding out Ford’s SEMA 2024 presence is a one-off custom 1969 Ford F-100. Nicknamed “Clyde,” the truck was created in collaboration between Ford Performance and Solomon Lunger to combine the F-100’s classic charm with modern technology, convenience and performance. Using the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 from the Ford Raptor R with a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger, it boasts a whopping number of over 900 horsepower. With performance and custom looks throughout its lineup, Ford is showing off increased customization potential at SEMA 2024. View All Fords For Sale Image Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 25, 2024

This Rare 3-Mile, Fully-Optioned 2005 Ford GT Is For Sale

This Ford GT is a car collector's dream find. Since its inception into the world of motorsports as a homologated track weapon engineered to take down Ferrari in grueling endurance races, the Ford GT has evolved into an American icon with four collector-grade generations. While the very first examples stand out as priceless pieces of art and the most modern featuring Ford Performance's EcoBoost powertrain, the second generation Ford GT sits right in between as the most driver-focused version. The team at Earth Motorcars of Carrollton, Texas is pleased to showcase this unbelievable 3-mile, 4-option 2005 Ford GT as part of its extensive inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View Price And Listing Alongside the fact that this Ford GT only shows three delivery miles on the odometer since it first rolled off the production line, it also stands out as a fully optioned spec from the factory. Back when customers were still configuring Ford GTs in the early 2000s, Ford only offered four factory options to choose from, including a Mactinosh Sound System, Racing Stripes, Red-Painted Calipers, and lightweight BBS wheels. And while you're probably thinking that every owner opted for all the available upgrades, a select few GT chassis actually feature all four. This specific example comes finished in a classic shade of red with bright white racing stripes and decals. Inside the GT's driver-centric cabin, Ford kept things clean and subtle to guarantee precision and focus while experiencing the pinnacle of its performance car lineup. Black perforated leather sport bucket seats and satin-finished aluminum trim present a timeless look and feel that continues to inspire future Ford creations. Without a need for large infotainment screens or surround sound systems, the Ford GT is as simple as "get in and drive." Powered by Ford Performance's supercharged 5.4L V8, the 2005 Ford GT delivers a whopping 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels. Paired with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission that relies on the driver for ultra-quick shifts, the GT will sprint from 0-60 mph between 3.3 and 3.8 seconds. This extremely rare 3-mile, 4-option 2005 Ford GT from Earth Motorcars is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2024

Hennessey Launches Its New Venom 800 F-150 Raptor R Super...

The Ford Raptor R gets an extra pep in its step with help from Hennessey. With a knack for fitting some of the automotive world's most powerful cars, trucks, and SUVs with performance upgrades for even more horsepower, Hennessey continues to diversify its lineup with an all-new build that features the Ford F-150 Raptor R, the Venom 800 Super Truck. Hennessey Performance has responded to overwhelming demand by introducing the Venom 800 F-150, a powerful super-truck delivering 800 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 757 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The extra power boost allows the Venom 800 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and achieve an impressive 11.7-second quarter mile time. Upgrades to the Raptor R's suspension, wheels, tires, and powertrain guarantee the full-size truck is both extremely fast and incredibly capable. Hennessey’s team installed a 3.0L supercharger, high-performance fuel injection, and their proprietary engine calibration system to achieve its power gain. A dual-tip cat-back exhaust and massive Brembo performance brakes round out the upgrades. The build also features a six-inch BDS suspension lift with FOX coilovers and 35-inch off-road tires for on and off-road use. LED off-road lights, steel ‘Venom’ bumpers, and a custom Hennessey grille add signature flair to the exterior. Inside, the Venom 800 F-150 continues to impress with luxurious touches like embroidered headrests, American flag inserts, and a serial-numbered plaque. With only 250 units available globally in 2024, each model comes with Hennessey badging and a 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Available exclusively through authorized Ford retailers, the Hennessey Venom 800 combines extreme performance, luxury, and exclusivity. View all Ford F-150 Raptors for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford F-150 Raptors For Sale Source: Hennessey

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 23, 2024

300+ Ford Raptor Owners Gather In Utah For Ford's First-E...

The day was filled with tons of off-road experiences. Rallies have since become a quintessential part of car culture worldwide, whether you're twisting through canyon roads in a Porsche pack or sunset cruising the beach in a convoy of vintage VWs. It gives owners and enthusiasts an opportunity to gather, share some knowledge, and participate in group drives through picturesque locations. Ford Performance recently brought together its dedicated community of adventurists for the first-ever Raptor Rally. The exclusive, one-day off-road rally took place in Fairfield, Utah, with over 300 Ford Raptor owners, guests, VIPs, Ford Ambassadors, and media in attendance. In addition to showcasing one of the largest lineups of Ford Raptors, the day also included trail rides, expert workshops, the chance to jump their own Raptor, and meet-and-greets and hot laps with pro-off-road racers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy, Chris Polvoorde and more. Ford also brought some of its latest race platforms to give the crowd a close look at how the manufacturer develops its production vehicles directly from off-road racing. If you're an adventurous Ford Raptor owner looking to participate in next year's festivities, stay tuned into Ford Performance for more information on the next Raptor Rally. View all Ford Raptors and Bronco Raptors for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ford Raptors & Bronco Raptors For Sale Source: Ford

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