Hennessey

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 Tyler Rampersaud – November 14, 2023

Hennessey Unveils The New 700HP VelociRaptoR 6x6

Based on the Ford Raptor R, it debuts with a 700-HP V8, dual axles, and an 8-foot cargo bed. In the world of automotive engineering, Hennessey Performance Engineering consistently raises the bar, and their latest offering, the new VelociRaptoR 6X6 Ford Raptor R, is no exception. Transforming the formidable Ford Raptor R into a 6X6 supertruck, this vehicle transforms the Ford F-150 Raptor R's off-road capability and rugged luxury. At the heart of the VelociRaptoR 6X6 lies the untouched and already immensely powerful supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine of the Ford Raptor R, delivering a staggering 700 bhp and 640 lb/ft of torque. This powertrain ensures that the VelociRaptoR 6X6 dominates all terrains, both on and off-road, with ease and authority. But it's not just about power. Hennessey has meticulously engineered every aspect of this truck. The VelociRaptoR features six-wheel drive, a testament to its unparalleled traction and stability. The vehicle's extended boxed frame and an additional, fully functional locking rear axle increase the tractive grip by more than 50 percent. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced suspension system. Equipped with Live Valve Fox dampers, the most sophisticated off-road suspension available on a production vehicle, the VelociRaptoR 6X6 is prepared for any adventure. A three-inch lift further enhances its capability, complemented by Hennessey's custom 20-inch alloy wheels and 37-inch off-road tires. Utility is a significant aspect of this supertruck's appeal. It boasts an eight-foot cargo bed, replacing the standard 5.5-foot bed and increasing cargo capacity by over 45 percent. This feature, combined with the dual locking rear axles and enhanced suspension, improves the truck’s utility substantially. The VelociRaptoR's aesthetics match its performance. With new front and rear bumpers, LED off-road lights, and exclusive Hennessey VelociRaptoR badging, this truck makes a statement wherever it goes. Measuring nearly 27 feet in length, about 7 feet in height, and 7 feet in width, it commands attention with its impressive size and presence. Hennessey's commitment to excellence is evident in the VelociRaptoR 6X6's 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty, ensuring peace of mind for the owners of this beastly machine. Additionally, customers have the flexibility of either sourcing a new Ford Raptor R for conversion or purchasing the turn-key vehicle directly from Hennessey. Hennessey has long been a leader in Ford Raptor upgrades, setting industry benchmarks since the truck's introduction in 2009. The VelociRaptoR 6X6 is a shining example of their expertise, combining raw power, advanced technology, and robust utility in a package that is unmatched in the automotive world. View All Vehicles For Sale From Hennessey Image Source: Hennessey

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2023

Hennessey's New $205K VelociRaptor 600 ‘Sherco Edition’ C...

The ultimate high-performance package for adventurous individuals who enjoy pushing two- and four-wheeled vehicles to the limit. Designed to tackle any and all terrain with a slew of performance upgrades, the Hennessey Performance VelociRaptor 600 takes shape as the ultimate off-road truck for any adventurist. Hennessey is proud to further solidify its extreme capabilities with the French motorbike professionals at Sherco. The Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 ‘Sherco Edition’ combines the off-road power of a 558 horsepower 4×4 VelociRaptor 600 pickup with the agility and exploration of high-performance Sherco enduro motorcycles. The special edition VelociRaptor 600 features a distinctive Sherco racing livery that blends vibrant shades of blue and yellow to represent the brand’s colors. MUST-READ: The New Hennessey Performance ‘H650’ Package Upgrades The Cadillac Escalade To 650 Horsepower Along with a new look, Hennessey equips the Ford Raptor with six-piston Brembo brakes, a bed rack from Risk Racing for securely transporting two bikes, a five-gallon fuel jug and mount, plus a bed extender that doubles as a bike loading ramp. Customers who order a Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 ‘Sherco Edition’ will also receive two Sherco race bikes, choosing between the two-stroke 300 SE or four-stroke 300 SEF. Both bikes include upgraded radiator and rear rotor guards from BulletProof Designs, skid plate with linkage protection from AXP Racing, enduro grips, and S3 perch clamps, alongside several other enhancements. The all-new Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 ‘Sherco Edition’ (with both Sherco motorcycles) is currently available through Hennessey Performance for $205,000. View all Hennessey Performance inventory available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View Hennessey Performance Inventory Source: Hennessey Performance

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2021

Hennessey Unveils the VelociRaptor 600 for the 3rd Genera...

A perfect upgrade for the insanely popular Raptor. The Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 has become the brand's best-selling performance truck and now it's back for the 3rd generation Ford F-150 Raptor. This new package adds 150 horsepower for a total power output of 600 hp and 622 lb-ft of torque. Aiming for a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a 12.9-second quarter-mile, Hennessey's engineers have put in work to ensure that the new VelociRaptor 600 delivers. Well, it most certainly looks like they are delivering a monster of a truck. On top of the performance upgrades, Hennesey will give customers the ability to choose from a long list of optional upgrades. These include items like upgraded front and rear bumpers, 20-inch Hennessey wheels, a suspension leveling kit, and more. Hennessey will be limiting the production of the VelociRaptor 600 to just 250 examples per year. An example of the Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 with the most popular upgrades (bumpers, wheels, and off-road tires) ends up with a price tag of around $110,000 with that price including the stock Ford F-150 Raptor. See All F-150 Raptors For Sale Source: Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2017

Hennessey Velociraptor: By The Numbers

Hennessey has just taken the Ford F-150 Raptor to a whole new level! Adding new axles, additional wheels and a whole lot more have resulted in an American monster known as the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6. “Our VelociRaptor 6X6 is pure aggression on wheels – all six of them”, said Hennessey. “The new 2017 Raptor is going to be one of the best all-around trucks ever built. We are excited to help take it to the next level both in terms of performance and exclusivity.” It takes Hennessey Performance quite a bit of expertise, time and parts in order to make this conversion possible—this isn’t your average conversion. The full list of upgrades that have been made to the F-150 in order to turn it into the VelociRaptor 6°—6 include 6°—6 locking rear axles, Fox suspension, 20-inch wheels, off-road tires, custom bumpers, rollbar and LED Lights. All of these upgrades are installed by Hennessey Performance’s trained professionals at their Sealy, Texas facility where they also create a variety of other road-going monsters, like their upcoming Venom F5 supercar. When its ready for production, it will be featured among the world's most exclusive supercars for sale.One addition that can be made on the customer’s own accord is the VelociRaptor 600 twin-turbo upgrade, which will take the truck’s power over 600 hp. Let’s be honest, if you’re going to add two more wheels to your truck, you might as well add some more power as well. This upgrade also adds stainless steel exhaust, upgraded intercooler and plumbing, and a retuned ECU. Additional options available to owners include Brembo brakes, wheels, tires, LED lighting, interior options, electronic upgrades and armoring. Yes, you can seriously armor your 6°—6 Raptor. As far as pricing goes, Hennessey will turn a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor into a VelociRaptor 6°—6 for $295,000 (that price includes the base model Raptor 4-door truck). For the twin-turbo VelociRaptor 600 upgraded, that’ll cost an additional $22,500. That being said, this is the best price you’ll see for a six-wheeled truck of this magnitude. If you’re interested, the truck can be ordered through Hennessey Performance or through select Hennessey/Ford dealers.

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