Aftermarket

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 – July 13, 2022

TECHART Announces A New Customization Program For The Por...

TECHART works its magic on the Porsche 911 GTS. Known for working even more performance out of the Porsche sports cars that we know and love, TECHART is a performance powerhouse. Now, the Porsche 911 GTS gets to reap the benefits of TECHART’s expertise with a new customization program offered for the model, which includes increasing power and torque, new wheels, body components, and interior changes. Porsche is already known for cars that are powerful, dynamic, and iconic, and TECHART brings them to a new level. MUST READ: NOVITEC Upgrades The Ferrari SF90 Stradale For More Than 1,100 HP With TECHART’s new customization program, the Porsche 911 GTS receives through the TECHART TECHTRONIC performance upgrade an increase of 80 horsepower, bringing the total power to 560 horsepower, and an increase of 74 lb/ft of torque, bringing the total torque to 494 lb/ft. This brings the 0-60 time down to less than 3.1 seconds, making it 0.3 seconds faster than the production version of the car, and the top speed of the car climbs to 199 mph. The looks of the car are enhanced with a new TECHART Formula VII wheel, which features a central lock. The customization program also offers an adjustable suspension with a TECHART Noselift System that allows the suspension to be lifted for additional ground clearance at the touch of a button for models that are not equipped with the 911’s available front axle lift system from Porsche. The aerodynamics kit for TECHART’s Porsche 911 GTS features exposed carbon throughout the exterior, with an option for the TECHART Rear Spoiler II fixed rear wing, or the TECHART Rear Spoiler I lip. The interior features a TECHART sports steering wheel, as well as leather, Alcantara, and carbon throughout, with a hand-welded roll bar and six-point harnesses that are, like the car, ready for the track. View All Porsche 911 GTS For Sale Source: TECHART

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 15, 2022

Singer's New Turbo Study Restoration Services For The 964...

Singer Vehicle Design’s stunning reinterpretation of the Porsche 911 gets even better. Singer Vehicle Design specializes in creating new life into one of the most iconic sports cars in the world: the Porsche 911. Specializing in the 964 generation of the car, originally made between 1989 and 1994. The brand’s stunning reimagination of the 911 with their Turbo Study restoration services features lowered suspension, a revitalized interior, bespoke finishes, plenty of carbon fiber, and most excitingly, increased power. Singer has announced that Turbo Study restorations increase power to an incredible 510 horsepower, all in an iconic and historic air-cooled 911. MUST READ: Guntherwerks 400R Old Fashioned Commission Arrives at duPont REGISTRY Along with that, Turbo Study-restored 911s feature sleek lowered ride height and custom carbon fiber bodywork, including the iconic vintage 911 whale tail spoiler. The interior features a bespoke houndstooth cloth upholstery and carbon fiber accents that combine vintage appeal with modern technology. The old and the new combine in the Singer Turbo Study 911 with manual transmission and features like wireless phone charging. Singer Vehicle Design set out to create the ultimate vintage Porsche 911, and now, it’s even better. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Source: Singer Vehicle Design

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

TECHART's New Porsche 911 Turbo (992) Bodykit, Wheels and...

TECHART has just unveiled their long-awaited bodykit for the new Porsche 911 Turbo models (992), as well as a few more components for the German supercar. The new aerodynamic bodykit includes a complete front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler, air blades for the side air intakes, central rear diffusor, new rear wing profile, side mirror housings, and more. Each of these components was designed to truly enhance the appearance of the beloved 911 Turbo models. I can easily say they accomplish that goal. On top of introducing the new bodykit, TECHART also unveiled a few more components, including the powerkit that increases the 911 Turbo's power by 60 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. The final component unveiled is the new forged TECHART Formula VI wheels with a central lock setup. These can be ordered in either single or multi-color paint finishes that match their exterior. The dimensions are 9.5 x 20-inch at the front and 12 x 21-inch at the rear. FOr more information, be sure to visit TECHART's website by clicking the button below. Visit TECHART's Website

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

Porsche 911 GT3 RS With Insane Japanese Bōsōzoku-Style Ex...

There is one car subculture in Japan that I absolutely love and that's Bōsōzoku. The bōsōzoku cars are typically seen with extreme body components like front splitters and exhaust. One automotive exhaust manufacturer, iPE Exhaust, knows just how awesome this subculture is and created their own version of the exhaust. But they didn't attach this exhaust to just any car. No, they attached it to a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It's insane. The fact that this car with this exhaust exists is insane and I love it. On top of that, iPE also coated the muffler in camouflage because why not. You can check it out for yourself in the video down below. I should note, however, that this is not for sale and was made just for fun. See All 911 GT3 RS For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2020

TECHART Reveals New Carbon Add-ons for the Porsche 911

Does your Porsche 911 need some sprucing up? Then you need to check out the new carbon components that TECHART has just revealed for the 911. Add-ons that you can now shop include the Carbon Sport Mirrors and Carbon Exhaust Tips. The side mirrors housings replace the standard mirrors and they can be ordered in either high gloss or with a matte finish. All functions of the mirrors remain, including the built-in sensors, cameras and illumination. If you'd like to just add the carbon trim, TECHART also offers new carbon mirror trims that can be fitted to the standard side mirrors. For the rear of the 911, the carbon exhaust tips can now be ordered as well. These are available in either high gloss or matte and fit either the Porsche sports exhaust system or TECHART sports exhaust system. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit TECHART's Website

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2020

TECHART Launches 3D Configurator for 911 Models

TECHART has an insane catalog of components for the Porsche 911 models. So many, in fact, that you could spend hours building a custom TECHART 911 with these components through their new 3D configurator. This new configurator is for the 992 generation 911 models, including the Coupe and Cabriolet. Within the configurator, you can pick out the paint color, wheels, styling/aerodynamics components, interior options, performance upgrades and more. While you're configuring, you can spin the Porsche 911 around, look inside and even share images of it to social media when you're done. Click the button below to build the TECHART Porsche 911 of your dreams. Use Configurator " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2020

TECHART's New Video Series Details Their Incredible 911 (...

TECHART's ability to upgrade the Porsche 911 (992) both visually and functionally is incredible. They have a long list of parts that they have designed, engineered and created, and now they have a new series dedicated to explaining each of them. The first part of the series is a simple intro that showcases the end result. As for the second part, they delve into the exterior components for the new 911. Explaining each of the components is Simon Pisano, who is responsible for sales markets in Germany and Austria. From the front to the rear, he goes into detail on each of the components. Most interesting ahs to be the "floating" rear wing that they have created. Check out the series for yourself down below and stick with us for the next iteration. You can also visit their website to see everything they offer for a wide-range of Porsche models. Visit TECHART Website " width="680"> " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2020

DJ La Fuente's New TECHART 911 is a Masterpiece

DJ La Fuente is no stranger to TECHART, having ordered a stunning GrandGT back in 2018. Now, he's picked up a magnificent Porsche 911 that has been completely upgraded by TECHART. The famous DJ from the Netherlands unveiled his new ride on Instagram, as did Alex Lanoue, better known as Mr. TECHART. This new 911 comes full loaded with the following upgrade from TECHART: new bodykit, wheels, power upgrade (to 510 hp), sport exhaust system and a custom interior. If you want just as mean as La Fuente's, TECHART can make it happen. What's more, you can your Porsche completely customized to your liking through their options. To learn more, be sure to click the button below. Visit TECHART'S Site https://www.instagram.com/p/B_9WucTAGJz/ Source: Instagram/@djlafuente

By Edward Jones – April 27, 2020

TECHART Launches New Performance Options for the New Pors...

Porsche 911 owners rejoice, because TECHART has just launched a new lineup of performance options for your beloved sports car. For both the 911 Coupe and Cabriolet, TECHART's new options will take the iconic Porsche to the next level. First up is the new titanium TECHART sports exhaust. This is for those who want a little more growl out of their 911. With just the press of a button, this exhaust system can open up to provide a fierce sound. You can pair this exhaust system with TECHART's powerkit for the Carrera S or Carrera 4S, so when the drive mode is set to Sport or Sport Plus, the car gets louder and more powerful (+ 60 hp). Finishing off the exhaust system are new TECHART carbon exhaust tips that can be finished in either high-gloss or matte. To learn more about what TECHART can do to take your new Porsche 911 to the next level, click the button below to see everything they have to offer. Learn More Source: TECHART

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2020

Singer Porsche 911 Review by Carfection

My first encounter with a Singer 964 was at the Amelia Island Concours in 2012. The emotion it evoked is love. From the carbon fiber body to the fit/finish of every part, Singer shows pure love for each build. It is best explained by an eloquent Englishman, so here is a Singer Porsche 911 review by Carfection. Not a restoration, this Reimagined car is a bargain, even at $500,000. The chassis is an order of magnitude stronger than the original. Singer collaborated with Öhlins for a new suspension tuned to the car's strong foundations and lesser weight. The Williams 4.0L flat-six to send 390 horsepower and 315 lb-ft to a six-speed transmission and locking differential. Everything you could ask for includes power windows, Becker audio, modern Air Conditioning, and four seats. Fully loaded it weighs 2,645 lbs, offering a better power-to-weight ratio than a new Porsche 911 for sale. Find a classic 911 contact Singer, you won't regret it. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche 964, Specs, Photos, Price, & Review

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