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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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 18, 2023

A Porsche Panamera Journeys In Patagonia With Sustainable...

With sustainable fuel and hybrid technology, Porsche's Patagonian journey shows off sustainable innovation.

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Highlights

Now that the formal reveal is over, allow us to offer the juicy details of their "Executive Sedan". So without further adieu, here are the 2021 Porsche Panamera Highlights. Starting with the Panamera Turbo S, it has gained 80 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. The twin turbo V8 reaches 62 mph in 3.1 seconds and it lapped the 'Ring in only 7:29.81, only a hair slower than the Camaro ZL1. It offers 630 horsepower, only 11 less than the same 4-liter in the Lamborghini Urus. " width="680"> If you need efficiency, the Panamera GTS offers 480 horsepower thanks to smaller turbos. It is programmed to respond like a naturally aspirated V8, with 457 lb-ft of torque. Hybrid fans rejoice because you will have 34 miles of electric range from an 18 kWh battery. Under the hood is their 2.9-liter twin-turbo that offers a combined output of 560 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The same gas engine is offered in the base model Panamera, and it is rated at 330 horsepower & 331 lb-ft of torque. No matter what model you choose, the chassis and suspension were tuned at Weissach to be the best luxury "Executive Sedan" and crossover on the market. Click the link below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2017

You Can Now Buy Porsche Honey

If you are in the market for a new Porsche Cayenne, Macan, or Panamera, the factory offers a stunning tour when you arrive to pick up your new car. Porsche's Leipzig factory is buzzing with activity thanks to healthy demand for everything they build. But if you listen closely, you will hear another buzz from the factory's smallest workers.Porsche is committed to sustainable agriculture along with building cars with a positive impact on the environment. That is why the plant is home to ponies and giant aurochs. The latter are monster cattle, also known as Urus...a small coincidence that Lamborghini's new SUV (Urus) shares Porsche & Audi DNA. But the biggest news comes from 25 bee colonies that arrived in May. Honeybees are a vital part of the ecosystem because they pollinate as they collect nectar. Germans are not known to waste anything, so after your tour of the plant, you will have an opportunity to purchase Porsche Factory Honey.Then and Now: 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)Gerard Rupp is Chairman of the Executive Board at the plant, and in the press release, he said: “We will continue the initiative next year and we are planning to expand it. Our nature reserve offers the ideal conditions for bees”. A perfect stocking stuffer, the honey is being sold under the name of "Turbienchen", and it's available in the gift shop. We've reached out to Porsche North America for a sample, so expect a sweet review in the near future.Browse Porsches For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2017

The New TECHART GrandGT: Panamera Gone Wild

TECHART has just launched a new model based on the Porsche Panamera, the new GrandGT. The tuning company went ahead and gave the four-door Porsche new exterior and interior components.On the outside is a list of components that increase the car's width by 50 mm in the front and 80 mm in the rear. The components include side skirts, wheel arches, engine lid, front apron, rear diffuser, tailgate, and spoiler. Joining these new components are wide 22-inch TECHART alloy wheels with tires sized 285/30 ZR 22 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear. Related - Our Top 10 Most Sought After Porsche 911 Models in 2017 So FarInside the GrandGT is a custom-made interior that is created according to each customer. Fine leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber can be used throughout the car's interior, giving the cabin a refined and personal touch. Customers can also get the TECHART Type-7 sports steering wheel, paddle shifter trim, illuminated door entry guards, aluminum sport pedals and much more.TECHART will be releasing powerkits and exhaust systems for the GrandGT later this year. To learn more, visit TECHART.de.

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2016

Porsche Introduces New Panamera Models

Porsche is expanding the Panamera lineup with a slew of new models that will be presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Included in these models are the new Executive models, and the revamped Panamera and Panamera 4.The new Panamera and Panamera 4 will be coming in with a new turbocharged V6 engine. Power of this engine raises the horsepower of the Panamera up by 20 hp for a total of 330 hp. At the same time, Porsche was able to reduce the consumption of the engine by 0.26 gallons per 62 miles.With this new engine, Porsche is able to create the ultimate Panamera Executive editions. With a wheelbase extended by 5.9 inches and a myriad of exclusive features, the new Executive models will sit at the top end of the Panamera model line. These features include a panoramic roof, heated seats, adaptive air suspension, rear window sunblinds, a newly developed large rear center console and more.As of now, the Panamera range consists of ten different models with power ranging from 330 to 550 hp.All Porsche Panamera For Sale Panamera 4S Executive Panamera Turbo Executive

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2016

Porsche 919 Hybrid and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

For as long as Porsche has been around, they have been creating cars of all shapes, sizes, colors and power ratings. Most people may know them for the 911, but the German automaker is much more than that. In a new video, Porsche set out to show off a side of themselves that is new and will more than likely lead to the future of the company. That side is the electric side.(Related - Porsche 911 Becomes the Perfect Rally Car)In the new video, we get to see their Panamera 4 E-Hybrid driving alongside their 919 Hybrid race car through the streets of London. It's an interesting duo, considering they're both hybrids and are very, very different vehicles. For example, the 919 is powered by a turbocharged V4 engine that works in cooperation with an electric motor to create around 900 hp. As for the Panamera, its has a V6 engine working with an electric motor to create approximately 416 hp. Another major difference between the two is that the 919 Hybrid has won Le Mans...So, there's that.Anyways, check the two Porsches roaming the streets of London by clicking the play button below.All Panamera For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2016

New Hybrid Porsche Panamera Model Revealed

Porsche has added a fourth model to their Panamera lineup: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. Creating the hybrid system is a strategy that is based on the 918 Spyder hypercar. The new Panamera's electric motor creates 136 hp at any given time, just like the hypercar. Working in combination with the electric motor is a new 2.9-liter biturbo V6 engine that creates 330 hp. Together, the total power output of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is around 436 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.Even with four doors and a large stature, the AWD hybrid Panamera can run 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds. That's a full second slower than the Panamera Turbo, but much quicker than the 6.0 time of the base model.But, it's not speed that will draw potential buyers to this car. Instead, people will be more interested in its mpg rating and electric capabilities. Porsche states that the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid can run 31 miles in pure electric mode with a limited top speed of 90 mph. As for its fuel consumption rating, it has a combined rating of 94.09 mpg. If you're worried about charging up the battery in order to keep this amazing mpg rating, Porsche says it takes 5.8 hours to fully charged the battery with a standard 3.6-kW charger. With the optional 7.2 kW charger, it only takes 3.6 hours to charge up the battery.Pricing for the new model has yet to be released.View All Panameras For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 28, 2016

The New 2017 Porsche Panamera: Superior Sport and Ultimat...

For the new Panamera, Porsche brings together the best in sport and luxury, incorporating famous elements of its other models and making key improvements and changes. Engine: 4.0-liter V6 or V8 biturbo Horsepower: 550 hp (an increase of 30 hp) 0-60: 3.8 seconds (Sport Chrono package: 3.6 seconds) Top Speed: 190 mph Torque: 626 lb-ft (increase of 52 lb-ft) The four-door Porsche has been redesigned almost completely with "long dynamic proportions, pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks" and a roof line like that of the 911, sinking down 20 mm lower in the back. The interior is representative of a bright, technologically inclined future. The cockpit includes a new, intuitive user interface with an interactive display, which is fully configurable. Touch-screens replace hard keys and the new interactive features benefit the back seat passengers just as much as the front.The new V6 and V8 biturbo engines champion fuel economy and decreased emissions without compromising power. In fact, their power has increased over the previous year's model. The Panamera will come in three versions: The Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S and the Panamera 4S Diesel, all of which have permanent all-wheel drive as an option. The newly integrated turbochargers are located in the V of the cylinder banks, making the engine more compact, which brings about a better center of gravity.New assistance systems include night vision assistance and Porsche InnoDrive. The former uses thermal imaging cameras and specialty lights while the latter is designed for adaptive cruise control. Additional features include online navigation.The newly designed four-door coupe concept is a little different than a saloon and encompasses all of the power and innovation Porsche is known for. The model can be ordered now and will be available for delivery in early November 2016. Starting prices for the models are: Panamera 4S: $125,329 Panamera 4S Diesel: $129,684 Panamera Turbo: $169,666 These prices are approximate Euro conversions based on today's exchange rate Porsche Panamera for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2016

Porsche Teases A New Panamera

Porsche's advertising department never does anything half way. Somehow they are able to pull on our heartstrings to evoke fond memories and reminisce about our first experiences with their models. Its no surprise that their latest video has us on the edge of our seats awaiting the unveiling of the new Panamera.(Related: Spotted- Porsche Panamera...Hearse?)Somehow they were able to close the elevated section of Park Avenue that surrounds Grand Central for a brief history lesson. The Panamera has been in production since 2009, with minor updates since then. The video highlights major milestones in Porsche's past, such as the original 356 and 911 models, so there is no doubt about their dedication to the new sedan. Taking styling cues from the 911, the new design is a sharp departure from the current model. If we had our way it would be manual transmission and AWD, so stay tuned to see what the production version will offer.Panameras For Sale

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