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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 – March 19, 2018

Porsche Opens "70 Years of Porsche Sports Car" Exhibition

Get ready for an unprecedented Porsche Party. In a press release early this morning, the first details of their 70th anniversary were outlined. Tomorrow will be the opening of the exhibit at "Drive: Volkswagen Group Forum" in Berlin. It will be divided into ten sections devoted to bringing the history of the brand to life.A look at their highlights includes the people and the cars that embody 70 years of innovation. Guests at the grand opening will include Walter Röhrl and Richy Müller, the actor known for his role as a police inspector in the German crime drama “Tatort”. The first Porsche 356 was certified for production on June 8th, 1948, so car #1 will greet attendees at the entrance. Free to the public, Berliners will be able to walk through racing and engineering highlights that culminate in the one-millionth Porsche 911.How To Sell A Ferrari 458 Italia"Sports Cars Today" showcases the Panamera Turbo S-E Hybrid Sport Turismo as their ultimate achievement to-date. Cars of the future include the Mission E and other concepts. If you are curious why they have such a loyal following, click the link below to find a Porsche 911 near you and stay with us for complete coverage of the festivities.Browse Porsche 911 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

Electric Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Revealed

At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has revealed what looks like a true Tesla challenger: the Mission E Cross Turismo. This four-seater German sports car comes powered by two electric motors that have a total output of 600 hp. That power can push the MIssion E Cross Turismo from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in under twelve seconds. Those numbers are quite impressive for Porsche's first fully-electric modern sports car.For now, this car is simply a "concept study" of a "Cross-Utility Vehicle," with no word of production. You can see the CUV aspects in the car's big wheels and prominent wheel arches.TECHART GrandGT Takes Porsche Panamera to New Levels‘The Mission E Cross Turismo is an expression of how we envision the all-electric future. It combines sportiness and everyday practicality in unique style. Our vehicle will be fast to drive, but also quick to recharge and able to replicate its performance time after time,’ says Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG.

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2018

Porsche Offering New Vehicle Delivery in LA

Going to a dealership and picking up a new sports car is quite an experience. Having recently picked up my new car, I can say that hopping in and driving your new car away is almost surreal. But what if instead of driving the car home after you purchase it, you drive next door for laps around a race track? Well, that's exactly what's now available to Porsche customers in Los Angeles.Porsche Opens $100 Million Experience Center and HQ in AtlantaPorsche has announced that they are offering customers the ability to have their new cars delivered to the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles. It's here that the customers can take a new Porsche sports car to the track for a 90-minute session. They note that you won't be driving your exact car, but a model that matches your delivery car. After the orientation and hot laps, it's off to lunch for two at Restaurant 917, Porsche's own fine-dining experience.Grab the Wheel at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, California"In a digital world, our brand embassies in Atlanta and L.A. are real, physical places where people can drive and feel the brand," said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. "Introducing the New Vehicle Delivery program in L.A. is another touch point to personalize the ownership experience. There can be no better place than California, which has always had a special relationship with Porsche and where customers buy about one-quarter of all Porsche sports cars sold in the United States."

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2018

Next-Generation Porsche 911 (992) Gets Official Preview

An official sneak peek at the next-generation Porsche 911 (992) has been released by the German automaker. In the photos, we see a heavily camouflaged example of the new 911. While the camo does obscure out view of the car, we can at least see that the can does, of course, retain the iconic overall styling of the 911s before it.In the revealing article, there were also a few other interesting tidbits that were brought up. First is that Porsche is definitely considering electric power in a 911. August Achleitner, the engineer heading up the Porsche 911 line, said that he's had a "change of heart" regarding electric drive technology. “Two years ago I’d have said no way. Today I wouldn’t categorically rule it out.”Porsche Officially Unveils The 2019 GT3 RS

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2018

Porsche Officially Unveils The 2019 GT3 RS

They did it again. Porsche engineers in Stuttgart have outdone themselves by offering 520 horsepower without turbos. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS will arrive with a top speed of 193 mph, and without any unnecessary weight. Torque is also improved with 346 lb-ft available at almost any RPM. In a press release this morning, they remind us that it is the 3rd street-legal GT car to be released in a year.Acceleration is even more brutal. The current 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 hits 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, and this new beast does it in 3 seconds flat. All suspension tuning and even their mounts have been optimized for the increased power. Even the smallest details inside the engine were revised to make more power. The cylinders are now lined in plasma to offer less friction to the piston rings. The oil galleries are larger, as are the crank & rod bearings.The seven-speed PDK transmission returns with slightly shorter gear ratios to make use of the increased power. If you opt for the Weissach package, the forged magnesium wheels and other light parts work to keep the curb weight at 3,153 lbs. For a base price of $187,500, you will have the most efficient naturally-aspirated car in the world. The Weissach Package for the sports car at a price of $18,000 and magnesium wheels for $13,000. Click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2018

Is This The Next Porsche 911?

It seems like only yesterday we were introduced to the current Porsche 911. The second phase of the 991 series is known as 991.2 to Porsche enthusiasts, and it arrived in 2016 for the '17 Model Year. Turning the world upside down, every 911 model features turbos except the GT3 series. This helps emissions and fuel economy ratings by coupling a tame 3.0 liter flat-six to a pair of small variable-geometry turbos.Hitting 221 mph in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS on the AutobahnPurists cried foul, as only the sacred 911 Turbo models should actually arrive with forced induction, but the rest of us cheered the availability of 370 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque in the base model cars. Naturally aspirated fans have embraced the GT3 and its wild RS version thanks to 500 horsepower and 9,000 rpm. And if you want the biggest turbos, the GT2 RS offers 700 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. So where does Porsche go from here? The answer is in a new 911 series which will be known as the 992. We don't know much at this point in terms of engine or chassis innovations, but a curious image was uploaded to Instagram this morning by @ptsgt4. Could this be the new Porsche 992 911? Claims are this is the real deal and has leaked on the internet. (Source: @ninastegmaier) It looks a lot like the new Panamera. Wether this is true or not; what do you think about it if this is true? Let me know in the comments down below. // Via: @exclusive_porsche_models // #PTSGT4 #992 #Porsche992 #992911 A post shared by @PTSGT4 - Robin (@ptsgt4) on Feb 19, 2018 at 2:24am PST Speculation on their innovations includes more carbon fiber, less weight, and it looks like styling could be influenced by the Panamera. Save this image before it disappears, and tell us what you are looking forward to in the Porsche 911 Series 992.

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2017

Porsche Museum Restores Their Oldest 911

To say that Porsche is dedicated to history would be an understatement. If you haven't seen it, the Porsche Museum is not a static display. Their collection is always changing, with exhibits ranging from the new Turbo S Exclusive Series to the classic 356 Speedster.Behind the scenes is a workshop that would blow your mind. Master coachbuilders and their apprentices have a dream job. Finding and restoring the classics is a labor of love, and back in 2014 something special arrived. A 1964 body happened to be the 57th 911 ever built, and it was in terrible shape. In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, we have a behind-the-scenes look at its restoration.Fastest Quater Mile CarsA neglected car in this condition would normally be scrapped, so we're thankful it has been restored to showroom condition. Porsche stocks New Old Stock parts for the classic 911s, and they are ramping up production of items that have been unavailable for decades. So if your car needs a few finishing touches, your local Porsche dealer should be your first stop. Have a great weekend and stay with us for all your 911 news. Find Your Porsche 911 Here

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 Andrew Nabors – October 30, 2017

Porsche Heads To Shanghai With the 911 RSR

Only two races remain in this year's World Endurance Championship. The GTE-Pro class is a battle-royale on wheels, as the world's most capable drivers compete in factory-built cars. The Porsche 911 RSR was built from scratch by Porsche Motorsport in Weissach. Driven by Richard Lietz and Frederic Makowiecki, they are fighting for Porsche, and for the GT Drivers' World Championship titles. Shanghai is a 6-hour race at their International Circuit. The 3.4-mile course was built to give China a Formula 1 venue that demonstrated the economic power of the nation. This season's RSR cars are an evolution of the 911 GT3 RS. The only part that carries over is the intake restrictor. Each manufacturer has a specific restrictor plate to maintain a "balance of performance". Much like the plates used on NASCAR's two big tracks, they force teams to extract every ounce of aerodynamic efficiency while keeping weight to a minimum. The engine was moved slightly forward of the rear axle, and it is rated at 510 horsepower. LOUD Liberty Walk Ferrari 488 GTB The press release says Shanghai will be the 2nd hottest race of the year, with Austin, Texas taking the record temperature record. It will force everyone to be on their A-game. The race will be streamed on several channels, so watch the race online and click the link below for closeout deals on 2017 models. View Porsche For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2017

Porsche Unveils New 718 Cayman & Boxster GTS

If you have been on the fence about the 718 Series Cayman or Boxster, Porsche has something new for your consideration. Last night we received a press release on the new Cayman and Boxster GTS. In a quest to build the ultimate street-legal mid-engine car, the GTS offers more power and performance along with a host of upgrades.Porsche's GTS series cars have always sought to combine the performance parts of the top-level cars at a great price. In keeping with tradition, several of the expensive options are now standard equipment. Track day essentials like Sport Chrono, Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Active Suspension Management are combined with a 10mm drop in ride height. You're probably expecting them to only be available with the PDK transmission, but fear not. You will still have the option of a six-speed stick for your GTS.A new intake and larger turbo allow the GTS to offer 15 more horsepower than 350 hp Cayman S & Boxster S. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 317 lb-ft of torque from 1,900 rpm to 5,000...Read that again- 365 horsepower and 317 lb-ft from a four-cylinder. Porsche just mic-dropped every automotive engineer. As usual, expect to see other GTS equipment like blacked-out headlight buckets, logos, wheels, and the rear diffuser. Our dealers are ready to take your order, so expect to see deliveries by mid-December. Click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Porsche updates.Search Porsche For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=3HUZfe3-ZWA

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