Articles

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 21, 2017

Porsche Releases Hot 2018 Updates for New 911 Models

Idle hands will never be seen in Stuttgart because Porsche is always refining their products. In a press release early this morning, we found a few new options for the 2018 model year. To keep you connected while on the road, Porsche Connect Plus will make use of a SIM card to unlock LTE data. This will feed a WiFi hotspot for streaming audio and faster navigation apps. While standard on the new 911, the system can be retrofitted to Panameras born after September 2015. The only hitch is that data will only be purchased in 1 GB or 7 GB packages.A host of new colors for all models will give customers a more diverse palette to choose from. Only the best is reserved for the 911, and it starts with a four coat shade of Saffron Yellow. Each layer is hand sanded between coats for a mile-deep shine. Another noteworthy color is Crayon, which sounds perfect for Crayola enthusiasts. Interior offerings will now include the resilient and comfortable Sport-Tex material in contrasting colors. Macan gains a black/luxor beige package and the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition receives Aetna Blue paint with Graphite Blue interior. Cayenne customers will have access to Purpurite Metallic and Palladium Metallic while Panamera receives Burgundy Red Metallic and Ristretto Brown Metallic.Saving the best for last, all 911 S models will receive 30 more horsepower. New turbos and revised engine software will be standard equipment on Carrera S, Carrera 4S, and Targa 4S models equipped with Sport Chrono. The best news is that it can be retrofitted to existing cars at your local dealership. Pricing for the upgrade was not released so it will be interesting to see how it compares to aftermarket upgrades. Of course, Porsche wants to keep you loyal to your local service department so it will not affect your warranty. Only Porsche rewards their customers with such support, so contact your local dealer for more information. Stay with us for all your Porsche news.All Porsche For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Revealed: Price, Specs and a Manual ...

Porsche has pulled back the sheets on the new 2018 911 GT3, a model they say is "for the road and track."Underneath the hood is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that provides 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Essentially, this engine is a carryover from the 911 GT3 Cup racecar and has been relatively untouched. Porsche will actually be producing the GT3 on the same production line as the GT3 Cup.With a power-to-weight of 6.4 pounds per 1 hp, the 911 GT3 is a mean little go-getter. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 197 miles per hour. However, that's with the PDK transmission. Yes, that means that Porsche will be offering the 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual (THANK YOU). When this transmission is selected, the 911 GT3 drops 37 pounds, has a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.This power and speed can easily be put to use on the track. With active Rear Axle Steering, the 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 can take corners exquisitely. Porsche also includes dynamic engine mounts and a rear locking differential as standard in the 911 GT3 to further its handling abilities.The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will be in the United States in Fall 2017 with a base MSRP of $143,600 (w.o the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).All Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2017

Turbo S: The Ultimate Porsche 911

For the past few generations, Porsche have built the 911 Turbo S as the flagship of the brand. Based on the iconic 911 Turbo, the S isn't just for show. It denotes active aerodynamics front and rear along with a nice bump in power. Take a fast jaunt in a PDK-equipped Turbo 911, and you won’t need one of Dr. Egon Spengler’s EEG skull caps to know that your eyes, ears and finger pads are being flooded with stimuli. The up and down shifts are there, even better placed than you yourself could have done and made with, what our senses can decipher only as, instantaneous. Besides, the rate of speed is so immense in the new 911 Turbo S that it’s probably better to just focus on the road, and not the tachometer. The Turbo just keeps getting faster and faster. The 3.8-liter horizontally opposed six started life in 2005 with 350 horsepower. Direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and other upgrades bring us up to 560 horsepower just six short years later in the Turbo S. Porsche, which often downplays its performance statistics, says it is capable of going from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. That’s fast. Yet, the Turbo isn’t even about outright track performance like the GT cars. Beginning with the 991.2 generation in late 2016, every 911 except the GT3 and 911 R are turbocharged. The base model Carrera went down in displacement but gained two turbos in the name of fuel economy. Many have cried foul that not all things should have forced induction, but you can't argue with 580 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $181,100 and don’t get us wrong; that’s big money but we predict you’ll want it anyway. Some of the more amazing features are: 1. Porsche ceramic-composite brakes measuring 16 inches at the front and 15 2/3 inches at the rear grind the car to a quick halt. 2. The new 991 series features a four-inch-longer wheelbase. The result is more interior room although overall length has grown by only an inch. 3. Active aerodynamic with a three-stage front spoiler and a rear wing with three adjustable positions are new to the Turbo S.

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2017

New Porsche 911 GTS Is Now Turbocharged

Want a turbocharged Porsche? Well now you have even more options, and they all don't have the word "turbo" in the model name. Porsche announced today that the new 911 GTS models will be turbocharged.(Related - Battle of the Porsche 991s: 911 GTS RS vs 911 Turbo S Cabriolet MK I)Starting March of this year, there will be five variants of the GTS available (in Germany as of now). This includes the 911 Carrera GTS (RWD), 911 Carrera 4 GTS (AWD) and the 911 Targa 4 GTS. That's only three, but the 911 Carrera GTS and 911 Carrera 4 GTS will be available in both coupe and cabriolet variants. Now it's five variants. 911 Carrera GTSThe fastest out of all of the new GTS variants is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupe. With the PDK transmission and Sport Chrono Package equipped (standard), it can run 0-62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. What's more, all of the GTS models have a top speed of over 186 mph.While prices haven't been unveiled, here is what the prices will be in Germany with approximate pricing in the United States according to exchange rates:911 Carrera GTS 124,451 euros ($131,522)911 Carrera 4 GTS 131,829 euros ($139,319)911 Carrera GTS Cabrio 137,541 euros ($145,356)911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabrio 144,919 euros ($153,153)911 Targa 4 GTS 144,919 euros ($153,153)All Porsche For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2016

2017 Porsche Carrera S Endurance Racing Edition For Sale

Porsche announced the 911 Carrera S World Endurance Racing Edition only a month ago, but Germans aren't known for wasting time. The first US-spec examples have arrived and they look just as stunning as the press release. The latest Carrera S is powered by a twin turbo 3.0L flat six making 420 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. If you are curious about the hood graphics, they are a horizontal abbreviation of Porsche Intelligent Performance, the motto of their racing efforts. It can also be found embossed into the lid of the center console along with carbon fiber interior trim.Porsche For Sale Los Angeles Embroidered headrests and the SportChrono package are standard, along with the PDK dual-clutch automatic. Even without the incredible hybrid system of the race car, the latest Carrera S offers 29 mpg highway and 20 mpg city. Only being produced in limited numbers, this edition is only available in white, blue & yellow. If you recorded any of the action from this year's LeMans race, the only way to catch the blistering 919 is to play the footage frame by frame. The car is so fast, it outruns the refresh rate of HD racing cameras. Unrestricted by silly top end governors, you will be able to cruise at 191 mph with the latest in safety and connectivity included. Your opportunity to own this collector's item is moving at the same speed, so catch it while you can.Porsche For Sale At Blue Grass Motorsport in Louisville, KY View Price and Info At Isringhausen Imports in Springfield, IL View Price and Info

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2016

Porsche Reveals Mid-Engined 911 RSR

Porsche has pulled back the sheets on the new 911 RSR, a mid-engined race car that will make its debut at the Daytona 24-hour race in January 2017. (Related - McLaren Officially Announces World's First Hyper-GT Car, F1 Successor) “While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution by now in the history of our top GT model,” said Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser in Porsche's press release regarding the car. And no, this isn't just a rehash of another GT car. According to Porsche, the suspension, body structure, aerodynamics, engine and transmission were all designed from scratch. As for the power of the four-liter flat-six engine mounted in front of the rear axle, it can put out around 510 hp, and this power is routed through a sequential six-speed gearbox. Also, for the first time, a Porsche GT race car has advanced assistance systems installed, including the radar-based collision warning system called "Collision Avoid System." In 2017, Porsche plans on taking the new 911 RSR out for 19 outing, which will come out to around 140 hours of racing. “We’re very well prepared for this,” says Marco Ujhasi, Head of GT Works Sport. “Since its first rollout in Weissach in March this year we’ve covered 35,000 test kilometres on racetracks in Europe and North America – that’s more than in the development of any other Porsche GT racer.” All Porsche For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2016

New TechArt GTstreet R is a Mean and Green 911 Turbo

Every auto manufacturer is guilty of leaving performance on the table. They must play it safe to avoid warranty issues and often times the engineers are forced to make sacrifices in the name of fuel economy. But the aftermarket exists to see production cars reach their full potential, and nobody does it better than TechArt. As a leader in German car modifications, they have spent countless late nights building their latest creation: 2017 TechArt GTstreet R.(Sports Cars For Sale)Starting with a solid foundation of a 911 Turbo or Turbo S, almost every component is replaced with their designs. Active aerodynamics provide over 700 lbs of downforce when fully deployed, because this car needs more grip than you have experienced on the street. Doing so while offering less drag than a factory 911 was not easy to do. Weight was also reduced because the new body panels are carbon fiber. Since the new body is much wider, it allows the front tires to measure in at 265/35/20, with 325/30/20 on the rear.Porsche 911 For Sale For suspension you have two choices: The TechArt VarioPlus coil overs have been designed to retain the PDCC system. But if you have a steep driveway their new lifting front axles allow for more ground clearance when needed. Unlocking the engine computer, they found 40 more horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. This pushes the top speed to 210 mph if you can endure a 2.8 second 0-60.All Porsche For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – October 03, 2016

Porsche Driving Experience Winter 2017: The Best German I...

Our first cool front of the season was celebrated this weekend. While the cooler air did not reach us, the humidity did retreat for a few hours. A change in the seasons is also an impetus for swapping on your snow tires. Driving on solid precipitation levels the playing field because no matter how advanced your AWD system is, ice driving demands the dexterity of a surgeon. Knowing the abilities of your car will validate your purchase, and keep you out of danger when Old Man Winter arrives.Levi is one of Finland's most exclusive resorts, with more amenities above the Arctic Circle than almost anywhere else. Lapish luxuries await the guests, with a spa along with multiple shops and restaurants. Sledding and snow machine tours are aimed at the family, while the driving courses are spread out over the frozen tundra. All cars respond well to cooler air, but turbo cars become very spirited when provoked. Several camps have been arranged by the instructors, with participants working from entry level doughnuts to a race-ready track. While the star of the show will be a 918 Spyder, expect to see Carrera 4 and Turbo models doing what they do best: Grip. Our dealers have more information about the itinerary and pricing, so check out these listings for the Carrera 4S below:Carrera 4S For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe