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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 – September 30, 2016

Revealed: 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

If your old race car is no longer competitive, Porsche has something for you. The 2017 911 GT3 Cup is powered by a new 4.0 liter flat six engine rated at 485 hp. Built to withstand a season of podium finishes, several new technologies are making their debut. Starting with a forged crank, this is the first 911 with priority oiling. To keep the oil from being whipped into foam in the corners, a small centrifuge is used as an air separator. Built to surpass the safety regulations of the FIA, it is the only 911 to offer a factory roll cage.(Related - Who Wins? Porsche 718 Cayman S vs BMW M2) Center locking 18" wheels and the the 72" rear spoiler have been carried over from the earlier 991 version of the Cup car. Running 270 mm wide tires up front and 310 mm on the rear will keep you on the track, and the 2600 lb curb weight will keep you in front of the pack. Each car will be built on the normal 911 assembly line in Zuffenhausen before final validation at the Weissach performance center. Racing is not new to Porsche, as they have been building cup versions of the 911 since 1999. Unfortunately the GT3 Cup will not be street legal, but hopefully they will sell the engine over the counter. To see the new 911 in action, be sure to catch the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup series next year. Stay with us for more updates from Stuttgart.GT3 RS 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 – September 01, 2016

Porsche Macan Turbo Gets Crazy Performance Package

Porsche's compact SUV, the Macan, has been making waves ever since its debut. As if the turbo wasn't enough, Porsche is now giving the powerhouse that is the Macan another performance lift by adding a performance package. With this package, the already competent SUV will see an increase of 40 horsepower from that of the Macan Turbo and a 0-60 speed at .4 seconds faster, putting the specs at an impressive 440 horsepower and a 4.4 second sprint for the 3.6-liter V6 engine. The engine isn't the only component that sees an upgrade with the Performance Package though. According to a press release, Macans equipped with the Performance Package will have the following standard features: A newly developed brake system A lowered body Controlled sport chassis Sport Chrono Package Sports exhaust system The Sport Chrono Package gives the SUV an additional edge thanks to Sport Mode. When enabled, this mode, "ensures the chassis, engine and transmission are tuned to sporty effect." And the low rumble from the exhaust that every car enthusiast loves to hear? It's also a byproduct of the Sport Chrono Package. The Macan with Performance Package includes a host of other customization options, which include the Turbo Exterior Package and the Turbo Interior Package. Each of these include options like 21-inch wheels and Alcantara elements. Pricing for the Macan with Performance Package starts at EUR 91,142.90 or $101,463.92 at the current exchange rate, and it is available for order now. Porsche Macans for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 29, 2016

Paul Newman's 1979 Porsche 935 Purchased by Adam Carolla

As a dominant force in the late 70's and early 80's, the Porsche 935 has a list of podium finishes over a mile long. Designed by Norbert Singer to compete on the world stage, crafty engineers found several loopholes in the rule book and built a legend. As the overall winner of Daytona and Sebring, this 1979 Porsche is among the most successful race cars we have ever seen. Our friends over at Rennlist.com pay close attention to factory race cars, and they discovered the identity of the new owner over the weekend. Adam Carolla has an eye for automotive investments, which is why he spent $4,840,000 at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction. As the host of his eponymous Adam Carolla Show, he has surpassed Ricky Gervais to have the most downloaded podcast in history. We ran into him last year along the Monterey waterfront and he told us he was in the market for something significant. Being the predecessor to such greats as the 959 and 911 GT2, this car is destined to appreciate. For provenance and complete history, head over to Gooding & Co. here.

By Edward Jones – August 11, 2016

New Porsche 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition Pays Ho...

Porsche Exclusive has created yet another German masterpiece which they're calling the 911 Targa 4S Exclusive Design Edition. This new edition pays homage to the 356 B (T5) in 1960 and 1961 through a solid etna blue finish. This finish was the standard color for the 60's sportscar, as was the white gold metallic elements found on the new special edition model. (Also Read: McQueen-Inspired 1980 Porsche Bisimoto 911BR in Monterey) Contrasting against the light blue finish of the Porsche are the Targa Bar and 20-inch RS Spyder wheels, which are finished in the white gold metallic. Other exterior features include the black LED headlights, rear lid grille and tailpipes. Inside, the driver and passenger are presented with black anodized stainless steel entry guards, both of which include the name of the special edition model. As for seating, there are 18-way adjustable seats covered in graphite-blue leather. If the door sill and exterior logos didn't get the point across that this model is special, the dashboard dons the lettering: "Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur." Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale Wondering about its power? It has a 420 hp bi-turbo boxer engine in the rear. This special edition model will only be available for a short amount of time so be sure to visit your local Porsche dealer quick if you're interested.

By Andrew Nabors – August 02, 2016

New TechArt Wheels for Porsche Cayman GT4 and Panamera

If you own a Porsche 911, you have an entire industry at your disposal when it comes to aftermarket wheels. But for Cayman and Panamera owners, limited availability is an understatement. Based on the runaway success of TechArt's split 5-spoke Formula IV series, they have developed a specific fitment for the Cayman GT4 and the Panamera.Porsche Panamera For Sale Using the same machining techniques as OE manufacturers, all unnecessary metal is removed to offer the lightest & strongest wheel on the market. The Cayman GT4 arrives with 20" racing rubber that wears out quickly on the street. Saving the original tires for track days would be a wise investment, so TechArt has pushed the limits beyond what we thought possible. Included with a 5mm rear spacer, their new wheel measures 21"x 9" front and 21" x 11" rear. This will allow you to run a 245/30 tire up front and a massive 305/25 out back.If your Porsche sedan needs a custom touch, Formula IV wheels for the Panamera measure 22" x 9.5" front and 22" x 10.5" rear. A clever use of increased offset, it will allow you to have 265/30 tires up front and 305/25 on the rear. All TechArt Formula IV wheels are approved by the factory and will not void your warranty. Larger wheels have shorter sidewall tires. This helps cornering by decreasing deflection, and the weight savings help your brakes work easier. For technical data and color options, click here. Stay with us for more custom options for your Porsche.Cayman GT4 For Sale|Panamera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2016

Wrecked Porsche 918 Spyder Up For Sale Again

If you are looking for a weekend project, have you considered a Porsche 918 Spyder? Our friends at Motor Authority stumbled across this listing from CrashedToys of Dallas, and you can't argue with the price. We first told you about this car back in March, figuring it would be quickly be snatched by the likes of Gas Monkey Garage. A true automotive tragedy is that it only has 92 miles on the odometer.A quick glance at the front end shows that both frame rails are bent. Not a problem for a skilled technician, aluminum can be straightened and welded. The problem lies in the amount of small parts that are damaged beyond repair. Taking this damage report to your local Porsche dealership, the service department would likely give you an estimate that surpasses the GDP of several third world countries. You will need new upper and lower control arms, shocks, the entire steering assembly, windows, hood, brakes, wheels, shocks, and a good coat of wax.Because the 918 is more complex than the Saturn V rocket, we choose to follow the approach of Apollo 13's damage control team. Let's look at what still works and go from there. Most of the damage is ahead of the firewall, so the electronics in the cockpit are still alive. Even if the front motor/generator was damaged you still have a low mileage twin turbo 4.6L V8 to play with. Last but not least the optional cup holder is ready to cruise. We like to think that no car is beyond repair but parting this car out might be a wiser decision. Stay with us, as we continue to follow the saga of car # 830. For more info on the auction, head over to Copart's page.

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 16, 2016

2012 RUF CTR3 Clubsport For Sale

What started as a gas station and service garage in 1939 has evolved into a dominant force in German car industry. Taking Porsches well beyond sensible limits, their CTR "Yellowbird" went 211 mph in 1989. The acronym stands for Group C, Turbo Ruf, and it leaves factory production models in the dust.Building the cars by hand, production numbers have always been limited to ensure quality. But we found a car that stands apart from their regular builds. Fans of Formula1 racing might recognize venture capitalist Gerard Lopez as the head of Team Lotus. In 2011 his plan was to purchase a majority stake in the company from Alois Ruf, and this CTR was commissioned for that event. Showcasing every ability of the company, this 2012 CTR3 Clubsport is a work of art.This is the 3rd generation of the CTR, and it was the first body designed and built by Ruf. All previous models were based on Porsche bodies which they received directly from the factory. Somehow they are able to extract 777 hp and 723 lb-ft from a 3.8L flat six, and it is fully DOT and EPA certified.Gerard only put 1,183 miles on the car before it went back to the factory to receive wider Michelin tires and upgraded Alpine audio. The entire front end is covered in a clear bra, and the engine computer has been remapped to run on US ethanol diluted 93 pump gas. Every option was included, so you will receive all books along with car cover, two keys, two sets of seat bolsters for racing, and the ability to run down every car on the street.If you need a new centerpiece for your collection, Miller Motorcars can make that happen. Check out the listing on our main site for more infoView Listing

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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