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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 28, 2023

British Racing Green Wrapped 2005 Porsche Carrera GT For ...

This is your chance to own one of the most collectible Porsches ever made!

By duPont Registry – October 11, 2023

Sotheby's Motorsport Is Auctioning Off This 2018 Porsche ...

It sports the optional Weissach Package.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2023

Porsche x Hot Wheels x Mobil 1 ‘Dirtmeister’ Unveiled

Marking Porsche's 75th Anniversary and the kick-off of Rennsport Reunion 7, Porsche, Hot Wheels, and Mobil 1 unveil 'Dirtmeister,' a custom 1987 Porsche 944." Porsche is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a bang, partnering with Hot Wheels and Mobil 1 to release the “Dirtmeister,” a custom, life-sized off-road 1987 Porsche 944. This fuel-driven collaboration took center stage at the beginning of Rennsport Reunion 7, held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Also recreated as a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model, the Dirtmeister is the first Porsche to join Hot Wheels' exclusive Garage of Legends, a collection reserved for the most extreme, exotic road-going cars that are unmistakably Hot Wheels in style. Kudensport designed the custom bodywork to sport a “shooting brake” style, transforming the rear into a two-door wagon with a sports car flair. The vehicle is not just for show; it's equipped for rough terrains and rally stages. Jimco Racing installed a custom roll cage and Recaro racing seats, while modern technology such as coilover shocks with Eibach Springs, Garmin Baja Tread XL navigation, off-road Pirelli tires, a PCI race radio system, and Triple R LED lights make it rally-ready. The Dirtmeister will be displayed at the Hot Wheels children’s play area near the Paddock in the Park for the remainder of the Rennsport Reunion. Collectors can register interest for the 1:64 die-cast model via Mattel Creations. This three-company venture symbolizes over 50 years of collaboration between Hot Wheels and Porsche, adding a new milestone to their storied history. To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1, visit www.HotWheels.com/Legends. Rennsport Reunion 7 will be held September 28th to October 1st. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 26, 2023

Porsche Expands Its Hybrid Lineup With The New Cayenne S ...

Porsche introduces the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, featuring an upgraded V6 engine and electric motor, it promises quick charging and a robust electric range. Porsche is continuing to raise the bar in the luxury hybrid SUV market with the launch of its newest plug-in model, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Positioned between the existing Cayenne E-Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, this new variant focuses on achieving the perfect balance between everyday usability and high performance. With an SUV and SUV Coupé body available, Porsche extends its electrified options and caters to a broad range of driver preferences. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid is engineered with an updated 3.0L V6 turbo engine and a 130 kW electric motor, producing a combined output of 519 horsepower and a staggering 553 lb-ft of torque. These performance figures translate into a 0-60 mph acceleration of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 163mph, giving drivers a track-like experience behind the wheel. Porsche's adaptive air suspension uses innovative 2-chamber, 2-valve technology for extreme comfort and dynamic high-performance driving. Alongside performance, the new hybrid model doesn't compromise on efficiency. Thanks to its intelligent energy management system, it boasts an improved electric range and shorter charging times. With a purely electric range of up to 56 miles and a 25.9 kWh battery capacity, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid can tackle most daily local driving needs emissions-free. Plus, with a charging capacity of up to 11 kW, the SUV can be fully charged in under two and a half hours. Aesthetically, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid blends right into Porsche's existing sport-focused SUV lineup. The new Cayenne comes with standard 20-inch Cayenne S wheels and an exhaust system featuring twin tailpipes in brushed stainless steel. Its interior is equally luxurious, with standard eight-way seats, a Sport Chrono package with a driving mode switch, and optional in-car video functions. Porsche’s new Cayenne S E-Hybrid models are available for order now, with deliveries set to commence in November 2023. View all Porsche Cayenne Hybrid models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Cayenne Hybrid For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 26, 2023

Porsche Goes Behind The Scenes Of The Mission X Developme...

Porsche gives an exclusive look at Mission X, a concept hypercar blending tradition and cutting-edge innovation. Porsche has long been a fuel-driven brand synonymous with sports cars and motorsports, and they've just pulled the curtains back on their latest creation, the Mission X. Unveiled at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, this futuristic hypercar commemorates the brand’s 75th anniversary while raising the bar for the future of automotive design and technology. In a crowd buzzing with celebrities like Hollywood actor Patrick Dempsey and racing legend Mark Webber, the Mission X captivated everyone's attention. The unique exterior launch color, dubbed "Rocket Metallic," changes shades based on the one's perspective. Behind the scenes, the development of Mission X was nothing short of intense. Referred to as "a marathon at sprint speed," designers and engineers worked tirelessly fine-tuning the concept until the last second. Announced last year with the title XS23, the Mission X was envisioned as a successor to iconic models like the 959, Carrera GT, and the 918 Spyder. The Mission X's design cues draw inspiration from Porsche's storied history in motorsports. From its lightweight glass dome and upward-swinging Le Mans doors to the four-point light signature arranged vertically, Mission X honors Porsche classics like the 917, 906, and 908. The interior is anything but traditional, steering away from the typical race car cockpit. The concept's color scheme embodies the essence of luxury and understatement, with carbon elements that are subtly color-coordinated. As the automotive industry shifts towards electric and sustainable options, Mission X sets a new standard, backed by Porsche's 75 years of excellence. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche