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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 – August 27, 2024

LAB Eleven GmbH Announces Speedärt Motorsports As Its Off...

Sunny South Florida welcomes Lab Eleven and its incredible Porsche 911 builds! Bespoke Porsche resto-mods have skyrocketed in popularity among car collectors and enthusiasts, transforming the niche market into a thriving sector. These custom creations, often priced at nearly ten times the original factory MSRP, offer more than just a luxurious ride; each embodies the passion and craftsmanship of artisans who handcraft every detail. This meticulous attention to personalization and exclusivity makes each chassis build not just a car but a unique work of automotive art. It’s a way of life that the team at Lab Eleven knows all too well since revealing its custom Porsche 911 configurations as part of its official U.S. launch at Speedärt Motorsports in Miami, Florida. At first glance, every Lab Eleven build takes on the appearance of a classic, air-cooled Porsche 911, but you’d be wrong to consider it just that. Made in Italy using genuine parts from the restoration specialists at Porsche Classic, the DNA of a 993-generation 911 is used as the base for this one-of-a-kind project. The ultimate driving machine is comprised of all the best parts from various Porsche generations to showcase the ideal recipe for both looks and performance. With the ability to configure and personalize every build to fit the lifestyle and taste of its intended owner, Pino La Rosa, the owner of Lab Eleven is proud to partner with James Hondros and his team at Speedärt Motorsports as its official importer and dealer for the entire United States. While paint shades and interior materials are just a few ways that Lab Eleven transforms the once classic into a modern marvel, the work continues in the engine bay where every 911 obtains much more power. With production and engineering in constant R&D to perfect the process, three new engines have been overhauled to spark new life into the manufacturer’s backdates. The first vehicle delivered to the U.S., nicknamed “Penicillin,” offers a rejuvenated 3.6L, while the second and third chassis come equipped with 3.8L and 4.0L powerplants. In cooperation with Porsche Italy, every Lab Eleven 911 goes through a vigorous 111-point German homologation inspection (TÜV) prior to setting delivery miles and shipping. With a substantial inventory ready for immediate delivery as well as several units currently in production and a starting price of $600k, Speedärt Motorsports is excited to start welcoming Lab Eleven Porsche 911s to sunny South Florida and beyond. View All Speedärt Motorsports Inventory Sources: Speedart Motorsports/Lab Eleven

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 15, 2024

Merit Partners Shows Off An Ultra-Rare 1998 Porsche 911 T...

This masterpiece is one of the greatest air-cooled 911 examples existing. Merit Partners in Atlanta, Georgia is known for purveying and collecting some of the world’s most desirable, rare, and legendary performance cars, and Porsche is one of Merit Partners’ specialties. With its latest acquisition, shown off in a new post on Instagram, Merit Partners has gotten its hands on a true masterpiece when it comes to the lexicon of air-cooled Porsche 911 examples. A 1998 model, it represents the very end of the Porsche 911’s air-cooled history, as 1999 saw the introduction of the 996 generation and its water-cooled engine, and the 993-generation car is a 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo XLC, finished in a vibrant yellow with a contrasting black leather interior. However, what sets it apart is the fact that it was fitted with a GT2 aerodynamics kit from the factory, setting it apart as one of an estimated number of less than 5 examples ever made. With the aerodynamic kit, the 911 Turbo is imbued with the racing-focused spirit and character of the coveted and spartan 911 GT2, with a formidable 450 horsepower, as well as the luxurious amenities that the 911 Turbo was known for offering. Along with the rare spec, the car is also loaded with special options and stunning features, making it a rare and exclusive time capsule of what the 911’s pinnacle looked like right before the introduction of the water-cooled 996 generation took Porsche in an entirely different direction as a manufacturer. To say this 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo is a collector-grade masterpiece is an understatement. View All Vehicles For Sale From Merit Partners View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merit Partners (est. 2014) (@meritpartners)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – April 19, 2024

The Porsche Exchange Trailers A 911 Dakar With A Matching...

This new Porsche icon gets transported in style. The Porsche 911 Dakar marks the beginning of a new era for one of the most legendary sports cars of all time, introducing off-road capability to a roadgoing series production version of the 911 for the first time, paying reverent homage to the Porsche 911’s participation in the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally with modified race-ready rally cars. The 911 Dakar brings the 911’s undeniable 60-year sports car splendor and takes it off the beaten path, raising the suspension and modifying it throughout to prepare it for thrilling all-terrain adventures and exhilarating drives. Being the latest culmination of a storied racing legacy, many examples of the new Porsche 911 Dakar feature beautiful racing liveries, with this one, showcased by The Porsche Exchange, featuring a historically-inspired Martini livery. While it would be amazing to see the car on its own, The Porsche Exchange took things to the next level when it showed off this Porsche 911 Dakar in a new Instagram post, instead of putting it on a transport truck that was finished in a matching Martini livery. The caption of the post makes a clever reference to the iconic “martini lunch” favored by Don Draper of “Mad Men.” With a historically inspired off-road-ready performance machine being transported by a matching transport truck, this stunning Porsche 911 Dakar couldn’t have traveled in more style. View All Vehicles For Sale From The Porsche Exchange View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche Exchange (@porscheexchange)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2023

Race-Ready Manthey Racing 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR For ...

Being the fastest production car at the Nurburgring, this Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR is sure to stand out at any track day. The 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS represents a pinnacle in Porsche's engineering, standing out as one of the brand's most powerful production models to date. With its remarkable twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, the GT2 RS delivers astonishing horsepower, blending extreme performance with precision and agility. Taking things to a whole new level, the engineers at Manthey Racing have developed the ultimate collection of performance upgrades to unlock the true track capabilities of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Showcasing one of very few in North America, the passionate team of professionals at Dream Car Gurus of Orlando, FL is pleased to showcase this race-ready 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR as part of its current offerings for sale on duPont REGISTRY. This 911 GT2 RS MR, finished in Nardo Grey, holds significance as a true track star because it features the complete Manthey Racing Performance Kit, transforming it into the closest thing to a factory Porsche racecar. The GT2 RS MR achieves its more aggressive ride height and stiffer suspension feel thanks to the MR coilover kit, which features 3/4-way adjustable shocks, aluminum shock bodies, and special top mounts for lift adaptation. With MR flaps, air guide ducts, and carbon underbody panels, Manthey Racing is able to channel air to efficiently cool areas of the car while adding downforce. Weight is saved throughout its exterior thanks to MR's carbon fiber engine deck lid, gurney flap, mounting brackets, support wing brackets, rear wing side plates, front lip, and rear wing. The build also includes 20x9.5/21x12.5 MR magnesium wheels, fit with MR lightweight aero disc wheel covers on the rears. The interior of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR embodies a race-inspired atmosphere while retaining the luxury expected of Porsche. The cabin is trimmed with high-quality materials like Alcantara, carbon fiber, and leather, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. The carbon racing bucket seats with the GT2 RS logo offer ample safety with incorporated racing harnesses and a roll cage. The Manthey Racing influence is evident in the unique detailing and branding within the cabin, adding exclusivity to the interior. The steering wheel, tailored for performance driving, features integrated shift paddles for rapid gear changes, ensuring the driver remains in complete control. The interior of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR, while aesthetically pleasing, primarily focuses on functionality and driver engagement, making it an ideal environment for both track performance and everyday driving enjoyment. At the heart of the 911 GT2 RS MR lies a 3.8L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, which delivers a staggering 700 horsepower. This engine is paired with a finely tuned seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, facilitating rapid and seamless gear shifts. The GT2 RS MR accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just about 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of around 211 mph. The Manthey Racing kit further sharpens its performance with a focus on aerodynamics, handling, and braking. These modifications make the Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR an exhilarating experience for any driving enthusiast. This 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR from Dream Car Gurus is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing Photography: Taylor Shenuski (@tshenphotography)

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2023

Check Out These Classic Porsche Race Cars For Sale At Atl...

With track-focused examples from RUF Automobile and Kremer Racing, Atlantis Motor Group is your one-stop-shop for the world's rarest Porsches. Responsible for supplying sunny South Florida car collectors with some of the most exclusive, expensive, and powerful supercars and hypercars on the planet, Atlantis Motor Group specializes in selling pre-owned, low-mile, late-model exotic and luxury cars. Its extensive inventory includes examples from world-renowned manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Mclaren. Beyond sales, Atlantis Motor Group provides a suite of premium services, including secure, climate-controlled storage to preserve the pristine condition of your vehicle and a full-service department dedicated to the meticulous care of your automotive investment. As part of its ever-growing inventory of collector-grade cars, Atlantis Motor Group prides itself on continuing to stock its showroom with rare aftermarket Porsche motorsport builds. The classic track-inspired examples come courtesy of pioneering Porsche builders such as RUF Automobile and Kremer Racing. Having drawn inspiration from similar Porsche specs that spent much of their lives on the competitive racing circuit, Atlantis Motor Group's lineup of classic upgraded Porsches stand out as road-legal examples awaiting the chance to put a smile on the face of a lucky new owner. View all of Atlantis Motor Group's significant Porsche performance cars featured in this special by clicking the link below. View All Atlantis Motor Group Inventory 1979 Porsche RUF 930 Turbo This absolutely stunning 1979 Porsche RUF 930 Turbo is presented in its original color of Petrolblue over Brown. This car was imported into the US in 1982 and was owned by the same owner until 2007. The car comes with 4 inches thick of records including the original importation documents.It was converted to a RUF turbo in 1988 by The authorized RUF dealer Exclusive Motorcars in NJ. The conversion includes RUF Wheels, RUF 3.4 L BTR engine kit, RUF Intercooler, RUF 5 speed Transaxle, RUF Turbo Camshafts, RUF K27 Turbocharger, RUF 4 pipe muffler, RUF 200 MPH Speedometer, RUF Tach, RUF 3.4 Turbo Pistons/Cylinders, RUF Oil Coolers, and RUF Adjustable Boost. This 1979 Porsche RUF 930 Turbo has been well serviced its entire life and was restored in the last few years. View Price And Listing 1978 Porsche 930 Kremer This is a real deal 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo converted by Kremer at their facility in Germany in 1980. With a 3.5L turbocharged engine built by S-Car-Go Racing of San Rafael, CA, the kit includes Twin Plug Heads, Knife Edge Crankshaft, Pauter Rods, 100mm Mahle Pistons, 3.6 Oil Pump, S-Car-Go Intercooler, Proto-Motive Ignition, Web GT2 Evo Camshafts, 930 TransGuards Diff & Close Ratio Gears, S-Car-Go Big Brembo Brake kit, S-Car-Go Roll Cage, and 935 Centerlock hubs with BBS wheels. Dyno'd at over 600HP to the rear wheels, this street-legal track monster is anticipating a happy new home for a lucky collector. View Price And Listing 1990 Porsche 964 911 Carrera 2 Race Car This track-ready 1990 Porsche 964 race car began life as a 911 Carrera 2, using a fresh dual plug 3.6L naturally-aspirated RS America engine with zero operating hours. In addition to engine upgrades like Pauter connecting rods and equal length headers, the 911 race car comes fit with a short gear ratio RS America G 50 5-speed manual transmission with a new clutch and approximately 10 hours on it. Additionally, this Porsche 964 911 Carrera 2 features 18 inch three-piece BBS Wheels with Hoosier slicks, big red brakes, a 100L fuel safe fuel cell, Moton adjustable shocks with reservoirs, new seats and belts, a removable steering wheel, a new windshield, new door seals, and new Lexan side glass with slides. Freshly serviced with Motul fluids, this 1990 Porsche 964 911 Carrera 2 Race Car is ready to make its anticipated track debut once again. View Price And Listing

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

1982 Porsche 911 SC is Socially Distancing from Porsche o...

Tired of being stuck inside? An old Porcshe 911 and a winding road is a cure for all diseases. Thats why our firends at Porsche of the Main Line offer the latest 992 series along with a choice selection of classic Porsche 911 for sale. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Tell us your favorite 911 in the comments below and stay with us for more great inventroty from Porsche of the Main Line. " width="680"> Visit Porsche of the Mainline/McLaren Philadelphia

By Edward Jones – July 11, 2019

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Bottle Cap Challenge

The bottle cap challenge has taken the internet by storm, for some reason. If you're unsure as to what this challenge is, it started with roundhouse kicking a bottle cap off of a bottle. Sounds simple, but in reality, it's pretty tough. Now that this viral challenge has been on our social timelines for a while, it's taken on some new forms. One form of the bottle cap challenge that's relevant to us is one that involves exotic cars. Porsche West Palm Beach recently uploaded their take on the challenge, which involves a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. How does a challenge that started with kicking turn into something that can involve a Porsche? Well, click play up above to find out. What is your favorite version of the bottle cap challenge? Let us know in the comments below! view porsche west palm beach's inventory

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2019

Pair of Rare Porsche 911 GT3 Cups at Byers Imports: Two o...

Byer's Imports Porsche takes delivery of two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Porsche Club of America Special Edition Racecars. Limited to just 5 examples worldwide, Byers Imports Porsche has received two PCA special editions, including the only example finished in the PCA 60th anniversary color, Club Blau. The PCA edition has performance enhancements not normally found on the regular-edition car. This includes a carbon-fiber "double bubble" roof; carbon fiber GT3 RS vented front fenders, carbon fiber GT3 R mirrors, GT3 R carbon fiber doors, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a GT3 SuperCup exhaust. They are currently on display in the Byers Imports Porsche Showroom. view byers imports' inventory

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