Gear

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 – June 07, 2024

The GearBox: Porsche Turbo S Attire

The Porsche 911 platform is renowned for its versatility and exceptional performance, making it a well-rounded sports car designed to excel in all driving conditions. As a cornerstone of the German automotive manufacturer's lineup, the 911 series offers a range of models that cater to varying preferences for comfort and performance. This week, GearBox highlights the Porsche 992 911 Turbo S, a supercar that seamlessly blends daily drivability with high-octane power. Under the hood, the 911 Turbo S features a 3.0L twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that generates an impressive 640 horsepower, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and top-tier performance. To complement the dynamic nature of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, we’ve curated a selection of casual luxury apparel and accessories that mirror the car's sophistication and style. From sleek jackets and premium footwear to elegant timepieces and stylish sunglasses, these items are designed to enhance your driving experience while keeping you looking effortlessly chic. Whether you're heading to a business meeting or enjoying a weekend drive, the Porsche 911 Turbo S and our handpicked wardrobe selections ensure you arrive in style. Explore our featured items by clicking the links below, and discover how to integrate the refined aesthetics of the 911 Turbo S into your everyday attire. Stay tuned to duPont REGISTRY for more exclusive GearBox specials, where we continue to pair the world’s finest automobiles with the ultimate in luxury fashion and accessories. 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S View Price And Listing TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint X Porsche Special Edition Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Porsche Genuine Hat With Crest Amazon Shop Now Porsche Design Jacket - 60Y Porsche 911 Porsche Design Shop Now Porsche Legacy 911 Motorsport Graphic Tee PUMA Shop Now Noah Selvedge Straight Leg Jeans Nordstrom Shop Now Porsche Legacy Trinity Motorsport Sneakers PUMA Shop Now Persol Adrien Sunglasses Persol Shop Now Porsche Design PDT40 Sport Earphones Uncrate Shop Now Porsche Design Roadster Leather Backpack S1 Porsche Design Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 24, 2022

The GearBox: Porsche GT3 RS Performance Style

Just in time for the 992 GT3 RS debut, this fit is Porsche-ready for any track star. Since its highly-anticipated debut during Monterey Car Week 2022, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS continues its legacy as the manufacturers most track-focused model. Introducing new design, performance, and technology, the GT3 RS becomes even more agile for on-track driving, as well as daily commuting around town. Being a versatile platform for all types of driving, a well-rounded wardrobe is needed to complement the 525 horsepower naturally-aspirated race car for the road. This week’s GearBox is focused to showcase both sides of the GT3 RS, from elegant styling to raw performance. Shop all of the luxury products and accessories featured in this special by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and GearBox specials. Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS Porsche The 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is clear in its intentions: it is uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance. The 518 hp road-legal high-performance sports car takes full advantage of technology and concepts from motorsport. Even beyond the high-revving naturally aspirated engine with racing DNA and intelligent lightweight construction, it is, above all, the cooling and aerodynamic systems of the 911 GT3 RS that connect it most directly with its motorsport brother, the 911 GT3 R. Price: MSRP $223,800 View all Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale Porsche Design Chronograph 1 GP2022 Edition Porsche Design The Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition pays homage to the unique and puristic design of the all-black timepiece from 1972. Like all our timepieces, the chronograph is manufactured with precise Swiss craftsmanship in our watch manufacturing facility in Solothurn. Price: $9,650 Buy From Porsche Design Porsche Design Classic Cap PUMA PUMA and Porsche Design team up to deliver the next generation of sleek sportsman attire with our Porsche Design Classic Cap. This classic six-panel cap features premium, durable Porsche Design branding and laser cut panels for improved ventilation, making it the idea way to finish off any outfit. Price: $45 Buy From PUMA Commes des Garçon PLAY Zip Hoodie Nordstrom A signature heart appliqué turns this Commes de Garçon staple hoodie cut from Japanese cotton, into a cool statement look for any occasion. Price: $348 Buy From Nordstrom Moncler Logo-Embossed T-Shirt Fartfetch Hardly a plain white tee is it? Thom Browne's T-shirt is punctuated with the brand's signature stripe print and its embossed emblem at the chest. Logomania fans rejoice! Price: $290 Buy From Farfetch Nudie Grim Tim Dry Original Selvage Jeans Nudie Jean Co. Slim fit jeans with a straight leg made in organic comfort stretch denim. This right here is special to us, the comfort stretch version of our first ever selvage denim from legendary Japanese denim mill Kaihara. The rigid version left us in awe back in 2001, and thanks to its excellent aging property, it still does to this day. This version is developed to possess the same aging property but with stretch, making it comfortable and appropriate for slim fits. Price: $280 Buy From Nudie Jean Co. PUMA Speedcat Shield Leather Driving Shoes PUMA Winging its way to you from our Speedcat collection is the Speedcat Shield Shoe. These classic shoes are designed with true motorsport DNA, making the perfect addition to any motorsport fan's wardrobe. Price: $90 Buy From PUMA Porsche Deisgn Sunglasses P´8692 Porsche Design When contrasting elements come together in perfect harmony, something unique is born: like the Porsche Design P´8692 from the new Fusion Collection. The high-tech, almost futuristic design of the sunglasses with their subtly squared aviator shape takes an unusual and innovative approach to design using a dual-layer material: high-performance RXP® and stainless steel. Matt finish materials are paired with high-gloss elements, tone-on-tone with color-blocking, striking features with elegant details. The result: Sunglasses that perfectly capture the spirit of the age, while still remaining timeless. Design that would please F. A. Porsche. Price: $460 Buy From Porsche Design Leica TL2 Mirrorless Camera (Silver) B&H Photo Video Buffed leather wallet in black featuring embossed logo pattern and perforated detailing throughout. Silver-tone logo hardware at face. Eight card slots, three note slots, and embossed logo at interior. Tonal textile lining. Silver-tone hardware. Approx. 4.5" length x 3.75" height. Price: $2,495 Buy From B&H Photo Video Moncler Pierrick Logo Print Backpack Nordstrom Crafted in nylon, this style is characterized by a two-way zipper closure, a large front pocket and adjustable shoulder straps. The interior is equipped with various pockets that make organization easy, while the exterior showcases a Moncler logo to add a distinctive touch. Price: $1,050 Buy From Nordstrom For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: Off-Road Adventure Expert

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By Tyler Rampersaud – March 22, 2022

Gunther Werks Releases A Limited Edition 1:10 Carbon Fibe...

The 911 spirit shouldn’t stop at your garage door. Gunther Werks is a coachbuilder, known for its incredible recreations of the final air-cooled generation of the 993 Porsche 911. It’s a brand that expresses the spirit of classic Porsche 911s and 911 history in a way that is only exceeded by Porsche itself, and along with those coachbuilt 911s, the brand also produces carbon fiber accessories and other 911-related accessories that offer aerodynamics and style for your car, as well as your home. MUST READ: The GearBox: Turbo S Attire GW9, Gunther Werk’s accessories outfit’s latest effort, is a 1:10 scale Gunther Werks Speed Form of a classic 911, constructed purely of carbon fiber. It’s a striking piece of home decor, finished in gloss black and perfect as a conversation starter or accent piece for any coffee table, desk, or shelf. To add to that, the Gunther Werks Speed Form is a limited edition, making it all the more rare, unique, and collectible. At $250, a passionate Porsche 911 enthusiast would be hard-pressed to find a better way to bring their love for one of the world’s most prolific sports cars beyond their garage. Source: Gunther Werks

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 17, 2022

Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Showcase A Porsche 911 Turbo...

Two automotive icons that are not afraid to get dirty. After announcing their most recent collaboration, Daniel Arsham and Stone Island Official are back with more sneak peek images of the upcoming collection release. As part of the special project, a 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo 930 and Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 have been reimagined with bespoke upholstery by the fashion experts at Stone Island. The two classic icons take shape as functional designs that find the inner beauty behind vintage styling. The Porsche 911 Turbo 930 is a model that Daniel Arsham holds close to his heart, having incorporated the sportscar in an array of artistic projects. As for the Unimog, the once multi-purpose truck now staples itself as an off-road expert and collector example. Each vehicle's interior design features Daniel Arsham and Stone Island branded logo patterns made from repurposed materials like Tela Stella. MUST-READ: Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Announce The Upcoming Porsche Safari Collection Release The photoshoot uploaded to the Stone Island Instagram page also includes shots of the upcoming apparel line, which includes rugged outdoor styles that showcase its military green theme. The pieces included in the highly-anticipated release are jackets, t-shirts, baggage, and accessories. Along with the collection release, Daniel Arsham and Stone Island are proud to be unveiling a documentary film in collaboration with filmmaker Jeremy Elkin that releases on March 18th. View all of the current Porsche 911 Turbo 930 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming release news on the upcoming Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Collection. View All Porsche 911 Turbo 930 For Sale Source: Stone Island IG

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2021

LEGO Announces 2-1 Porsche 911 Kit: Turbo or Targa

LEGO has just unveiled a new way to celebrate the Porsche 911 Turbo and Targa. Their new LEGO Porsche 911 (10295) kit allows builders to choose between building either a Turbo model with a turbocharged engine or a Targa with a removable hood that can be stored under the hood. Features of the kit also include the flat-six engine, working steering, gearshift, emergency brake and tilting seats. In total, it measures over 4 inches tall, 13.5-inches long and 6-inches wide. If you or someone you know is a massive Porsche 911 fan, then this is a perfect gift. It will go on sale on March 1, 2021 for $149.99 on LEGO.com. Shop LEGO.com Source: LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2020

LEGO Porsche 911 RSR Gets Epic Photoshoot

Tomek Makolski is a photographer with an affinity for automobiles. Being a track day driver and automotive enthusiast, he truly appreciates automotive photography. But Porsche's newsroom has just unveiled a set of automotive photographs by Makolski that are not exactly what you'd expect. After Porsche and LEGO released the new 911 RSR Technic set, Makolski came up with a brilliant idea. He booked a flight to Dubai and captured shots of areas where he would expect a real 911 RSR to be racing through. He then went to his studio in Warsaw and captured photographs of the LEGO 911 RSR with lightning that would match up with the light of the location shots. Then, in post, he edited the LEGO Porsche into the sceneries for a truly magnificent result. You can check them out in the gallery below. If you'd like to buy your own Porsche 911 RSR LEGO Technic set, click the button below. Shop On LEGO.com Image Source: Porsche Newsroom

By Edward Jones – July 03, 2018

What the Life-Size LEGO Porsche GT3 RS Would Look Like

The LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS kit is massive, complex and very true to the real deal. This plastic Porsche comes in as a 2,704-piece kit that unbelievably intricate, even down to the PDK dual-clutch transmission. Even with its size and intricacies, it's still not as big as the real-life 911 GT3 RS. For @makolski, he wanted to see what the car kit would look like in as a real car on the roads and in real-life situations. He may not have a ray gun that can enlarge the kit to real size, he does have photo editing tools.@porsche_newsroom shared images that @makolski created, featuring the LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS kit. In the images, we see how the toy car would look driving down the streets of Warsaw. The images may show a car that's unrealistic, but it makes me hope for the rise of wild Transformers looking cars in the future.Buy This Kit

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