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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 Edward Jones – November 09, 2020

New Porsche x Puma Sneakers Inspired by the Porsche 911 C...

Porsche Design and Puma are set to release a collection of sneakers that fans of the iconic 911 sports car have to keep an eye on. Each of the shoes in this collection is inspired by a specific Porsche 911. Down below are teasers of each of the shoes so you can get an idea of what to expect. If you see one you'd like, I have some news for you. On November 17, 2020, this webpage will have "buy now" buttons appear for a brief 2.7 seconds. Why 2.7 seconds? That's actually the amount of time it takes the new 911 Turbo to go from 0 to 60 mph. If you do manage to click the button, you'll have 15 minutes to complete the order. Each of these pre-orders also come with a limited-edition poster that's inspired by the collection. Click the button below to view the page and view the countdown timer. Shop on Porsche-Design.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

PUMA Motorsport x Mercedes-AMG Petronas LQDCELL Sneaker H...

Puma Motorsport and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have collaborated on an array of sneaker silhouettes that are able for both on and off-track use. The Puma LQDCELL is one of the shoes best described as an all-around comfortable daily wear. The mesh upper includes synthetic metallic overlays combined with various Mercedes-AMG Petronas branding. The midsole is made from thick cushioning to help ensure the most performance from the high-tech trainers. Puma Motorsport fitted the LQDCELL with a rubber outsole that provides durable traction and grip. A new colorway called Lu-Lu Purple is available for $110, while the Smoke Pearl version is on sale for $74.99. Puma Motorsport and Mercedes-AMG Petronas continue to bridge the gap between everyday life and the exciting world of racing. Shop the Puma Motorsport x Mercedes-AMG Petronas LQDCELL sneakers by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2020

PUMA Motorsports Releases The New Scuderia Ferrari Race R...

Puma Motorsports has teamed up with Scuderia Ferrari to release a new version of the RS-X3, a low-cut bulky retro RS driven silhouette. The upper portion of the sneaker is made from mesh with leather and suede overlays. Comfort is found in the midsoles of the Puma Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3, where a thick yet lightweight RS cushion is added for daily wear. The bottoms are layered in rubber with unique grooves for maximum traction both on and off the track. The logos of both Puma Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari are placed throughout the sneaker, the most obvious being the Ferrari Emblem found on the heel. The RS-X3 is available in Rosso-Corsa Red and Puma White for $120. Shop the new Puma Motorsport Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3 sneakers by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2020

PUMA Motorsports x Scuderia Ferrari Race Future Kart Cat

Whether it’s controlling a Formula One race car around the track or weekend karting with friends, foot control and grip are the essential factors for success. Puma Motorsports and the team over at Scuderia Ferrari have designed the footwear that will provide the means to stay on the accelerator. The Scuderia Ferrari Race Future Kart Cat Motorsports shoe features the lightweight design from the synthetic leather upper, as well as traction in the form of the rubber outsole. The new white and red colorway includes added hints of Scuderia Ferrari badging. The release from Puma Motorsports x Scuderia Ferrari is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2020

PUMA Motorsport Releases The Speedcat Pro Alex Albon Trac...

The PUMA Motorsports race-focused Speedcat Pro shoe is a lightweight structure that provides the grip needed to set the perfect lap time. The silhouette is released in various renditions sporting the designs of notorious Formula 1 race teams. The newest release is the PUMA Motorsport Speedcat Pro Alex Albon Edition. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing collaboration is made from a lightweight fireproof fabric, carbon fiber, and traction grabbing rubber. The Speedcat Pro is a special edition release and is limited to 23 pairs, which refers to Alex Albon’s driver number. Shop the newest Speedcat Pro from PUMA Motorsport x Aston Martin Redbull Racing x Alex Albon by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2020

The All New PUMA Motorsports x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Spee...

PUMA Motorsports continues to release the Speedcat Pro model, a track-focused shoe designed with the help of Formula One’s best drivers. We have seen models that feature team collaborations such as Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, but the most recent release being Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas pro models will be released in a limited production reflecting the footwear used in each race. Source: PUMA Motorsport The idea behind the construction of the PUMA Speedcat Pro is to eliminate weight while still providing strength and grip. Materials such as lightweight fabrics and carbon fiber are used and help protect against fire. A low-profile rubber outsole added to make the grip transition between pedals effortless and more efficient. The PUMA Speedcat Pro is the perfect way to separate a daily commute to a weekend at the track. Shop the Mercedes-AMG Petronas x PUMA Speedcat Pro by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA Speedcat Pro

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2020

PUMA Motorsport Releases The BMW M Motorsport Mile Rider ...

Puma Motorsport has released a new casual sneaker with BMW M Motorsport being the design model. The addition to the fleet of race-inspired shoes is the Mile Rider. The low-cut silhouette is made with a mesh upper and synthetic overlays sporting the infamous BMW M colors. The BMW badge placed on the hood of an M8 can now be found on the heel tab of the Puma Mile Rider. The most noticeable aspect of the new sneakers is the midsoles, designed for lightweight cushioning for on and off-track use. The outsoles feature a studded rubber pattern that travels just over the toe and heel tip for maximum grip. The Puma BMW M Motorsport Mile Rider comes in both a stealthy black and sparkling white colorway for the price of $90. Shop the new Puma Mile Rider sneakers by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2020

Puma Motorsport Drops New Mercedes-AMG Petronas Sneakers

Mercedes-AMG Petronas fans rejoice, as Puma Motorsport has just released two new sneakers for you. These include the Mercedes-AMG Petronas RS-X³ and Mercedes-AMG Petronas LQDCELL Extol sneakers. Each feature pearl, black, teal/green and purple in some way, with one being primarily pearl and the other black. Each also offer up different designs, with the RS-X³ sneakers having an overall more" chunky" appearance. You can shop these shoes now on Puma.com. The RS-X³ sneaker comes with a price of $100 while the LQDCELL Extol sneakers come in at $110. Click the button to see them now. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2020

Puma and Race Service Launch New RS-Fast Sneakers With Mc...

Puma has just launched their new RS-Fast sneakers, and Race Service has joined them to celebrate the new drop. At the Puma store in NYC, Race Service pulled up in their custom-wrapped McLaren 570S that matches the white, peach and blue RS-Fast colorway. If you want to promote a shoe with the word "fast" in it, there's no better way than to do it with a McLaren. As for the shoes, they are available in two colors ways, the aforementioned one and Red/Black. They follow the same silhouette as the previous sneakers in the RS collection but have new designs on the upper. The RS-Fast sneaker is available for sale now at $110 and comes with a signed autograph card by Gunna while supplies last. Shop on PUMA.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZmyXHHoHK/

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 20, 2020

Porsche Design x PUMA Fall/Winter 2020 Line Announced

If we know anything about Porsche’s cars, it’s that they are some of the greatest examples of form and function coming together to make some of the most beautiful (and powerful) cars the world has ever seen. Their fashion arm, Porsche Design, has credit in the same regard. This September, a new Porsche Design sportswear collection with Puma is being released, and the sleek and modern designs have plenty of technology and innovation to back them up. Some of this innovation includes the glow-in-the-dark fabric used in the RCT jacket, which is “charged” by exposure to daylight, and glows blue once it gets dark. Recycled polyester is used throughout the collection as well. Another innovative material in the collection is the BLOOM foam that is used in the shoes, which is an environmentally friendly, algae-based foam that makes the sneaker light and strong. Recycled polyester is also included in the shoes. If you’re interested in the new Porsche Design x Puma Fall/Winter 2020 Collection, it releases online on Puma and Porsche Design’s websites and at Porsche Design stores in September. A few of the items in the collection can be viewed in the gallery below. Shop Porsche Design

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