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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 – September 02, 2020

Porsche Design Fall/Winter 2020 Collection

Whether someone is in the market for a wardrobe to match their new 992 Turbo S or just in need of comfortable and stylish apparel, Porsche Design is assured to help. The fall/winter 2020 collection has just been released and features comfortable style options for everyday use during the colder months. The clothing line emphasizes simplicity and comfort, all while adding small personal touches to signify that it's a quality product by Porsche. The style selections vary from comfortable everyday options to pieces that can be dressed up for business casual occasions. It's the thought of everyday use for the consumer that goes into the creation of both Porsche vehicles and lifestyle products. The fall/winter 2020 collection consists of jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polos, t-shirts, sneakers, and accessories. Porsche Design prides itself on incorporating quality materials such as leather, lightweight nylon, and cotton combined with an assortment of color options. Shop The Collection Jackets Porsche Designs jacket options are sure to keep you warm while the GT2RS's are getting garaged and the Cayenne's come out to battle the cold. The star of the jacket line is a mixed black leather and neoprene full zip that lets the stitching design do the talking. On the inside zipper line is the only spot that will sport the Porsche Design logo. The second option is a comfortable full-zip hooded cardigan, which is presented in black as an active sport alternative. Sweats For the days when its more comfortable to hang the keys up and take a personal day, Porsche Design's sweatshirt and sweatpants are key. The set is sold separating, but they match so well that it will be best to grab both while you can. They are made of a soft and lightweight viscose material in a dark grey. Each of the sweats features a rubberized seatbelt material that travels down the arm and pant leg of each side with the Porsche Design logo imprinted. This is truly Porsche's "Luxury Tracksuit" for both owners and enthusiasts. Shirts Porsche Design's shirts for the fall/winter 2020 collection mirror the personalities of their current vehicle fleet. They are offered in a casual sports t-shirt for more performance-based activities, such as the GT series vehicles used as track-focused machines. They are offered in both a V-neck and a crew neck with a small Porsche Design logo on the chest. On the other end, they offer polos for more comfortable business casual situations, just as if was a comfortable ride to work in a Taycan Turbo S. Color options for the shirts and polos include red, blue, grey, and black. Sneakers The newest sneakers released for the Porsche Design collection vary in style, material, and color. The resemblance that they do share is the functionality to have a grip over the accelerator and brake pedal, as well as the ability to feel confident that they deliver comfort throughout the day. Porsche Design offers four different styles: minimalistic, traditional sneaker, high top sneaker, and lace-less driver. All styles are made if genuine quality leather combined with soles that provide extreme grip for both on and off-track use. Accessories The saying "It's the little things that count" must have come from the Porsche Design facility because they have added a few unique pieces to include in the fall/winter collection. This includes a beautiful genuine leather belt that comes in dark blue, brown, and black paired with a brushed metal buckle engraved with the Porsche Design logo. They also include a polished small metal set that includes cuff links, a key chain, and a money clip. Finally, they have added an atheistically pleasing rubber bracelet that features a brushed metal hook clip that comes in four colors. Shop the Collection

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

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2020

Porsche Design's New Customizable Watch Has Over 1.5 Mill...

After six years, Porsche Design is finally ready to launch their most ambitious timepiece project to date. In fact, this may be one of the most ambitious timepiece projects we've ever seen before because this is the world's first production watch that's so insanely customizable that even the movement can be customized. With over 1.5 million possibilities, their new configurator for the watch allows customers to pick options like the color, types of leather, decorative stitching, material, dial, bezel and more. Their goal was not only to allow customers to create the watch of their dreams but also to create something that perfectly matches the Porsche in their garage. Porsche Design notes that in the future, they will also add more options that align with other Porsche models. "We have come full circle: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche laid the foundation of the Porsche Design brand in 1972 with the Chronograph 1 after having previously designed the Porsche 911 and now we are taking the next logical step and are applying the principles of sports car engineering to the production of our Swiss-made wristwatches," says Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design Group. "The Porsche Design custom-built Timepieces program is making the dream of many 911 drivers come true." The new Porsche design custom-built Timepieces program will begin in the U.S. on September 1, 2020 at all participating Porsche dealerships. The online configurator will also be launched in September 2020 as well. For more information, click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2020

Porsche Design's New Limited Edition Sunglasses Now Avail...

Porsche Design's new pair of limited edition sunglasses called the Porsche Design P'8685 Hexagon (Iconic) are the perfect accessory for any driver. These new shades are limited to just 911 examples, making them quite limited but that's all the more reason to pick them up as soon as possible. As for the design of the sunglasses, they were designed after a race car's engine with eight hex bolts holding the solid milled titanium front in place. It's a brilliant looking design, to be quite honest and it would go perfectly with a Porsche sports car. They come in one color, Titanium, and feature polarized lenses. Porsche design also used lightweight high-performance RXP® for the temples. The entire construction of these sunglasses ensures that they will stand the test of time and be a perfect way to block out the sun for many drives. They're available now and you can purchase your own pair now by clicking the button below. The price is set at $1,150. As a reminder, only 911 pieces are to be created so act fast while you can! Buy Now Source: Porsche-Design.us

By Edward Jones – April 22, 2020

Porsche Design Workout Collection and Challenge is a Perf...

Porsche Design is going all-in with home workouts as they have released a new "Home Workout Challenge" and some great apparel to workout in. Their exercise gear in the Porsche Design x PUMA Sports collection is quite expansive, including hats, shoes, shirts, shorts, pants, bags, and even a gym towel. The style of the items also ranges greatly, so there's something for every occasion, especially home workouts. Porsche Design is also giving those whose order is over 450.00 euros a complimentary pair of Porsche design in-ear headphones. Speaking of home workouts, let's talk about that challenge. Porsche Design has also uploaded a series of videos with KULT that act as a home workout challenge. Each day is a different workout with a different trainer, all courtesy of Kult Fitness. If you need a solid sweat while staying home, check out the first of the videos down below. Shop Now " width="680"> Image Source: Porsche-Design.com

By Edward Jones – April 16, 2020

Puma Motorsport x Porsche Design LQDCELL in White Are Cle...

Within the Porsche Design collection in the Puma Motorsports lineup are the stunning LQDCELL shoes in Puma White. These are featured in the collection that consists of two colorways of Jet Black/Mist Green and Puma White /Ethereal Blue. With the all-Puma White appearance, the LQDCELL shoes look cleaner than ever. As for the construction of the shoes, they feature Profoam and LQDCELL tech in the midsole, while the upper consists of sheer overlays. Puma has also made these shoes super lightweight, as well as comfortable. If you've been looking for a sleek way to show your love for Porsche, this is a perfect way to go. The Porsche Design LQDCELL sneakers look to be as stylish as they ever have been now with this colorway, so click the button below to get your own pair. They're currently available in the US for $220, Shop Now Source: Puma

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

Porsche Design Debuts New 1919 Flyback Blue & Leather

The Porsche Design 1919 Flyback Blue & Leather comes into the world as an incredibly stylish watch styled after the iconic 911 sports car. For this new watch, the color blue has been chosen as the dominant hue and, as you can see, it was a great choice. The strap and dial feature the color blue, which is contrasted by the titanium of the 42 mm case. As for movement, the Porsche Design WERK 01.200 caliber does the work. This is actually Porsche Design's first ever in-house movement. It features a flyback function and start/stop/reset functions. In addition to that, the watch itself has a 48-hour power reserve. For more informoation, be sure to visit Porsche-Design.com. If you're interested, you can pick one up for $6,350.

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

Puma Motorsport x Porsche Design Hybrid Shoes Released

Puma Motorsport and Porsche Design have just dropped their new Hybrid Runner Style shoes just in time for the holidays. If you have any Porsche fans that also happen to be sneakerheads, these are a perfect gift. These new shoes are comprised of a combination of breathable mesh, IGNITE foam and NRGY beads. Each of these materials combines to create an comfortable shoe that's also quite stylish. They are available in either black or tan, each of them coming with carbon inserts and a roughened leather surface. Click the button below to order a pair for yourself or someone you know. SHOP NOW Source: Porsche-Design.us

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