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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 – October 02, 2020

Porsche Design X Bric's Announce Luggage Collection Release

Porsche Design has a new partnership with Italian luxury accessories designer Bric’s and have recently announced the first collaboration collection. The line-up includes an array of luggage options catering to both casual and business-focused pieces. The Roadster Hard Cases include suitcases and trunks that utilize its weight-saving materials paired with modern technology such as USB connections for on the go charging. The same unique styles and amenities are used in the leather collection as well. A Carbon Collection is manufactured for strength and security in its assortment of bags, weekenders, and small leather goods. The new Bric’s Porsche Design bags and luggage collection is available at the end of 2020 in selected travel-retail stores worldwide. View All Porsche For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2020

Daniel Arsham Announces Release Date For An Eroded Porsch...

Daniel Arsham has announced the up in-coming release of his Eroded Porsche 930 Turbo Sculpture. The calcified relic is presented as a 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo, to which Daniel had just recently unveiled the rebuild of his very own. The sculpture is encased in a custom Arsham Studio designed housing with protectant foam to handle the work of art. Also included in the packaging is a set of white art handling gloves, to delicately transport the piece to its new desired showcase. The release is limited to 500 examples and will feature a holographic label indicating the edition number. This sculpture represents the bridge made between the automotive and art world, which is sure to hold its importance as a collector’s piece. Daniel Arsham’s Eroded Porsche 911 (930) Turbo will be available on September 25th at 12 noon ET through the his website. Keep up to date with the release by clicking the link below. Source: Daniel Arsham Visit Daniel Arsham Website

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

Period Correct Launches Rothmans P.C. Collection Featurin...

The iconic Rothmans livery has made its appearance on some of the world’s most infamous racing vehicles throughout time. Whether it was an endurance race that went through the night or a rally through treacherous courses, a Rothmans car was sure to be on the grid. As a staple in automotive racing history, it’s no surprise that Period Correct has released a collection dedicated to the infamous team. The Rothmans P.C. Collection features the Porsche 956 as the inspiration behind some of the pieces created, each sporting a graphic design of the race car. The clothing line includes t-shirts, long sleeves, a sweater, a hoodie, and a classic nylon hat. All made from premium materials to provide comfort while subtly showing appreciation for a notorious competitor in the world of motorsports. The Period Correct Rothmans P.C. Collection is available through the company’s website. Shop all the collection has to offer by clicking the link below. Shop The Rothmans P.C. Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2020

Porsche Design High OCTN Motorsport Sneakers Revealed

Porsche Design and Puma Motorsports recently released a new shoe that differs from more traditional minimalistic driving footwear. It's the thought of stepping out of the racecar and into the wilderness. The all-new rugged silhouette is called the High OCTN, which refers to a high-octane presence combined with a fully functional aspect. The newly designed mid-top sneaker constructed using a mix of both nylon and leather with added padding for protection. The most noticeable part of the High OCTN is the leather support strap that is secured to the upper portion of the sneaker and latches together using velcro. Thick nylon laces and rubber lace-lets located beneath the ankle straps. The bottoms are inspired by tread patterns from tires and are made from dense rubber to increase traction when off-road. Porsche Design and Puma Motorsports know the capability of using the High OCTN through whatever the weather throws at them, which is why the color-way uses dark earth tones. This style is a new approach from Porsche Design and Puma, one that leads to the possibilities of new unpaved roads. The new Porsche Design High OCTN Motorsport shoe is available for $270 on Puma's website. Shop Now

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 – December 20, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Just In Time for Christmas

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Cargo anywhere with the Tequipment Roof Box Your thirst for adventure can’t be contained. But your equipment and cargo can be with a Tequipment roof box. Increase utility and cargo capacity with our lockable Tequipment roof box, available in 320-liter and 520-liter capacities. Engineered to mount securely on a Porsche roof transport system, Tequipment roof boxes come in black (high-gloss) and silver, and can be opened on both sides. Available at your authorized Porsche dealer. MORE INFORMATION Holiday Gifts – Porsche Driver’s Selection Watches Several Porsche Driver’s Selection watches and chronographs are included in the 2019 PDS Holiday Sale. The watches illustrated here all have Swiss Ronda movements and sapphire coated glass faces. The Chronograph Limited Edition Classic watch face design is inspired by the instrument panels of historic Porsche vehicles and comes with two leather straps. The Essential Classic Watch includes black leather band with deviated red stitching. Its black dial carries the Porsche crest in silver, plus two fabric straps with quick-change mechanism. The Racing Chronograph –Ltd. Edition comes with a white geometric watch dial, white rubber wristband, Swiss Ronda movement with 13 jewels and stopwatch function with split-time measurement and tachymeter. When you order a Porsche watch through the Holiday Sale, you will receive a gift package of a Porsche 1:43 scale model car and license tag frame added to your order, free of charge. Click here for the 2019 PDS Online Shop Holiday Sale. MORE INFORMATION Women’s Holiday Gifts from Porsche Driver’s Selection The 2019 Holiday Sale also includes women’s apparel items to keep the cold away. Click here for our MARTINI RACING Ladies Quilted Jacket in bright red accented with MARTINI logo blue. The sale also includes the 2-in-1 Ladies 911 Collection Jacket in black with durable outer shell and quilted inner lining for extra warmth. For lighter weather conditions, click here for the Women’s MARTINI RACING Sweat Jacket in blue. And for last-minute stocking stuffers, try our ladies polo shirt in white, Women’s Motorsport T-shirt in black/red/white and matching Women’s Motorsport Soft Shell Jacket. All orders for Porsche women’s apparel will ship to you including a free gift package of a Porsche 1:43 scale model car and license tag frame. Click here for the 2019 PDS Online Shop Holiday Sale. MORE INFORMAtioN Presented by Porsche Cars North America Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2019

Porsche Gifts: For the Porsche Enthusiast in Your Life

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - PDS Taycan Lifestyle Merchandise 2019 is an exciting year in the Porsche world with the introduction of the Taycan. Porsche Driver’s Selection provides the right accompaniment with the Taycan lifestyle Collection, including impressive apparel for men and women plus home/office accessories. Place your order online for Taycan Collection merchandise. more information Holiday Gifts - Online Shop Interesting and attractive merchandise in our Porsche Driver’s Selection Online Shop is available for purchase, especially for the Holiday Season. Your favorites include our Mini Motorsport Bear, apparel, Autobahn and “No Speed Limit” Sign, watches, model cars, luggage, license plate frames and many more unique items. You will also receive an additional gift package consisting of a Porsche 1:43 scale model car and license tag frame added to your order, free of charge. Click here for the 2019 PDS Online Shop Holiday Sale. MORE INFORMATION Taycan Unisex Ultralight Jacket The Taycan Unisex Ultralight Jacket is lightweight, breathable, wind and water-repellent and includes a hood. The jacket has unique properties in keeping with the Taycan EV theme: its decorative, fluorescent print glows in the dark when previously irradiated with light. You can also point a light at the jacket and use the light as a marker to draw your own spontaneous designs on the outer shell. Click here to order at our Porsche Driver’s Selection Online Shop. more information

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