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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 Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2019

Porsche Driver’s Selection Holiday Gifts

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Tequipment Summer Wheel Sets For areas of the country where warm weather is a constant, good temperatures and smooth roads go hand-in-hand to bring out the best Porsche vehicle performance, all year. Tequipment Summer Wheel Sets help complete the experience, with light-alloy rims and Porsche N-spec tires designed for your Porsche vehicle’s optimum handling, cornering, acceleration and response times. And their styles accentuate your Porsche vehicle’s design lines and contours. To refresh your vehicle’s look or increase its performance, stop in to order and get installation by factory-trained technicians at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Taycan Lifestyle Merchandise from Porsche Driver’s Selection Soul. Electrified. The new Porsche Taycan spells “thrilling” in an especially electrifying way and our Taycan lifestyle merchandise for men and women fits the theme of this ground-breaking new vehicle. With clear lines, smart details, urban looks and functional features, our newest collection from Porsche Driver’s Selection makes clear what the new Taycan brings to the streets: intelligent technology, uncompromising design, and enthusiasm. See page 8 of our Fall 2019 PDS Online Flipbook for Taycan Collection merchandise. Then place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Porsche Driver’s Selection Holiday Gifts for Women Women’s apparel items from Porsche Driver’s Selection this Holiday Season include sporty shirts, elegant blouses, warm jackets and attractive accessories from our current collections. In a variety of cuts and colors, Porsche Driver’s Selection apparel suits your Porsche lifestyle, whether you are going to the track, the beach or shopping in town. To order, click this link: Porsche Online Shop/ For Her. Or place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. MORE INFORMATION

By Edward Jones – November 22, 2019

Porsche Gifts: For the Porsche Enthusiast in Your Life

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Log more miles, even from a standing start. Finish strong with our new Motorsport Trainer Shoes from PDS. These lightweight trainers provide maximum stability and optimum grip: the perfect fit for winning at home or on the go. With our integrated Engineering Stability Zone in the two-layer midsole for optimal balance, this shoe has highly effective, breathable cushioning. Stop in today to order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Race-ready Fanwear Whether you’re trackside on race days or street side on off days, our Motorsport FANWEAR Hoodie is the perfect shield from the cool winter winds... sportswear for those who share a passion for performance. Order in grey or black at the PDS Online Shop. Or place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. MORE INFORMATION Here’s to the victory lap! Prepare for the victory and then celebrate the success with our new Martini Racing Long Drink Glasses. With the same sleek design you’d expect from Porsche, keep these on hand for all of life’s winning moments. See page 72 of our Fall 2019 PDS Online Flipbook for this and other Porsche Martini merchandise. Then place your order for Martini Racing Long Drink Glasses at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information

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

By Edward Jones – November 15, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Get the Right Wheels for Winter

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for Cayenne Thrills are always in the forecast with Tequipment Winter Wheel sets. Stay ahead of the weather with improved performance in cold, wet conditions. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets help keep you on the road with Porsche approved N-rated tires that out-perform summer and all-season tires in cold weather. Every set features light alloy rim construction and tires with winter tread, better grip and shorter braking distances. Stop in today to see all of the available options at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for Panamera With Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets, any storm can be perfect. They help keep the Panamera vehicle’s sure-footed grip and excellent acceleration power on long straights and tight corners, even during the cold months. All Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets carry Porsche-approved N-spec tires that remain flexible at lower temperatures where summer and all-season tires begin to lose traction. Click this link to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the Panamera. Place your order and get installation at authorized Porsche dealers. For your next perfect storm. MORE INFORMATION Porsche Motorsport Fanwear Whether at the latest ABB FIA Formula E series competition or on any track where Porsche is present, Motorsport Fanwear belongs at the racetrack. In addition to the black softshell jacket, black ballcap, women’s red polo and Porsche Motorsport banner seen here, look for other Motorsport Fanwear apparel in the 2019 Fall PDS Flipbook / page 46-47. Then place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information

By Edward Jones – November 12, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Gear Up For Winter

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Winter begins for the summer tires on your 911, long before the snow falls. At approximately 45° F, summer rubber compounds begin to harden and driving characteristics begin to worsen. The colder it gets, the more distance is required to slow down or come to a full stop. To stay on the safe side, switch out your summer wheels for a set of Tequipment Winter Wheels for your 911. For style, best fit for your 911 model and installation by Porsche factory-certified technicians, click the button below to find your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Style and performance, no matter the cold Developed in Weissach by the same designers and engineers who conceived the Macan, Tequipment Winter Wheels combine impressive performance and equally impressive designs. They are precisely tailored to your Macan model in several different styles that suit your aesthetic requirements while giving more grip in wintry conditions. MORE INFORMATION Porsche Motorsport Collection for 2019 To show your team spirit this fall and into the new year, our Motorsport Collection includes designs based on the same apparel worn by the Porsche Motorsport teams at the track. This collection features men’s and women’s polo shirts in white and black, plus our black unisex jacket designed by Hugo Boss, bearing the designer’s logo. This jacket is attractively accented with red piping and the Porsche Motorsport logo signet. It also includes an interesting inside chest pocket, sized for smartphones with a port at the top of the pocket for your charging and earphone cords. For these items and other Porsche Driver’s Selection goods, click here for the 2019 Fall PDS Flipbook. Then place your order at your authorized Porsche Dealer below: more information

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Winter Styling

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Tequipment Cayenne Winter Wheel Sets Mixed conditions? Not an obstacle with Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets. Your Porsche Cayenne is designed to be driven all year long, including the cold months. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets help keep you on the road with Porsche approved N-rated tires that out-perform summer and all-season tires in cold weather. Every set features light alloy rim construction and tires with winter tread, better grip and shorter braking distances. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets come with our 2-year limited warranty, and are installed by factory-certified Porsche Service Technicians. Place your order by finding your local authorized Porsche Dealer below: more information Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for Macan Thrills never take a snow day when your Porsche Macan is outfitted with Tequipment Winter Wheels. They offer significant performance and safety advantages in cold conditions over all-season wheels, especially tire chemistry for grip and traction. Joined to light alloy Porsche wheel rims, Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets help take you confidently into the elements. Click this link to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the Macan. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets are available for order and installation at your authorized Porsche Dealer found in the button below: MORE INFORMATION Porsche Motorsport Fanwear New for this fall, Motorsport Fanwear from Porsche Driver’s Selection includes an array of choices for your days at the racetrack. In addition to the black softshell jacket, men’s grey t-shirt, white ballcap and women’s red polo seen here, look for other color versions in the 2019 Fall PDS Flipbook / page 46. Then place your order at your authorized Porsche Dealer below: more information

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Roof Racks, Floor Mats and More

Presented by Porsche Cars North America Tequipment Roof Racks and Accessories Tequipment roof boxes and transport systems allow you to easily adapt your Porsche to your requirements. All Porsche Tequipment transport systems are designed for performance, just like your Porsche. Our roof rack system, roof boxes and attachments for skis and bikes are thoroughly tested at our research facility in Weissach for braking safety, noise levels, fuel consumption and ease of operation. We seek to ensure that each Tequipment transport accessory meets your transport requirements quickly and securely. And with Tequipment components, your Porsche vehicle warranty stays intact. Before the Holiday travel season ramps up, place your order for the Tequipment roof system and accessories at your authorized Porsche dealer. Click the red “More Information” button to find your authorized Porsche dealership’s location. more information Tequipment All-weather floor mats for your Porsche model Our Tequipment All-Weather Floor Mats protect your Porsche vehicle’s carpets during the cold months and all year round. They are designed for precision fit in each Porsche model type’s footwells, and they remain flexible even under low temperatures. Snow, ice, water, road salt, mud, dirt and sand are caught by the channels and raised contours of the mats, and they clean up with ease. Yet for all their functionality, the style of our All Weather Floor Mats is uncompromised in how they echo and enhance your Porsche vehicle’s high style. Whether you drive a Porsche sports car, sedan or SUV, keep the weather off your carpet this season by placing your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. Click the red “More Information” button to find your authorized Porsche dealership’s location. MORE INFORMATION 2020 Spectrum Calendar Under the title ‘Spectrum,’ the new 2020 Porsche Calendar features an exciting combination of colors to delight sports car enthusiasts. The 13 specially photographed motifs in the 2020 calendar show current Porsche models in modern, graphic backdrops. Tones in the vehicle paint colors have been incorporated in the backdrops, and the mood in each photo shows how multifaceted sports car fascination can be. For more details, click the red “More Information” button and go to page 64 in the 2019 Fall Select Magazine flipbook. Then order your 2020 Spectrum Calendar at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information

By Edward Jones – October 18, 2019

Porsche Gifts: New Porsche Driver’s Selection Motorsport ...

Presented by Porsche Cars North America Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for Cayenne A “sports car for five,” the Porsche Cayenne has five doors that open to any adventure, with versatility, quality and cutting-edge assistance systems. The Cayenne shod with Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets helps keep driver and passengers in exceptional comfort while maintaining performance during the winter months. The rubber compound in Porsche-approved N-spec winter tires hardens less in the cold and therefore is adapted optimally to road surfaces at lower temperatures. Click here to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the Cayenne. Place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for Panamera The Panamera is noted for its firm ride combined with sporty handling. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets with Porsche-approved N-spec tires help keep the Panamera vehicle’s sure-footed grip and excellent acceleration power on long straights and tight corners, even during the cold months. All Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets carry Porsche-approved N-spec tires, with winter rubber compounds that keep the tire tread flexible at lower temperatures where summer and all-season tires begin to lose traction. Tequipment Winter Wheel sets help maintain the performance levels for which the Panamera was designed. Click this link to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the Panamera. Place your order and get installation at authorized Porsche dealers. So that every drive feels like sport – not transport. MORE INFORMATION Porsche Driver’s Selection Motorsport Apparel Jackets for Fall 2019 For the Fall of 2019, the Motorsport Collection features jackets and other apparel in the same Porsche Motorsport livery worn by Porsche Motorsport team professionals. The women’s jacket featured here comes in a men’s version in the same style. This softshell jacket with stand-up collar, zipped side pockets and fleece lining bears a design based on the original Porsche Motorsport team clothing. Water resistant, breathable, with zippered side pockets, this jacket includes a Motorsport Kit with phone popper, glasses strap and earplugs for the race track. Ask about our Porsche Motorsport Collection at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2019

Porsche Gifts: Winter Wheels and 1:8 Scale Models

Presented by Porsche Cars North America 911 Winter Wheel Sets with winter grip for winter journeys Compared to summer and all-season tires, Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for your 911 vehicle help increase grip and safety on cold weather roads. They include close-tolerance fit, style, 2-year limited parts warranty, and tires with the Porsche “N” rating. These fine-tuned and calibrated winter wheel sets are best installed by professional factory-trained technicians at authorized Porsche dealers. Additionally, Tequipment roof transport components greatly expand carrying capacity for Macan vehicles this winter. Click here to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the 911. more information Outdrive the cold this winter with Macan Winter Wheel Sets The nimble sportiness and everyday practicality of the Macan are hard to deny. Retain that character, even in winter. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets are the perfect match to your Macan, featuring light alloy Porsche wheels and Porsche N-spec tires, specially compounded for optimized winter grip beyond that of all-season tires. Click this link to find out more about Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets for the Macan. Tequipment Winter Wheel Sets are available for order and installation at authorized Porsche dealers. MORE INFORMATION Inspirational Porsche 1:8 Scale Model Replicas Since the 1950s, Porsche has been and continues to be a major player in the international motor racing world, represented here in 1:8 scale by the 1970 917 Salzburg and 1998 911 GT1 Porsche winners of Le Mans. Joining them on the podium is the 911 RSR. Motor racing enthusiasts are drawn to these impeccably reproduced 1:8 scale model replicas of great Porsche racing cars of Le Mans and Motorsport fame. Made from resin in highly visible 1:8 scale, the size of these replicas allows for superlative attention to striking detail which conveys the authentic feel of these impressive race cars. Add them to the collection in your own private Porsche museum. Click here to order: 911 GT1 Multicolor; 1970 917 Salzburg; 911 RSR

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2019

Porsche Releases "24 Minutes of LeMans" on Vinyl

Are you old enough to remember when the CD arrived? It signaled the death of the phonograph, and analog audio altogether. History repeats itself, and record players are popular again. Prices for rare recording are steadily rising, so Porsche has released "24 Minutes of LeMans" on vinyl. Normal vinyl is not worthy to reproduce Porsche's history at the famous track. So they chopped up the last set of tires from the 919 Hybrid. These limited edition pressings are going up for auction this weekend. All proceeds are going to Loisirs Pluriel. It is an organization that cares for disabled children in France. 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring vs 911R They offer a respite for children, enabling them to play, live and grow up with other children while also unburdening their parents. Kudos to Porsche for re-mastering the races of the past, and helping children in need. If you want a copy of this record, click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche's 24 Minutes of LeMans Related: Porsche 919 Parades Around Manhattan

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