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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 – April 21, 2018

Porsche 964 Price, Specs, Photos, Price & Review

The 964 series was introduced in 1989 to lift the Porsche 911 from the legacies of its predecessors. It was produced until the end of 1994, and the Porsche 964 ushered in many long-overdue improvements. It was the first time All-Wheel Drive was offered, and the ancient torsion bar suspension was replaced by coil springs and conventional shock absorbers. Porsche 911 964 Carrera The first examples offered were the 964 Carrera 4, their entry-level offering. The 4 stood for 4WD thanks to a center differential. Although heavier than the later AWD models that used a viscous coupling amidships, the 964 Carrera 4 and the C4S are nearly indestructible. Soon after the series was introduced, a more mainstream Rear-Wheel-Drive model was launched as the Porsche 964 Carrera 2. These were the first Porsche 911 models to have ABS and power steering as standard equipment. Total production the Porsche 964 specs is recorded as 62,172 cars. This includes the Porsche 964 Turbo, the 964 Speedster, and the rare models like the 964 Carrera RS. One of the more popular models was the 964 Targa. It was the last Porsche 911 Targa to have a traditional removable roof panel, every Targa since has been a rather complex device. The engine that powered every non-turbo Porsche 964 for sale was all new. Known internally as the M64, it displaced 3.6 liters with a compression ratio of 11.3:1 Porsche 911 964 Carrera RS Aimed at racers, the Porsche 964 Carrera RS was stripped of all luxuries and fitted with a hotter M64 engine. It was 345 lbs lighter than a US-spec Carrera 2, but it was not sold in the US. Many of us wanted a light Rear Wheel Drive racer, but the closest we got was the 964 Carrera Cup. These 45 cars were fitted with airbags to make them street-legal, and they battled it out on tracks around the US. These race cars were not advertised to avoid confusing buyers who might be interested in the Carrera RS America. The survivors ended up being placed in loving homes as a testament to the Porsche RennSport division. Porsche 964 Carrera RS America Specs: Horsepower: 247 hpTorque: 228 lb-ft0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds1/4 Mile: 13.6 @ 109 mphTop Speed: 182 mphMSRP: $89,000 The 964 RS America was a special edition in 1993-94. To celebrate American enthusiasm for the Porsche 911, they arrived with cloth seats without many power options that had become standard on every other model. It had 17" wheels and suspension borrowed from the Turbo along with a curb weight of 2,954 lbs for only $54,800 Porsche 911 964 Cabriolet Almost every 964 model except the RS, Targa, and speedster was offered as a coupe or a convertible. Cabriolet models weren't as strong as the coupes, but they brought more money because of their scarcity. This was the last 911 to have a manual top, so convertible collectors like their lack of automated complexity. If you want a 964 Cabriolet for sale, ensure the top and weatherstripping are inspected for leaks at a Porsche shop. This can make or break your satisfaction with the car. Porsche 911 964 Turbo 1990 Porsche 911 engine restored and modified by Singer Vehicle Design and Williams Advanced Engineering If you wanted to walk on the wild side, the Porsche 964 turbo was ready for a new motor in 1989, but engineers ran into problems adding boos to the new M64 engine. So, the 964 Turbo for sale was initially released with the 3.3-liter engine of its predecessor. A few minor revisions allowed for smoother running and less turbo lag, and it was a hit with customers. 964 Turbo horsepower is rated at 320 hp, something V8 engines could barely do in the early 90s. The 1990s were all about the bragging rights of top speed. The Porsche 964 Turbo's top speed was 180 mph thanks to the 964s curb weight of 2,469 lbs and incredible aerodynamics. Along with impressive top speed, the Porsche 964 Turbo 0-60 of 4.3 seconds set a new standard. Porsche 964 Turbo Specs: Engine: Turbocharged 3.3 Liter Flat SixHorsepower: 355 hpTorque: 384 lb-ft0-60: 4.3s1.4 mile: 12.4 @ 114 mphTop Speed: 180 mphMSRP: $99,000 Porsche 911 964 Turbo S Another round of improvements culminated in the 964 Turbo S that launched in 1992. Still based on the bulletproof 3.3-liter, power was up to 376 thanks to bigger injectors and camshafts. Devoid of creature comforts, the lowered suspension was augmented by a strut tower brace up front and manual steering. Only 86 examples were produced, which makes it hard to find a 964 Turbo S for sale. The Turbo S was so rare because everyone knew the 964 Turbo 3.6 engine was arriving in January 1993. After solving the issues with the M64 engine, the 3.6-liter offered 355 horsepower in Turbo form. This second generation of 964 Turbo for sale is rare because less than 1,500 examples were produced. The factory was preparing to begin assembly of the 993 series in 1994, but they had enough parts to assemble 90 turbo bodies. These became the 964 Turbo 3.6 S. All 90 cars were transferred to Porsche Exclusive to be built to order by hand. They were offered with normal or slant nose front ends, and each car offered 380 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. For sale, the 964 Turbo 3.6 S will be more expensive than a nice home. Porsche 964 Turbo S Specs: Horsepower: 380 hpTorque: 384 lb-ft0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds1/4 Mile: 12.9 @ 113 mphTop Speed: 182 mphMSRP: $159,179 A final significant special model arrived in 1993. It was the 30th anniversary of the Porsche 911. The factory-built 911 examples for the world were each a Carrera 4S with the Turbo's widebody. A titanium plaque and embroidered seats show the number of each build. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2018

2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Laps the 'Ring Faster Than 918 Sp...

Happy Friday to you and yours. The longest day of the week can play havoc on traffic, so Porsche has decided to show us a proper way to leave work. In a YouTube video uploaded this morning, we find ourselves strapped into a 2019 GT3 RS for a hot lap at the Nürburgring.The press release mentions how factory driver Kevin Estre uses the skinny pedal as an on/off switch above 7,000 rpm. That's because the GT3 RS has a linear power curve. We have a 2017 911 GT3 RS for sale downstairs and is powered by the perfect naturally aspirated engine. For 2019, it offers 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. An optional Weissach Package includes magnesium wheels and a roll cage of titanium.Porsche Exclusive 911 GT3 RS is a Black and Gold GemReal improvements lie in the solid subframe and motor mounts along with a stiffer chassis. They allowed him to run a lap in 6.56.4. That is faster than the 918 Spyder and any GT3 RS before it. Listen closely and watch the tach for moments when the Porsche temporarily goes airborne. If you don't need the wild aerodynamics and you like audio, the non-RS is perfect for you. Click the link below for your next 911 and have a great weekend.

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2018

Porsche Unveils Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition

Automation takes much of the soul out of mass-produced items. So Porsche devised the Exclusive Manufaktur program for buyers looking for a hand-built car. It was only natural to build a limited run of the 911 Turbo S, but we never thought it would trickle down to the Macan Turbo.SUV and crossover sales are hot again, so Porsche decided to shame every other automaker. In a YouTube video uploaded last night, we see attention paid to even the smallest parts. The time and effort that goes into painting every body part by hand is something that has been lost ever since Ford fired up their assembly line. This is a true resurrection of a coach-built car, the Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition is built by master craftspeople for enthusiasts like us.Porsche 911 Turbo S With Paint Worth Over $90k: Most Expensive Ever?It sends 440 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. The twin-turbo V6 measures 3.6 liters and it offers max torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Squarely aimed at Mercedes-AMG's 43 series V6 models, it offers power, comfort, and build-quality simultaneously. Click the link below to find out more from your local dealer, and stay with us for all your Porsche news.Browse Porsche Macan Turbo For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2018

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach POV Drive

Of course the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS would be fun on the Autobahn, but a winding mountain road is a great place to put the latest PDK transmission through its paces. Our friends at AutoTopNL are based in the Netherlands, and they somehow get hold of the world's hottest rides.Porsche's most potent 911 to date, it offers 700 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Sent only to the rear wheels, it would seem to be a modern version of the Widowmaker. The optional Weissach package is distinguished by a stripe on the hood along with the giant Porsche logo on the rear spoiler. It comes with magnesium wheels and roof panel, along with a titanium roll cage. That's right, the roll cage is 26 lbs lighter than the DOM steel tubing offered in the Club Sport 911. The tubing alone is probably more expensive than your daily driver. Various bolts and fasteners are also made of lighter materials, which makes the Weissach Package mandatory in our opinion. Click the link below to find yours and stay with us for more wild Porsche videos.Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For SaleCheck Out the Specs & Prices For the 911 GT2 RS

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2018

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo: Charge Time Revealed

If you missed the Porsche booth at the Geneva Motor Show, the Concept Mission E Cross Turismo took everyone by surprise. Just like their cousins at Audi, Porsche is not tip-toeing into the electric car marketplace. They have some kind of battery voodoo hidden in Stuttgart, and it was first unleashed in the form of the 918 Spyder.Aside from being one of the best cars I have driven, it charges remarkably quick. Not just in regeneration mode, the 120v plug from an extension cord seems to whip the HV battery into shape in no time. Porsche knows their owners are not fond of wasting time, so in a Tweet this morning they shocked the world. #porscheinnumbers: 15 min.: The time it takes to charge the new Concept Study #MissionECrossTurismo for a range of 400 km. The 2017 #Porsche Annual and Sustainability Report offers more numbers on different topics: https://t.co/iUDeEpWJZn #PorschePerformance pic.twitter.com/2FCls1Rk2r — Porsche Newsroom (@PorscheNewsroom) April 16, 2018 The Mission E Cross Turismo Concept has a range of 400 kilometers or 248 miles. That's competitive against any electric car on the market. Sure it will need to be plugged in, but will be ready in 15 minutes! Charging a battery that potent so quickly seems harder than shoving a lightning bolt into a time-traveling DeLorean, 1.21 gigawatts! We're sure this level of charging will only happen at Porsche's 3-phase 480v chargers, but it raises the bar for the entire industry.

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2018

Porsche 911 Turbo is FIA WEC's New Safety Car

The Sports Car FIA World Endurance Series (WEC) will be having the Porsche 911 Turbo as their safety car. That means if something goes wrong, the all-wheel-drive 540 horsepower 911 Turbo will rush to the rescue. Compared to a standard version of the car, there are only a few modifications made to the safety car, including a light bar on the roof, radio for contacting the race director, and brakes and suspension that were optimized for the race track. For its design, they went with a matte-black finish with glossy red stripes.Top 5 Attributes of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Porsche 911 Turbo, Safety Car FIA WECPorsche will be providing the safety FIA WEC up until 2020. This means you'll be seeing the car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Two 911 Turbos will be traveling around the world for the WEC races, while three will be held in Le Mans as permanent vehicles. On top of providing the safety car, Porsche is also contributing eleven intervention vehicles as well. Porsche 911 Turbo, Safety Car FIA WEC“We’re delighted to have the chance to supply the safety cars and intervention vehicles for the Sports Car World Endurance Championship until 2020. As a sports car manufacturer, it was rather easy for us to find a suitable car. Basically, many of our production models fit the bill for this special task on the race circuit. Ultimately, however, we chose the Porsche 911 as the safety car. In total, 16 vehicles from different model lines will fulfil different functions in the WEC,” explains Alexander Stehlig, the man behind the safety car project on behalf of Porsche AG as the GT Motorsport programme manager.

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2018

Porsche Exclusive 911 GT3 RS is a Black and Gold Gem

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is the company you go to when you want to make your Porsche truly "yours." This customization brand of Porsche started off as a special request program and was officially dubbed Porsche Exclusive back in 1986 and has since added the "Manufaktur" on the end.Porsche 911 Sales Jump in March 2018Their latest creation to be shown off is a dark and brooding example of the 911 GT3 RS. Its body is finished in a black paint, while the wheels shine some light thanks to their Satin Aurum paint. It's safe to say this car would fit perfect in Batman's Batcave next to his Batmobile. Inside the cabin, the dark/light theme continues with a primarily black cabin that's contrasted only by the yellow tones of the seatbelts and stitching. Check it out for yourself in the images below.

By Andrew Nabors – March 28, 2018

Porsche: Top 5 Advantages Of The Boxer Engine

Germans are not known for wasting space. So when Dr. Porsche was asked to design a "people's car" he decided on a flat four-cylinder engine. The original Volkswagen design is what his son based the Porsche 356 on, and Porsche has used the flat (or Boxer) engine layout ever since.The Boxer name probably comes from how the pistons oppose each other, like the fists of fighters. They have so many advantages that Subaru and other manufacturers have embraced it over the years. The driving public probably doesn't know what lies behind the cockpit of their Porsche 911, so they decided to highlight the top 5 benefits of the design. Instead of a corporate lackey, they turned to the man responsible for perfecting the Porsche engine, Dr. Hans Mezger.2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T Exhaust SymphonyMention the Mezger engine to any Porsche owner and they will respond with reverence and respect. As the leader of Porsche's racing engines, he also transformed the LeMans winning six-cylinder into a brutal street machine. The Porsche 911's 997 series (2005 to 2012) is regarded as the pinnacle, with the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. For a modern take, he was joined by Jean Pierre Kraemer, the brains behind JP Performance. These gentlemen know how to extract every ounce of power from a Boxer engine, so tell us your favorite aspect of Porsche's designs below and click the link to find a Porsche 911 for yourself.Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2018

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T Exhaust Symphony

Let's face it: some cars just sound terrible. Porsche engineers know this, so they decided to tune the 911 Carrera T to sing like nothing else on the road. Going back to basics, the Carrera T uses lightweight parts from the GT series cars along with less insulation. The result is a curb weight of 3,142 lbs if you opt for the manual transmission. Porsche Unveils the 911 Carrera T: The Lightest 911 Carrera Engineers in Stuttgart fired up several vintage Porsches to study their exhaust notes. The result is a tuned system that sounds and performs better than anything the aftermarket can offer. A tuned manifold has unequal length tubes coming from each cylinder. This might seem counterintuitive but the length is based on the engine's firing order. each exhaust pulse arrives at the muffler just in time to suck the next one down the pipes. 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: Fun Is Not Optional This scavenging effect offers loads of torque across the RPM range, and smiles per gallon. Starting at only $102,100, this 370 hp 911 is a throwback to cars like the 964 and the 930. Our friends at AutoTop NL seem to get all the hottest cars before they reach the US, so turn up the volume for this HD footage of Porsche's latest achievement. If you are interested, click the link to find our dealer nearest you and tell us what you think of the audio in the comments below.

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2018

New Porsche 911 GT3 RS Goes Wild in New Video

The new 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS was revealed in February 2018 as a new and improved version of the sports car/race car cross-breed. With 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, it outpowers the outgoing generation in both stats. Also, the new GT3 RS is 0.2 quicker when it comes to a 0-60 mph sprint and can accomplish it in 3.2 seconds.Porsche has only just unveiled the new model, so nobody has really had a chance to see it on the road just yet. Thankfully, Porsche has released a new video that shows the new 911 GT3 RS ripping around a track. In the video we can hear the four-liter naturally aspirated engine hit high revs and scream through the exhaust. Click play below to hear it for yourself.Porsche Employees Get Massive Bonus

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