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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – February 03, 2016

Porsche 911 (993) GT2 Driven and Reviewed by Charles Morgan

Back in the early 90's--1993 to be more exact--Porsche graced the world with their 911 (993) GT2 model. This road-going car had the heart of a GT2 race car, but it was legal to drive them on the road. It was, and is, regarded by many as one of the finest Porsches ever made. Charles Morgan, grandson of the founder of Morgan Cars, is one of those supporters, and in a video released by Carfection, he regards it as the "greatest Porsche of all-time." In the video, he gets the chance to drive a special example of the 911 (993) Gt2 that was made as a homologation special to race in the GT2 class, according to the car's owner, Nick Ramsey. You can see it all for yourself in the video below. Which Porsche do you regard as the greatest of all? Let your voice be heard in the comments below. Porsche 911 GT2s For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 28, 2016

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Agility, Speed, Sport

Thanks to a host of sneak-peek photos and the general buzz that surrounds a Porsche new release, 911 aficionados waited with (im)patient anticipation for the reveal of the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. With the rise of 911 racing, Porsche addicts have high hopes that the 911 GT3 RS would serve as the best 911 model available. Still, anxious questions and rumors surrounded the release, but Porsche quieted all woes once the supercar was revealed, and it’s everything we expected.Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs 4-liter 6-cylinder 500-hp, 338 lb.-ft. of torque 0-62 mph in 3.1 seconds (est) top speed- 196 mph (est) Under the HoodAt the intersection of sports car and race car sits the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with maxed-out street-legal motorsport technology. Thanks to a 4-liter 6-cylinder engine which brings in 500-hp and 338 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine boasts the most power in the Porsche 911 family--thanks in part to direct fuel injection and stellar natural aspiration. Porsche incorporated functions like “Pit Speed”—speed limits—to give drivers an extra edge in control and handling without compromising the speed capability and driving dynamics All of this power results in a quarter mile time of 11.2 seconds and a 0-60 acceleration in 3.1 seconds. While top speed hasn't been released as of yet, the GT3 RS should at least match the GT3's 195-mph. Porsche incorporated functions like “Pit Speed”—speed limits—to give drivers an extra edge in control and handling without compromising the speed capability and driving dynamics. Exterior DesignIn an effort to make the 911 GT3 RS an expert in agility and speed, Porsche compiled the lightest of materials—magnesium and carbon fiber—for the supercar's body composition. The roof and engine lids feature the magnesium component. In addition, the seats, trunk lid and front fenders are made of carbon fiber. The combination of these materials brings the weight of the 911 GT3 RS 22 pounds under that of the 911 GT3. The magnesium roof lowers the car’s center of gravity closer to the ground for optimal lateral dynamics. Wide tires—the widesst in the 911 family—translate into excellent steering response and less slowdown within the turns. In an effort to make the 911 GT3 RS an expert in agility and speed, Porsche compiled the lightest of materials—magnesium and carbon fiber—for the supercar's body composition. Potential owners have three exterior color options for this track-ready supercar: Lava Orange, Ultraviolet and White.Interior DesignPorsche took the best elements from the interior of the GT3 and combined them with some exclusive new features to create the interior of the GT3 RS. From the 991 GT3 family come the dashboard and part-TFT instrument cluster as well as the center console spine. New features include the Alcantara-clad steering wheel and a newly designed seat. In the spirit of sports cars everywhere, the RS features two deceptively comfortable, fixed-back bucket seats. In the spirit of sports cars everywhere, the RS features two deceptively comfortable, fixed-back bucket seats. TechnologyExclusive to the Cayman GT4, 911 GT3 and 911 GT4 RS is the Porsche Track Precision app, which is a part of the Sport Chrono Package. The app offers drivers an array of functions for track driving including video recording, analysis and precision speed and handling data. Drivers can add tracks to the app and save and analyze data. According to Porsche: allows the driver to perform a detailed and objective analysis of their lap times and driving style using synchronised data and video recordings. To do so, it utilises precise vehicle data from an auxiliary control unit in the vehicle as well as the smartphone’s high-resolution camera and GPS signals. The app can be downloaded via iTunes or Google Play.The Porsche 911 GT3 RS proves worthy of its price tag. Dealers are set to take orders now for delivery in July, 2016. The 911GT3 RS price starts at $175,900 in the United States.Porsche GT3 RS For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 15, 2016

Revealed: New Porsche Color- Graphite Blue Metallic

In one simple tweet, Porsche let us all in on a little secret. During the 2016 NAIAS in Detroit, Porsche unveiled the 911 Carrera S and the 911 Targa 4 in the new Graphite Blue Metallic. The company also stated that the new color will be available as an option for all 2017 911 models. https://twitter.com/Porsche/status/686648816641118208

By Edward Jones – December 21, 2015

Ever Seen a Porsche 911 Driven Like This?

If you were given a Porsche 911 for a day, you'd more than likely take it to the track. This is because, and most of us can agree on this, the 911 is a superb car for the track. But, there was one example of the German company's most famous model that wasn't meant for the track, but instead for everything that's no asphalt: the Porsche 911 SC "Safari".Back in the 1970's, this race car was created to tackle the 1978 East African Safari Rally. This testing race took the participating cars through some of the harshest conditions you could throw at cars and Porsche wanted to prove that their 911 could handle it.Showing his Safari 911's strengths is Leh Keen in a video uploaded by PCAHQ. In this video, found below, you get a chance to see the 911 like you've never seen it before. I should also mention that this video is downright beautiful.911 Carreras For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2015

Porsche Race Car Flash Mob Takes Malaysia by Surprise

Porsche’s Carrera Cup is a worldwide series of races featuring their 911. Since spectators have to watch from behind the crash fences, getting up close to the cars and drivers often seems impossible.To give back to their fans, the drivers and teams of Carrera Cup Asia took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Normally the pit crews aren’t included in such activities, so kudos to Porsche for showing off the precision and dedication of the teams. Just imagine if NASCAR tried to pull this off.Porsches For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2015

2017 Porsche Boxster and Cayman Are Now the 718 Model Series

Big changes are coming to Porsche’s smallest models. In a press release dated December 10th, the future of the Boxster and Cayman is clearly defined. In a nod to one of their famous race cars of 1957, both cars are being marketed as the 718 Series.For the 2017 model year, the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will grow even closer in styling and also in power. With Porsche’s recent racing successes utilizing four-cylinder power, both cars will feature new turbocharged four-cylinder engines.More information is to follow, as both cars will be released over the upcoming year. As soon as more details become available, you will see them here on Autofluence.Boxsters For Sale Caymans For Sale (Source: Porsche AG)

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2015

Is the Porsche 911 Solo a New German Supercar?

The Porsche 911 has an iconic design that could be noticed from miles away, whether the car is from the 1960's or 2000's. This must have been why designer Kyashayar Jenabi designed the 911 Solo, an unofficial Porsche concept.Being a recent graduate of Applied Arts and Design in Turin, Italy, he took some time to design what he envisions the future of the Porsche 911 will look like. It features design cues from the famous 935/78 "Moby Dick" race car.Porsche 911 Turbo For SaleOn his Behance project page for the concept, he doesn't specify what kind of engine he would see powering the 911 Solo. But, it sure looks like it could be pure electric, like the Mission E, which was just announced for production.Check out the images below and visit his Behance profile for more of his work.Gallery (Source: Behance/Kyashayar Jenabi)

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2015

Porsche 918 Spyder: One-of-a-kind Twin to the World Recor...

During the morning of September 4, 2013, Marc Lieb piloted a Porsche 918 Spyder around Nurburgring and recorded the circuit's new record lap time of 6'57". The car he drove had exposed carbon fiber instead of a paint finish, with a wrap applied on top, which offered weight savings and a spectacular exterior.Today, CNC Motors of Ontario, California, has the twin to that record-breaking car up for sale.At first glance we were taken aback by the matte black wrap. Then we learned this car was ordered sans pigment, like the record car, and a wrap was applied at the factory to protect the bare carbon fiber. The result is weight savings of 14 lbs when compared to a painted Spyder. To shed pounds even further, the car was ordered with nomex-covered racing seats and the Weissach Package.The focus of the Weissach package was weight reduction, and it makes use of titanium and ceramics to replace traditional alloys to create a curb weight just over 3,600 lbs.This car was also tested by none other than Hurley Haywood, American's most famous automotive endurance racer. Mr. Haywood can attest that this car is the real deal, and it needs a new home.For more info, including price, click the button below.View Listing and Price Gallery

By Edward Jones – December 04, 2015

Porsche Mission E to be Produced: First 100% Electric Por...

In a press release issued by Porsche today, the German automaker announced their plans to produce the Mission E project unveiled in September. When it hits showroom floors, it will be the first 100% electric Porsche ever created.Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche said in the press release that this is "beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car."In order to make this happen, Porsche will be investing 700 million euros in their main site at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Additionally, they will be created more than 1,000 new jobs.The car comes with a power output of over 600 hp and can achieve a 0-62 mph run in under 3.5 seconds. While that's not as quick as the Tesla Model S and its various modes, expect there to be more performance-oriented variants of the Model E."With Mission E, we are making a clear statement about the future of the brand," said Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG. "Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car." (Source: Porsche)

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2015

2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Have Ridiculous 0-60 T...

Just when you thought Stuttgart couldn’t squeeze any more power from their venerable flat-six, Porsche stunned the world in a press release yesterday. The 2017 911 Turbo and Turbo S will arrive with a host of upgrades; and most importantly a nice bump in power. 911 Turbo S CabrioletThey probably realized that their buyers want more content at this price point, so the formerly optional Sport Chrono Package along with LED headlights are now standard. Lane change assist and front lift assist are optional on both models, but a few of the upper end pleasantries are only available on the Turbo S. If you need 18-way adaptive sport seats, two-tone leather, Porsche Dynamic Lighting Plus, and carbon fiber interior trim, the Turbo S Coupe comes with it all and starts at $188,100.By redesigning the engine’s intake along with larger turbos, Turbo S delivers 553 lb-ft of torque and 580 hp. Instead of a traditional blow-off valve, the engineers have developed a clever system that holds boost in the intake during brief closed throttle moments. Usually taking your foot off of the accelerator to shift or corner entry would bleed the valuable pressurized air overboard, but they are putting it to work by keeping the throttle slightly open with the fuel injectors closed. 911 Turbo SThis means when you get back on the go-pedal, the turbos are primed and there is boost already at the back of the intake valves- genius! This allows 60 mph to arrive in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. If you want the luxury of doing so with the top down, the Turbo S Cabriolet starts at $200,400.If acceleration isn’t your primary concern, the “base model” Turbo does the same trick in 2.9 seconds for a top speed of 198 mph. It makes only 540 hp and 523 lb-ft, but the price is a relative bargain, starting at $159,200. The only transmission available is the PDK double-clutch automatic.As the new cars arrive at dealers, expect to see some great deals on pre-owned Turbos. Look no further than the world’s best resource for exotics, duPont REGISTRY.911 Turbos For Sale 911 Turbo S For SaleGallery (Source: Porsche)

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