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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 – December 04, 2019

Porsche November 2019 U.S. Sales Figures

Porsche is poised to make 2019 their tenth consecutive year of growth in deliveries to U.S. customers. On top of that, it will also be their eighth successive record year. Yes, Porsche is on a roll and shows no signs of slowing down. In November 2019, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) saw sales rise by 11.5 percent year-over-year to a total of 6,326 cars. PCNA notes that November 2019 was actually their strongest month ever. The new Cayenne was a huge part of PCNA's November success, which saw a 52.4 increase compared to last year. SEE ALL PORSCHES FOR SALE Model November Sales Year-to-Date 2019 2018 2019 2018 ALL 911 979 1,056 8,602 8,858 ALL 718 247 422 3,689 5,039 ALL PANAMERA 657 800 6,033 7,710 ALL CAYENNE 1,972 1,294 17,519 9,350 ALL MACAN 2,471 2,101 20,992 22,159 GRAND TOTALS 6,326 5,673 56,835 53,116 Source: PCNA

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

Porsche Ice Experience 2019 Recap

Meteorologists have been baffled by the Polar Vortex phenomenon. Global warming would seem to prevent it, but we know what really causes these cold snaps. Browse All Porsche For Sale Owners and professional drivers were having fun in the frozen north, and here is the proof. Watch what makes every Porsche for sale an amazing machine in Winter, with the Porsche Ice Experience 2019 recap. Related: Porsche Ice Races Return to Austria Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs, Prices, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

Porsche's Top 5 Transaxle Cars

You can't deny the genius of the Porsche 911. With an engine behind the rear wheels, the transmission is placed perfectly between the rear axles. Since the 911 isn't for everyone, Volkswagen & Audi engineers helped Porsche develop a revolutionary gearbox. In their latest YouTube upload, let's explore Porsche's Top 5 transaxle cars. First up was the 914. While not technically a transaxle, it inspired stylists to free themselves of traditional Porsche powertrain layouts. The 924 was Porsche's first water-cooled 2-liter engine, built & sold with Audi's help. Browse All Porsche For Sale Next was the 928, it offered an aluminum body with V8 power. Almost two decades of the 944 have made it an icon, and it evolved into the 968- the ultimate front engine-rear transmission Porsche. " width="680"> Related: Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Porsche Taycan 4S, Macan Turbo & 99X Unveiled in L.A.

The City of Angels has a finger on the pulse of the automotive industry. While other manufacturers save money by attending the smaller shows, Porsche has unveiled the Taycan 4S, Macan Turbo and 99X in L.A. CEO Oliver Blume formally announced two battery options for the base-model Taycan. The entry-level battery is 73 kWh, offering 522 horsepower for around $105,000. The performance battery has 93.4 kWh and 562 horsepower for $5,000 more. Both batteries offer 3 years of free charging (in 30-minute intervals). A nominal charge time of 22 minutes is all it takes to go from 5% to 80%. This allows you to travel 2,100 hours in 24 hours with charging included. Formula E fans will enjoy watching the debut of the Porsche 99X race car this weekend in Riyadh, so good look to TAG Heuer Team Porsche on their first outing. The final news is a new Macan Turbo with 434 horsepower from a revised 2.9L V6. Fitted with Sport Chrono, it reaches 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds! Browse All Porsche For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Performance Highlights Announced Porsche Unveils 2021 Macan Turbo

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2019

New Porsche Experience Being Built in Italy

The eighth Porsche Experience Center is set to be built in Italy. Porsche will start renovating the "Autodromo di Franciacorta" circuit and building a new customer center this year. Porsche says it will be open in 2021. Because there is already ane existing track at the location, Porsche will be able to use this as a basis for future driving tracks. “The Experience Centres embody what Porsche is all about: first-hand experience that gets under your skin,” says Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Franciacorta will be a further contact point for customers and fans from all over Europe who want to experience the Porsche feeling for themselves.” Below is a video of the 718 Boxster in action at the Porsche Experience Center in Silverstone to give you idea of what's in store for Italy. SEE ALL PORSCHES FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 18, 2019

TAG Heuer Porsche Porsche Formula E Team to Make Debut

The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team is ready to make their debut this weekend in Saudi Arabia. To get everyone hyped for their first race. Porsche released a new teaser video that can be found below. Taking the role of drivers for the new team are Neel Jani and André Lotterer, who are supported by a massive team that's ready to win. The vehicle that we'll be seeing on the track is the Porsche 99X Electric, a wild-looking race car that appears as though it was lifted out of a sci-fi movie. Be sure to tune in this weekend to see the TAG Heuer Porsche Porsche Formula E team in action! SEE ALL PORSCHES FOR SALE " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2019

Miami Blue Porsche Speedster Visits Sardinia's Centenarians

During the Porsche 911 Speedster's press event in Sardinia, the car went on a magical journey across the island. What's better than driving a six-speed Porsche around a breathtaking island in the middle of the Meditteranean sea? Photographer Luigi Corda drove a Miami Blue example of the sports car to meet the island's centenarians and hear their story. If you didn't know, there are an incredible amount of people aged over 100-years-old in Sardinia and is considered one of the planet's "Blue Zones." SEE ALL 911SPEEDSTERS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

2020 Porsche 911 Takes Center Stage in Bad Boys For Life

Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, and a fast car. Throw in a soundtrack by Inner Circle and you have a recipe for an action film. A young Michael Bay made his directorial debut in 1995. His budget was tight so they had no money to rent a car. Therefore he was forced to use his own Porsche 911 Turbo. A quarter-century later, a new 2020 Porsche 911 has taken center stage in Bad Boys for life. Hopefully, this isn't their last film together, as the trailer alludes to the chemistry that can't be found in other franchises. With intense action shots, it is nice to see real cars instead of concepts or CGI. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale Aside from the Ferrari 550 seen in 2003's Bad Boys 2, this has been a Porsche fan's dream. Looking back at the 964 series 911 turbo, it is hard to grasp how far the latest 992 series Carrera has eclipsed its predecessors. The images and trailers are Copyright Sony Pictures, and beware this clip contains mature language. Stay with us for all your Porsche news.

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

Porsche Taycan Performance Highlights

Lookout Elon, Stuttgart has you in their crosshairs. There is a new name in the world of electric cars, and it will make an entrance worthy of praise. In their latest upload to YouTube, it is easy to spot the Porsche Taycan performance highlights. Starting with Electric Sport Sound, the driver can choose to hear simulated engine noise added to their audio. Outside, a futuristic sound is generated up to 20 mph, as mandated by the Government. Browse New Porsche 911 For Sale You will have four driving modes, each with the ability to customize brake regeneration. Choose from no brake assistance or up to 355 horsepower of stopping force. Other goodies include rear-wheel steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porche Torque Vectoring+, and configurable "Joker Keys". These are hotkeys within easy reach that can be mapped to your favorite systems. Tell us what you think of the Taycan in the comments below. Related: Porsche Taycan Turbo Roadtrip: Niagara Falls to Manhattan

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2019

2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T Announced

The new 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T models have been announced as sports cars that were purpose-built for driving enthusiasts. Porsche equipped these models with a few enhancements that make these cars a pleasure to drive with a little more gusto. This includes the PASM Sport Suspension (optional for the 718 S and GTS models), limited slip differential, Sport Chrono and Porsche Torque Vectoring. Providing the power to make the driving happen is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. For the models' looks, Porsche has equipped them with 20-inch 911 Carrera S wheels (standard) that are painted in Titanium Grey. The exterior also features mirror covers and model badging in Agate Grey, while the tips of the Sport Exhaust System are in high-gloss black. Inside both models are Sport Seats Plus, but Full Bucket Seats are offered as options. Porsche is also offering an optional 718 T Interior Package that includes upgrades to the interior and contrasting stitching in either Guards Red, GT Silver or Lizard Green. The 2020 718 Boxster T and 718 Cayman T are available for order now and will be landing in dealers in summer 2020. Pricing is as follows: $66,400 for the 718 Cayman T and $68,500 for the 718 Boxster T. Neither of these prices includes the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee. SEE ALL PORSCHES FOR SALE Also Check Out: Porsche and Star Wars Are Creating a New Starship Porsche Gifts: Winter Styling Porsche October 2019 Sales See Increase Compared to 2018

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