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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2022

Porsche Design x Sotheby's Auction Off A 911 S 2.4 Targa ...

Making an appearance at Sotheby's Luxury Week in New York, these two Porsche legends come together as the perfect pairing. At the hands of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Porsche transformed itself from a producer of performance cars to a luxury lifestyle brand that embodies the same traditional values. From luxury watches to premium apparel, the DNA of the German auto manufacturer bleeds throughout its one-of-a-kind designs. As part of its 50th Anniversary in 2022, Porsche Design is pleased to be partnering with Sotheby’s Auction to showcase two designs during its Luxury Week in New York. The two auction offerings come courtesy of F.A. Porsche, taking shape as a Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa from 1972 and Porsche Design Chronograph 1. 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa The 1972 Porsche 911 s 2.4 Targa presents an immaculate restoration done by the experts at Porsche Classic. The Factory One-Off was built as part of the new Sonderwunsch (special request) program, which took over two years to complete. The color black dominates the exterior while its interior is equipped with Sport-Tex in a classic checkered pattern in black and cool gray. View All Porsche 911 S For Sale Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Porsche Design This Porsche Design Chronograph 1 911 2.4 Targa Edition was made exclusively to pair with the sale of the actual vehicle, celebrating the anniversary of the brand and F.A. Porsche's innovative approach to luxury products. The dial, crown, wristband, and case back bear the historic Porsche Design logo. The most impressive characteristic of the watch is the design of the winding rotor on the back of the case, which mimics the historical Fuchs rims of the Targa from 1972. The 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa and special edition Porsche Design Chronograph 1 will be available during Sotheby's Luxury Week auction event in New York on December 14th. Shop all Porsche Design luxury timepieces by clicking on the link below. Shop Porsche Design Timepieces Source: Porsche Design

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 09, 2022

Porsche Teases The New Off-Road 911 Dakar To Be Revealed ...

A new Porsche 911 pays homage to rally history. The Porsche 911 is one of the automotive world’s greatest sports car legends, and that includes off-road prowess. In 1984, a purpose-built Porsche 911 won the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally, and it was the first 911 to ever be fitted with an all-wheel drive system. Since then, it’s been 38 years, and Porsche has decided to honor the legacy of that 911 and introduce the new Porsche 911 Dakar, the first two-door sports car from the brand to be off-road capable. It will be officially revealed on November 16 at 7:00 PM Pacific Time at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it will show off the 911’s incredible versatility as a performance car. MUST READ: Porsche Has Produced Its 100,000th Fully-Electric Taycan The car has been in development for quite some time, as it has now covered over 6,000 miles of off-road testing, going from Weissach’s off-road proving grounds, to Château de Lastours in France, and locations with gravel, snow, ice, and sand. Including on-road testing, the car has been tested in extreme conditions globally for over 300,000 miles. Walter Röhrl, two-time world rally champion, was impressed by the new 911 Dakar’s composure on snow and ice. With off-road composure and all-around performance, the new Porsche 911 Dakar is going to take the brand’s biggest icon to new places. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Source: Porsche

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 07, 2022

The Only 2022 Porsche 911 Stinger GTR Carbon Edition In T...

With only 13 examples in the world, this Porsche 911 Turbo S has been completely redesigned using a fully exposed carbon fiber body with plenty of performance upgrades. Standing out as the brand's pinnacle for performance and comfort, the Porsche 911 Turbo S embodies a recipe that incorporates innovative characteristics from each of the sports cars in its fleet. Although it's assembled to be the perfect car for on or off-track travel, aftermarket specialists dedicate time, money, and knowledge to enhancing the experience of the top-tier Porsche 911 model. As part of an extremely limited series, the automotive professionals at Alphamotiv3 of Laguna Beach, California are proud to highlight this one-of-a-kind 2022 Porsche 911 Stinger GTR as part of its ever-growing inventory of exotic cars. Based on a factory 992 generation Porsche 911 Turbo S, this build features a Savage-built fully exposed Top Car carbon fiber body kit. The gloss burgundy finish connects the intricate four-layer carbon weave throughout its design, adding an even more lightweight feel to the enhanced aerodynamic components. MUST-READ: Porsche 992 911 Turbo/Turbo S/Cabriolet Price, Specs, Photos & Review The Stinger GTR Carbon Edition also includes advanced and exclusive interior options, further accentuating the already luxurious cabin with additional carbon fiber and leather components. The driver-oriented interior presents the perfect cockpit to unleash the immense horsepower and capabilities of the two-door track monster. The exhaust note is completely re-engineered with help from a custom titanium Akrapovic exhaust system. Ready for the road, the Porsche 911 Stinger GTR Carbon Edition stands out as #2 of 13 builds in the world. This particular spec proves to be even rarer as it is the only chassis in the United States, making it a true one-of-one configuration on U.S. soil. The 2022 Porsche 911 Stringer GTR Carbon Edition from Alphamotiv3 is currently available on duPont REGISTRY for $699,000 by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and supercar releases. View Price and Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 07, 2022

Why Porsche's Ducktail Rear Wing Is So Iconic To The Worl...

The designers were stunned when they first laid eyes on the new 911, its unique, simple form altered by something wedge-shaped on the tailgate. Although every inch of the Porsche 911 stands out as automotive perfection, many owners and enthusiasts can agree that the rear end showcases the most beautiful angle of the German sports car. Engineered to be the ultimate vehicle platform for any road or track, Porsche developed the stunning ducktail rear wing to add downforce while traveling at high-speeds. Being an introductory addition to models like the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the idea became unsure to many as sales experts stated “There’s no way we’ll sell more than a hundred of these.” MUST-READ: The Best Porsche 911s You Can Buy Today Made from welding wire and thin sheet metal, a roughly designed spoiler on the engine flap reduced the lift coefficient at the rear of the car. This also improved the drag coefficient value, which measures aerodynamic performance, and increased the top speed by 2.8mph to 149mph. What doesn’t sound like much is paramount for a 911 RS, as every hundredth of a second can count in motorsport. The milestone accomplishment led to Porsche incorporating the performance upgrade into many of its past, present, and future variations of the 911. Now 79 years old, the iconic Porsche ducktail continues its reign under patent application number 2238704 (submitted to the German Patent and Trade Mark Office on August 5, 1972). View all of the current Porsche 911 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 06, 2022

Porsche Gives The 911 RSR A Special Livery For The End Of...

Porsche helps send off an era of racing with a bang. At the end of the 2022 racing season, the FIA will be retiring the GTE-Pro class of the World Endurance Championship, and when it does, the Porsche 911 RSR will go with it. In order to bid a proper farewell to both the car and the class, the RSR is getting a special livery for the final race. In Sakhir, Bahrain, the final race for the GTE-Pro class of the WEC will take place on November 12. MUST READ: Porsche Climbs The Highest Volcano In The World With Two Experimental 911’s The livery features a spectrum of colored stripes, and most importantly, each car has the word “Goodbye” displayed at the top of their windshields. However, Porsche hopes to bid this era of racing farewell in the most important and special way that it can: by winning. Winning will add to the 16 class victories that the RSR has achieved since 2013, which are displayed on the livery, and it will also cement the RSR as the final victor as the class comes to a close. An iconic car and an incredible racing class are bowing out at the end of this racing season, and Porsche wants to make sure that this bittersweet farewell is done right. Porsche Cayman GT4 For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2022

Porsche Climbs The Highest Volcano In The World With Two ...

Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, each vehicle is equipped with the necessary equipment to take on the grueling terrain to the top. Making its mark as one of the most versatile car manufacturers in the industry, Porsche's fleet of performance models aims to deliver a one-of-a-kind driving experience no matter the road surface. From race-inspired GT cars to off-road adventure SUVs, the brand continues to evolve its platforms by putting them through grueling tests. Porsche is proud to begin its next journey of exploration at the sheer slopes of Ojos del Salado, Chile, at the base of the highest volcano in the world. Led by racer and adventurer Romain Dumas, the team set out in a unique pair of 911 sports cars that had been modified to handle the rough conditions of the mountain. MUST-READ: The Best Paint to Sample Porsches You Can Buy Today With the goal of exploring up to an extreme altitude of 19,708-feet, the proven track car now faced environmental changes like bolder strewn gradients, ice fields, and below freezing temperatures. The two Porsche 911 Carrera 4S builds were first equipped with roll cages, carbon fiber seats and harnesses to meet the safety requirements that the project demands. Along with the obvious suspension lift for increased ground clearance, each 911 also includes lower gear ratios for a more gentle throttle response. A device called the Porsche Warp-Connecter was added to form a mechanical link between all four wheels, allowing for maximum traction at the steepest inclines of the journey. Porsche, Romain, and the passionate team of adventurists are proud to report a successful test, elated by the capabilities of their cars. View all current Porsche 911 Carrera 4S examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the links below. View All Porsche 911 Carrera 4S For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2022

This Paint-to-Sample Ivory Porsche 911 GT3 Pays Homage To...

Revived from the color palette of Porsche classics, this modern 911 GT3 features an iconic finish used on past generations before it. Viewed as one of the most popular sports cars of all time, the Porsche 911 offers a well-rounded platform that perfectly balances performance and comfort. On the more aggressive end of the Porsche 911 spectrum is the GT3, featuring a race-inspired naturally-aspirated engine and additional aero upgrades. Showcasing an example that pays homage to the pioneering 911s that came before it, the automotive specialists at McLaren Charlotte are proud to present this 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 in a stunning paint-to-sample finish. The exterior of this 911 GT3 build presents a unique PTS Ivory paint scheme, a custom option courtesy of Porsche that carries an additional $12,830. This color has commonly been used on past Porsche models from the 901, 964, 993, and 991 generations. Contrasting against its pale paint are touches of gloss black, adding a stealth-like style to its front/rear diffuser, center livery strip, sport wheels, and rear swan neck wing. MUST-READ: Best Porsche 911 GT3s (992) You Can Buy Today The Porsche 911 GT3’s simplistic interior design begins with a layer of genuine black leather with matching contrast stitching and silver GT3 logos embroidered into each headrest. The carbon fiber sport bucket seats incorporate perforated inserts for a more comfortable driving experience on or off-track. Powering the 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 is a naturally-aspirated 4.0-Liter Flat-Six engine, which is responsible for delivering over 500 horsepower to the rear wheels alone. Tying into its identity as a true motorsport icon, this configuration comes fit with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission that allows the GT3 to rev out to 8,400rpm. This 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 from McLaren Charlotte is currently available for $309,996 by clicking on the link below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2022

Porsche Travels To France To Meet A Very Special 911 Carr...

The Blood Orange 911 Carrera RS 2.7 shines bright like the sun as the gate to André Lotterer’s estate opens. There are moments in time that define a brand, and for Porsche, that milestone came we the creation of the iconic 911. Throughout its evolution, the 911 has and continues to take on diverse iterations that focus on perfectly blending design, performance, and technology. One of the most celebrated vacations of the German sports car is the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, a lightweight chassis originally debuted in Paris during the International Auto Show 50 years ago. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 Carrera RS 2.7, Porsche is pleased to return to the south of France to meet a very special RS 2.7 example and its owner. MUST-READ: Porsche Celebrates 50-Years of The Iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Glistening in the sunshine is Porsche works driver André Lotterer’s magnificent 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. While its head-turning Blood Orange finish proves to be a rare feature, the most special characteristic of this build is that it holds the production number 0027 of 1580 made. Now 50 years old with modern technology ahead of it, the classic 911 continues to offer an exciting driving experience as André states “Driving a classic 911 is like a journey through time,”. Holding the keys to a piece of Porsche history, André researched to find that his Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 rolled off the production line on October 27th, 1972. Since its 9-year full-restoration, André Lotterer now enjoys driving his pride and joy through the region’s backroads with its famous duck lip in the rearview mirror. View all current Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and Porsche news. View All Porsche 911 Carrera RS For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 25, 2022

Shop Porsche Designs New 60s & 70s-Inspired Essentials Co...

Travel back to the sixties and seventies with Porsche. Porsche’s DNA embodies the desire to carry itself as a pioneer and leader in the market of luxury sports cars, continuing to push boundaries to create a truly unique driving experience for its community of passionate enthusiasts. With a brand that operates more like a luxury lifestyle, Porsche celebrates past, present, and future models through its collection of Porsche Design products. Porsche Design is proud to commemorate classic Porsche models with a collection inspired by the 60s and 70s. As part of the extensive Essentials Collection, the new releases feature vintage Porsche logos against an elegant Bordeaux tone. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The product line includes a sweatshirt, two t-shirts, and a unisex beanie that take inspiration from icons like the 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. The highlighted piece in the collection is the connecting rod hoodie, which visually showcases the revolutionary decade of Porsche. Shop all of the products and accessories from Porsche Design by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear releases and Porsche news. Shop Porsche Design Source: Porsche Design

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 21, 2022

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS's New Tribute to Carrera RS Packag...

Porsche looks back on its Renn Sport heritage. “RS” has become quite an important pair of letters to Porsche because they symbolize an unfettered dedication to racing performance. Decade after decade, Porsche cars with the RS name have continued to stay at the bleeding edge of performance and race-focused engineering, and the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the most potent example of that yet, with its otherworldly performance and Nurburgring time of 6:49.328. MUST READ: Porsche 992 911 Turbo/Turbo S/Cabriolet Price, Specs, Photos & Review 50 years ago, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was the top-of-the-line 911, and its iconic Viper Green graphics and wheels return to the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS in the new Tribute to Carrera RS package, this time in Python Green. The package is based on the Weissach package-equipped 911 GT3 RS and features Python Green magnesium wheels, black brake calipers, as well as Python Green mirror caps and GT3 RS side graphics. As the package is exclusively made for the US market, the wing end plates feature a special RS logo with the American flag. Along with the package come other accessories like a Porsche Design watch with a winding rotor that looks like the wheel of the car in the same Python Green, as well as a strap with matching stitching and a white bezel. A pair of 1:43 scale model cars, one being the 1973 Carrera RS and the other being the new car, also come with the car. However, one of the most interesting additions to the package is an NFT program that gives customers digital badges for attending race tracks and Porsche events. The NFT also includes physical graphics along with the digital element. The total price of a new Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Tribute to Carrera RS package is $312,550, plus $1,450 for processing, handling, and delivery, and the package is available to all customers with an existing 911 GT3 RS allocation. View All Porsche 911 GT3 RSs For Sale Source: Porsche

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