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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 – March 14, 2022

Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Announce The Upcoming Porsch...

Celebrate the world of lifted Porsche 911s with the new upcoming apparel collection. With a growing presence in the world of art and fashion, Porsche continues to be the inspiration behind collaboration projects that highlight the heritage and lifestyle of the German automotive manufacturer. One of Porsche’s most influential art partners is Daniel Arsham, who features iconic models through an array of artistic avenues. Daniel Arsham is proud to partner with the fashion specialists at Stone Island on a special collection dedicated to the Porsche Safari builds. The inspiration behind the collaboration embodies Porsche’s versatility as one of the most well-rounded sports cars in history, reimagining the track-focused platform as a lifted off-road excursion chassis. MUST-READ: Sally From “Cars” Is Coming Back As A New 2022 Porsche 911 In a video directed by Jeremy Elkin and uploaded to the official Stone Island Instagram page, the brand announces the collection with a video of a Porsche 911 Safari displaying its agility on dirt with high-speed dirt drifts. Although a product list and media have yet to be released, the upcoming Porsche Safari Collection from Daniel Arsham x Stone Island is sure to be a highly-anticipated release for any car enthusiast. View all of the current Porsche 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming release information on the Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Porsche Safari Collection. View All Porsche 911 For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stone Island (@stoneisland_official) Source: @stoneisland_official

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 11, 2022

Sally From "Cars" Is Coming Back As A New 2022 Porsche 911

Remember Sally? After 20 years, Porsche and Pixar have brought her back. If you remember Pixar’s animated film Cars, you’ll remember Sally Carerra, a blue 2002 Porsche 911 who was dedicated to making the town she chose to settle down in, Radiator Springs, a better place for everyone living there. Decades passed since her original creation, and to commemorate her 20th anniversary, Porsche and Pixar have come together to recreate Sally in a new 2022 Porsche 911, which will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on a date and at a location to be announced, with all the proceeds going towards Girls Inc. to support US-based girls’ education programs, and USA for the UNHCR, an organization dedicated to supporting refugees and refugee families. MUST READ: Lowest Mileage Porsche Carrera GT For Sale The 911 being built will be inspired by Sally, updating her look and transforming her into a driveable 2022 911 with a windshield that its owner will actually be able to see out of. More information on the auction sale of the Sally-inspired 911 will come as the project progresses. And even while all we have currently is concept art, we know that the new 911 will be just like Sally: bright, eager, and with a heart of gold. Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 07, 2022

Check The Spec: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 In PTS Carbon Steel ...

A chance to own a new Porsche GT3 with a new color. Making a positive mark on the automotive industry since its anticipated release, the new 992 Porsche 911 GT3 is the next generation to take the reigns of the performance category. The supercar specialists at Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida are excited to feature this 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 as part of its inventory of exclusive supercars. The exterior of this 911 GT3 features a special paint-to-sample Carbon Steel Grey finish, which includes a metallic flake that glistens in the sun upon direct contact. The stealth-like theme is further accentuated with red highlights that are incorporated into the 20/21-inch sport wheels and ‘GT3’ badging. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: Lamborghini Huracán STO Finished In Nero Noctis And Viola Pasifae While the exterior subtly highlights the styling of the 992 body style, the interior configuration continues its dark theme with a black leather and Alcantara design with red contrast stitching. The driver-oriented feel is achieved with a set of carbon sport bucket seats, Sports Chrono Package, Alcantara sport steering wheel, and carbon fiber trim. The Porsche 992 911 GT3 delivers over 503-horsepower from a 4.0-Liter Naturally-Aspirated Flat-Six engine, which is managed through a classic 6-speed manual transmission. The updated performance of the new generation 911 GT3 launches it from 0-60mph in just 2.7-seconds, with a new top speed of 198mph. This 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 from Ferrari Maserati of Central Florida is currently available through duPont REGISTRY with 100-miles for $349,895. Click on the button below to view the vehicle listing for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Check The Spec specials. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2022

Singer Vehicle Design Announces Its New Porsche 964 Turbo...

A new year and new Porsche generation for Singer Vehicle Design. When it comes to taking vintage Porsche chassis to the next level with modern performance, the professionals at Singer Vehicle Design accomplish the task with bespoke builds for passionate collectors. Singer took to its Instagram page to announce a new chapter of the brand, which begins with enabling a wide range of high-performance capabilities for the Porsche 964 911 generation. The first vehicle to receive the restoration process from Singer Vehicle Design is a 964 911 Turbo that features lightweight carbon fiber bodywork presented in a Wolf Blue paint code. The exterior is further enhanced with a custom set of OEM plus-size 5-spoke sport wheels that are complemented with a lower ride height and more aggressive suspension setup. MUST-READ: Richard Tuthill Drives Singer Porsche 911 ACS The goal of the interior layout is to best blend vintage and modern Porsche styling using a historic color pallet. The minimalistic Malibu Sand interior and Black Forest wood trim pair perfectly with the updated technology options that come equipped on the build. Singer owners can now drive comfortably with amenities that include electrically adjustable heated touring seats, air-conditioning, inductive phone charging, and navigation. At the heart of the Singer 964 Turbo platform lies a 3.8-Liter Twin-Turbocharged Flat-Six that is managed through a traditional six-speed manual transmission. The addition of the Porsche 964 Turbo generation proves the dedication that Singer Vehicle Design has for the brand. Click the link below to view all current Porsche 964 911 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more supercar news and luxury lifestyle releases. View All Porsche 964 For Sale Source: @singervehicledesign

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2022

Discover The Russell Built Fabrication Baja-Ready 1991 Po...

The Porsche 911 built to take on anything in its path. The market for modifying vintage air-cooled Porsches continues to grow with new designs and builds that reimagine chassis as one-off custom examples. The team at Russell Built Fabrication in Southern California is proud to showcase their prototype version of an aftermarket Baja-ready 1991 Porsche 911 964. The Russell Built Porsche pays homage to the German auto manufacturer’s early success in off-road racing during the 1980s. The exterior of the Baja Porsche is re-designed to highlight the classic body lines of the 964 generation. Russell Built Fabrication adds composite widebody fenders, molded rally-style hood, lightweight doors and hard top to achieve a 400+ pound weight reduction. MUST-READ: 1,012-Mile Seal Grey Porsche Carrera GT Being Auctioned Online Inside, the interior layout portrays a driver-oriented design that acts as a roomy race-ready setup that includes Motec control panels, a full roll cage, folding Sparco SPX carbon seats and a layer of sound-deadening ceramic coating. Delivering power to the Russell Built Fabrication Baja Porsche is a modified 3.8-Liter 6-Cylinder that makes 365-horsepower and is managed by a sequential gearbox. Sitting on a custom-engineered suspension fabricated from 7075-grade alloy and 4130 chromoly steel, the adventurous Porsche 911 features 12-inches of suspension travel on the front and 13-inches in the rear. A set of custom Baja wheels and off-road Toyo tires help provide maximum traction for high-speed driving on any road surface. The Russell Built Fabrication Baja 1991 Porsche 911 964 is now available via online auction with a current bid of $235,500. Click the link below to view all Porsche 911 964 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury car news and releases. View All Porsche 911 964 For Sale Source: Russell Built Fabrication

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2022

Porsche Design Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

Celebrate 50-years of Porsche Design with commemorative 911s and timepieces. The Porsche Design division is responsible for incorporating the luxury aspects of the Porsche brand into a series of apparel, footwear, and accessory collections. Beginning the luxury lifestyle division in 1972, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche designed the legendary Chronograph 1 to portray the styling of the historical Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa. Porsche Design is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with two iconic vehicles and a luxury sport-inspired timepiece. Shop Porsche Design The heart and soul of the 50th Anniversary takes shape as a 1972 911 S 2.4 Targa, an original chassis that went through 2-years of restoration at Porsche Classic in preparation for the milestone event. In tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, this one-of-a-kind vehicle features the same colors as the legendary Chronograph I watch that he designed in 1972, with black dominating both the exterior and interior. Porsche For the Porsche fanatics and watch collectors, Porsche Design is also presenting the all-new Chronograph 1 - 1972 Limited Edition with a historical look and feel. The special edition release commemorates the humble beginnings of Porsche Design watches and their ability to push the boundaries of modern-day watch design. Limited Capsule Collections in the fashion, shoes and sportswear, luggage and accessories ranges, as well as special eyewear collections, are also incorporated into the anniversary festivities. The newest addition to the Porsche fleet is the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, which features design characteristics that mirror the stylings of F.A. Porsche. The special edition is based on the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS model and is produced in a limited run of 750-cars. The anniversary 911 is set to arrive in the European market in April with a sticker price of 185,606 Euros. Along with the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, customers can also purchase a special version of the new legendary Porsche Design Chronograph 1. The celebration of Porsche Design’s 50th Anniversary highlights every aspect of the brand, along with its drive to provide a luxury experience for all to enjoy. Shop all of the current collections from Porsche Design by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more Porsche news luxury gear releases. Shop Porsche Design Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2022

Check The Spec: A 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS With A $140K S...

A chance to own a one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 GT2 RS. With factory vehicle configuration processes allowing for endless possibilities, luxury automotive brands continue rolling one-of-one examples off the production line for lucky new owners. The supercar specialists at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale are proud to present this one-of-a-kind 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, featuring an ultra-rare factory paint job directly from the German automotive manufacturer. The exterior of the 911 GT2 RS presents itself in a Python Green Chromaflair paint code, a Porsche special wish customization option that adds $12,830 to the window sticker. The iridescent-like finish shifts color depending on the amount of light and angle of the supercar. Inside, the cabin includes a modest Black Alcantara and leather interior layout with Platinum Grey contrast stitching that complements the styling of Porsche’s coveted Weissach Package. Along with enhancing the visually pleasing aspects of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, this build is also equipped with functional everyday options like a front axle lift system, Bose surround sound, sports chromo package with lap trigger prep, extended range fuel tank, and much more. The head-turning example highlights the craftsmanship and creative abilities of the Porsche brand, opening the doors to dream builds for collectors and enthusiasts. This 2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is currently available at Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale with 20-miles for $649,900. Click the link below to view the vehicle listing on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury supercar news. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 29, 2021

Porsche Adds The New Exclusive Manufaktur Interior Config...

Add more color to the interior of the Porsche 911 with the Exclusive Manufaktur interior options. Porsche differentiates itself from all other automotive manufacturers by implementing a one-of-a-kind configuration experience for owners, allowing each individual complete control when designing their dream car. The Porsche 911 model is now featuring a more exclusive look with the brand’s all-new Exclusive Manufaktur leather interior layout. The Exclusive Manufaktur package combines sought-after vehicle options with an extensive list of unique interior color combinations. The product of the new interior program is a combination of luxury materials and individualized finishing touches that work in unison to offer a pleasurable driving experience for any Porsche owner. MUST-READ: The Porsche Paint To Sample Program Offers 160 Colors And Infinitely More Available Handcrafted and assembled in Zuffenhausen at the Porsche Headquarters, the Porsche 911 interior configuration includes the addition of eight special colors the portfolio of endless opportunities. The interior design on this 2022 Porsche 911 Turbo S features Black and Speed Blue, just one of a total of 60 possible color combinations. Discover and configure your own dream 911 model with the new Exclusive Manufaktur interior package from Porsche. View all current Porsche 911 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Source: Porsche Newsroom

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 29, 2021

TECHART Joins The TUNE IT! SAFE! Initiative With Its Pors...

While the world of aftermarket upgrades continues to grow with countless companies offering add-ons, it’s important to remember the safety and legality behind tuning. The performance upgrade professionals at TECHART Germany are proud to partner with the TUNE IT! SAFE! Initiative to show that appealing creative tuning does not have to conflict with legal requirements. Since 2005, TUNE IT! SAFE! continues to be supported by the German Association of Automobile Tuners (VDAT) and premium tire manufacturer Hankook. TECHART is supporting the initiative by unveiling its modified Porsche 911 Targa 4 as the campaign vehicle for 2022. The TECHART Porsche 911 represents all that the TUNE IT! SAFE! Initiative stands for while offering more insight as to what TECHART is capable of doing to upgrade modern-day Porsche models. MUST-READ: This Kobe Bryant Homage 2021 TechArt Turbo S Cabrio is a Fan’s Dream Car The Porsche 911 Targa 4 in the police livery is defined by the wind tunnel tested TECHART Aerokit, including TECHART Front Spoiler I, Airframes, Side Skirts, multi-part Rear Diffusor, Aerowings, and Rear Spoiler. The three-dimensional TECHART rear lettering as well as the police vehicle lighting and Carbon Aero Front Lid with integrated emergency lighting visibly set the TECHART Cabriolet from the series model apart. TECHART Formula V multi-spoke wheel impresses already at standstill with a turbine-like look wheel and two fine spokes in contrasting color. TECHART Sport Springs allow a lowering of 40 mm and provide sporty driving characteristics. A true specialty of the TECHART interior manufactory is the handcrafted TECHART Sports Steering Wheel. The sports steering wheel has a straight-ahead marker in contrasting color, while the hand rests, armrests, center console, and selected parts of the back seat in leather are perforated in the checkered flag design. The partnership between TECHART x TUNE IT! SAFE! demonstrates the need to incorporate a level of quality control and testing within the automotive aftermarket upgrade industry. View all the current Porsche 911 Targa 4 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Targa 4 For Sale Source: TECHART Germany

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 08, 2021

Porsche Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary In China With The...

The truly unique Porsche 996 Swan represents a milestone for the brand in a fashionable way. The Porsche brand continues its historical mark on the automotive industry and motorsports, while still having a strong presence in the world of art. With the goal of highlighting timeless designs, vintage and modern chassis are re-imagined by artists all around the world using unique visions on how the brand inspires their artwork. One artist dedicated to incorporating all the beauty that Porsche has to offer is renowned Scottish artist Chris Labrooy. In some of his recent works, vintage Porsche models are designed as swan pool floats that take on a midcentury modern style. MUST-READ: The Best Porsches You Can Buy Today Porsche is proud to bring the artistic 3D world of Chris Labrooy to life with an actual Porsche ‘Swan’ example. Porsche China celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first Porsche ever sold with a real 996 Swan. The swan theme is perfect as it represents grace, beauty, love, trust, and loyalty in China. The Porsche 996 generation is chosen because that was the first vehicle sold within the Chinese market. The Porsche 996 Swan highlights the brilliant design features between the automotive and art world. View all of the current Porsche 996 generation models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 996 Models For Sale Media Source: @garageitalia

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