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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 – May 17, 2022

Ken Block Debuts His 1,400HP Porsche SVRSR 'Hoonipigasus'...

A perfect Porsche recipe for success on the curvy sprint up Pikes Peak. Arguably known as one of the most experienced rally drivers in history, Ken Block showcases his skills behind the wheel on an array of motorsport stages around the world. Whether it's drifting in urban areas for his next YouTube video or competing in world-class race events, Ken focuses his lifestyle on automotive power and performance. Ken Block and the Hoonigan Racing Division are proud to announce their next venture to the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. Built by BBi Autosport in collaboration with Hoonigan and Hoonigan Racing Division, Ken Block is proud to present the 1,400-horsepower Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ as his new Pikes Peak race car. MUST-READ: Ken Block Recruits A New Audi e-tron SUV For Off-Road Adventures The Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ takes its shape as a heavily modified vintage 911 that embodies an entirely new aerodynamic design that achieves maximum downforce during its sprint up the mountain. The vibrant livery is created by renowned artist Trouble Andrew a.k.a. Guccighost and pays homage to the famous 1972 Porsche 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’, an iconic design still being celebrated by the brand, collectors, and fans. Its astonishing 1,400-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine platform uses a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that allows power to be evenly distributed to each will for maximum traction. Adding to its advanced technological features, the engineers at BBi Autosport fit the once classic 911 with a state-of-the-art GPS height-adjusted suspension that is based on the previous year’s telemetry of the course. The one-of-a-kind Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ build proves to be the perfect recipe for success, making its appearance as the first-ever mid-engine, AWD, twin-turbo vintage Porsche 911 in the PPO (Pikes Peak Open) class. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an invitation-only automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, June 26, will mark the 100th running of the PPIHC, which features a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns and an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, rising to the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level. View all of the current Porsche 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and celebrity car news. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Source: Hoonigan

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 21, 2022

Porsche Celebrates Group C Racing At The 2022 Retro Class...

A chance to see classic Porsche motorsport icons. As a brand that continues to celebrate and embrace its historic past in motorsport, Porsche is proud to showcase some of its most iconic vehicles throughout its Stuttgart museum. Porsche is proud to take its show on the road for the upcoming Retro Classics event in Messe Stuttgart, the world’s largest fair for driving culture. The theme of Porsche’s exhibit this year pays homage to 40-years of Group C racing, which is referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of endurance racing for motorsport enthusiasts. Porsche fanatics attending the event will have the chance to view five incredible prototype race cars from the 1982 to 1988 era, sporting classic liveries from famous teams such as Rothmans and Shell Dunlop. MUST-READ: The Poster Supercars of the 80s and 90s The star of the show is the Le Mans-winning Porsche 962, arguably one of the most widely celebrated examples in the motorsport industry. The 962 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986 and 1987, with Derek Bell Al Holbert, and Hans-Joachim Stuck behind the wheel as the dream team. The vintage Porsche Group C exhibit at Retro Classics is located at stand 1A74 in hall one and will be on display from April 21-24 for all to enjoy. View all of the current Porsche 962 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. View All Porsche 962 For Sale Source: porsche_newsroom IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2022

Porsche Brings Two Motorsport Icons To The GP Ice Race In...

The 550 Spyder and Vision Spyder Concept find their way to the frozen ice track. The famous GP Ice Race in Austria brings out some of the most well-known vehicles in the automotive industry, along with some mysterious models that never saw production or the open road. Alongside countless high-dollar chassis, the Porsche brand is proud to showcase two very special vehicles during the bitter cold ice racing event. Porsche The James Dean Porsche 550 ‘Little Bastard’ is the first Motorsport icon on the scene, boasting its timeless design and period-correct performance. The vintage Porsche 550 continues its legacy as one of the most historic models for the German brand, which led to the creation of the second example they brought to the frozen lake. Porsche The Porsche Vision Spyder Concept ‘Little Rebel’ made its first appearance in 2019 as an homage to the coveted James Dean 550 Spyder, featuring an open cockpit design that modernly reimagines the classic. As a retro one-off build, the Porsche Vision Spyder Concept never saw a production life and now spends its time at the Porsche Museum where enthusiasts all around the world come to appreciate its beauty. Although they share a 65-year age difference, each of the examples accurately embodies the design and performance capabilities of the professionals at Porsche. Seeing the two Porsche icons side by side in a rather non-traditional environment defines itself as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any car lover. Click on the link below to view the current Porsche inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Porsche news. View All Porsche For Sale Source: @porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2021

Watch The 2021 Porsche America Parade In Indiana

The 65th Porsche parade saw cars and attendees flock to Indiana to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and, above all, share appreciation for their cars as one big family. Automotive enthusiasts share a passion driven by a community of individuals dedicated to brands that spark a smile every time they get behind the wheel. It's a feeling that seems to be shared by all Porsche owners, which is the main inspiration for the Porsche America Parade. In a video released to the Porsche Youtube channel, the passion of the German automotive brand is captured during the 2021 Porsche America Parade in Indiana. The event features over 900 Porsche examples with 2,000 plus owners and enthusiasts in attendance. MUST-READ: The GearBox: Porsche RS Style by PUMA The stories shared throughout the event explain that the backgrounds of the owners are just as different as the vehicles they drive, but the common interest is in the way that Porsche continues to impact their lives. Whether it's a memory of a family vehicle or a father and son bond, the Porsche family accepts anyone looking to talk cars while enjoying each other's company. The Porsche America Parade is a proud community of members based in both the United States and Canada looking to expand through events and long drives. Check out all the current Porsche models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale on duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2021

Porsche and Topgolf Announce The Panamera Invitational

A chance to tee off and win an epic Porsche experience. Porsche and Topgolf have announced a new tournament that you have to check out. The Panamera Invitational tournament will be taking place at 15 Topgolf locations across the country. Teams of two will be competing for high scores, vying for the chance to advance to the finals in Las Vegas. The winning team will get an all-expense-paid trip to Scotland to attend Porsche events, as well as experience the St. Andrews golf course. Aside from the tournament, there will be other challenges that include things like seeing who can drive a ball as fast as the Porsche Panamera. The local qualifying rounds will take place starting June 26. To see if your local Topgolf is partaking in the event, when the rounds occur, and how to sign up, click here. Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2021

Master the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport at Porsche Track Expe...

You will never reach the limits of your Porsche on public roads. So, in order to drive your car as Ferdinand intended, you should master the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport at the Porsche Track Experience. Factory drivers and technicians are on-site with several flavors of the Cayman. After a few instructional laps, you will be unleashed to push the mid-engine masterpiece harder than you ever thought possible. After this, you will graduate to the new 911 GT3 Cup in a similar spec to the cars that dominated Sebring this year. Both cars have incredible power from their flat-six engines but they do it in opposite ways. The Cayman GT4 carries its engine just behind the seats while the 911 carries on the traditional rear-engine chassis. Our dealers have all the details on this year's track days, so click the button to learn more. Shop Porsche Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2021

Tame Your 911 at a Porsche Track Experience

Because the engine is behind the rear wheels every Porsche 911 poses a challenge for the uninitiated. Therefore, we invite you to tame your 911 at a Porsche Track Experience. Mr. duPont's 356 Speedster is incredibly agile thanks to a suspension that is years ahead of its time. But 130 horsepower doesn't compare to the GT2 RS that offers 690. Channeling 553 lb-ft of twin-turbo torque to the tires is difficult, and its a real handful in the corners. The rear tires want to outrun the fronts, and the phenomenon is known as "Snap Oversteer". The mark of a true Porsche enthusiast is learning how much steering your beast allows before drifting starts. This is why the Turbo and Turbo S have been AWD since the 993 series, and the GT series demands respect in any situation. In addition to their main facility at Boxberg, the Porsche Experience in L.A. and Atlanta are great places to learn. Our dealers have all the info, so click the button to become a Porsche Master Driver. Used Porsche For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Porsche Travel Experience Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Life is short, so the journey should be just as important as the destination. Spending time with friends in enchanting locations is why the Porsche Travel Experience is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. A group of like-minded enthusiasts has been tapped to tell their favorite memories in this new series. No other manufacturer supports their fans in such a way, and that is why each experience sells out almost immediately. This year's schedule outshines any travel blogger. With locations ranging from Croatia to Iceland and the Black Forest to Belfast, the sights and tastes have been curated to make memories of a lifetime. I wish I had the vacation time to join them this year, so that's why each story will be hosted here. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Porsche

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2020

Rare Porsches Heading to Renn20 in the UK

In the UK, a celebration of Porsches will be happening called 'Renn20'. This event is the second Rennsport Collection event to be put on and it's set to occur on November 1, 2020 at the Stowe House in Northamptonshire, UK. It's here that the public can come and see an incredible collection of motorsport-inspired Porsches for one day only. This collection will "showcase the connections between cars from different eras and styles," according to a press release announcing the event. "This November gathering is our second event and it will be exciting to have such a diverse range of cars in one place – some cars would have been seen at Renn19, but many will be completely new," says Paul Geudon, Founder of Rennsport Collective. "It really will be a must-attend event for any Porsche motorsport fan and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to Stowe House this summer." For more information, visit RennsportCollection.com.

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2020

Porsche is Pulling No Punches at Pike's Peak

Sunday morning will mark the 98th running of the Pike's Peak International Hillclimb. The 12.4-mile ascent is filled with sharp corners and there are no guardrails. I feel old that I drove a rental car up the mountain before it was paved, but the dirt added a fun variable to the experience, my parents were not amused. Because the finish line is at an altitude of 14,115 feet, you better have a turbo or supercharger if you want your car to perform. That's why Porsche is pulling no punches at Pike's Peak. Two press releases last night outline their efforts to race above the clouds. Last year's Time Attack Division 1 saw a 911 GT3 Cup car fitted with massive turbos that clocked 9:23.7 to win 1st place. Rule changes this year prohibit the modifications of factory race cars, so first up will be a new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Art Car driven by local racer David Donner. Jeff Zwart lives in Aspen, and he will drive a 935 prepped by E-Motion Engineering, and Daytona Winner David Donohue will be in a GT2 RS Clubsport prepped by BBi Autosport. Four examples of the 2020 Cayman GT4 Clubsport will be racing against themselves, the first time the 718 models have had their own class. The 935 has been testing for weeks at Willow Springs, so expect it to scorch the mountain. As always, we wish all spectators and competitors good luck and a safe race, and we will have a full recap on Monday.

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