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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 17, 2021

See a Porsche Go For Top Speed With a Christmas Tree on t...

That is one fast Christmas tree. During the holiday season, we all see cars driving around with big Christmas trees strapped to their roofs. It's a common sight and we don't put much thought into it, but how much drag does a tree add when driving? To answer this question, Hennessey Performance strapped a Christmas tree to the roof of a 750 horsepower Porsche 911 Turbo S to see just how fast it could go. During their test runs, the German sports car managed to hit a top speed of 175 mph with the added aero component. After this top speed run, the team removed the tree to see just how big of a difference it made. The driver, Spencer Geswein, reached a top speed of 206 mph. That's a difference of 31 mph. So let this be a lesson: don't go to the track with a Christmas tree strapped to your roof. But did we really need to say that? See All Porsche 911s For Sale Source: Hennessey Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2021

Its All About Porsche And TAG Heuer For Photographer Rich...

A true passion for watches and cars captured behind a camera lens. The art of watches, automobiles, and photography go together like the ingredients to a perfect recipe. Each embodies similar traits and aspects that bring together a community of collectors and enthusiasts. For renowned Automotive and Portrait Photographer Richard Pardon, the passion runs deep for each, and even more specifically Porsche and TAG Heuer. The rich motorsport heritage between Porsche and TAG Heuer stretches back to the beginnings of each brand. MUST-READ: Makes & Movements: Porsche Design GT4 RS Chronograph x Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Porsche celebrates Richard Pardon’s passion with a post to its Instagram page highlighting his classic Porsche 964 911 and TAG Heuer Monza Caliber 17 Chronograph. With watches and automobiles acting as the main inspiration for his work, Richard Pardon defines himself as a timepiece collector and Porsche aficionado. View all current Porsche 964 911 models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View All Porsche 964 911 For Sale Source: @Porsche

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2021

Enter to Win a 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera and Aid the Diabe...

Presented by The Diabetes Foundation Don’t miss your chance to Win a 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera. Less than 1,000 tickets left! Diabetes is hard. Getting help shouldn’t be. The Diabetes Foundation exists to ensure children and adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who need help, get the help they need through medical assistance and individualized advocacy. You can help support The Diabetes Foundation by entering to win a new 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera. Source: Porsche Cars North America Source: Porsche Cars North America Every 911 has the same fundamental aim: driving. As sportily as possible. That's why the twin-turbo horizontally opposed engine, the transmission, the chassis, the brakes and all the control systems are designed for one thing: the highest performance. Source: Porsche Cars North America Please help the Diabetes Foundation make a difference in the lives of many people fighting diabetes and its complications every day. Diabetes is hard, but getting help shouldn’t be. The Diabetes Foundation exists to ensure children and adults with diabetes that need help, get help. Drawing will be held at Jack Daniels Porsche – 335 Route 17 South, Upper Saddle River, NJ on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 12:00 noon. Your presence is not required to win. Online ticket sales are available through January 7, 2022, at 11:59 EST. Enter Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2021

Porsche Sits Down With Paul Casey For A Year End Interview

Porsche spends some time with its first Brand Ambassador Golfer. The Porsche brand surrounds itself with successful athletes, industry leaders, and creative artists to help define the versatility of its product while continuing to hold itself at the highest standards. As one of Porsche’s Brand Ambassadors, professional English golfer Paul Casey sits down in an interview with the German automotive manufacturer to reflect on his 2021 season. With his participation in four majors, the Olympics, the Ryder Cup, and the Porsche European Open Paul Casey embraces a full schedule and thrives under pressure. MUST-READ: Travis Barker Puts The Porsche Taycan Sound System To The Test Even after all the success on the course, Paul remains a true Porsche fanatic, as he explains his experience in the passenger seat of a Cayenne Turbo GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as a highlight of his year. Although the year comes to a rewarding end, Paul Casey already has his mindset on some special projects with Porsche for 2022 including some time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife besides works driver Kevin Estre. Stay tuned for more Porsche content with Paul Casey for 2022. Click on the link below to view all the current Porsche inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity car news and luxury automotive releases. Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

Discover The New Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpac...

The best on-the-go baggage option from Porsche Design. The active lifestyle of the Porsche Design brand embodies the vision of the German automotive manufacturer through a collection of luxury apparel and accessories. While the team at Porsche Design aims to dominate any avenue of sport, its baggage and accessory collection helps to achieve success in style. Porsche Design is proud to present the new Cycling Backpack as part of the Urban Eco Collection. The new Urban Eco Cycling Backpack features a sustainable new design crafted from lightweight recycled materials that provide a comfortable and functional feel. MUST-READ: The All-New Porsche Electric Sport and Cross eBikes Are Now Available Designed for the biking commuter, the Porsche Design backpack includes a fitting chest strap and waist belt for safe travels. In the slim main compartment with a 2-way zipper, there is a padded notebook compartment for laptops up to 13" and a padded slide-in compartment for tablets. The Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpack comes equipped with USB and USB-C ports for on-the-go charging. The new Urban Eco Cycling backpack from Porsche Design is now available for $275 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop The Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpack Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

Travis Barker Puts The Porsche Taycan Sound System To The...

Travis Barker and Kenny Hoopla enjoy some quality time with the Porsche Taycan. The Porsche brand aims to deliver the perfect luxury automobile by incorporating state-of-the-art design and technology with track-inspired performance. Within the German auto manufacturer’s line of vehicles, the all-electric Taycan stands tall as one of the most popular models for collectors and enthusiasts. Although the sound of a traditional exhaust system is non-exist, the quiet interior cabin and the premium audio system allow for a special driving experience for anyone behind the wheel. MUST-READ: Kevin Hart Receives The First Ferrari SF90 Spider In The U.S. Putting its sound system to the test, Porsche was happy to lend the Taycan to world-renowned drummer Travis Barker and artist Kenny Hoopla after just finishing their new album. The Porsche team spent some time with the duo to see some behind-the-scenes work in the recording studio. All in all, the Porsche Taycan lives up to the rockstar lifestyle while still providing one of the most efficient ways to travel. View all the current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity car news. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Media Source: @marvin_thebrand

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2021

Porsche Vision Gran Turismo Unveiled as Electric Race Car...

Wouldn't mind this heading to production. Ahead of the release of Gran Turismo 7 on March 4, 2022, the new Porsche Vision Gran Turismo has been unveiled as a virtual electric racing car made specifically for the video game. The new Vision Gran Turismo has a very purposefully built design that offers up a glimpse as to what a Porsche race car of the future could look like. There are multiple design elements that link the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo to the Taycan, the automaker's incredibly popular electric sports car. These elements include the integrated air intakes of the front fascia and the narrow light strip in the rear. While these similarities exist, everything else is unlike anything you've seen in a road-going Porsche. The most exciting feature has to be the holographic instrument cluster that gives the driver a perfect view of the road ahead and the car's vital stats without compromising visibility. And while it is technically a virtual car, Porsche did note a few technical specs. They note that the Vision Gran Turismo will be able to run 0 to 62 mph in 2.1 seconds, hit a top speed of 217 mph, has a range of 311 miles, and has a power output of 1,100 horsepower (1,274 hp with overboost and launch control). View All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche Newsroom

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 Tyler Rampersaud – November 24, 2021

Porsche Carrera GT Shows Off On The Autobahn

This is how you do justice to a Carrera GT. There’s no doubt that the Porsche Carrera GT is a legend. It represents the culmination of decades of Porsche racing and sports car history, from its racing-derived V10, to its extensive use of carbon fiber, to its beechwood shift knob, reminiscent of Porsche race cars. To this day, it’s still one of the fastest, rarest, and most coveted Porsche cars, in an echelon with the 959 and Speedster. This video shows a Carrera GT where it ought to be: the Autobahn. Where a car like this one truly shines, even after 17 years is a glass-smooth highway with miles of endless road and no speed limit, where the GT can let everyone hear its V10’s otherworldly roar, and truly prove that it’s capable of over 200 miles per hour. Even though cars have come out since that have better performance, the Carrera GT still holds up in beauty and visceral experience, and to see such a rare, beautiful, and mythical car get driven the way it was always meant to be is something we always want to see. If this is giving you the feels for a Carrera GT, have a look at some for sale on the duPont REGISTRY by clicking below: All Carrera GTs For Sale

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