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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 – September 03, 2021

PUMA x Porsche Legacy Announce The New Porsche 911 Targa ...

Celebrate the iconic Porsche 911 Targa with the new collection from PUMA and Porsche Legacy. The 911 Targa continues to be a key element to Porsche’s fleet of performance-focused vehicles, ever since its original release in 1965. As new generations developed the shape and performance of Porsche, the older styles still hold significance to the brand and its enthusiasts. PUMA is proud to celebrate the Porsche 911 Targa with an all-new apparel and footwear collection with Porsche Legacy. The new Autumn/Winter ’21 collection release features head-to-toe gear to carry any Porsche fan through the cooler months. The apparel and accessories line includes jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants, hats, and bags. Alongside the wide selection of apparel to choose from, PUMA x Porsche Legacy are releasing a set of PUMA sneakers style The clothing line is made from premium materials and incorporates vintage Porsche graphics and branding to celebrate the 911 Targa. Look out for more release information and a How To Buy special on the new PUMA x Porsche Legacy 911 Targa Collection. View all Porsche 911 Targas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Targa For Sale Media/Info Source: PUMA

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Gets More Colors and Technology

The new Taycan can be personalized more than ever before. The new 2022 Porsche Taycan is coming into the world with more options than before and that's great news for customers. With the new Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options, the new Taycan will now be seen in a wide range of colors never before featured on the electric car. This includes colors like Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Rubystar, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic. Porsche has also included some new tech, including the Turbo Charging Planner, optional Remote Park Assist and Android Auto. Be on the lookout for some beautifully-colored new Taycans to come into the world in the near future. Taycans For Sale Source: Porsche, Porsche Newsroom

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2021

A Gulf Blue 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Available At The For...

The highly-desirable 992 Porsche 911 Turbo S available in paint to sample Gulf Blue. The Porsche 911 Turbo S continues to lead the way as the German automotive manufacturer’s most iconic model within its fleet of luxury-focused vehicles. The all-new 992 generation embodies historic and future design aspects with mind-blowing performance. This 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S is currently available through the automotive professionals at The Fort Lauderdale Collection. This one-of-a-kind spec is finished in a Gulf Blue exterior paint color, paying homage to the Gulf Racing Team, who have supported the Porsche brand for decades in motorsport. The interior is best described as modestly magnificent, incorporating a vintage blue plaid pattern on the inlay of the sport-style seats. The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S is equipped with a 3.8L twin-turbocharged flat-six, making an astonishing 640-horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This true one-of-a-kind example is currently available with 343-miles. Click the listing link below for more information and to inquire on pricing for this 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S from The Fort Lauderdale Collection. View 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Listing

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2021

Porsche Unveiled 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 to Celebrate Man...

Based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport and powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine. Porsche Motorsport has just unveiled the very special 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, a limited edition model that celebrates the 25th anniversary of Manthey-Racing GmbH. Many aspects of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 are borrowed from the modern 935 that was unveiled in 2018. This includes the same powertrain (twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine), flared wheel arches, electronic control systems, steering gear, wide rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and more. The similarities make sense when you consider Grant Larson from Style Porsche had a hand in this model consider he helped design the modern 935. “The design of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 expresses the long-standing collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and Manthey,” emphasizes Larson. “It amalgamates the respective strengths of each partner into one racing car, and at the same time bridges the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911. Manthey contributed the basic concept and the technical ideas, with Porsche providing the final design. We used the characteristic color scheme of Manthey’s ‘Grello’ to specifically highlight certain functional areas of the vehicle.” The livery of the new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 was designed after Manthey's 911 GT3 R. With green and yellow making up the livery, it's been dubbed "Grello" by fans who enjoyed the color combo on the 911 GT3 R. Just 30 examples of the limited-edition Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 will be created with a price of 525,000 Euros (~$617,000 USD), excluding taxes. Deliveries are expected to start in January 2022. See All 911 GT2 RS For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 28, 2021

A One-Of-A-Kind Porsche 911 Turbo S To Honor Mexico’s Gre...

In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. Porsche Mexico is proud to unveil a special commemorative 911 Turbo S to honor the life and accomplishments of professional racing driver Pedro Rodríguez. With a Formula One Grand Prix win, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career, he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery. Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. MUST-READ: Why to Buy the 2016 Porsche 911 R The Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ is painted to pay homage to the 917K featured in its original Gulf livery, which Pedro had won 8 races driving in. Inside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching, and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez's signature can be seen on the center armrest and on the carbon fiber dashboard trim. Along with the exterior and interior additions, the 911 Turbo S also comes with a set of Gulf livery keys designed with Pedro Rodríguez’s signature and a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details. The Porsche 911 Turbo S "One of a Kind" Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes. View All Porsche 911 Turbo S For Sale Media/Info Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 26, 2021

Porsche Announces Its 10th-Annual 'Porsche 4Kids' Program...

Introducing future Porsche designers, drivers, and engineers to the world of German automotive excellence. For most automotive enthusiasts, a passion for cars began during childhood, through admiring poster supercars and drawing their own creative examples. Porsche understands the importance of childhood development within the automotive industry, which is why the German manufacturer continues to host summer programs for kids at the Porsche Museum. Porsche is proud to announce its 10th Anniversary of the program celebrating ’50 Years of Porsche Development Weissach’. The Porsche Museum is offering an exciting free program for girls and boys between 5 and 13 years of age in the summer holidays. From 3 to 22 August, ‘Porsche 4Kids’ will give young visitors the chance to enjoy a program on the museum’s event floor from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. As future developers, the children will be allowed to look behind doors that are normally closed. They will experience the development process of a Porsche at the stations Design, Prototype, Test Rig and Test Drive. Click the link below for more information on the 10th-Annual ‘Porsche 4Kids’ event and also to meet Tina Turbo and Tom Targa. Discover The Porsche 4Kids Program Porsche Media/Info Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2021

How to Buy the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design ...

Nothing beats the looks of a classic Targa, and that's why collectors seem willing to pay any amount to restore and enjoy them. But what if we told you there was a way to experience the best aspects of a classic 911 along with every modern amenity? If that piques your interest, this is how to buy the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. Porsche doesn't use the term Heritage very often. So it is with great reverence that each example is assembled by their Exclusive Manufaktur department. The same dedicated team responsible for the Turbo S Exclusive are not rushed when crafting even the smallest details by hand. Because this is the first Targa of the 992-series, only 992 cars will be offered. Only Porsche's most successful dealers will have an allotment, and they will only have four colors to choose from. White accents are retro-inspired, and the car's badges and logos are gold (not gold plated). No detail is too small, as the grille badge is engraved with all four Porsche heritage models. Buy February 2021 Issue Inside you are treated to more leather than any lesser 911 along with the return of corduroy inserts for the seats. This classic touch holds you in place during intense corners and cotton is much more sustainable than microfiber. If you haven't seen a modern Targa transform, the rear glass literally ingests the roof panel in an elegant mechanical dance. Sure you trade off a little cargo room, but the secret sauce is what lies beneath. A 3-liter uses twin turbos to offer 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. All options (including Sport Chrono) are standard, so your only decision here is choosing the 7-speed manual with locking differential or the 8-speed PDK with E-diffs. The latter is capable of reaching 60 in 3.6 seconds if you don't need three pedals. So now that you know the important details you must find a dealer able to order one. It's not a coincidence that most successful Porsche dealers allow us to represent them. Strike while the iron is hot because these cars will become the centerpiece of amazing collections like yours. Sell My Porsche 911: Get a Cash Offer View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2021

Shop the New Porsche 911 GT3 Apparel Collection

Porsche's new 911 GT3 is an astounding creation that's been anticipated for a couple of years now. New design cues, a power 510 horsepower engine mated to a new 7-speed PDK transmission, lighter weight and more combine to create the ultimate track car. It should go without saying that there's a lot of hype surrounding this new Porsche. Those who have ordered a new Porsche 911 GT3, plan on purchasing one, or even those who just love the GT3 ought to check out the latest gear drop from the German automaker: the 911 GT3 Collection. This collection includes a 2-in-1- vest, t-shirt and hat, all of which include the GT3 logo and come in a vibrant blue color that's similar to what was seen on the 911 GT3 used to debut the model. Click the button below to shop the collection now. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 20, 2021

Daniel Arsham Unveils His New 1973 Porsche RSA Project

Daniel Arsham presents yet another breathtaking Porsche example. While vintage Porsche models continue to be seen as works of art, artist Daniel Arsham takes that thought to a whole new level. Daniel’s past Porsche projects included the Crystal Eroded Porsche 911 and his 1986 Porsche 930A Turbo. Daniel Arsham is proud to announce his newest project and addition to the garage, the 1973 Porsche RSA x Arsham Studios. The classic track-ready chassis features the iconic 2.7L flat-six, which makes all the right noises for any Porsche enthusiast. Along with its period-correct performance, Daniel Arsham adds his tasteful personal touches to embrace the rich heritage of Porsche. The 70’s-inspired design features a gloss yellow paint job with pale yellow bumpers to commemorate the RSR racecars from that era. Complementing the yellow paint are light blue accents throughout the exterior of the Porsche RSA, including the custom ‘Arsham’ decals and wheels. The interior is done in wide wale chocolate brown with ‘RSA’ stitched into the headrests of the sport-style seats. As Daniel Arsham presents his third Porsche project, we are excited to see it both in the studio and on the road. Click the link below to view all the current 1973 Porsche 911 listings available on duPont REGISTRY. Porsche 930 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CReLQo_sxT9/ For more Porsche news, Check out Porsche Delivers 31% More Vehicles In The First 6-Months of 2021

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2021

New 2022 Porsche Macan Unveiled With More Power

Porsche's second-best-selling model gets solid upgrades for 2022. The new 2022 Porsche Macan has now had its secrets revealed and they include a number of worthy upgrades. Its exterior now features a front end with a new look that includes integrated air intake, while the rear diffuser has been stretched a bit upwards. Porsche will also be making seven new wheel designs available for customers to choose from. For power, all 2022 Macans will have standard 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmissions, all-wheel drive, and engines with more power than before. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will now produce 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (+13 hp and +22 lb-ft). For the Macan S, its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 produces 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. As for the range-topping 2022 Macan GTS, its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 now pushes out 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades include a refined interior, optional Sport Package for the Macan GTS, stiffer suspension for the Macan GTs and standard Lane Departure Warning and front/rear Park Assist. Starting prices for the 2022 Porsche Macan models are as follows, excluding $1,350 for delivery: 2022 Porsche Macan - $54,900 2022 Porsche Macan S - $65,4002022 Porsche Macan GTS - $79,900 Porsche is expecting the 2022 Macan models to arrive in early 2022. Source: Porsche Cars North America

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