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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 Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

Porsche Exclusive Unveils Heritage Design Package Pure

Big news from the Exclusive Manufactur department: Porsche unveils the Heritage Design Package Pure to add classic touches to every new 911 for sale. Should you feel more comfortable in vintage clothing, two interiors are offered. In addition to all black, a 2-tone beige on black leather is offered with corduroy inserts. The Sport Chrono package is standard, and all instrumentation features the same typeface used in the 1960s. Seats are embossed with the family crest, and 911 badges have been added to the rockers, dash, and several other details. A Porsche Exclusive Series 911 is a great investment, so click the button to find yours. Porsche 911 For Sale Images (C) Porsche A.G.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2021

Nike Announces A Porsche 917K Gulf Livery-Inspired SB Dun...

The Nike SB Dunk Low silhouette continues to act as a blank canvas for an array of special projects and collaborations, resulting in highly anticipated releases for enthusiasts and collectors. Nike is proud to announce the release of its most recent automotive-inspired sneaker featuring a classic livery seen on one of Porsche’s most iconic race cars. The Nike SB Dunk Low Club 58 Gulf pays homage to the 1970s Gulf Livery Porsche 917 K, a car known for participating in endurance races like Le Mans that will always hold significance in the automotive industry. The chill blue upper is made from soft suede and features #58 on the outer heel of each sneaker as well as the tongue tab. The vibrant orange commonly seen doing 200+ mph on the straightaway of Le Mans is now incorporated into the outsole of the new Nike SB, providing comfort and traction on or off the track. The special edition sneaker only shows the diversity of the automotive and sneaker world, which continues to bridge gaps and introduce individuals to new interests. The Nike SB Dunk Low Club 58 Gulf is set to release on February 27th, so check back in for a How To Buy special. Shop Nike Image Source: Twitter @brandon1an For more Gear news, Check out L’Art de L’Automobile x Carhartt WIP Set To Release Karhartt Collection

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Is Air-Cooled Perfection

Windshields should be optional on all supercars, and that is why the Gunther Werks 993 Speedster is air-cooled perfection. Chopping the roof would be a problem for lesser cars, so the team began by incorporating a roll cage and subframe connectors to the already-potent 993 chassis. Because their 993 coupe holds the air-cooled lap record at Laguna Seca, their goal was to replicate that level of performance without a roof. The Speedster windshield is optional, but the 4-liter stroker is not. Loaded with Mahle pistons and Motec management, it makes 330 lb-ft and over 435 horsepower. The G50 transmission has hardened internals, custom ratios, single-weight flywheel, and its bolted to a posi differential with carbon clutches. Only 25 cars will be built so you will need to find a 993 worthy of the conversion. How to buy a Porsche 993 Turbo S will give you more insight, then click the button to find yours. Porsche 911 For Sale Images (C) Gunther Werks

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Ergonomics Explained

Even with great lines and amazing power, the interior can make or break your driving experience. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo ergonomics are explained in their latest upload, so let's see what it takes to build a comfortable sedan. Now that the Taycan sedan is selling well, a longer roofline will appeal to those who need a bit more room. Manufacturers are often reticent to show how they mock-up the layout, but this neat jig allows everyone to give feedback on the materials and their placement. Is it a sedan, a shooting brake, or a crossover? We don't care. It is a sleek electric supercar from Stuttgart that recently broke the indoor land speed record. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and tell us which Taycan you prefer in the comments below. Porsche Taycan For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2021

The Porsche 911 is the Most Dependable Vehicle According ...

According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Porsche 911 is the most dependable vehicle in the U.S. This was the second time that the 911 has taken the top spot among all models in the past three years. In order to be given this award, the study analyzes the number of problems per 100 vehicles that are experienced in the past 12months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. Points are given per problem, so a low score is desired. According to Porsche, "U.S. customers reported 18 fewer PP100 in the latest study to bring the overall score down to 86 PP100 compared to this year’s luxury average of 118." But it wasn't just the 911 that was given an award as the Porsche Macan took the top spot for Compact Premium SUV. See All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Smashes Records At The Nürburgring

Shaving a fraction of a second is progress at the world's toughest track, so let's watch the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 smash records at the Nurburgring. While the formula remains the same, the ingredients are all new. Thanks to their dedicated team of Engineers at Weissach, the new GT program started with a blank slate. Every group offered improvements to make the new eclipse its predecessors. While each change might seem arbitrary, they add up to a much more capable car. The wheels are an inch wider at all corners, and the fronts are wider apart. This 911 marks the debut of a double-wishbone front suspension, finally replacing the MacPherson struts. All cars offer nearly twice the downforce of the previous GT3, so it allowed the team to lap the course in 6:59.927. This is faster than the 918 Spyder and a dozen seconds better than the previous 911 GT3. The team was undoubtedly testing the next 911 GT3 RS price and specs, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

Tanner Foust Enjoys A Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport In The...

Aside from being a successful TV host and stunt driver, Tanner Foust enjoys a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the snow. In a quest to prove to us that he is "Just a regular guy", he offered a few insights into his daily routine. From reading the morning newspaper to finding the right parking spot, he makes it look effortless thanks to 425 horsepower. The mid-mounted 3.8-liter flat-six only has to move 2,910 lbs, making it a blast to drive in any weather. Along with solid motor mounts, all suspension mounting points are devoid of rubber. And while the Clubsport can only be had with the PDK transmission, the regular production GT4 offers a six-speed stick. Click the button if you need a new supercar, or click here to browse our extensive inventory of used Porsche for sale. Porsche Cayman GT4 For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 16, 2021

Porsche Design Unveils An Exclusive Custom Chronograph Fo...

After much anticipation, Porsche unveiled the 2022 992 911 GT3 as part of the new addition to the track-inspired lineup. The great news continues with the release of the Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph, a new luxury timepiece available exclusively to owners of the new chassis. Each watch features the ability to completely customized the appearance of the chronograph to match the specification of your personal GT3, using the Porsche Design Chronograph Configurator. Like its motorized role model, the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 exudes inspiration with its ornate design, consistent performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. The close connection between the timepiece and the sports car is unmistakable at first glance. The watch is driven by the Werk 01.200 movement, which can be viewed through the GT3 Wheel styled winding rotor. The Porsche Design GT3 Chronograph is sure to pair well as a collector’s example next to the all-new Porsche 992 911 GT3. Configure and learn more about Porsche Design’s custom chronographs by clicking the link below. Porsche Design Chronograph Configurator Porsche Design For more Porsche Design news, Check out Porsche Design Spring/Summer ’21 Fashion & Sport Collections Now Available

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Revealed

Nothing could have prepared us for how the 992-series is in any situation. In order to keep lesser cars far behind, watch the Porsche 911 GT3 reveal with us. Put your TPS reports on the back burner and grab some popcorn. Since the debut of the 8th-generation (992 series), we have watched the GT3 test mules evolve on tracks around the world. With buyers embracing the manual transmission of the GT3 Touring, how will this new car face the 3-pedal question? What we see so far is a new flavor of their 4-liter flat-six offering 510 horsepower. It began life as the 911 Cup engine, with the only differences being the exhaust system and the computer tuning. A new 7-speed PDK (dual-clutch) transmission has specific gear ratios for the naturally-aspirated GT3, and thankfully the six-speed manual is also available for order. The aforementioned PDK is how it was able to shave 17 seconds from the previous GT3's lap time on the ring. Running the historic track in 6:59.927 makes it a decent bit faster than the 918 Spyder. The suspension is all-new, taking inspiration from the GT3 Cup. Cast iron rotors have returned for those who need track-day endurance. All wheels are 1" wider while maintaining optimal un-sprung mass. Incorporating sound deadening into the exhaust particulate filters eliminated the resonators on each cylinder bank, saving even more weight behind the centerline of the rear wheels. Every aspect from carpet to motor mounts has been shaved to get the curb weight down to 3,164 lbs. Over 50% more downforce makes the car more confident, and the driver now has four settings for the front splitter. A new generation of the 911 GT3 Touring will join the lineup later this year, so in the meantime tell us how this car compares to the 2018 Porsche 911 specs. Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 12, 2021

How To Buy: Puma x Porsche KING Platinum 911 Legacy Socce...

Porsche continues to prove itself on the track time and time again, but what about the more unfamiliar area? Puma is helping Porsche take to the soccer field with the all-new Limited Edition Puma King Platinum 911 Legacy. The inspiration behind the cleats ties into the 1960s, when the iconic Porsche 911 and Puma King were first launched. The highlight of the soccer chat is the vibrant Poppy Red colorway, which turns as many heads as a PTS color Porsche 992 Turbo S. The super-soft K-Leather upper is enhanced with 3D touch texture and PUMA exclusive Lazertouch technology for refined touch and feel on the ball. The fit is enhanced with a snug knitted tongue and the ultra-modern slim silhouette combined with the super-lightweight ‘RAPIDSPRINT’ outsole make the Puma King Platinum 911 Legacy the fastest and lightest Puma King ever. The Porsche x Puma cleats are currently available and are limited to 911 pairs to signify the iconic 911 model. When: Available Now (Limited to 911 Pairs) Where: Puma Website Price: $250 For more Porsche Gear news, Check out Porsche Design’s New Eyewear Collection Featuring Patrick Dempsey Now Available Image Source: Puma

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