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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 – November 04, 2019

Porsche October 2019 Sales See Increase Compared to 2018

Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) have announced their sales figures for the month of October 2019. PCNA noted that their October retail sales increased by 13.1 percent (4,817 to 5,447) when compared to October 2018. Year-to-date sales also increased by 6.5 percent when compared to 2018 (47,443 to 50,509). The biggest gainers for PCNA in October 2019 were the 911 (65 percent increase) and Macan (19.2 percent) models. Year-to-date, however, the Cayenne has been a hot seller this year, which has seen a 193 percent increase in sales. You can view the numbers right down below and be sure to click the button to see all Porsches we currently have for sale. see all porsches for sale Model October Sales Year-to-Date 2019 2018 2019 2018 ALL 911 1,302 789 7,623 7,802 ALL 718 239 317 3,442 4,617 ALL PANAMERA 360 541 5,376 6,910 ALL CAYENNE 1,216 1,215 15,547 8,056 ALL MACAN 2,330 1,955 18,521 20,058 GRAND TOTALS 5,447 4,817 50,509 47,443

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

Porsche Design Unveils Royal Falcon RFF 135 Catamaran

Singapore has plenty of marine opportunities. Being a sovereign island at the center of Malaysia offers its elite many choices when it comes to yachts, but one, in particular, is unlike any other. The President and CEO of Royal Falcon Fleet had a vision for a "Spaceship on the water". Only one studio was willing to see his dream become reality, and that is why Porsche Design has unveiled the Royal Falcon RFF 135 Catamaran. It offers the space of a 210 conventional hull with the efficiency and stability that only a catamaran can offer. At 135 feet, it includes Porsche DNA from stem to stern. Consisting of four decks, the Sun Deck has a flybridge with navigation and the obligatory Jacuzzi and bar. Mid Deck is home to the main Pilot House, Captain's Cabin, Guest Suites, the lavish Owner's Suite. The owner is treated to their private dining and relaxation areas along with a rear entertainment sun deck. The Main Deck houses an entertainment lounge where the bow would normally be. Behind it are three guest suites, the galley, and the crew's mess. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale This opens into the tender garage. That is where your new 2020 Porsche 911 should be stored, but we're a tad biased. Click the button above to find the right car to match this leviathan, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & Carrera 4S Receive Manual Tr...

Despite the ominous nature of All Hallows Eve, 7 is the lucky number for today. That's because the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & Carrera 4S have received a manual transmission. In a press release yesterday, Porsche USA announced that their bulletproof 7-speed manual gearbox has been added as a no-cost option. While not available on the base model Carrera, buyers of the Carrera S and Carrera 4S will have the option for coupe & cabriolet models. Adding a 3rd pedal also sheds ~100 lbs and includes many nice features. Going without the 8-speed automatic, you will receive a mechanical differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring. A Sport Mode button on the steering wheel allows you to select between Normal, Sport, Sport +, and Individual modes. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale Perhaps the greatest among these is Sport Chrono. Compared to the base Carrera, it includes Dynamic Motor Mounts, Rev Match, and the iconic chronograph on the dash. Prices are unchanged, with the Carrera S starting at $113,300 and the most expensive stick shift is the Carrera 4S Cabriolet at $133,300. Click the button above to find our dealer near you and have a fun & safe Halloween. " width="680"> Related: 2020 Porsche 911 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2019

Porsche Becomes World's #1 Luxury Brand

Porsche has been announced as the world's #1 luxury and premium brand by Brand Finance. The German automaker's brand value is set at an astonished $29.3 billion. Directory of Brand Finance had this to say regarding Porsche's number 1 spot: "Connotations of luxury extend far beyond fashion brands with this becoming ever more apparent since Porsche yet again tops the Brand Finance Luxury & Premium 50 2019 ranking of the world’s most valuable luxury and premium brands. The combination of Porsche’s trusted and long-standing heritage, a commitment to diversification, innovation and after sales-services is what really sets the auto titan apart from its competitors." Brand Finance also announced a few other notes regarding their top luxury and premium brands of 2019. Cartier took the #2 spot away from Louis Vuitton, thanks to their 39% increase in brand value. Ferrari was also announced as the world's strongest luxury and premium brand with a 94.8 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index (BSI) score. see all porsches for sale Source: BrandFinance.com

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2019

Daniel Arsham Porsche - The Crystal-Eroded Porsche 911

Daniel Arsham is a New York-based artist that has a unique way of showing off the future through eroded artwork. You can easily recognize his pieces of art because of the famous crystal erosion feature he has become known for. And now he delivers the Daniel Arsham Crystal Eroded Porsche 911. Arsham has recently taken his style of art of the crystal Porsche 911 and it's unlike anything you've seen before. Chunks of crystal erosion are found across the body of the German sports car, creating a beautiful visual. What's more, this car is still completely drivable. If you'd like to see this stunning piece of art, it's on display until January 2020 at Selfridges on London in "The House by Daniel Arsham" exhibition. You can learn more by clicking here. In the meantime, enjoy these stunning pictures by James Law, who has worked closely with Daniel Arsham for 6 years. He's also well-known for his sports, music, art and commercial photography. see all porsche 911 for sale (Photos by James Law)

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2019

Porsche Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition is a German Celebra...

Fans participating in the "Sportscar Together Day" event at Hockenheimring were treated to the unveiling the 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition. This new special edition Cayman was designed specifically for the German market. The design you see on it was created through a partnership between Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. It will be available in two exterior colors, Black and White. Each comes with red highlights and a massive rear wing help up by Guards Red supports. There are also 20-inch black wheels equipped. Inside the special edition Cayman is a black leather/Alcantara with red highlights. If you're interested in getting a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition of your own, you should know that it will only be available at the 88 German Porsche Centers. see all 718 caymans for sale

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2019

New Porsche Taycan 4S Just Announced

The new Porsche Taycan 4S has been announced as the third version of the electric sports sedan. So far, only the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S have been announced. Porsche will be launching the Taycan 4S with two different battery sizes: Performance Battery (522 hp) and Performance Battery Plus (563 hp). For both of the models, they can sprint from 0 to 60 mph to 3.8 seconds and hit a top track speed of 155 mph. Where the Taycan 4S will truly stand out is in the price department. While the Taycan Turbo has a starting price of $150,900 and the Taycan Turbo S at $185,000, the Taycan 4S will start at just $103,800 for the Performance Battery. For the Performance Battery Plus version of the Taycan 4S, the price will be set at $110,380. With this pricing, those buying a Tesla Model S (Performance trim) could throw an electric Porsche into consideration. Expect the Porsche Taycan 4S to arrive in the US in Spring 2020. see all porsches for sale

By Edward Jones – October 02, 2019

2020 Porsche Panamera 10 Year Edition: Glorious With Whit...

The Porsche Panamera is now 10-years-old, prompting the German carmaker to celebrate the sedan with a new special edition variant, the 2020 Porsche Panamera 10 Year Edition. This new Panamera variant is loaded with exclusive features that make it stand out among all other examples of the four-door Porsche. Exclusive features include the 21-inch Panamera Sport Design wheels in satin-gloss White Gold Metallic, “Panamera10” graphics on the front doors in White Gold Metallic, black interior with White Gold stitching, anniversary logo found throughout the interior and more. See All Porsche 911 Turbos For Sale This anniversary edition will come with two different engines. For the Panamera 10 Year Edition and Panamera 4 10 Year Edition, they will be packing a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 330 horsepower. Pricing for these models is set at $103,3000 and $107,500 respectively. Those looking for a bit more power can go for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 10 Year Edition, which utilizes a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. It carries a power output of 457 horsepower and an MSRP of $116,900. Expect these models to arrive in the US in the first quarter of 2020. see all porsche panameras for sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2019

Why Porsche is the Ultimate Mountain Machine

Ferdinand Porsche was born in Bohemia in 1875. This northern vestige of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was ethnically German, but a problem existed when traveling: The Alps. At the dawn of the automotive age, no car was capable of overcoming the altitude, so he devised a brilliant solution. This is why Porsche is the ultimate mountain machine. Browse All Porsche For Sale Going uphill, a rear-wheel-drive car is fighting itself. Having the engine upfront is like Sisyphus wearing slippery shoes. True genius was reversing the layout. Placing the engine behind the rear wheels forces them into the ground. Not only does it work great on flat land, point the nose up and the effect is magnified. Click Here To Buy From the Beetle to the 356 and the 911, they really shine going skyward. A rear-engine car has more grip going uphill than any other situation, so your right foot responds with glee. Add in the latest advances in All-Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Steering and you have a recipe for high-altitude happiness. Click the button above for an amazing book by Stefan Bogner & Jan Karl Baedeker. "Porsche Drive" features incredible views from 15 famous Alpine passes. The final part of the trilogy will be published on October 10th, so click the link above for the first book and stay with us for all your Porsche news. " width="680"> Related: Porsche Ice Races Return To Austria Dr. Wolfgang Porsche's Five Favorite Cars

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2019

Jay Leno Drives a Bisimoto 911 Turbo

Many Porsche purists will tell you there is only one way to build a classic 930. Bisi Ezerioha is an engineer who emigrated from Nigeria. He is not your typical Porsche enthusiast, having realized the limitations of the original drivetrain. His innovative approach will undoubtedly inspire others, so that's why Jay Leno drove a Bisimoto 911 Turbo. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale Making big power with the 1st generation turbo engine is easy. Slap a big turbo and intercooler and call it a day. His goal was modern drivability and cleaner emissions offered by a late-model engine. The answer was found in the form of a 3.6-liter from a 996 series 911. It began production in 2001 as a de-tuned version of the 911 GT1, the same engine that won LeMans. As an engineer, Bisi understands the abilities of the PDK transmission, so he sourced one from a 997 (2004 to 2012). The car makes 850 horsepower on low boost, and it runs on a modern Can-Bus system of his own design. No burning oil or leaky pushrod tubes, this is the dawn of a new era in 930 restorations. " width="680">

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