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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 – October 13, 2020

2021 Porsche Calendar Highlights Their Icons Of Speed

Earlier today Mr. Pagani previewed the artwork we will see in their upcoming "calendario". Our German-speaking friends will also need to keep track of our solar orbit, so we are thankful that the 2021 Porsche Calendar highlights their icons of speed. To give us a hint of what's in-store, YouTube clip shows the fastest cars in the Porsche Museum as they were shot on-location. While it would be easily done by Graphic Artists or by digging up old photos, the "kalendar" will showcase everything from the 550 to the 919. Playing in slo-mo, we also see the Pink Pig, Rothman's 917, 935, and famous examples of the 911. Even though it outsold every other Porsche car in Q3, the Taycan didn't make the cut. If you want a 2021 Porsche Calendar, you will need to visit our local dealer. Check out great incentives on the new 911 for sale and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 08, 2020

2021 Porsche Taycan Charging Techniques

Kate Reid is an aerodynamic engineer who chose a career in Formula 1. Because her other skills were begging to be utilized, she left the racing world to open a boutique bakery in Melbourne. As she demands perfection from her team and their equipment, she chose the Porsche Taycan as a new daily driver. Having pastry skills along with a passion for fast cars, she is the perfect brand ambassador to explain the 2021 Porsche Taycan charging techniques. Porsche Taycan Price, Specs, Photos & Review Electrify America is building a nationwide network of fast chargers that are capable of normal AC or high-voltage DC operations. They are owned by Volkswagen and aimed at owners of the ID Series, e-tron, and Porsche EVs. Using their 800-Volt chargers, your car will ride the lightning as it is force-fed 350 Kilowatts. This will take you from 5% to 80% in less than 23 minutes. Of course the car can recognize and use lower voltages, and your home charger will have you topped off in 10 hours. With 200 miles of range, it will easily cover the distance between charge points, with all the luxury and performance that only Porsche can offer. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Porsche Taycan Turbo Attacks The Alps

One of the world's most formidable mountain ranges separates Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. The Alps are the ancestral home of the Porsche family, so they have always built cars capable of conquering high altitudes. Dr. Porsche's daily driver was one of his designs, the VW Beetle. Because of the thin air south of Salzburg, he fitted a big supercharger and more capable carburetors. Such is the history with Porsche, embracing turbos to add power at any altitude. Porsche Taycan Turbo Price, Specs, & Horsepower Now with the Taycan, "Turbo" is just a model, but it doesn't disappoint above the clouds. Simona de Silvestro is a Formula E racer and in the latest upload for 9:11 magazine, we see the Porsche Taycan Turbo attack the Alps. She is heading to Switzerland to show Porsche fans what 670 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque are capable of. If you haven't experienced the Taycan yet, click the button for the ride of a lifetime. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Models Are Made For Dreamers

To those among us that laugh at a 40-hour week, it is time to reward yourself. For those who face adversity and fight for what they believe in, the 2021 Porsche Panamera models are made for dreamers. With most of the car being all-new for the 2021 model year, you have two choices. First, the traditional sedan shares unmistakable styling with the current-generation 911. 2021 Porsche Panamera Powertrain Details Explained Big brother is the Panamera Sport Turismo. It has a high roof with a liftgate to haul your family or a lot of cargo in-style. Once you decide on the body, the engine choices are quite spectacular. The base model cars offer 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque from a 3-liter V6. Adding hybrid power, the 4S E-Hybrid offers 552 horsepower and 553 lb-ft by combining high-voltage with the same V6. The mid-range V8 in the GTS has 473 and 457 lb-ft, while the top-dog Turbo S is rated at 620 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Each car is built with the same precision and the latest in safety gear, so click the button below to find one for yourself. Browse New Porsche Panamera For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 02, 2020

Porsche Posts Impressive Q3 Performance

Listening to what your customers want and predicting industry trends are paramount to staying ahead of your competitors. While other brands have reported dismal deliveries, Porsche has just posted impressive Q3 performance. The culmination of all 192 independent dealers resulted in 15,548 Porsches sold. Model July-September 2020 2019 Difference ALL 911 1,567 1,701 -7.9% ALL 718 1,084 1,048 3.4% ALL TAYCAN 1,858 n/a n/a ALL PANAMERA 1,064 1,276 -16.6% ALL CAYENNE 4,509 4,300 4.9% ALL MACAN 5,466 6,480 -15.6% TOTAL 15,548 14,805 5.0% They took a hit in the 2nd quarter with a 20% drop, but that was better than most other brands. However, now that people are getting out and about the Macan led the pack with 5,466 sold. SUVs are still the hottest market segment, so the Cayenne was a close 2nd at 4,509. Panamera and the 718 Series Cayman/Boxster are nearly even: 1,064 vs 1,084, but the real shocker is electric. The Taycan tallied up at 1,858 cars, beating the 911 by 291 cars. Browse Porsche For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2020

Custom Hero Porsche Honors Fallen Sheriff Killed in the L...

It was on November 7, 2018 that tragedy struck at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California when a gunman entered the popular bar and opened fire. In total, 12 innocent people were killed, including Sergeant Ron Helus. Sgt. Helus was one of the first officers responding to the "shots fired" call. Risking his life, Helus entered the smoke-filled building where the gunman was. It was in this building that he was fatally wounded. Sgt. Helus died protecting the community he served. He was, and will forever be, a hero. To honor Sgt. Helus and the 12 victims that lost their lives, Rusnak/Westlake Porsche commissioned a tribute vinyl wrap for a 2020 Porsche 911 from Ghost Shield Film located in Thousand Oaks. This Hero911 wrap honors Sgt. Helus and his heroic acts with a design that mirrors his Ventura County Sheriff patrol car, complete with his name on the driver's side. Rusnak/Westlake Porsche has successfully teamed up with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation to display the Hero911 at community events and draw awareness on the fundraising efforts for the Helus Training Facility. The facility will provide the Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies with a state of the art training center to meet modern-day threats, allowing them to become familiar with the stresses of maneuvering, coordinating, and securing a location under live fire conditions. The community's outpouring of support has been historic. So far, the Sheriff’s Foundation has raised $400,000 of the $800,000 needed to make this vision a reality. If you happen to spot this very special Hero911 Porsche, be sure to use the hashtags #hero911, #borderline12 and #ronhelus when sharing images of it on social media. If you’d like to be more direct in your support of the Helus Training Facility, you can donate at: VCSheriffsFoundation.org. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 28, 2020

Porsche Celebrates 70 Years In the U.S.

Max Hoffman sold European cars on Park Avenue, and he took a gamble on a brand that was trying to get on its feet. Ferry Porsche sold him on the idea of a small & nimble sportscar. It was air-cooled and motivated by a flat-four shared with the Volkswagen Beetle. Dr. Porsche & Max Hoffman What began with two 356 coupes has evolved in a comprehensive lineup of powerful luxury cars. North America represents their largest customer base, so the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta or Los Angeles should be on your bucket list. As a show of solidarity, over 81,000 owners and fans gathered at Laguna Seca Raceway back in 2018 for the brand's 70th anniversary. Porsche Taycan Price, Specs, Photos & Review The press release concludes with the notion that the Taycan is a preview of where the brand is going, and their future looks bright to us. A majority of our fans and subscribers have owned a Porsche 911 at some point, and that is just one reason for us to be your 1st resource when buying or selling anything from Zuffenhausen. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2020

Brumos Collection "Inside The 59" Compares the Porsche 91...

Two of Stuttgart's most potent machines are separated by a few decades. Even at a distance, they are easily recognizable as supercars that were far ahead of their time. Many mysteries and questions surround their development and abilities, so that is why the Brumos Collection "Inside The 59" compares the Porsche 918 Spyder to the Porsche 959. " width="680"> This amazing museum opened last year in Jacksonville, Florida. The campus has ample room for PCA events and might eventually include a race track. The building itself is an accurate copy of the Ford Model T factory that opened in 1925 along the riverbank in Downtown Jacksonville. It is filled with nostalgic images of the city's past, along with hundreds of pieces of Brumos history. As one of the oldest Porsche dealers in the U.S., they fielded cars in the world's biggest races, often with my hometown hero Hurley Haywood behind the wheel. The livestream begins at noon today, so they gave us a preview of both cars. Browse Porsche 918 Spyder For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2020

Porsche Announces Expansion To Their Atlanta Headquarters

For those that have driven on Interstate 75, you should feel guilty for not stopping at Porsche HQ. Located only a few minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, it is a mecca for all enthusiasts. That is why Porsche has announced a major expansion to their Atlanta headquarters. The details arrived in a press release yesterday highlights their acquisition of 33 acres adjacent to their 27-acre facility. Stage 1 will be a massive service and restoration center that will break ground this month. More than doubling their footprint, it leaves room for expansion of their amazing test track, driver training circuit, and delivery experience. For anyone with a layover in Atlanta (thanks Delta) you owe it to yourself to check out Porsche history, tasty German food, and their new car subscription service. We will be there when Phase 1 opens, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

Daniel Arsham Unveils A Classic For Porsche Project Numbe...

Porsche will continuously live on for producing vehicles that remain timeless in both design and performance. Older body styles are coveted as works of art that also provide a true driving experience on the road or track. Daniel Arsham has embraced the art behind the classic Porsche 930A Turbo with his second project with Porsche. The project took two years with a 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo as the base behind the complete rebuild. Daniel’s inspiration behind the development and production is the 1980 Porsche 935 K3 sponsored by Apple. The hand-painted livery takes on a classic design with a modern touch, which follows its way to the interior as well. A complete overhaul was done inside, featuring a dark blue design with Porsche and Daniel Arsham badging found throughout the inside. The smallest of details added by Daniel, including the monogram 1974 Porsche RSR magnesium wheels and gauges, done in Porsche font. The heart of the Porsche is a complete rebuilt turbocharged engine that is powder-coated to complement the livery. The Daniel Arsham Porsche 930A Turbo is a work of art that grasps classic design and performance. Although the project released in detail on Daniel Arsham’s Instagram, he has announced that more stories of the build will be shared this week. Source: Daniel Arsham

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