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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 – April 05, 2021

Mark Webber's Taycan Isn't Afraid of Rain

Noosa is just outside Queensland, and it is a beacon for tourists thanks to great weather and scenic beaches. But the coast is packed with tourists, which prompted Porsche's Brand Ambassador to head into the mountains. Built to be practical and stylish, it is capable of cruising in any weather, and it isn't afraid of rain. With a range of 373 miles, you will have the ability to clear your head in 2.4 seconds. That's all you need to reach 60 mph, and it makes the Taycan one of the fastest cars in production. Choosing between the sedan and the CrossTurismo could be a hard task, so click the button to learn more about them, and stay with us for all your Taycan updates. View Mark Webber's Road Trip

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2021

Bill & Ted's Ultimate Porsche Taycan Adventure

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are back in action again. The famous metalhead slackers who always seem to find adventure have been challenged to see how far a Porsche Taycan for sale can go on a single charge. Their journey takes them from the Central Valley then over to the Pacific Coast Highway. This scenic drive along the ocean offers amazing curves when it's not packed with tourists. Spots around the famous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur have also been the backdrop for many famous car commercials. Range anxiety was a term once lauded by those who feared taking a long trip and being marooned with a dead battery. Every Porsche Taycan for sale has independent cooling circuits for the battery pack and the engine, and the computer is constantly making changes to keep them optimized. Officially rated at 201 miles, it can be quick-charged from 5% to 80% in under 23 minutes. Where will your Taycan take you? See All Porsche Taycan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2021

New Porsche Taycan Delivered By Mark Webber

While we're slowly warming up, it feels like Summer Down Under. So its perfect weather for a new Porsche Taycan to be delivered by Mark Webber. He has been a critical part of the car's development. Not only in driving, but offering insights to fans around the world. Sales of the Taycan Turbo and the 4S models are defying our dealers' forecasts, and the big news is the arrival of the Taycan RWD. The entry-level model starts at only $81,250, but we can't guarantee Mr. Webbber will be available. If you need to drive the world's fastest indoor car, click the button below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

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 – January 26, 2021

Porsche Design Introduces Patrick Dempsey As 2021 Brand A...

Yesterday, we covered Porsche Design’s Instagram post teasing both a new brand ambassador and luxury eyewear collection. A few hints were provided, leaving fans guessing who Porsche Design's new member was going to be. After a couple of days of keeping a secret, Porsche Design is proud to announce Patrick Dempsey as its new ambassador for 2021. A video released on the Instagram page gives a behind the scenes look at the photoshoot featuring Dempsey and the new eyewear collection set to release this year. As a Porsche fanatic, he knows his way around the interior of a racecar. Dempsey even participated as a driver in the 2014 24-Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 911 RSR. Patrick Dempsey is very much a respected individual in the world of Porsche, which makes it a perfect transition into the fashion world of Porsche Design. Check back in for future release information on the Porsche Design Eyewear Collection featuring Patrick Dempsey. For more Porsche news, Check out Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition x Porsche Design Heritage Chronograph

By Dylan Orluck – December 21, 2020

Watch NativeFour's Porsche Filled "Ascension" Video Featu...

In a world filled with media and content, often hard to find a quality piece that speaks to you the way NativeFour’s newest video, “Ascension” spoke to us. Every car enthusiast is looking to fuel their passion, and Magnus Walker is the quintessential example of this. If you consider yourself a Porsche person, chances are you are familiar with the name Magnus Walker. Originally from England, he chased his dreams, came to America, and became one of the most influential people in the automotive world. His collection of air-cooled Porsches is what dreams are made of. View All Porsche Turbo For Sale NativeFours latest video is short, concise, and to the point, yet the quality is unbelievable. It gets you excited to get out and get after it. In its new video together, Magnus gives you step by step instructions on how to chase your dreams in a thrilling minute long film that keeps you at the edge of your seat and features some of his favorite Porsches (1975 930 Turbo, 1974 930 slant-nose, 2021 992 Turbo S). With this mentality, Magnus can reach his goals and live a life unmatched by nearly anyone. Check out ‘Ascension’ below, and stay tuned for more NativeFour content in the future. " width="680"> A film by Cameron Thuman and Dilan MistryProduction Company: NativeFour

By Andrew Nabors – October 22, 2020

Porsche Museum Behind The Scenes of the Cyberpunk 2077 Video

Aside from German history and architecture, there is one spot in Stuttgart that needs to be on your Bucket List. In order to preview an upcoming PC game, all hands were on deck to shuffle cars to film a gorgeous 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo. Along with Keanu Reeves and his Arch Motorcycles, they will star in Cyberpunk 2077. Obviously, modern PC games have life-like graphics and situations, so here is the Porsche Museum behind the scenes. Click the button to find your 911 Turbo and we will have a full review of the game as soon as it's released. Browse Porsche 911 Turbo For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 02, 2018

Jerry Seinfeld Buys Porsche Werks 911 RSR

Porsche had a problem in the early 70's. Their 917 was banned for being so dominant. So they went back to the drawing board for a new race car. Using the shell of a normal 911, the Werks racing department installed a roll cage and deleted many of the accessories along with insulation. The result was the 1974 and 1975 Porsche 911 RSR. Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee Returns July 6th Power comes from a 3.0L flat six and a giant turbo. Conservatively rated at 330 hp, it was cast from aluminum rather than magnesium for durability. Each cylinder had twin spark plugs and Porsche Werks offered aggressive cams to bump the power to 345 hp. Only a handful were built. Mostly for the Werks drivers, and some were purchased by privateer teams once the program was announced. Jerry Seinfeld’s 911 GT3 RS Is 1 of 1 Needless to say these factory-built race cars are rare, and that's why our friend Jerry Seinfeld had to have one. In an Instagram Post yesterday, the famous comedian & actor uploaded his new acquisition. We saw it in 2012 at the Gooding auction on Amelia Island, and this car is perfect in every aspect. Since 1985, we have been your source for rare & collectible Porsches, so click the link below to find the perfect one for your collection. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale Just arrived in US. 1 of 31. So excited. A post shared by Jerry Seinfeld (@jerryseinfeld) on Jun 30, 2018 at 9:19pm PDT

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