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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 – May 27, 2020

Porsche Track Experience Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Growing up on Amelia Island, Hurley Haywood has never denied an autograpgh or a story from behind the wheel of Porsche's LeMans-Winning Supercars. This 5-time champion remains a brand ambassador for Porsche, and the honorary Chief Instructor. It you want to learn every aspect of your Porsche, pack your bags for Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Programs range from one-day vehicle basics to a 4-day course. The latter will allow you to apply for a racing license after spending hours between classroom and on the track. Known by many Porsche fans as the "Augusta of race tracks", conquering the 2.38 mile course has 16 corners and 80 feet of elevation. Last year the entire circuit was repaved to push Porsche's 2020 lineup to its limits. Other venues include the Weissach proving grounds at the Nurburgring and Porsche's road course at the headquarters in Atlanta. Click the button to learn more about the program and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2020

Porsche "Big Game" Behind the Scenes

If you are a Porsche fan get ready for action. We have been the trusted resource for selling Porsche cars for 35 years, so it is only natural that we offer this film to you. Last year saw dismal commercials, so sit back and watch Porsche Big Game behind the scenes. Find Your Porsche Here Tell us what you think of the Big Game in the comments below!

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2020

Porsche Ice Races Return to St. Moritz

Can you handle the world's hottest cars on a frozen Swiss lake? That is the question that Stuttgart sent to their top clientele, as the Porsche Ice Races have returned to St. Moritz. Bentley and other VW brands have also participated in years past, but something about a rear-engined supercar with studded tire piques my curiosity. The new 992 Series Porsche 911 has a winter mode in the drive controller, so this is the perfect way to experience it. Click the button below to find your new 911 and stay with us for all your Porsche updates. Browse New Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2019

Live Look at the New Porsches at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019

Porsche has arrived at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 with a number of new models. From the Taycan to the new 911 Carrera 4, their booth is quite extraordinary. We made it across the pond and over to the show just so we could bring some live photos and coverage for you. Check out what they brought down below. see all porsches for sale Porsche Taycan Porsche brought two examples of the new Taycan to the show, a Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo. The Taycan Turbo was represented in a brilliant red finish, while the Taycan Turbo S was fashioned onto an LED display while finished in white. learn more about the porsche taycan Porsche 911 Carrera 4 The new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet models that were just revealed made their way to Frankfurt. These new all-wheel-drive models are powered by the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine found in the other 2020 911 Carrera models. see all porsche 911's for sale Porsche Cayenne Coupe and E-Hybrid Porsche's Cayenne range is growing by the day and they brought some of their latest variants out for the crowd at Frankfurt. Want a Cayenne but need more of a sporty style? Go for the Coupe. Want a Cayenne but also want incredible gas mileage? Go for the E-Hybrid variants. see all porsche cayennes for sale Porsche 718 Models The new Porsche 718s are getting better and better each year. Take the Cayman GT4, for example. This sports car is possibly one of the greatest out there and worth a look for prospective buyers. There's also the 718 Spyder, which you'll notice doesn't include the name "Boxster." This model is perfect for those sporty top-down drives. see all porsche 718 Caymans for sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2019

Porsche Museum Attends Solitude Revival 2019

West of Stuttgart is a historic racetrack named after the Castle Solitude. It is a 7-mile track that opened in 1935 and has been host to Formula 1 and Formula II races until 1965. Perhaps the track's best feature is the ability to host private events. That is what happened a few weeks ago, as the Porsche Museum attended Solitude Revival 2019. Because the Museum keeps these machines ready to race, spectators were able to see many generations of the 911, along with the 917 KH Gulf, 550 Spyder, and the 804 Formula 1. It wasn't just about the cars, drivers included Hans Stuck, André Lotterer, and Hans Herrmann. Walter Röhrl visited the track in 1954 at the age of 7, and it probably influenced his career choices. Later in life, he realized how close the fans were to the track: "Later, when I saw a similar scene from inside a racing car, I thought: Are they insane?” Stephane Ortelli was behind the wheel of the 911 GT1 and said: "Its sound, its acceleration, just how brilliantly everything works – it’s extremely impressive". Hans Mezger explained the intricacies of his engines, which powered the 911 for over 3 decades. His friend Eberhard Mahle raced in 3 classes at Solitude, winning two outright and taking 3rd place in the other. He said: Solitude was a driver’s course – it was even possible to win with an inferior car, just by being better.” And he adds, with a grin: “I’m still the best at driving cars to this day". If you want to be part of the family, your best starting point is a Porsche 911. Click the link below to experience the new 992 series. It is all-new for 2020, and it is the one you have been waiting for. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2018

Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI is Underway

The Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI is underway and it's already making waves. During the kickoff day of the event, the German automaker decided to blow us all away and debut a new 935 model. On top of that, the 911 Speedster Concept made it's U.S. debut at the event. But Rennsport Reunion isn't just about new cars. In fact, there are hundreds of championship-winning and classic Porsche race cars in attendance and dozens of legendary race car drivers.“For us, Rennsport is a giant family reunion,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. “We are always thrilled when we get to celebrate our rich history and tradition alongside those who make the Porsche brand what it is -- our car owners, fans, and drivers.”For those attending the event at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, there's a lot in store for you. Fans of motorsport will be delighted to know that Porsche will be holding multiple autograph sessions, as well as on-stage interviews with drivers and Porsche executives. Porsche also notes that there will be plenty of games, giveaways and meet-and-greets.Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI will be running until September 30. View All Porsche for Sale

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