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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 – March 03, 2020

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet Revealed

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3.8-liter boxer engineHorsepower: 640 hpTorque: 590 lb-ft0 to 60 mph: 2.6 seconds (Coupe)Top Speed: 205 mphPrice: $203,500 (Coupe), $216,300 (Cabriolet) The wait is over. Ever since the new 992 generation of the Porsche 911 was revealed, we've been waiting for the turbocharged version. Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe and Cabriolet. Let's start off with what we all have been wanting to know. Power. The new 911 Turbo S is powered by a new 3.8-liter boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers. This heart pumps out 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 60 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque over the previous generation. So what about acceleration? It's better than ever. Porsche says the new 911 Turbo S will run from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds (2.7 seconds for the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet). That's 0.2 seconds faster than the previous model. Porsche also notes that the 911 Turbo S Coupe will run a standing quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 mph. Now, onto everything else. For the body, it's now 1.8 inches wider up front and overall width is increased by 0.78 inches for a total of 74.8 inches. How about those wheels? For the first time, the 911 Turbo S uses staggered centerlock wheels with 20-inch wheels in the front and 21-inch rear wheels. Porsche is introducing two new factory options for the 2021 Turbo S models. The first is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport suspension. This suspension system lowers the right heigh by 0.39 inches. The second option is the Sport Exhaust System with adjustable exhaust flaps and oval tailpipes. The new 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S models will be available to order soon and will reach the U.S. in late 2020. The 911 Turbo S price is set at $203,500, while the Cabriolet is priced at $216,300 (both prices exclude the $1,350 in delivery fees).

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 Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2019

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera Unveiled

Porsche does things their own way. Because they offer so many versions of the 911, there is an intense plan at work. As the factories wind down production on the 2019 model year, it signals the end of the 991.2 chassis. We have already been introduced to the future in the form of the 2020 Carrera S. This was a smart move to hit the ground running with a performance model. Yet, there are many among us who don't need 443 horsepower. Gladly, we now have a new benchmark for the competition to follow, as the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera has been unveiled. Don't call it a base model, although it is the entry-level Porsche 911. Offered as a coupe and cabriolet, the 3.0L flat-six uses twin turbos to make 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Speaking of torque, it is offered everywhere between 1,950 and 5,000 rpm. It weighs in at 3,354 lbs, and it can reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds if you opt for the Sport Chrono Package. Pricing for the coupe starts at a competitive $97,400 and the drop-top is $110,200. For now, it appears as if the 8-speed PDK is the only transmission offered. Now that the Carrera is in the open, tell us which 911 model will be the next to debut. Our guess is the return of the Targa, followed by a GTS. Both of which will be offered in rear or AWD. Then the Turbo and Turbo S will eventually reclaim their spots as the flagship for the brand. Hopefully, the 992 chassis will yield GT2 and GT3 models, the waiting is the hardest part. In the meantime, our dealers have to make room for the new Carreras, so click the link below for great offers on remaining 2019 models and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Find Your Porsche 911 Here! " width="680"> Related: 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Configurator is Live! 2020 Porsche 911: Top 5 Interior Features

By Andrew Nabors – June 27, 2019

2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Cabriolet For Sale

How much horsepower can a convertible handle? If you are Porsche, the answer is always more. Exclusive Manufaktur is unlike anything else in the automotive world. Instead of adding badges and nice leather to a regular production 911, the Exclusive department builds cars by hand. Only 500 coupes were produced, but a few customers demanded more. So here is a 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Cabriolet for Sale. Our friends at Braman Porsche of West Palm Beach always have a direct line to Zuffenhausen, so they were able to order this stunning white example. Only 200 Cabriolets will be made, and each one will arrive with hand-stitched seats. Each car has numbered badges made of white gold. They are cast by hand by Porsche's goldsmiths. From the wheels to the rear bonnet, most of the body is carbon fiber. It is hand-laid and book-matched down the car's center line. All soft-touch materials like leather and carpets are of a better quality than a "normal" Turbo S, and that leads us to the engine. Engineers used a healthy amount of secret sauce to unlock 607 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It is sent to all wheels by a revised 7-speed PDK transmission. Thanks to the aforementioned carbon fiber, the lighter body allows the more powerful engine to offer incredible performance. You will be a 60 mph in 2.4 seconds, and 124 mph arrives in 9.6.... Only 200 examples are being built for the world, so we're not sure how many have been allocated for the U.S. Our friends at Braman Porsche of West Palm Beach have all the details, so click the link below for all the specs. View Listing

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2019

1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S With 88 Original Miles Heading t...

Heading to RM Sotheby's Amelia Island auction, March 8, 2019, is a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S that's virtually brand-new. This example of the last air-cooled 911 has just 88 original miles on its odometer and is in pristine quality. The original owner had the 911 Turbo S finished in a vibrant Speed Yellow paint with a matching black and yellow interior that looks like nobody has sat in. This Porsche 911 truly looks like it had been kept in a time capsule since it rolled off of the production line. It comes with its original owner's manual, factory literature, window sticker, tool set, air compressor, jack, spare keys and spare wheel. When this Porsche is delivered to whoever places the final bid, it will be like the original delivery that happened in 1997 because it comes with everything and looks like it did over two decades ago. RM Sotheby's notes: "As one of only 183 produced for the U.S. market, this exceedingly low-mileage Porsche 911 is sure to be one of, if not the most original Turbo S in existence." For more information, be sure to click the button below. learn more about this porsche!

By Edward Jones – November 28, 2018

2020 Porsche 911 (992): Price, Specs, Photos, and Review

Finally, the new 2020 Porsche 911 specs have been unveiled to the world. This is the eighth generation of the iconic model and it comes into the world with a slew of improvements over the outgoing model. Still, it remains a 911 with an unmistakable design. Engine For power, the 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S are now producing 443 horsepower from the turbocharged flat-six engine. That's an increase of 23 hp when compared to the previous generation. Routing this power is an 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission, with a manual gearbox coming in time, according to Porsche. The 911 Carrera S will run 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the 911 Carrera 4S will complete the sprint in 3.4 seconds. Those 0 to 60 times have been cut by 0.4 seconds for both models if you compare them to the outgoing model. The Sport Chrono Package can knock off an additional 0.2 seconds off the 0 to 60 time for each model when it's equipped. 911 (992) Exterior Porsche hasn't gone out of their way to reinvent the 911 with the 2020 models, which is expected. When you have such an iconic and recognizable design, there's no need to completely redesign it. Still, the 2020 Porsche 911 does have some new design changes that make it fresh. In the front are the unmistakable round 911 lights, but in between is a hood that now has more pronounced contours. Porsche says this was meant to evoke the styling of the first 911 generations. Along the sides, you may notice that the car has been widened by 1.77-inches in the front and the rear has been increased to the same width as the previous 911 Carrera 4 and 911 GTS models. Out in the back of the 2020 911 is where most of the style changes happened. Right away, you'll notice the massive light bar and a wider rear spoiler. Additionally, Porsche has decided to craft the entire out skin, except for the front and rear fascia, out of aluminum. 911 (992) Interior It seems Porsche was really reminiscing about their older 911 models while designing the 2020 model. Inside the new 911 is an interior that was inspired by the 1970's Porsche 911s. Straight lines dominate the new 911's interior, creating an unbelievably clean-looking cabin. As for buttons and gadgets, the center console has been redesigned in order to make controlling the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) an easier feat. Speaking of the PCM, it's now viewable on a massive 10.9-inch touchscreen display, an increase of 3.9-inches over the previous model. Safety and Technology The duPont REGISTRY headquarters is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, meaning we have to deal with the rain all too often. For folks like us, Porsche has, for the first time, developed the Wet Mode as standard on the new 911. This mode will detect if there's water on the road and adjust the stability control and anti-lock brake systems so they're ready for tire slippage. Owners of the new 2020 Porsche 911 can also opt for a few other safety features, like Night Vision Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Price and Production The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S comes with a base MSRP of $113,200; the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has a base MSRP of $120,600. Neither of these prices include the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. Those interested can order their new 911 now and expect them to reach dealers in summer 2019. " width="680"> Also Check Out: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review How To Drive a Porsche 911 GT3 RS Faster Than Ever Porsche 911 GT3 Specs, Prices, Photos & Review Porsche 911 GT3 RS Generation Comparison Magnus Walker’s Favorite Porsche 911

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2018

TECHART Boosts the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's Po...

TECHART is taking their expertise and using it to upgrade the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's power and style, thanks to their new power kit and GrandGT styling package. The power kit is being unveiled before its debut at the Essen Motor Show 2018 (December 1-9). The new power kit for the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid increases the car's power from 680 horsepower to 770 hp, and 627 lb-ft of torque to 723 lb-ft. This power can carry the car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and to a top speed of 196 mph. TECHART also has an exhaust system for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid model that gives it a deeper V8 sound. On top of the power kit, literally, is the TECHART GrandGT styling packages that gives the car a whole new look. This styling package includes a carbon fiber hood, front fascia, extended wheel arches, side skirts, rear apron and more. There's also the new 22-inch Formula V wheels from TECHART that blend perfectly with the styling package. And, as always, TECHART's interior capabilities are just about limitless when it comes to design. Be sure to visit TECHART.de to learn more. Also Check Out: See the Moment Stephen Curry’s Porsche Gets Smashed in an Accident Hidden Porsche Workshop is Heaven on Earth 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2018

Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR Shatters 'Ring Record Time

If you are reading this, you probably know that Porsches are fast. In fact, the 911 GT2 RS set a new record time in September 2017. Their lap time of 6:47.25 was broken by the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ back in July. The latest Aventador lapped the historic track in 6:44.97. But it is time for a new leader. Manthey-Racing is an engineering and development company based at the Nürburgring. Their know the track better than anyone else, which is why Porsche owns 51% of the company. In a press release this morning, Porsche announced a new lap time, and behind the wheel was Lars Kern. He is the same development engineer who set the record in 2017, and in the evening hours of November 1st, he set a new world record. The time to beat is now at 6:40.3! To put that in perspective, it is one minute faster than the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini Murcielago, both of which are other brands owned by Volkswagen Group. Somewhere in his Austrian estate, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche is smiling. His father's creation still reigns supreme, and the GT2 RS is undoubtedly the fastest production car in the world. Find Your Porsche 911 GT2 RS Here!

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