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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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 13, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche x Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2024 Collec...

From head to toe, Porsche and Hugo Boss have you covered! In the fast lane of fashion and motorsport, Porsche is shifting gears beyond the production of icons like the 911, embracing the runway with the same DNA that applies to the racetrack. Teaming up with the style specialists at Hugo Boss, this collaboration is an example of what happens when German engineering meets the world of high fashion. Together, Porsche and Hugo Boss are crafting an exclusive lifestyle collection that translates into a sleek, head-to-toe clothing line. Taking their long-time friendship up a notch, Porsche and Hugo Boss dig into their heritage for the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, getting inspired by the slick interiors of Porsche sports cars. Shot against the backdrop of sunny Los Angeles, California, their newest campaign is all about the vibe of coming together over a shared car obsession for all things automotive. Whether you're sporting the brown leather jacket with the Porsche crest or a pair of casual leather sneakers, all the pieces featured in the lineup are designed to complement any Porsche on the perfect Sunday drive. The Spring/Summer 2024 collection also includes sporty styles like bomber jackets, hoodies, leather baseball jackets, and sneakers presented in a color palette of pale blue, warm gingerbread, almond white, and deep navy. If you're a Porsche purist looking to upgrade your wardrobe, shop the all-new Porsche x Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2024 collection by clicking the link be Shop Porsche x Hugo Boss Our Top Picks Porsche x Boss Leather Jacket With Special Branding Shop Now Porsche x Boss Cotton-Twill Cap With Dual-Branded Patch Shop Now Porsche x Boss Mercerized-Cotton Hoodie With Checkered Print Shop Now Porsche x Boss Leather Sneakers With Special Branding Shop Now Porsche x Boss Cotton-Blend Zip-Up Hoodie Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 27, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche x PUMA x LaMelo Ball 911 Turbo-Inspir...

From the racetrack to the basketball court, Porsche can truly do it all. Dominating on practically every surface, whether it be snow, dirt, or tarmac, Porsche also aims to show its fashion expertise on the runway with its Porsche Design lifestyle branch. And while its fashion line perfectly embodies the luxury and craftsmanship that resembles its interior design, Porsche Design is hitting the basketball court with PUMA and NBA star LaMelo Ball. No stranger to the world of exclusive, high-performance cars, Ball has been seen leaving the Charlotte Hornets' arena in his Ferrari SF90, Hummer EV, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The all-new PUMA x Porsche Basketball Collection pays homage to the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo and Indiana's involvement in automotive history. This release features racing-inspired graphics with yellow and black color themes, commemorating some of the most iconic shades featured on collector-grade examples like the 930 Porsche 911 Tubro. In addition to stylish hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, and accessories, the star of the stage is a special edition pair of LaMelo Ball's signature basketball sneaker, the MB.03 game shoe. So whether you're trying to stand out on game day or race day, shop all the fuel-driven styles from Porsche Design x PUMA x LaMelo Ball by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design x PUMA x LaMelo Ball Collection Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 22, 2024

Aimé Leon Dore Teases Its Spring/Summer '24 Drop With A P...

From the racetrack to the fashion runway, Porsche truly does it all! When you think of classic Porsche culture and the lifestyle synonymous with timeless sports cars, fashion often tends to play a crucial role with inspiration from automotive legendary cars like the 911. If there is one brand that directly lines up with Porsche and its historic involvement as a style icon it is Aimé Leon Dore, a Queens, New York-based fashion brand that has since taken the world by storm with founder Teddy Santis at the wheel. Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore have proved their popularity within the high-end streetwear world having released two instantly sold-out collections since their first collaboration in 2021. Today, Aimé Leon Dore took to its Instagram page to tease its upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 Collection with a shot of a classic leather jacket sporting a huge Porsche crest. The upcoming collection release from Aimé Leon Dore showcases a diverse lineup that features a few pieces with motorsport inspiration, whether it be a short-cut motorcycle jacket or racing jersey. With sneak peek photos proving that it won't be a full Porsche-themed drop, you can almost guarantee there will be a mad dash for the leather Porsche crest jacket. The all-new Aimé Leon Dore Spring/Summer 2024 Collection will be available online and in-store tomorrow at 11 AM EST. Shop all of the current Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche Collections by clicking the link below. Shop Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aimé Leon Dore (@aimeleondore) Source: Aimé Leon Dore Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2024

Porsche Design x Bric's Announce Its Upcoming Studio Coll...

Add some Porsche Design style to your everyday look. With a strong pulse on both the racetrack and fashion runway, Porsche proves itself as the stylish jack of all trades thanks to its Porsche Design lifestyle division. Aside from using automotive DNA and design influence from Ferdinand Porsche throughout its entire head-to-toe collection, Porsche Design also teams up with brands who share the same sense of craftsmanship and innovation to help diversify its portfolio while having the opportunity to create something truly special. Having a longstanding partnership with the professionals at Bric's Milano, Porsche Design is excited to announce the upcoming Studio Collection as part of its growing selection of automotive-inspired accessories. The backpack and accessories line features a sleek and stealthy monochromatic theme that adds elegance to one of life's most used accessories. Whether it be a more casual everyday bag or something a little more formal for the office, Porsche Design x Bric's new launch is sure to have something to accompany the lifestyle of any passionate car or fashion enthusiast. The Studio Collection is set to debut in March in select stores and online. If you can't wait that long, shop all the current Porsche Design x Bric's Collections by clicking on the link below. Shop All Porsche Design x Bric's Collections Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 06, 2023

Mattel Creations x Daniel Arsham Debut A Limited Edition ...

Mattel Creations is expanding its creative horizons with an extraordinary, fuel-driven collaboration with contemporary American artist Daniel Arsham. The partnership reimagines a selection of eight 1:64-scale Hot Wheels models and accessories, blending the worlds of art, iconic toys, and collectible cars. Arsham, known for his exploration of fictional archaeology and future history through various art mediums, brings his distinct vision to the Hot Wheels universe. The collaboration features limited edition releases across four "Laps," starting with crystalized, eroded versions of Hot Wheels' famous Rodger Dodger and a Porsche 930 Turbo. The debut, titled "Lap One," will be showcased at a public event in New York City and later on the Mattel Creations website, adding exclusivity and anticipation to the releases. This two-year project between Arsham Studio and Mattel Creations design team marries Arsham's innovative use of materials with the timeless appeal of iconic Hot Wheels models. For "Lap One," the Rodger Dodger, a modified 1973 Dodge Charger SE, and the Porsche 930 Turbo, a favorite of Arsham, are the chosen models. The collaboration also introduces the Eroded Super Rally Case, inspired by the original 1968 Hot Wheels Rally Case, enhancing the collectible nature of the series. One of the collaboration's groundbreaking aspects is the use of Silkstone, a porcelain-like composite, to capture Arsham's signature eroded details at a miniature scale. This choice marks the first time Silkstone has been used for 1:64-scale Hot Wheels models, making it a historic moment in toy and art fusion. Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel, highlights this partnership as a blend of legends, offering fans a unique collection that transcends the boundaries of toys and art. The Mattel Creations and Daniel Arsham collaboration is set to captivate both Hot Wheels enthusiasts and art collectors, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved toy car brand while showcasing Arsham's artistic expertise. Shop all of the automotive-inspired collectibles from Mattel by clicking the link below. Shop All Hot Wheels Toys Source: Mattel

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 01, 2023

Rainer Schlegelmilch’s New "Porsche Racing Moments" Celeb...

See Porsche's incredible racing history through the lens of Ranier Schlegelmilch. Rainer W. Schlegelmilch's name resonates with an unmistakable echo in the world of motorsports photography, particularly when it comes to capturing the essence of Porsche racing. His latest work, a visually stunning photo book, offers an intimate 25-year journey into the heart of Porsche's racing history, showcasing a blend of speed, design, and passion. Schlegelmilch's journey began at the Nürburgring in 1962, igniting a lifelong dedication to motorsports and Porsche. This book, spanning from 1963 to 1988, is both a curation of photographs and a narrative of evolution, capturing the essence of the track, the raw conversations of drivers, the hard work of mechanics, and, most importantly, the revolutionary designs of Porsche racing cars. The collection highlights iconic models like the 550, 718, RS, RSK, 907, 908, and the legendary 917 and 962, along with the timeless 911. Each model is brought to life through Schlegelmilch's unique zoom technique, transforming the cars' motion into a vibrant, almost tangible experience. The images, whether in striking black and white or vivid color, convey the speed and spirit of these engineering marvels. But this book delves deeper than the cars. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the real world of racing. The nervous anticipation of teams, the intense discussions among drivers, the grease-stained hands of mechanics – all these elements are captured with a realism that transports the reader right to the heart of the action. The Collector's Edition, numbered and personally signed by Schlegelmilch himself, comprises copies 201 to 962, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts and collectors. Additionally, two exclusive Art Editions, featuring original prints signed by the photographer, offer an even more immersive experience into this captivating world. This book is a must-have not only for Porsche aficionados but also for anyone who appreciates the art of photography and the thrill of racing. It speaks to the enduring legacy of Porsche in the racing world and a tribute to the genius of Rainer W. Schlegelmilch, whose lens has so eloquently captured the essence of speed, design, and the raw beauty of motorsports. In a world where racing and automotive design evolve rapidly, this book stands as a timeless reminder of the glory and history of Porsche racing. It's an invitation to explore a rich legacy, a journey through time, and a celebration of the passion that drives the world of motorsports. The essence of Porsche's racing saga, as seen through Schlegelmilch's lens, is a narrative not just of cars and races, but of emotion, innovation, and an undying passion for speed. Buy The Book Image Source: Taschen

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2023

Discover The New RECARO x Porsche Limited-Edition Gaming ...

The exclusive Porsche gaming chair in collaboration with RECARO offers comfortable seat performance for any home or office. Straight from the cockpit of a German racecar comes an exclusive collaboration between Porsche and the luxury seating professionals at RECARO. Establishing a household name in the world of motorsports, RECARO specializes in engineering lightweight and safe seat configurations for automobiles, aircraft, and eGaming. The new RECARO x Porsche Gaming Chair features the same design as the RECARO Exo Platinum bucket seat, using an ergonomically optimized shell constructed of high-quality upholstery foam and breathable fabrics. Whether you are tackling tasks on the computer or tracking lap times on your favorite videogame, the RECARO x Porsche Gaming Chair adds performance to any environment. The color scheme pays homage to Porsche Motorsport’s classic colors designed by Studio F.A. Porsche. Along with a red, black, and grey colorway, the gaming chair also includes an embroidered Porsche crest on the headrest. Complement the home or office of any passionate Porsche enthusiast by pre-ordering the new RECARO x Porsche Gaming Chair, limited to only 911 units. Price: $2,499 Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2023

The PUMA PCA Classic Club Coupe Wild Rider Sneakers Are A...

In collaboration with Porsche Club of America, PUMA commemorate the historic community with its very own sneaker release. As automotive-inspired collaborations continue to grow in popularity, enthusiasts are finding new and exclusive collection releases that feature icons like the Porsche 911. With Porsche being one of the most celebrated brands through its community of passionate followers, Porsche Design and PUMA Motorsports teamed up with Porsche Club of America to release a performance-driven sneaker for PCA members. The training sneaker features a colorway that resembles the PCA logo, showcasing shades of red, white, and blue through the low-cut silhouette. Paying tribute to PCA’s founding year (1955), the sneakers are limited to only 1,955 pairs, which are solely available to PCA members with a valid membership I.D. If you do not have an active membership upon checkout, one can be easily purchased through the Porsche Club of America for $45 per year. The all-new PCA Classic Club Coupe Limited Edition Wild Rider sneakers are currently available for $150 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2022

RUF Automobile Teams Up With MAC Jeans On The Ultimate Dr...

The perfect pair for long car rides or time spent out on the race track. RUF Automobile prides itself on creating a truly unique driving experience throughout its line of modified Porsche chassis, perfectly balancing performance and comfort characteristics. Operating as a well-rounded luxury brand, the automotive specialists also collaborate with companies and industries to further diversify its lifestyle portfolio. Since working on exclusive releases with Highsnobiety and TAG Heuer, RUF is back to showcase its talents in the world of fashion with the denim professionals at MAC Jeans. MUST-READ: The duPont REGISTRY 2022 Holiday Luxury Gift Guide The new MAC Ultimate Drivers Pants are a limited-edition release from RUF Automobile x MAC Jeans, combining talents to create the perfect pair of automotive-inspired jeans. Made from high-quality stretch denim with elasticity, the Ultimate Drivers Pants feature a modern fit that is comfortable while working in the shop or behind the wheel. The dynamic duo also incorporates small hidden features like a RUF car silhouette stitched just above the right side pocket. Available in an array of sizes, the Ultimate Drivers Pants from RUF Automobile x MAC Jeans can be purchased for $235 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: RUF Automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2022

This New Porsche 959 Book Covers The Supercar's Historic ...

Of all the exceptional automotive examples to hit the tarmac, the Porsche 959 holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts all around the world. From its role as a Paris-Dakar rally car to a multi-million dollar collectible, its historic lineage tells a tale of a pioneering supercar fit with performance and technology far ahead of its time. After 30 years of success, journalist Jürgen Lewandowski covers the timeline of the Porsche 959 in a detailed illustrated book. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: 1988 Porsche 959 Finished In Paint-to-Sample Emerald Green A fascinating boxed set with three volumes on different topics: technical data, history, and a coffee table-style book that showcases the 959. The publication filled with high-resolution images sheds light on Porsche’s innovative project, beginning with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, an all-wheel-drive system, and a goal to achieve 200mph. Jürgen witnessed the development of the Porsche 959 more than 30 years ago and describes the difficult birth of the supercar. The Porsche 959 book from Jürgen Lewandowski is currently available for $135 by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: Uncrate

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