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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 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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 22, 2020

Porsche Design Announces New GT2 Smartwatch Partnership W...

An increase in the popularity of smartwatches has traditional timepiece manufacturers going to the drawing board to design their own rendition. Porsche Design is partnering with Huawei to release a GT2 watch, a classic yet luxurious smartwatch using innovative technology. The minimalistic design uses titanium for a light weight comfortable option for sport driven users. The Porsche Design Huawei Watch GT2 provides available functions for smart workouts and health monitoring using a 6-in-1 LED lens located on the case back. The packaging for the new release includes a wireless charger, cable, and a Fluoroelastomer strap. The Porsche Design Huawei Watch GT2 will be available at the end of November 2020. Shop Porsche Design

By Andrew Nabors – October 21, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrids Released To Compl...

Earlier this month we were delighted to learn that Porsche's popular sedan was gaining a 4S E-Hybrid along with a GTS. The Turbo S examples of the sedan and the Sport Turismo offer 620 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque, enough to keep you pinned to the seat. However, one model was noticeably absent. That is why are happy to tell you the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrids have been released to complete the Panamera lineup. 2021 Porsche Panamera Models Are Made For Dreamers While the base model V6 offers a decent 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, your Turbo S E-Hybrid will arrive with 700 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 195 mph, you will also have an electric range of 36 miles. A leap to 60 mph takes 3.0 seconds, and you will reach 124 mph in 10.9 ticks. The battery is rated at 18 kWh, and it sends 136 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to an electric motor integrated with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Available on the short wheelbase and the Panamera Executive, the Sport Turismo will offer 3 ways to enjoy such immense power. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2020

Jay Leno Drives 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The only rear-engine car sold in the US is also offered in several body styles. From the classic coupe to a Speedster, the Cabriolet and Targa offer something for everyone. Given the trim levels for each, it can be difficult to choose between over 30 variants. At up to 30 mph, the fabric roof can disappear under the rear glass to offer the best of both worlds. Jay Leno’s Car Collection An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic or the bulletproof 7-speed manual sends power to all wheels. With the Sport Chrono package onboard, you will reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The 3-liter twin-turbo offers 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, and it only has to push around 3,687 lbs. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your 911 news. Browse Porsche 911 Targa 4S For Sale " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2020

Watch Jeff Zwart Take On Pikes Peak In A Porsche 935

The Porsche 935 will live on forever as a historic automobile in the racing community. Porsche released a modern version that was extremely limited, leaving Porsche collectors wanting a chance at obtaining a chassis. A YouTube video posted by Will Roegge takes us on Jeff Zwart’s journey at the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the Road Scholars x Ingram Collection Porsche 935 by E-motion Engineering. Various cameras set up on the interior and exterior of the race car gives the public insight as to what it takes to control a Porsche at high speed. View All Porsche 935 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 14, 2020

Porsche Top 5 Most Thrilling GT Models

With an advertising budget that rivals Berkshire Hathaway, Porsche never fails to create amazing videos. Their latest upload is the perfect motivation to explore their most capable offerings, so let's see the Porsche Top 5 most thrilling GT models. A quick poll around the office has yielded promising candidates. The GT2 RS because of the bonkers amount of power sent to the rear wheels only. A Carrera GT because it scared their Chief Test Driver Walter Röhrl. The GT3 RS appeals to pure flat-six power, made without the need for turbos. You might have forgotten the 911 GT1, but they usually sell for over $3 Million. Tell us your ideal Porsche GT car in the comments below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Sale " width="680">

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">

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