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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 – February 26, 2021

Porsche Top 5 Examines the "Moby Dick" 935-78

Captain Ahab would give up if he saw this beast. The latest episode of Porsche Top 5 examines Moby Dick, the iconic 935-78. Taking the 911 to within an inch of the rulebook was not easy, and it set precedents for aerodynamics for all to follow. The first Flachbau (Flat Nose) was so popular that a conversion kit was offered for new Porsche 911s for sale. Four decades later, a successor was offered as a new 935, an unchained track car based on the GT2 RS specs. Our dealers always have a few examples for sale if you need a centerpiece for your collection, so click the button to find yours. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 935 For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

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 Edward Jones – February 25, 2021

Highly-Optioned 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster in Guards Red ...

Presented by Porsche Centre Langley - This very Highly Optioned Guards Red 2019 991.2 Speedster has just been made available for sale. Collector cars like this do not come around very often. Originally custom ordered this one-owner car is a 10 out of 10. It is essentially like-new and has a clean carfax. The Speedster is released approximately every 8 years at the end of each 911 generation and this show car is #488 of 1948 produced for the world in 2019. This very rare Speedster has all the right options including front axle lift, chrono package, black leather interior with stitching in red, bose sound, 2 zone climate control, carbon fibre illuminated door sill guards, guards red seat belts, auto dimming mirrors, extended range fuel tank, tinted LED headlights in black including PDLS plus and much more. The New 4.0L Flat 6 Engine produces an exhilarating 502hp and sounds amazing. This car is pure fun every time you get behind the wheel! They can provide the official build sheet upon request and the new owner will receive a certificate of authenticity from Porsche. Please call or email now to speak with one of our highly trained Sales Executives before it is gone! Porsche Centre Langley has been the recipient of the prestigious Porsche Canada Premier Dealer Award in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. They are located just a short distance from Highway 1 in beautiful Langley British Columbia Canada. Porsche Centre Langley is part of the Open Road Auto Group. As Western Canada’s largest auto group they also have a Luxury Car dealership in Bellevue Washington which makes it much easier to ship cars into the U.S. market. View Price and Listing

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

Porsche Exclusive Unveils Heritage Design Package Pure

Big news from the Exclusive Manufactur department: Porsche unveils the Heritage Design Package Pure to add classic touches to every new 911 for sale. Should you feel more comfortable in vintage clothing, two interiors are offered. In addition to all black, a 2-tone beige on black leather is offered with corduroy inserts. The Sport Chrono package is standard, and all instrumentation features the same typeface used in the 1960s. Seats are embossed with the family crest, and 911 badges have been added to the rockers, dash, and several other details. A Porsche Exclusive Series 911 is a great investment, so click the button to find yours. Porsche 911 For Sale Images (C) Porsche A.G.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2021

Nike Announces A Porsche 917K Gulf Livery-Inspired SB Dun...

The Nike SB Dunk Low silhouette continues to act as a blank canvas for an array of special projects and collaborations, resulting in highly anticipated releases for enthusiasts and collectors. Nike is proud to announce the release of its most recent automotive-inspired sneaker featuring a classic livery seen on one of Porsche’s most iconic race cars. The Nike SB Dunk Low Club 58 Gulf pays homage to the 1970s Gulf Livery Porsche 917 K, a car known for participating in endurance races like Le Mans that will always hold significance in the automotive industry. The chill blue upper is made from soft suede and features #58 on the outer heel of each sneaker as well as the tongue tab. The vibrant orange commonly seen doing 200+ mph on the straightaway of Le Mans is now incorporated into the outsole of the new Nike SB, providing comfort and traction on or off the track. The special edition sneaker only shows the diversity of the automotive and sneaker world, which continues to bridge gaps and introduce individuals to new interests. The Nike SB Dunk Low Club 58 Gulf is set to release on February 27th, so check back in for a How To Buy special. Shop Nike Image Source: Twitter @brandon1an For more Gear news, Check out L’Art de L’Automobile x Carhartt WIP Set To Release Karhartt Collection

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Is Air-Cooled Perfection

Windshields should be optional on all supercars, and that is why the Gunther Werks 993 Speedster is air-cooled perfection. Chopping the roof would be a problem for lesser cars, so the team began by incorporating a roll cage and subframe connectors to the already-potent 993 chassis. Because their 993 coupe holds the air-cooled lap record at Laguna Seca, their goal was to replicate that level of performance without a roof. The Speedster windshield is optional, but the 4-liter stroker is not. Loaded with Mahle pistons and Motec management, it makes 330 lb-ft and over 435 horsepower. The G50 transmission has hardened internals, custom ratios, single-weight flywheel, and its bolted to a posi differential with carbon clutches. Only 25 cars will be built so you will need to find a 993 worthy of the conversion. How to buy a Porsche 993 Turbo S will give you more insight, then click the button to find yours. Porsche 911 For Sale Images (C) Gunther Werks

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Ergonomics Explained

Even with great lines and amazing power, the interior can make or break your driving experience. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo ergonomics are explained in their latest upload, so let's see what it takes to build a comfortable sedan. Now that the Taycan sedan is selling well, a longer roofline will appeal to those who need a bit more room. Manufacturers are often reticent to show how they mock-up the layout, but this neat jig allows everyone to give feedback on the materials and their placement. Is it a sedan, a shooting brake, or a crossover? We don't care. It is a sleek electric supercar from Stuttgart that recently broke the indoor land speed record. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and tell us which Taycan you prefer in the comments below. Porsche Taycan For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2021

The Porsche 911 is the Most Dependable Vehicle According ...

According to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the Porsche 911 is the most dependable vehicle in the U.S. This was the second time that the 911 has taken the top spot among all models in the past three years. In order to be given this award, the study analyzes the number of problems per 100 vehicles that are experienced in the past 12months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. Points are given per problem, so a low score is desired. According to Porsche, "U.S. customers reported 18 fewer PP100 in the latest study to bring the overall score down to 86 PP100 compared to this year’s luxury average of 118." But it wasn't just the 911 that was given an award as the Porsche Macan took the top spot for Compact Premium SUV. See All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Smashes Records At The Nürburgring

Shaving a fraction of a second is progress at the world's toughest track, so let's watch the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 smash records at the Nurburgring. While the formula remains the same, the ingredients are all new. Thanks to their dedicated team of Engineers at Weissach, the new GT program started with a blank slate. Every group offered improvements to make the new eclipse its predecessors. While each change might seem arbitrary, they add up to a much more capable car. The wheels are an inch wider at all corners, and the fronts are wider apart. This 911 marks the debut of a double-wishbone front suspension, finally replacing the MacPherson struts. All cars offer nearly twice the downforce of the previous GT3, so it allowed the team to lap the course in 6:59.927. This is faster than the 918 Spyder and a dozen seconds better than the previous 911 GT3. The team was undoubtedly testing the next 911 GT3 RS price and specs, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

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

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