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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 – 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 – December 05, 2022

Porsche x Dominik Gührs Adventure Through Iceland In The ...

As a professional wakeboarder, he has won all the major titles. He travels the world, taking his boards with him. Breaking the mold of traditional electric vehicles, Porsche continues to engineer its Taycan lineup to withstand the uncanny forces of nature. While stats and figures prove its capabilities, the German automotive manufacturer prides itself on testing its versatility in the hands of its brand ambassadors. Porsche is excited to take its next adventure with extreme athlete and professional wakeboarder Dominik Gührs, who travels the world in search of new challenges. Set out on his road trip to Iceland, Dominik grabs the keys to a Cherry Metallic Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo with the intention of pushing its boundaries to the limits. MUST-READ: Travis Barker Puts The Porsche Taycan Sound System To The Test As a thrill seeker that holds a tow rope behind a wakeboard boat traveling at 25mph, Gührs expresses his love for the instant torque created by the Taycan Cross Turismo’s electric engine platform. The Porsche is the ideal companion for him on his quest to find the best spots, with his board safely stowed in the luggage compartment. The range seems to be no issue as the 311-mile capacity easily navigates the extreme adventurist throughout Iceland, with the next charging station no more than 49 miles away. From urban canals to remote waterfalls with ice-cold temperatures, “The Taycan is super versatile and makes for an outstanding ride even under these difficult conditions,” says Gührs. View all current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 28, 2022

Dubai's 2022 Icons Of Porsche Festival Attracts Over 15,0...

While most car brands come with a following of dedicated owners and enthusiasts, none quite measure up to the passion that Porsche creates with its versatile line of performance cars and SUVs. Stretching all across the globe, regional groups gather to showcase Porsche examples from every era. The 2022 Icons of Porsche embodies all that the manufacturer represents, featuring a two-day festival with more than 15,000 people doubling last year’s crowd. The expanded 31,000-square-foot site hosts numerous cars, with its Safari Edition theme based around the off-road adventurists of the Middle East. MUST-READ: Porsche’s New ‘Dream Big.’ Art Exhibit In Miami Is Larger Than Life The second stage of the gathering was held at ‘The Slab’ in the Dubai Design District beside the spectacular skyline of downtown Dubai. The event highlights some of Porsche’s most iconic offerings such as the 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 RS, 718 Cayman GT4, 911 Turbo S, and many more. The festival also hosted the regional premiere of the 911 Dakar, 911 GT3 RS, and 911 Sport Classic. Fans were able to experience thrilling rides in the latest Cayenne on a purpose-built off-road track within the event precinct. Along with examples owned by locals, four classic sportscars from the Porsche Museum made the trip from Stuttgart to Dubai for Icons of Porsche this year. The 2023 edition of the Icons of Porsche festival, which will celebrate 75 years of Porsche Sportscars, is planned to be held on 18-19 November 2023. View all current Porsche models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2022

Porsche's New 'Dream Big.' Art Exhibit In Miami Is Larger...

In October 2021, Porsche launched ‘The Art of Dreams’, a series of interactive art installations in major cities. Always taking an artistic approach to continue its legacy, Porsche prides itself on incorporating its performance cars and SUVs into temporary works of art. As part of the all-new ‘Dream Big.’ installation by Scottish artists Chris Labrooy, the German automotive manufacturer is bringing its global initiative ‘The Art of Dreams’ to North America for the first time. The artwork is an homage to the dreams of childhood. MUST-READ: The Best Paint to Sample Porsches You Can Buy Today The modern art exhibit takes shape as a larger-than-life figure with a race helmet, addressing the child in every one of us and challenging beholders to dream big. Highlighting the main focal point of the piece is a white 992 Porsche 911 Carrera, which looks like a small toy car in the hand of the giant sculpture. ‘Dream Big.’ can be viewed at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The installation is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm from 29th November to 3rd December. View all current Porsche 911 Carrera examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below View All Porsche 911 Carrera For Sale Source: Porsche

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2022

L'Art de L'Automobile Releases A Limited-Edition Porsche ...

Down to every detail, this is as close as it gets to the real deal. Porsche’s influence on art carries just as much significance as it does on the track, creating timeless examples that seem to age like a fine wine. Exploring the beauty of Porsche through streetwear, L’Art de L’Automobile’s founder Arthur Kar has built his brand on pure passion. After working closely with Porsche on a one-of-a-kind Porsche 968 for the car’s 30th anniversary, L’Art decided that a small-scale version is a next step to complete its collection series. L’Art de L’Automobile is proud to release the limited-edition Porsche 968 L’Art Model Car. MUST-READ: The New 30th Anniversary Porsche 968 By L’Art de L’Automobile The collectible toy car made by Porsche comes with a 1:43 scale design that features the exact L’Art Pearl Green finish as the actual build. Embellishing every detail incorporated into the special project, the commemorative collectible includes accurate RECARO seats, space grey speed line wheels, a TAG Heuer watch, and BOSE sound system. Packaging also presents the Porsche 968 KAR on a numbered display stand that signifies each of the limited 1,968 models. The all-new Porsche Limited 968 L’Art Model Car is currently available on L’Art de L’Autombile’s website for $60. View all current Porsche examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 15, 2022

Porsche x SONRA Release Its New 50Y Edition 'Sneaker Tril...

Porsche design DNA meets urban sneaker culture reloaded: the strictly limited Sonra sneaker 50Y Edition with the models Past, Present, Future. Inside Porsche Design’s extensive collection of luxury lifestyle offerings, its premium sneaker line stands out by incorporating aspects from Porsche’s fleet of performance sports cars. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Porsche Design is teaming up with SONRA on its second collaboration release. The all-new SONRA 50Y Edition Collection is inspired by past, present, and future Porsche milestone models. The special collection takes shape as a sneaker trilogy, featuring three unique styles combining the heritage of Porsche Design with the urban sneaker culture of the Berlin sneaker label SONRA. MUST-READ: These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance To Any Home Or Office The most innovative silhouette of the three is the Future Sneaker, a one-off design reminiscent of racecars and the exterior components that achieve optimal aerodynamics. The Present Sneaker includes elements from the special Porsche 911 Edition 50 Years of Porsche Design model. Strictly limited to 250 pairs, each pair comes with an NFC chip integrated into the tongue to ensure authenticity. Limited to 50 pairs and available exclusively from the Porsche Design Store in Berlin, the Porsche Design x SONRA Past Sneaker commemorates the restored Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa used in the 50th-anniversary celebration. The all-new Porsche Design x SONRA 50Y Edition sneaker collection is currently available by clicking on the link below. Shop Porsche Design x SONRA Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2022

Watch Porsche Driver Leh Keen Race A Monster Jam Truck In...

Monster Jam driver Linsey Read invites experienced, and apparently fearless, Porsche racer Leh Keen to take her on at the NRG Stadium in Texas. The idea behind every Porsche model begins with the inspiration to conquer any road, track, or off-road surface in its way. The Porsche Taycan lineup heightens that forward-thinking by adding an all-electric powertrain to the equation, introducing a new area of performance for the EV market. Putting the new Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo to the ultimate test, Monster Jam monster truck driver Linsey Read challenges Porsche driver Leh Keen to some friendly competition on her home turf. MUST-READ: 344-Mile 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo Listed for Sale Home turf quickly translates to a massive dirt course under the lights of NRG Stadium in Texas, where Monster Jam puts on an incredible show for all 72,000 spectators to see. At first glance, Linsey’s methanol-fueled V8 monster truck shares little similarities with Leh’s comfortable Porsche equipped with dual electric motors. And yet the two are remarkably similar, at least when the road turns to dirt. Boasting similar power-to-weight ratios, the two deliver similar performance off the line while sending power to all four wheels through feature four-wheel steering. Excluding the 60-foot dirt jumps, watch Linsey and Leh battle it out by clicking the video link above. View all current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Source: Porsche

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