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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 – April 23, 2019

Porsche Cayenne & Macan Take a Road Trip in Thailand

Earlier this month we told you that Porsche posted record U.S. sales in March. But it is not just Americans who have driven the brand's success. Their SUVs are popular around the world, so the Porsche Cayenne & Macan took a road trip in Thailand. In the mid 90's Porsche only sold the 911 and the Boxster, and fancy projects like the Carrera GT had to be shelved because of limited profits from the two models. But in 2002, the Cayenne sparked the luxury SUV market and transformed Porsche from a niche sports car company to a competitor on the world stage. An all-new Cayenne arrived this year, and our dealers can barely keep them in stock. The Macan arrived in 2014 with graceful styling and a thrifty V6, and it has been a success ever since. Even Mr. duPont had one as a daily driver for a few years. Needless to say, if you have not experienced either model you will not be disappointed. Find Your Porsche Macan Here Related: Porsche Macan S is the Cure for the common SUV Porsche Cayenne Coupe Arriving in 2020

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2019

Next Generation Porsche Macan will be Electric

Saxony is the ancient German state responsible for conquering England in 1066, and now it is shocking the world again. In a press release from Leipzig early this morning, we've learned the next generation Porsche Macan will be electric. Built alongside the Cayenne and the Panamera, the entire Leipzig plant is being re-tooled for electromobility. Their first production car will be the Taycan sedan later this year. It is based on the 800-volt PPE (Premium Platform Electric) chassis that was co-developed with Audi. So it stands to reason that the Macan and the Audi e-tron SUV could be corporate cousins. If you want the latest in gas-powered Macans, check out the new Macan S at our dealers, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Porsche Macan For Sale Leipzig Plant Related: Porsche 911 Adaptive Aerodynamics Explained Porsche Releases "24 Minutes of LeMans" on Vinyl

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2019

Porsche Macan S is a Cure for the Common SUV

Nothing was hotter than the Porsche Cayenne when it first arrived. While it is still a sales superstar, our Porsche dealers can hardly keep the Macan on their lot. Now they will have more to offer, because the Porsche Macan S is a cure for the common SUV. The 2019 model year is all-new, with the base model receiving a 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder. It will make for a fine daily driver, but we need more For the new Macan S, the 3.0L V6 was revised to handle more boost. It sends 348 horsepower and 352 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. If you opt for the SportChrono package, 0-60 mph arrives in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 157. Thanks to the variable valve timing, you will have maximum torque from 1,360 to 4,800 rpm. This broad powerband will make the Macan S more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and it will be a total sleeper on the streets. Because it will be very quick, the massive front rotors have 6-piston calipers. It also has all the optional suspension and safety equipment included as standard equipment. The best feature is a starting price of $58,600. You wont find another compact SUV with this level of quality and performance close to this price. So click the link below and find one for yourself. Shop Porsche Macan Here

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2018

2019 Porsche Macan S Gets New Turbo Engine

The new 2019 Porsche Macan S is getting a new turbocharged V6 engine, according to the German automaker. The new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine will be providing the SUV with 348 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Porsche is proud to note that this is a horsepower and torque increase over previous versions of the Macan S. With this power, the new Macan S engine will rocket the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or 4.9 seconds if the optional Sport Chrono Package is equipped. The 2019 Macan S top speed will also be rated at 157 mph, a slight increase over the outgoing model. The 2019 Porsche Macan S price is set at $58,600 for a base model, not including the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. Expect it to hit dealers in Summer 2019. Also Check Out: Top 5 Most Expensive Porsches Ever Sold 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review See the Moment Stephen Curry’s Porsche Gets Smashed in an Accident

By Andrew Nabors – July 25, 2018

Porsche Unveils 2019 Macan in Shanghai

If you don't need the size and space of the Cayenne, Porsche's new 2019 Macan will be an unprecedented success. We first saw it in 2014, and it was ahead of its time. But Porsche keeps their lineup on the cutting edge. That's why the second generation Macan arrives with plenty of upgrades. LED headlights are now standard, and the 3D taillights allow it to be unmistakable, even at a distance.2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & ReviewInside, the dash and instrument cluster are all new. The A/C vents are now more direct, flowing more air and being more ergonomic will keep you from being distracted while driving. Before the air reaches the vents it now goes through an ionizer to remove the odors of an active family. A new version of Porsche Communication Management is shown on an 11" touchscreen. The Porsche GT steering wheel has finally made it into their SUV lineup, and it offers stress relief along with an elegant design.Traffic-Jam Assist is their name for adaptive cruise control. It slows to a stop and returns to cruising speed without wearing out your fancy footwear. The chassis was reinforced to handle the strains of 21" wheels, which will be offered in several designs. Your engine choices will be a few flavors of V6, with the Macan Turbo returning next year. Our dealers have great incentives on 2018 examples, so click the link below to find yours.Browse Porsche Macan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2018

Porsche Unveils Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition

Automation takes much of the soul out of mass-produced items. So Porsche devised the Exclusive Manufaktur program for buyers looking for a hand-built car. It was only natural to build a limited run of the 911 Turbo S, but we never thought it would trickle down to the Macan Turbo.SUV and crossover sales are hot again, so Porsche decided to shame every other automaker. In a YouTube video uploaded last night, we see attention paid to even the smallest parts. The time and effort that goes into painting every body part by hand is something that has been lost ever since Ford fired up their assembly line. This is a true resurrection of a coach-built car, the Macan Turbo Exclusive Performance Edition is built by master craftspeople for enthusiasts like us.Porsche 911 Turbo S With Paint Worth Over $90k: Most Expensive Ever?It sends 440 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. The twin-turbo V6 measures 3.6 liters and it offers max torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Squarely aimed at Mercedes-AMG's 43 series V6 models, it offers power, comfort, and build-quality simultaneously. Click the link below to find out more from your local dealer, and stay with us for all your Porsche news.Browse Porsche Macan Turbo For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 28, 2015

Porsche Macan GTS Unveiled for 2017

We have always liked Porsche’s GTS models. With all of the fancy suspension and brakes of their more expensive models, they are a sensible choice between the standard and turbo trim levels. That is why we were happy to see a press release and YouTube video released by Porsche earlier today outlining the 2017 Macan GTS. This new model is easily recognizable thanks to gloss and matte black trim and wheels. A GTS-specific interior offers leather upholstery with Alcantara backrests. For $67,200 your GTS will arrive with Apple CarPlay capabilities and eight speakers. The 3.0L V6 has been tuned to deliver 360 hp (20 more than the Macan S), but the real treat is having 369 lb-ft of torque available from 1650 to 4000 rpm. This much torque available to all wheels will make the GTS a perfect fit between Macan S and Turbo. Borrowing larger brakes from the Turbo, the stability and suspension are specifically calibrated for a 10mm lower ride height. If you need a Crossover than can reach 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds, perhaps a GTS is in your future. Macans For Sale Gallery More Porsche News

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