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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 Edward Jones – March 11, 2019

Porsche 917 Concept Revealed: A Work of Art This World Needs

Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary race car known as the 917. For the celebration, the German automaker is putting a special exhibition in the Porsche Museum called "Colours of Speed - 50 Years of the 917." It's here that 14 different exhibits will be on display, including a very special 917 concept study. This new concept was created by a small team of both designers and engineers. Unfortunately, the 917 concept study is going to remain as a concept with no plans for a production model. That being said, this is truly a beautiful design that blends the classic style of the race car with the modern aesthetics of what looks like the 918 Spyder. It's truly a beautiful design that I hope gets translated into a production model in the future. see all porsche for sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2019

1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S With 88 Original Miles Heading t...

Heading to RM Sotheby's Amelia Island auction, March 8, 2019, is a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S that's virtually brand-new. This example of the last air-cooled 911 has just 88 original miles on its odometer and is in pristine quality. The original owner had the 911 Turbo S finished in a vibrant Speed Yellow paint with a matching black and yellow interior that looks like nobody has sat in. This Porsche 911 truly looks like it had been kept in a time capsule since it rolled off of the production line. It comes with its original owner's manual, factory literature, window sticker, tool set, air compressor, jack, spare keys and spare wheel. When this Porsche is delivered to whoever places the final bid, it will be like the original delivery that happened in 1997 because it comes with everything and looks like it did over two decades ago. RM Sotheby's notes: "As one of only 183 produced for the U.S. market, this exceedingly low-mileage Porsche 911 is sure to be one of, if not the most original Turbo S in existence." For more information, be sure to click the button below. learn more about this porsche!

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2019

RWB Porsche 993 Cruising Down Under

In an ideal world, all Porsche 993 series 911s would be transformed into RWB masterpieces. Rauh-Welt Begriff is a Porsche tuning company based in Japan. It was founded by Akira Nakai to built the ultimate examples of the Porsche 993. They are incredibly rare, which is why this footage is of an RWB Porsche 993 cruising in Australia knocked our socks off. The German translation is Rough World Concept, and each build is given its own name. Nakai San must choose your car for the project, and he has rejected many prominent Porsche owners. This car is "Chigiri" or 'The Promise'. Owned by @c.santoso, it was filmed in 4k by THE-LOWDOWN. If you happen to be in Melbourne, keep an eye out for this gorgeous machine. Shop Porsche 993 Series 911 For Sale Related: Porsche 993 Specs, Price, Photos & Review RWB 993 Porsche Photoshoot

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

TECHART GTstreet RS Unveiled Ahead of Geneva 2019

Does the Porsche 911 Turbo S leave you wanting more? It is hard to improve upon perfection, but our friends at TECHART have something special in the works. A press release early this morning shows something unprecedented. TECHART have unveiled the GTstreet RS ahead of the Geneva motor show. It is based on the 991.2 series 911 Turbo S, and production will be limited to 10 examples. It is inspired by their previous supercar, the GTstreet R. Using a proven formula of body upgrades and boost, it will arrive covered in forged carbon fiber. Inside you are treated to Alcantara and virgin wool. That is, the wool from a baby sheep's first shearing. It is the softest natural material which makes a perfect contrast to the Alcantara. The natural and synthetic materials offer years of durability along with fire resistance. The only flames near this car will be coming from the exhaust. TECHART have developed their on variable geometry turbos. By changing the size ratio between the hot and cold sides, they have unlocked 770 horsepower and 678 lb-ft of torque. This level of power demands respect, and it also includes nice ammenities. Handmade leather luggage and a helmet bag are customized for each owner. If you need to reach 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, you will be at 124 mph in only 8.1 ticks. The top speed is north of 211 mph, which will allow you to enter the Silver State Classic and bring home 1st place. If you don't need this level of excitement, our dealers have great offers on "normal" Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S models. Click the link below and stay with us for all your TECHART updates. Shop Porsche 911 Turbo S Related: TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet First TECHART GTstreet R in the USA

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 Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2019

Porsche 911 Adaptive Aerodynamics Explained

Before the sound barrier was broken, engineers viewed aerodynamics as annoying. It was unpredictable because computer technology was not up to the task. But there are certain visionaries who can "see" the air. General Yeager, Dale Earnhardt Sr, and Ferry Porsche knew how to use aerodynamics to their advantage. That is why the Porsche 911 Adaptive Aerodynamics are years ahead of their competitors. Porsche pushed the industry into the modern era with the powered rear spoiler in 1989. The 964 series 911 had a tail that was either up or down depending on speed. This tradition evolved into include the front spoiler on the Turbo S models. But the new Porsche 911 is the first to offer active and variable surfaces instead of simply open or closed. It is similar to how their Italian cousins at Lamborghini use the ALA system on the Aventador SVJ and the Huracan Performante. The future is now, so if you want the best 911 yet, click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop all Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2019

RUF CTR Anniversary & All New RUF GT Heading to Geneva

This year marks the 89th anniversary of the Geneva Motor Show. It also marks 8 decades since Alois Ruf opened a service station in Germany. To celebrate the occasion, the RUF CTR Anniversary and the all-new RUF GT are en-route to Switzerland. We first saw the RUF 911 Turbo CTR as a prototype back in 2017. A lucky buyer will receive the first production example at the show. For a quick refresher, it was unveiled in 2017 as the 30th anniversary of the RUF Turbo CTR, and it offers 700 horsepower from a 3.6L twin turbo. The car only weighs 2,640 lbs, so it has a top speed of 223 mph. Next to it will be the new RUF GT. It is based on the 991 chassis and uses the twin turbo 3.0L from the Carrera. Removing all non-essential weight, it is only 3,197 lbs. It sends 515 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. This allows 0-62 mph to arrive in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 199 mph. We will have pictures after the unveiling, so click the link below to find a Porsche 911 for you. Shop All Porshe 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Insane RUF CTR3 Caught on the Street RUF: Germany's Greatest Porsche Tuner

By Andrew Nabors – February 12, 2019

Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo Overview ...

If the Porsche GT2 RS doesn't meet your goals as a daily driver, perhaps a sedan is what you need. The Porsche Panamera has been polarizing since it arrived 8 years ago. While many owners are completely satisfied with the twin turbo V6 models, people like us need more. That is why Porsche engineers in Stuttgart gave it a high voltage upgrade. Their 4.0L V8 delivers 550 horsepower, and it is coupled to a beastly hybrid system. Capable of 14-mile of electric cruising, it boosts the car's total output to 671 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Rated at 90 MPGe, it can also leap to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package). Henry Catchpole puts this into words like no one else, so tell us what you think of his observations. Then click the link below to find our Porsche dealer near you. Shop Porsche Panamera For Sale Related: Jerry Seinfeld Tests & Reviews GT3 RS Porsche Taycan Will Include 3 Years of Free Charging

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2019

Porsche Carrera GT Reconstructed in Spectacular Fashion

The Porsche Carrera GT is truly an iconic car. The timing of its release put the Carrera GT as one of the wildest new automobiles revealed in the new millennium and it was regarded as the successor to the incredible 959 supercar. With such prestige, it's no wonder that owners of the car tend to keep them in such pristine condition. One owner, in particular, went to an extreme when it came to the upkeep of his Carrera GT. Porsche Classic was commissioned by a collector in the United States to completely rework his Carrera GT. Essentially, it was a complete reconstruction of the vehicle, with the car being entirely disassembled, every part checked and either refurbished or replaced. On the outside, the collector had Porsche Classic finished the Carrera GT in a deep Oak Green Metallic paint. When applied, it was the first time this specific paint had appeared since the 1970s and it was never available for the Carrera GT. Five-spoke magnesium wheels were fitted and painted in gold, creating a beautiful gold/green scheme. Why the Porsche Carrera GT Sounds so Good Porsche's utilization of carbon fiber in the Carrera GT led Porsche Classic to a very special task. “Because the coating on older carbon fibre parts tends to yellow and fade, we spent 350 hours manually sanding and recoating all the carbon fiber components, including the monocoque,” explains Uwe Makrutzki, Manager of Porsche Classic Factory Restorations in Stuttgart. That's a lot of work. Now that the car is complete, Porsche Cars North America is going to display the car at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta to a group of 100 selected guests. Porsche Carrera GT view all porsche carrera gt for sale Porsche Carrera GT Specs, Price, Review and Photos

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