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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 – April 28, 2021

The New Porsche Panamera: Faster and More Thrilling Than ...

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Every vehicle that Porsche has produced aims to give the driver an exhilarating drive through speed, handling and a little touch of magic. When the Panamera was first unveiled, many doubted its ability to be an agile and quick car considering the addition of two more doors but those critics couldn't be more wrong. Porsche's engineers have created a model that offers an additional two seats and doors without compromising the drive that the legendary automaker is known for. With the new 2021 Porsche Panamera, the sedan has been taken to another level that's downright unprecedented. To make the new 2021 Panamera the ultimate driver's sedan, Porsche's engineers made a litany of improvements. First up is its handling. The Adaptive Air Suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which actively adjusts the damping depending on the road conditions and driving style, has been updated. By updating this system's calibration, Porsche has increased the new Panamera's ride quality even further than before. Porsche has also recalibrated the new Panamera's steering so it now offers sharper feedback and increased responsiveness, which will make cornering a blast. Of course, handling is nothing without power. For that, the new 2021 Panamera models have several new powertrains available. For the Turbo S model, it's now powered by an uprated twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 620 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds when Launch Control is utilized. For the Panamera GTS, its heart is a twin-turbo V8 that produces 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, a 20 hp increase when compared to the previous model. Those looking for something a bit more electric, Porsche has also introduced the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. This new hybrid sports sedan has an electric motor that's paired with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine for a total of 552 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Porsche notes that power is enough for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds when Launch Control is active. More recently, Porsche has unveiled the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid that ups the ante with a twin-turbo V8 engine mated to an electric motor for an astonishing 689 hp and 642 lb-ft of torque. As you can see, there are plenty of Panamera models for everyone's taste and that isn't even all of the variants. By being faster and more agile than before, the new Panamera offers its driver an experience that's unlike anything else. The days of thrilling drives being offered by only two-door vehicles are no more and the 2021 Panamera proves just that. Through decades of experience, Porsche has created a masterpiece with the Panamera and it just keeps getting better. Learn More About The New Panamera

By Andrew Nabors – January 22, 2021

Watch The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Dominate Road Atl...

While the world was preparing for the Holidays, a dedicated team of engineers and a talented driver decided to celebrate early. The new Taycan for sale set the EV record two months ago, so now let's watch the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S dominate Road Atlanta. Because this world-class racing venue is close to their North American headquarters, it is often used for development when the 'Ring is hosting events. Because Mercedes-AMG set their own record with the AMG GT 63 S, driver Leh Keen pulled out all the stops. Randy Pobst is the wheelman for Motor Trend, and he holds the track record at 1:24.88. With 680 horsepower and 642 lb-ft of torque, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid has your name on it! Porsche Panamera For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

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 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">

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Powertrain Details Explained

Contrary to what you've been taught, powerful engines don't have to be ineficcient or harmful to the environment. In their quest to give us the best driving experience, engineers in Stuttgart have pushed their popular sedan into uncharted territory. In their latest upload we can see the 2021 Porsche Panamera powertrain details explained. Starting with their most eco-friendly model, the Panamera 4 S E-Hybrid combines a revised 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid power to offer 560 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. It has an electric range of 33 miles while reaching 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. If you opt for the Sport Chrono Package, it can leap from 50 to 75 mph in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 185 mph. " width="680"> Next up is the new Porsche Panamera GTS. This one will offer the best of both worlds, as the 4-liter V8 has twin turbos that are optimized to perform and offer the same feeling as a naturally aspirated V8. Thanks to computer-controlled wastegates and VG turbos, you will have 480 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque that efficiently arrives in the same gradual manner as traditional V8 sedan would. While the engine itself has the same potential as its big brother, it does so without slurping premium fuel. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale Finally, we reach the most anticipated beast. The 2021 Panamera Turbo S has received the same forged internals of the Lamborghini Urus. The valvetrain and timing gears are also thicker to handle incredible power. That's because when the sparkplug fires, each cylinder generates 1,813 PSI to the top of the piston. With eight cylinders being pushed this hard, you will have 630 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. This means 62 mph appears in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. Larger turbos allow maximum torque to be available from just above idle, so you can cruise efficiently at triple-digit speeds. Click the button above to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Porsche news.

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Unveiled

Watch it live with us and then we will give you the details " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2020

See the New Porsche Panamera Premiere Here

The new 2021 Porsche Panamera reveal is set to happen on August 26, at 9AM EST. This reveal will be happening in a virtual fashion, with viewers able to see its unveiling via YouTube. Down below you'll actually find a YouTube video where the stream will happen when the time comes. You should definitely check back for this new Panamera as it's already proven to be a serious car. Don't believe me? Just a couple of weeks ago a slightly camouflaged version of the new Panamera set a new record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Not bad. See All Panameras for Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2020

New Porsche Panamera Sets Lap Record on the Nurburgring

Porsche hasn't even premiered their new Panamera yet and it's already set a new record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The record broken was for production cars in the "executive cars" category which is defined by the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Germany. Driving the car to its record time was test drive Lars Kern and the car itself was a slightly camouflaged version of the upcoming new Porsche Panamera. His record time? A wild 7:29.81. This time was actually 13 seconds faster than the previous model. "The enhancements made to the chassis and the powertrain of the new Panamera were always noticeable during this lap on what is recognized as the most demanding race track in the world," says Kern. "In the Hatzenbach or also Bergwerk and Kesselchen sections in particular, the new setup of the electromechanical roll stabilization system PDCC remains consistently effective and provides the Panamera with incredible stability in spite of the bumpy track surface" See All Panameras for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S on the A...

This is the showdown we've been waiting for. Two of Germany's fastest sedans launched on the world's most famous highway. Our friends at AutoTopNL wanted to see how fast both cars reached 180 mph, so here is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S versus a Porsche Panamera Turbo S on the Autobahn. Representing Affalterbach is the most powerful AMG sedan. It is rated at 639 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera Turbo S offers 671 horsepower and also makes 627 lb-ft of torque. Having identical torque numbers isn't a coincidence. It translates to 850 Newton-Meters in metric, and that is a figure that many exotic cars use as a benchmark. Both cars have 4.0L V8 engines and AWD. Tell us who wins on styling, interior layout and exhaust sound in the comments below and stay with us for more wild Autobahn action. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 For Sale vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S For Sale Related: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Revealed: Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2019

2019 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo on the Autobahn

Ever since Porsche teased us with the Sport Turismo, we knew it was going to be a hit. It combines the comfort and luxury of the sedan with a longer roof & more cargo room. The flagship is the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, what a mouthful. But if you don't need 671 horsepower, check out this 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo on the Autobahn. Our friends at AutoTopNL decided to take on the 453 horsepower twin turbo 4.0L V8. While it doesn't have the fancy hybrid drive, it does offer 457 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. This is plenty for a daily driver, and the soundtrack of a Porsche V8 can't be beat. Since maximum torque is offered between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm, you better hang on! Tell us what you think of the GTS and click the link below to find one near you. Find Your Porsche Panamera GTS HEre Related: New Porsche Panamera GTS & GTS Sport Turismo Revealed Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo Overview

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