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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 25, 2021

Porsche Design Teases New 2021 Brand Ambassador And Eyewe...

The wide variety of brand ambassadors within the world of luxury goods gives consumers insight into how a product is diversely used no matter the occasion. Porsche Design took to Instagram to tease fans of a new brand ambassador joining the team, using a few keywords to describe the individual. They define the ambassador as a “devoted actor, Porsche car enthusiast, athlete, and the perfect ambassador.” Leaving the fans guessing in the comments section. Porsche Design did share that a new eyewear collection will be unveiled with the announcement. We have a few guesses as to who the new member of the Porsche Design family will be, but until announced, we will continue lookout for more hints. Check back in for coverage on when Porsche Design announces its 2021 brand ambassador, as well as the release of the new eyewear collection. Comment below who you think the new Porsche Design brand ambassador will be for 2021. Shop Porsche Design For more Gear news, Check out Puma Motorsport Releases Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2021 Collection

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

2021 Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition Compared To Concept...

The world was changed a quarter-century ago. To see how far the mid-engined masterpiece has come, lets see the 2021 Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition compared to the concept car. A trifecta of Porsche Design stylists highlight the best features of their new limited edition car. Their predecessors shocked the world in 1993 with the first Porsche Boxster for sale, and each generation has added performance and luxury. Click the button to experience one for yourself. Porsche 718 Boxster For Sale Did you miss the Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition price and specs? Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

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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 – January 21, 2021

Richard Tuthill Drives Singer Porsche 911 ACS

Known around the world for building the ultimate rear-engine rally cars, Richard Tuthill drives the Singer Porsche 911 ACS. He offered his expertise to Singer in order to create the ultimate off-road Porsche. Two cars were commissioned, one to race and the other to show what Singer is capable of. This could be you, but you will need a classic 911 to start with. Click the button below to find yours and take a path less traveled. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale Did you see what makes the Singer ACS so unique?

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition In Action

As the 911 has grown larger with each generation, their mid-engine masterpiece continues to draw new customers to the brand. To celebrate a quarter-century of success, let's watch the Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition in action. Their latest upload highlights the graceful and capable handling of the 718 series. Although we would like to hear more of the 4-liter flat-six, it sings a similar melody offered by the GT3 RS. The six-speed stick and brushed aluminum make it perfect for your collection. Your Boxster is waiting for you! If you missed it, here are the details of the latest Boxster. Browse Porsche 718 Boxster For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

2021 Porsche Taycan RWD Arrives With Affordable Price

Now that us gearheads have jumped on their most powerful model, the 2021 Porsche Taycan RWD arrives with an affordable price. This new entry-level electric sedan was unveiled last night, with a price point just above $79,000. Without a front motor or its hardware, weight savings is based on two battery options. " width="680"> The Performance Battery offers 402 horsepower while opting for Performance Battery Plus is rated at 469 horsepower in Overboost. Both models can reach 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, but the latter offers a range of 300 miles. Porsche Taycan Turbo vs 911 GT3 RS vs 911 GT3 Cup A run to 100 mph is done in 11 seconds flat, and the $7,500 tax credit from the I.R.S. makes the Taycan much more appealing than any Tesla. Click the button to find yours. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale Images (C) Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – January 19, 2021

Porsche Taycan Turbo vs 911 GT3 RS vs 911 GT3 Cup

Turbocharging is a great way to make big power, but they weren't invited to Sandown International Raceway. That is where we see a Porsche Taycan Turbo vs 911 GT3 RS vs 911 GT3 Cup. The Taycan Turbo is just a name for their mid-level electric sedan, and the most potent GT3 cars offer naturally-aspirated power. Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition Is Powerful & Exclusive Comparing an all-out race car against its street-legal sibling is fun, but their screaming 4-liter flat-sixes were up against instant torque and All Wheel Drive. My choice would be a GT3 RS Weissach, so tell us which new Porsche is right for you in the comments below. " width="680">

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 15, 2021

First Look At The New Nezumi Studios x RUF Automobile Voi...

RUF Automobiles is a producer of high-performance vehicles using the Porsche platform. The company meticulously hand-crafts parts to differentiate the design and performance from the stock models. The detailed craftsmanship goes hand in hand with luxury timepiece manufacturing, which is why it was an easy decision to create a commemorative watch. Nezumi Studios x RUF Automobiles is proud to present the Voiture Chronograph, the result of an in-depth collaboration between the two luxury brands. The 40mm green dial chronograph uses a blend of vintage designs and colors, making the watch look like it just stepped out of a time machine with state-of-the-art movement technology. The RUF logo is found stamped proudly on the stainless-steel backcase, is just as they are on the three pedals of the CTR “Yellowbird”. The commemorative piece by Nezumi x RUF will be a collectors example for any watch or Porsche enthusiast. Although price and launch date have yet to be released. Check back in for more information on the release of the Nezumi x RUF Voiture Chronograph. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition x Porsche Design Heritage Chronograph

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

Porsche Boxster 25 Years Edition Is Powerful & Exclusive

As the 911 has grown larger and more capable, its little brother has reached a milestone. The Porsche Boxster 25 Years edition is powerful & exclusive, so it deserves to be part of your collection. What began as a concept car at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show has spawned a coupe as the Cayman, several roadsters, and an identity all its own. Discover the Cover – February 2021: Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition Only 1,250 cars are being offered to the world, and each is based on the Boxster GTS 4.0. Borrowing the incredible flat-six from the 911 GT3 RS, it offers 394 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. You will have several references to Boxsters of the past while shifting six-speed manual transmission. The PDK leaps to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 179 mph. The stick shift is 3,156 lbs at the curb, and pricing starts at $98,600. These will be sold out within a few hours, so click the button to find our dealer near you. Browse Porsche 718 Boxster For Sale P.S. Check out these great accessories for your Panamera Sport Turismo! " width="680"> Image (C) Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2021

Discover The Bisimoto Electric Porsche 935 Long Tail Repl...

The automotive world is best described as timeless. It celebrates the newest record-breaking vehicles to roll off production floors while applauding the original cars that set those same records. The owner of Bisimoto, Bisi Ezerioha, takes this thought to a level only auto driven engineer could, by applying the newest performance technology and design to the original Porsche models that made us all enthusiasts. Bisimoto’s newest project features a replica Porsche 935L build named Moby X. The build team consists of ACRONYM designer and co-founder Errolson Hugh and concept design artist Khyzyl Saleem. The Porsche 935 will be powered by a fully electric motor, announced on Errolson’s Instagram, adding a sense of future technology to the vintage platform. The longtail design is meant to pay homage to the Porsche 935 Moby Dick racecar, commonly seen attack tracks throughout the 1970s. Each individual presents their expertise throughout the build, making the Moby X Porsche 935 the perfect collaboration project. Porsche Moby X is the best example of balancing between the beginning and future of motorsports. Check back in for more information on the Porsche 935 Moby X build. For more Porsche news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Packed Up Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Image Source: @bisimoto/Instagram

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