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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 – September 30, 2021

L'Art de L'Automobile Drops Its New Porsche 968 L'Art Col...

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Porsche 968 with Arthur Kar and L'Art de L'Automobile. With the newly released Porsche 986 by L’Art de L’Automobile, founder Arthur Kar teased his new apparel and accessories at the launch of the vehicle. Since its debut in 1991, the Porsche 968's unique body style intrigued Arthur Kar, ultimately inspiring him to redesign it. L’Art de L’Automobile is proud to announce the drop of its 968 L’Art Collection. The styling of each new piece incorporates the color scheme and graphics of the 968 L’Art. The new collection features a racing jacket, t-shirts, a sweater, and accessories to compliment the attire. The L’Art de L’Automobile x Porsche 968 collaboration marks history for the 30th anniversary of the 968 chassis and is now forever capsuled in this new commemorative collection. The all-new L’Art de L’Automobile 968 Collection is now available by clicking the link below. Shop L'Art de L'Automobile Porsche 968 Collection Media Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2021

Discover The New REC Watches x Gunther Werks 901 GW Colle...

The REC x Gunther Werks project was a two-year undertaking that reflects an uncompromising approach to quality, details, and finishing. Many watches on the market today are defined as automotive-inspired by incorporating similar design and technical aspects of desirable supercars. REC Watches is taking things to a whole new level by including actually recycled materials from vehicles into the construction of its watches. REC Watches is proud to present the 901 GW Collection, a series of watches made from the Porsche 993 remastered by the professionals at Gunther Werks. The Gunther Werks transformation entails a modern interpretation of Porsche’s last air-cooled 911, the 993. Regarded by many as the zenith of the 911, the Gunther Werks mission is to retain the driving experience offered by the original car while evolving its DNA and performance to new heights. The REC 901 GW Collection includes two limited-edition chronographs commissioned by Gunther Werks for its owners and enthusiasts. MUST-READ: Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Is Air-Cooled Perfection The 901 GW Exoskeleton 44mm case design is crafted in 6 pieces from stainless steel and recycled carbon fiber from the Gunther Werks Exoskeleton car. Tying into the theme of the vehicle, the REC 901 GW Exoskeleton displays a raw exposed carbon and blue design. The 901 GW Chelsea also features a 44mm lightweight case designed to mimic the styling of Gunther Werks’ iconic Chelsea Grey Porsche 911. The styling of the new REC watch matches the exact design of the 993 generation 911, from its grey exterior paint code to the touches of red accents. Each piece is driven by a Swiss-made SELLITA SW510 B automatic self-winding movement, which is capable of holding a 62-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The REC 901 GW Exoskeleton is limited to only 188-pieces for $2,495, while the Chelsea model is limited to 232-pieces for $2,495. The collaboration between REC Watches and Gunther Werks is an example of how similar the watch and automotive worlds are when creating performance-focused products. View all the current Porsche 993 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 993 911 For Sales Media/Information Source: REC Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2021

The New 30th Anniversary Porsche 968 By L'Art de L'Automo...

Celebrating 30 years of Porsche 968 excellence with Arthur Kar. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 968, a performance-focused chassis that took on its own shape since its debut in 1992. The 968 is being celebrated with a special project vehicle collaboration with French auto dealer and streetwear brand L’Art de L’Automobile. The founder of L’Art de L’Automobile Arthur Kar expresses his love for the 968, which made the opportunity to incorporate his vision into the commemorative project that much more special. The 968 L’Art exterior combines the traditional design of the German sportscar while adding modern highlights including sharper edges, a new front end, and a redesigned rear. The wheels on the modern 968 feature a twist on the vintage phone dial design, which also includes a set of paint-match aero disks that add to its aerodynamics and styling. MUST-READ: Porsche x L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE Announce A New 968 Project Stepping into the Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968, the interior layout is presented in the same green paint code as the exterior. Sticking with a minimalistic theme, Arthur and Porsche added small highlights like the custom ‘KAR’ vintage steering wheel and two TAG Heuer time dash gauges. Alongside the project car, Arthur Kar also continues to incorporate the 968 into his love of streetwear fashion with a preview of commemorative 968 L’Art keychains. The all-new Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968 is the product of passion through the German auto manufacturer’s collaboration with Arthur Kar, who says ‘Step by step. Stay tuned this will get more serious soon. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming information and media on the new 30th anniversary Porsche 968 by L’Art de L’Automobile. View all the Porsche 968 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 968 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CUSskZxsuvo/ Media/Information Source: @lartdelautomobilekar

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2021

The 2021 Porsche Sound Night "Next Level" Recap

Porsche and the Porsche Museum provides music to your ears with an array of top chassis. After announcing the first-ever digital high-power engine concert, Porsche gathered some of the most iconic examples at the Porsche Museum to put on a show of a lifetime. The Sound Night “Next Level” took place this weekend with all in attendance on-site and online to hear the perfect exhaust pitch of cars like the Porsche 962 C and 909 Bergspyder. Alongside the symphony of exhaust notes, key Porsche motorsport figures took the stage to provide insight on some of the vehicles being shown, as well as to answer questions submitted by live audience members. If you missed the Porsche-packed event, click the link below to check out the Porsche Sound Night “Next Level”. Stay tuned for the next Porsche Sound Night, which will take place at the Porsche Museum in 4 weeks. Click the video link above to see a recap on some of the highlights from the Porsche Museum event that took place this weekend. Check Out Porsche Sound Night "Next Level" Media Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 17, 2021

Porsche Re-Creates An Iconic Ski Jump With The All-Electr...

Always taking that one extra step: Porsche has restaged the iconic photo of the 356 B model. As Porsche continues to celebrate its historic past, the German automotive brand is tapping into its archives of monumental moments to recreate its original setting with modern chassis. The newest project featuring two-time Olympic ski champion Aksel Lund Svindal stages an ionic photograph of Egon Zimmermann’s jump over a Porsche 356 B model. The scene takes place after the Flexen Pass near the Austrian ski resort of Zürs. Standing in place of the famous Porsche 356 is the Taycan, the brand’s first all-electric sports car. The photograph embodies the bridge between the past and future of Porsche as a brand in the automotive industry. The Porsche Museum will design two high-grade prints that will be available as a set on the Porsche Online Shop at the end of 2021. The 400th issue of the company magazine Christophorus, which will be published in September, is also devoted to the Porsche Jump. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more release information on The Porsche Jump print set. View all Porsche Taycan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Media/Information Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 16, 2021

Porsche Announces The First-Ever High-Power Engine Concert

During the Sound Night, viewers can submit questions, some of which will be passed on for the stars on stage to answer. We’ve all heard the term “Music to your ears” as automotive enthusiasts when referring to the perfect exhaust note from a performance car. Porsche models seem to be a more frequent reference because of their unique tone as the rpm’s climb. Porsche is recognizing this quality with the first-ever high-power engine concert. The first digital Porsche Sound Night 'Next Level’ will incorporate the engine notes of 20 selected race cars and series production models from the Porsche collection. Porsche Among the list of extremely desirable Porsche collector’s examples, three chassis will be making their debuts at the digital event including the 962C, 924 Carrera GTS Rally, and the 911 (901 No. 57). Alongside the immaculate examples that make up this event, the concert will feature Porsche motorsport cameos such as two-time World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, Head of Vehicle Management/Heritage Experience Alexander Klien, and Formula-E Driver Pascal Wehrlein. Porsche The interactive live event is free of charge and open to everyone, without prior registration. The event will be broadcast to all countries around the globe in German, English, and French via the website www.soundnacht.porsche.de. The Sound Night can also be followed live via the Porsche channels on YouTube and LinkedIn. Media/Information Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2021

Porsche x L'ART DE L'AUTOMOBILE Announce A New 968 Project

The French automotive specialist and streetwear brand teams up with Porsche for an all-new 968 project. The Porsche brand continues to celebrate iconic late models while still developing modern performance-focused chassis for the road and track. One of the examples now being incorporated into the newest project by L’Art de L’Automobile is the Porsche 968. Originally debuted at the IAA Auto Show in 1991, the Porsche 958 separated itself from the traditional body style of the 911 platform. Designed as one of the first Porsche models to feature pop-up style headlights, L’Art de L’Automobile founder Arthur Kar expresses his passion for the 968 with his own rendition that is set to be unveiled with Porsche at IAA 2021. Although images and information are yet to be released, the dynamic duo is sure to keep Porsche owners and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats with teaser content on Instagram. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more information on the upcoming Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968 reveal. View all Porsche 968 examples available for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 968 For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

Daniel Arsham is Releasing a Limited Edition Eroded Porsc...

Limited to just 500 examples. Famous artist Daniel Arsham has announced that he will be releasing the Eroded Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Edition in a limited run of 500 examples. These sculptures are designed after his famous Eroded 911 piece but in a much smaller size. Each example comes in a custom-designed box, as well as Arsham Studio Art handling gloves and as Arsham Edition holographic label that will verify its edition number and authenticity. These will be dropping online on September 10th at 12PM EST. You can view the product page by clicking here. Source: ArshamEdition.shop

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2021

PUMA x Porsche Legacy Announce The New Porsche 911 Targa ...

Celebrate the iconic Porsche 911 Targa with the new collection from PUMA and Porsche Legacy. The 911 Targa continues to be a key element to Porsche’s fleet of performance-focused vehicles, ever since its original release in 1965. As new generations developed the shape and performance of Porsche, the older styles still hold significance to the brand and its enthusiasts. PUMA is proud to celebrate the Porsche 911 Targa with an all-new apparel and footwear collection with Porsche Legacy. The new Autumn/Winter ’21 collection release features head-to-toe gear to carry any Porsche fan through the cooler months. The apparel and accessories line includes jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants, hats, and bags. Alongside the wide selection of apparel to choose from, PUMA x Porsche Legacy are releasing a set of PUMA sneakers style The clothing line is made from premium materials and incorporates vintage Porsche graphics and branding to celebrate the 911 Targa. Look out for more release information and a How To Buy special on the new PUMA x Porsche Legacy 911 Targa Collection. View all Porsche 911 Targas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Targa For Sale Media/Info Source: PUMA

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Gets More Colors and Technology

The new Taycan can be personalized more than ever before. The new 2022 Porsche Taycan is coming into the world with more options than before and that's great news for customers. With the new Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options, the new Taycan will now be seen in a wide range of colors never before featured on the electric car. This includes colors like Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Rubystar, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic. Porsche has also included some new tech, including the Turbo Charging Planner, optional Remote Park Assist and Android Auto. Be on the lookout for some beautifully-colored new Taycans to come into the world in the near future. Taycans For Sale Source: Porsche, Porsche Newsroom

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