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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 – September 05, 2019

Porsche Taycan Configurator Reveals Interesting Options

Several of us have been wondering what the ultimate electric Porsche would look like. To give you an idea of what is available, the Porsche Taycan configurator has revealed interesting options. Like we mentioned yesterday, the Taycan has been introduced in 2 trim levels: Turbo and Turbo S. It might seem silly to slap a turbo badge on an electric car, but their performance is what you would expect from a traditional Porsche Turbo or Turbo S model. We chose the Turbo S because it has more power and more possibilities for customization. Porsche Taycan Price, Horsepower, & Specs Before we dig into the details, the Taycan Turbo S arrives with 750 horsepower (in overboost mode) and 774 lb-ft of torque. Without any options, it carries an MSRP of $185,000. Not bad for 300-mile range and this level of power. So we decided to trick it out in duPont REGISTRY style: All the way! Premium Package $4,360 Sport Design Package $5,660 Power Mirrors $330 Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control $3,950 Porsche Carbon Brakes $900 LED Headlights $580 Adaptive Cruise Control $3,610 Night Vision $2,420 Carmine Red Paint $3,150 21" Exclusive Design Wheels $4,510 Carmine Red Interior Accents $360 Two Key Fobs in Body Color $540 Red Seatbelts $660 Sport Chrono Dial in Body Color $420 Rear Seats (Yes they are an option) $480 4-Zone Climate Control $990 Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps $1,360 Puddle Lamps $330 Embroidered Center Console Lid $450 Leather Pouch for Owners Manual $560 Personalized Illuminated Sill Plates $4,060 Passenger display $1,180 Burmester Audio $5,810 Onboard Battery Charger (Really) $460 Luggage Set $6,323 So somehow we went from this: To this: For $242,303, you can enjoy Porsche's first electric car. Tell us what you think in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Taycan news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2019

Porsche Taycan Turbo & Turbo S Unveiled at Niagara Falls

Just a few minutes ago, Porsche unveiled their first electric sedan against the backdrop of Niagara Falls. The hydroelectric power station was engineered by Nikola Tesla, and it has been producing carbon-free electricity since 1895. Aiming a new electric car at a Tesla landmark is not a coincidence. That is because Porsche is going after Elon with the full backing of the massive Volkswagen Group. There are two models of Taycan to choose from: Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S. No, there is not a turbo nor an engine to mount it to. Instead, both models use permanently excited electric motors front and rear. A 93.4 kWh battery can distribute torque front to rear at an instant. The front motor has an 8:1 gear reduction and the rear motor has a 2-speed automatic transmission. This eases the load on both motors, and delivers a range of 280 miles. Other goodies include rear-wheel steering, active aerodynamics, and the ability to use 800-volt chargers located across the country. Electrify America is a charging company owned by Porsche, and their high-voltage DC network will work with other makes and models. In addition, every Porsche dealer has at least one 800v charge spot. Now let's break down what separates these two models. Model: Taycan Turbo Taycan Turbo S Horsepower 616 616 Overboost Horsepower 670 750 Torque 626 774 0-60 3.0 2.6 Front Brake Rotors 16.3" 16.5" Price (U.S. Dollars) $153,510 $187,610 The press release states both cars have a drag coeficcient of 0.22, making them incredibly efficient. As we told you earlier this year, both models come with 3 years of free charging from Electrify America and your local dealer. Looking at the massive dimensions of the brake rotors, both models have 10-piston front calipers. Not that you need them, as 90% of brake force (265 kW) is captured by the motors and sent back into the battery. Of course, it has a list of Porsche acronyms for all the advanced chassis, suspension, and safety systems, just know both cars arrive fully loaded. The unveiling was hosted by Mark Webber, who shocked the world with a blistering run in the Taycan Turbo S at Goodwood this year. If you still need a V8 in your life, our dealers have several Panamera Turbo S E-hybrids to choose from, so click the link below after watching this epic reveal. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2019

Porsche Taycan: 0-90-0 on the USS Hornet

Porsche has every electric carmaker in its sights. So they chose the deck of a famous Aircraft Carrier to fire a warning shot in California. This historic ship was commissioned in 1943 with orders for Japan. After participating in the Mariana Turkey Shoot, she led two Escort Carriers in attacks along the Japanese mainland. With so much history on this flight deck, the Porsche Taycan went 0-90-0 on the USS Hornet. She was retired in 1970 after a long and lucky career, and now she is a museum at the Alameda Navy Base. Situated across the bay from San Francisco, this run serves to put fear in the Silicon Valley startups. Putting pressure on Tesla was inevitable, and Porsche has the full backing of VW group to take on Elon. As the most anticipated luxury cars for sale, the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-tron are coming and nobody can stop them. Tell us what you think of them in the comments below, and check out the performance of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid in the link below. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Sets new 'Ring Record Porsche Taycan Reveales its Digital & Sustainable Interior

By Andrew Nabors – August 26, 2019

Porsche Taycan Sets new 'Ring Record

This is the one we've been waiting for. In order to prove the virility of their upcoming electric sedan, the Porsche Taycan has set a new 'Ring record. Production will begin in a few weeks, so this is also a brilliant marketing move by Stuttgart. Their previous test at Nardo involved 26 consecutive runs from 0-186 mph, before running 2,128 miles in 24 hours. Development on the Taycan involved simulator runs of the historic track, and it gave engineers a rough idea of what to expect. Nothing beats real-world experience, and driver Lars Kern did several laps of the 12.8-mile track. After some final tuning and a full charge, he lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:42. This makes it the fastest electric sedan to take on the Green Hell, and they have footage to prove it. While the Taycan is still in final development, our dealers have great offers on the new 992-Series 911. Click the link below to find yours after watching this blistering lap. Find Your Porsche 911 Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 23, 2019

Porsche Taycan Reveals its Digital & Sustainable Interior

Porsche's first battery-powered EV is almost ready for launch. It looks and performs unlike any Porsche before it, so it needed an interior just as impressive. Taking a page from the past, they used the dash of the first Porsche 911 as a starting point. While 1963 controls and gauges are not an option, the shapes are just as pleasing. Starting with the instrument cluster, it is a 16.8" curved screen without a cowling. Placing the screen in the open is just one way the Porsche Taycan reveals its digital & sustainable interior. Sitting amidships under the windshield is the familiar chronograph with an LED time display. The central dash has a 10.9" touchscreen, and it can be optioned with a passenger display for side-seat drivers. Ahead of the cup holders, the center console rises to an 8.4" touchscreen. It uses haptic feedback to keep your eyes on the road. Even the A/C vents are digital, and they are capable of direct or diffused airflow thanks to Porsche "Virtual Airflow Control". The sustainable portion of the interior comes from 2 choices. Leather isn't a limited resource, so it would be our choice. The other material offered is "Race-Tex" microfiber made from recycled polyester. Until the Taycan arrives, Porsche has another electric option. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Cayenne Turbo For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Endurance Racing at Nardo Ring Porsche Taycan Trio Attacks the Hoover Dam

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2019

Porsche Taycan Endurance Testing at Nardò Ring

It takes a leap of faith to enter a new market. A purely electric luxury sedan will face competition from the (Redacted) Model S, and that is why the Porsche Taycan is endurance testing at the Nardò Ring. Volkswagen Group has owned the historic proving grounds for several years, and it has allowed them to dial in their Lamborghini, Bentley, and Audi models. It is also where the Porsche 919 Hybrid proved that 800-volt charging could lead to three wins at LeMans. With the launch of the Taycan planned for early September, they had to make sure every aspect is proven. With track temperatures reaching 129 degrees, they covered 2,128 miles in 24 hours. This potent machine had an average speed between 121 to 134 mph. The driver was treated to the latest version of Apple Music. It is the first fully-integrated streaming service offered by Apple, and it includes six months of free music along with three years of internet & data connectivity. Tell us your thoughts about this new Porsche in the comments below, and click the link to experience the new Porsche 911. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Trio Attacks the Hoover Dam Porsche Taycan Driven by Mark Webber at Goodwood

By Andrew Nabors – July 16, 2019

Porsche Taycan Trio Attacks the Hoover Dam

When building a new electric car it is important to make sure the car is ready for the world. Porsche wants the world to be ready for their new sedan, so a Porsche Taycan Trio attacked the Hoover Dam. Using power from their 90 kWh batteries, the cars power a projector to illuminate the historic structure. Compared to the 90 kWh found in the Taycan, the dam has an annual output of 4.5 billion kWh. It powers much of Nevada, Arizona, and California using a combination of gravity and the Colorado River. With a range of 310 miles, the Porsche Taycan could take you from the shores of Lake Meade, through Las Vegas, and end up in L.A. with power to spare. Owners will have 3 years of free charging at Electrify America stations, or the 800-volt quick chargers being installed at Porsche & Audi dealers. Porsche Taycan Driven by Mark Webber at Goodwood Along with the new Audi E-tron, we are looking forward to a high-voltage future. In the meantime, production of the GT2 RS is coming to an end. The 992 Series 911 is ramping up production, but we won't see the Targa, Turbo, or GT cars for awhile. Click the link below to find the final GT2 RS for you. Find Your Porsche 911 GT2 RS Here! Related: Porsche Taycan Is Almost Ready For Launch Spider-Man Shows Off Audi E-tron Concept in Science Fair

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2019

Porsche Taycan Driven by Mark Webber at Goodwood

Nothing has intrigued the automotive world more than the notion of an electric Porsche. History repeats itself in that Ferdinand Porsche's first car was the Lohner-Porsche electromobile in 1900. Twelve decades later, their new electric supercar is poised to change the world. In a press release yesterday, they celebrate that the Porsche Taycan was driven by Mark Webber at Goodwood. With an extensive Formula 1 career under his belt, he said "The Taycan's power delivery is awesome". You might remember back to 2017 when he was chosen to send the Porsche 911 GT2 RS up the historic hill. We know that car is fast, and he said "I took part in this event in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS two years ago, so I already knew that it all comes down to power and traction. But, even for a thoroughbred racing driver like me, it is amazing how the Taycan – even though it’s still a prototype – accelerates off the start and out of the corners." Goodwood is the 2nd of the Taycan's Triple Demo Run. With a goal of three continents in three weeks, the first run took place in Shanghai last week. It will culminate at the Formula E Championship, July 13-14th in NYC. It will use a 90 kWh battery to send 800 volts to all corners. This equated to 596 horsepower at all wheels, and torque that overpowers conventional dynos. It will truly change the market for luxury electric cars, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale Related: Porsche Taycan is Almost Ready for Launch Porsche Taycan Will Include Three Years of free Charging

By Andrew Nabors – March 28, 2019

Porsche Taycan is Almost Ready for Launch

Entering a new realm of the automotive world has to be done correctly or it will fail. That is why engineers at Porsche have had their first electric vehicle in testing for years. What began as the Mission E was a warning shot to the industry. Their plans for an 800-Volt charging network along with a 300-mile range are revolutionary, and they are about to become a reality. In a press release this morning, we've learned the Porsche Taycan is almost ready for launch. Lithium Ion batteries have a narrow heat range for optimal performance. That is why the Taycan is being tested on ice in Scandinavia. Simultaneously, teams in Dubai and South Africa are performing the hot weather runs. Prototypes have seen action in over 30 countries, with temperatures ranging from -31 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 3.7 Million miles have included 1.2 Million of endurance runs around the clock. Over 100,000 tests of the charging system included all standard AC or DC protocols. Porsche Cayenne For Sale Over 20,000 deposits are already on the books, and each customer will reach 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds. The nominal range is 310 miles, and an 800-Volt charge adds 62 miles of range in 4 minutes. If you want to experience the best blend of gas and electric, the Porsche Panamera E Hybrid will blow your mind. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Panamera E-Hybrid " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Will Include 3 Years of Free Charging All-Electric Porsche Taycan Price Estimated

By Edward Jones – October 18, 2018

Report: All-Electric Porsche Taycan Gets Estimated Price

The new Porsche Taycan is coming in as the brand's first all-electric model in the modern era. You see, Ferdinand Porsche's very first design was the 1898 Egger-Lohner electric car, which would technically make it Porsche's first electric car and their very first car in general. The Taycan, however, is the first all-electric car under the Porsche name.Alright, enough of history. Let's talk money. Many have been wondering where the Taycan would sit in Porsche's model lineup in regards to pricing. Automotive News estimates the Taycan will have a likely starting price above $92,500. However, Robert Meier, the model line director for the Taycan, says it will have an expected price between the Cayenne and Panamera. That would put it between $65,700 and $85,000 if you use the base models in each range.This kind of pricing would, of course, be for a base model Taycan. Porsche's CFO, Lutz Meschke, has told reporters that he wants "higher-performance versions" of the Taycan that could be priced much higher, according to Automotive News. Some like an electric version of the 911 Turbo?Related Video: View All Porsches For Sale Source: Automotive News

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