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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 – December 12, 2019

Porsche Top 5 Rally Cars

One of the best aspects of all Porsche 911 for sale, is that the engine is behind the rear wheels. Not only does it keep the car from getting stuck, but every 911 also has incredible drifting abilities. Both of those factors make the Porsche incredible on the road, on ice, or even in thick mud. Given these attributes, let's look at Porsche's Top 5 Rally Cars. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale When I was younger, old rusty Porsche 911 for sale were affordable. That's why many were jacked up with truck tires and raced around the world. We don't advocate abusing any Porsche, but it sure is fun. Click the button above for great Holliday offers from our dealers, and you will have a sports car capable of going anywhere! Related: Porsche Top 5: The Loudest Porsches Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review

Photography: Christoph BauerPostproduction: Wagnerchic – www.wagnerchic.com

By Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2019

Porsche Taycan Top 5 Highlights

Being first to market is not a wise strategy. That's why Porsche has studied their competitors in order to build the perfect electric sedan. If the anticipation is too much to handle, you should not watch this. But if you can handle high-voltage and German precision, here are the Porsche Taycan Top 5 highlights. Browse All Porsche For Sale Related: Porsche Taycan Performance Highlights Porsche Taycan Turbo Road Trip: Niagara Falls to Manhattan

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2019

2019 Porsche 911 Speedsters Available For Purchase

If you have 502 horsepower, you don't need a roof. That is why Porsche has delivered on their promise to revive a classic. A drop-top masterpiece with Cognac leather, it is the latest model from their Exclusive Manufaktur department. Don't miss this opportunity, and get your Porsche 911 Speedster here! It is essentially a convertible GT3 with a manual transmission, and our dealers are awaiting your call. View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing " width="680"> Browse All Porsche 911 Speedsters For Sale Related: 2020 Porsche Speedster Reviewed by Carfection 2020 Porsche Speedster in Action

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By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

Porsche Ice Experience 2019 Recap

Meteorologists have been baffled by the Polar Vortex phenomenon. Global warming would seem to prevent it, but we know what really causes these cold snaps. Browse All Porsche For Sale Owners and professional drivers were having fun in the frozen north, and here is the proof. Watch what makes every Porsche for sale an amazing machine in Winter, with the Porsche Ice Experience 2019 recap. Related: Porsche Ice Races Return to Austria Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs, Prices, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

Porsche's Top 5 Transaxle Cars

You can't deny the genius of the Porsche 911. With an engine behind the rear wheels, the transmission is placed perfectly between the rear axles. Since the 911 isn't for everyone, Volkswagen & Audi engineers helped Porsche develop a revolutionary gearbox. In their latest YouTube upload, let's explore Porsche's Top 5 transaxle cars. First up was the 914. While not technically a transaxle, it inspired stylists to free themselves of traditional Porsche powertrain layouts. The 924 was Porsche's first water-cooled 2-liter engine, built & sold with Audi's help. Browse All Porsche For Sale Next was the 928, it offered an aluminum body with V8 power. Almost two decades of the 944 have made it an icon, and it evolved into the 968- the ultimate front engine-rear transmission Porsche. " width="680"> Related: Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Porsche Taycan 4S, Macan Turbo & 99X Unveiled in L.A.

The City of Angels has a finger on the pulse of the automotive industry. While other manufacturers save money by attending the smaller shows, Porsche has unveiled the Taycan 4S, Macan Turbo and 99X in L.A. CEO Oliver Blume formally announced two battery options for the base-model Taycan. The entry-level battery is 73 kWh, offering 522 horsepower for around $105,000. The performance battery has 93.4 kWh and 562 horsepower for $5,000 more. Both batteries offer 3 years of free charging (in 30-minute intervals). A nominal charge time of 22 minutes is all it takes to go from 5% to 80%. This allows you to travel 2,100 hours in 24 hours with charging included. Formula E fans will enjoy watching the debut of the Porsche 99X race car this weekend in Riyadh, so good look to TAG Heuer Team Porsche on their first outing. The final news is a new Macan Turbo with 434 horsepower from a revised 2.9L V6. Fitted with Sport Chrono, it reaches 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds! Browse All Porsche For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Performance Highlights Announced Porsche Unveils 2021 Macan Turbo

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

Porsche Taycan Performance Highlights

Lookout Elon, Stuttgart has you in their crosshairs. There is a new name in the world of electric cars, and it will make an entrance worthy of praise. In their latest upload to YouTube, it is easy to spot the Porsche Taycan performance highlights. Starting with Electric Sport Sound, the driver can choose to hear simulated engine noise added to their audio. Outside, a futuristic sound is generated up to 20 mph, as mandated by the Government. Browse New Porsche 911 For Sale You will have four driving modes, each with the ability to customize brake regeneration. Choose from no brake assistance or up to 355 horsepower of stopping force. Other goodies include rear-wheel steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management, Porche Torque Vectoring+, and configurable "Joker Keys". These are hotkeys within easy reach that can be mapped to your favorite systems. Tell us what you think of the Taycan in the comments below. Related: Porsche Taycan Turbo Roadtrip: Niagara Falls to Manhattan

2019 Porsche 911 Carrera S in Guards Red

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & Carrera 4S Receive Manual Tr...

Despite the ominous nature of All Hallows Eve, 7 is the lucky number for today. That's because the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & Carrera 4S have received a manual transmission. In a press release yesterday, Porsche USA announced that their bulletproof 7-speed manual gearbox has been added as a no-cost option. While not available on the base model Carrera, buyers of the Carrera S and Carrera 4S will have the option for coupe & cabriolet models. Adding a 3rd pedal also sheds ~100 lbs and includes many nice features. Going without the 8-speed automatic, you will receive a mechanical differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring. A Sport Mode button on the steering wheel allows you to select between Normal, Sport, Sport +, and Individual modes. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale Perhaps the greatest among these is Sport Chrono. Compared to the base Carrera, it includes Dynamic Motor Mounts, Rev Match, and the iconic chronograph on the dash. Prices are unchanged, with the Carrera S starting at $113,300 and the most expensive stick shift is the Carrera 4S Cabriolet at $133,300. Click the button above to find our dealer near you and have a fun & safe Halloween. " width="680"> Related: 2020 Porsche 911 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2019

Why Porsche is the Ultimate Mountain Machine

Ferdinand Porsche was born in Bohemia in 1875. This northern vestige of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was ethnically German, but a problem existed when traveling: The Alps. At the dawn of the automotive age, no car was capable of overcoming the altitude, so he devised a brilliant solution. This is why Porsche is the ultimate mountain machine. Browse All Porsche For Sale Going uphill, a rear-wheel-drive car is fighting itself. Having the engine upfront is like Sisyphus wearing slippery shoes. True genius was reversing the layout. Placing the engine behind the rear wheels forces them into the ground. Not only does it work great on flat land, point the nose up and the effect is magnified. Click Here To Buy From the Beetle to the 356 and the 911, they really shine going skyward. A rear-engine car has more grip going uphill than any other situation, so your right foot responds with glee. Add in the latest advances in All-Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Steering and you have a recipe for high-altitude happiness. Click the button above for an amazing book by Stefan Bogner & Jan Karl Baedeker. "Porsche Drive" features incredible views from 15 famous Alpine passes. The final part of the trilogy will be published on October 10th, so click the link above for the first book and stay with us for all your Porsche news. " width="680"> Related: Porsche Ice Races Return To Austria Dr. Wolfgang Porsche's Five Favorite Cars

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By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2019

Porsche Taycan Turbo Road Trip: Niagara Falls to Manhattan

Porsche does not waste time when it comes to unveilings. They save precious time for the details and build quality of their lineup. To show the world what their new electric sedan is capable of, the Porsche Taycan Turbo was Niagara Falls to Manhattan. Covering 408 miles, they stopped for a high voltage charge at an Electrify America station in Bloomsburg, PA. It took the battery from 14% to 85% in 24 minutes, enough for the remaining 158 miles into NYC. Stefan Weckbach is VP of the Taycan Product Line, and he said: " “It’s fantastic to see the Taycan take to the road in its final form for the first time, and to demonstrate its ability to cover big miles in complete comfort." "Of course, many owners will use their Taycan the way a Porsche is designed to be used - to be driven hard. The car is more than up to this challenge. At the moment, this is the one and only Taycan undisguised and on the road in the US. I can’t wait for it to reach customer’s hands and for many more to hit the roads around the world." If you want a powerful Porsche sedan with battery power, click the link below for great offers on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid For Sale Related: Porsche Taycan Configurator Reveals Interesting Options

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