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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 – March 15, 2021

Porsche Museum Presents: 25 Years of Boxster History

Great cars have great stories behind them. That's why the Porsche Museum presents 25 Years of Boxster History. When the 968 was axed in 1995 it left the brand with only one model, the amazing 911. But its hard for dealers to justify a franchise based around a single car. As great as the 993 Series is, they needed something at a lower price point. Borrowing the same flat-six architecture from its big brother, the Boxster makes use of a mid-engine layout to offer incredible grip. What began as a humble roadster has spawned a coupe, spyder, and GT versions over the past quarter-century. If you haven't experienced one they make a sensible daily driver that won't break the bank, so click the button to find yours. Browse Porsche Boxster For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Porsche Travel Experience Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Life is short, so the journey should be just as important as the destination. Spending time with friends in enchanting locations is why the Porsche Travel Experience is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. A group of like-minded enthusiasts has been tapped to tell their favorite memories in this new series. No other manufacturer supports their fans in such a way, and that is why each experience sells out almost immediately. This year's schedule outshines any travel blogger. With locations ranging from Croatia to Iceland and the Black Forest to Belfast, the sights and tastes have been curated to make memories of a lifetime. I wish I had the vacation time to join them this year, so that's why each story will be hosted here. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Porsche

Tests in Grossbritanien Testing in Great Britain

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is Testing Around the W...

In order to offer a perfect electric crossover, the 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is testing around the world. Their latest press release likens their upcoming model as a "Swiss Army Knife on 21" wheels". As such, the camouflaged test mules are approaching 100,000 kilometers. Equivalent to 25 trips around the Equator, they have been heat and cold-soaked to punish the battery's thermal system. The Taycan has separate cooling circuits for the motors, batteries, and the cockpit's heater core, and the computer connects them to send heat where its needed. If you don't need the long roof, check out the Taycan sedan price and specs then give our dealers a call. Porsche Taycan For Sale Images (C) Porsche A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Porsche Top 5 Examines the "Moby Dick" 935-78

Captain Ahab would give up if he saw this beast. The latest episode of Porsche Top 5 examines Moby Dick, the iconic 935-78. Taking the 911 to within an inch of the rulebook was not easy, and it set precedents for aerodynamics for all to follow. The first Flachbau (Flat Nose) was so popular that a conversion kit was offered for new Porsche 911s for sale. Four decades later, a successor was offered as a new 935, an unchained track car based on the GT2 RS specs. Our dealers always have a few examples for sale if you need a centerpiece for your collection, so click the button to find yours. Stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 935 For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Ergonomics Explained

Even with great lines and amazing power, the interior can make or break your driving experience. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo ergonomics are explained in their latest upload, so let's see what it takes to build a comfortable sedan. Now that the Taycan sedan is selling well, a longer roofline will appeal to those who need a bit more room. Manufacturers are often reticent to show how they mock-up the layout, but this neat jig allows everyone to give feedback on the materials and their placement. Is it a sedan, a shooting brake, or a crossover? We don't care. It is a sleek electric supercar from Stuttgart that recently broke the indoor land speed record. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and tell us which Taycan you prefer in the comments below. Porsche Taycan For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Smashes Records At The Nürburgring

Shaving a fraction of a second is progress at the world's toughest track, so let's watch the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 smash records at the Nurburgring. While the formula remains the same, the ingredients are all new. Thanks to their dedicated team of Engineers at Weissach, the new GT program started with a blank slate. Every group offered improvements to make the new eclipse its predecessors. While each change might seem arbitrary, they add up to a much more capable car. The wheels are an inch wider at all corners, and the fronts are wider apart. This 911 marks the debut of a double-wishbone front suspension, finally replacing the MacPherson struts. All cars offer nearly twice the downforce of the previous GT3, so it allowed the team to lap the course in 6:59.927. This is faster than the 918 Spyder and a dozen seconds better than the previous 911 GT3. The team was undoubtedly testing the next 911 GT3 RS price and specs, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2021

Porsche Taycan Sets New Indoor Land Speed Record

The world's largest contiguous exhibit hall in the U.S. is located in the Big Easy, and that is where the Porsche Taycan set a new indoor land speed record. Knowing full well what the new Taycan is capable of, driver Leh Keen and the team invited Guiness World Records to join them in New Orleans. To optimize traction on the slick concrete, the AWD Taycan Turbo S was fitted with tire warmers. It took a few runs to optimize the battery regeneration mode and to harness 750 horsepower. In an ideal situation the car would reach 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, so how fast can it go while still braking safely? They reached 102.6 mph, so please don't try this at home. Remember, Guinness Awards and Darwin Awards are not separated by much, so check out the Taycan price and specs to find one for yourself. Porsche Taycan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Sets 13 New Records At Brands Hatch

Falling asleep on the 14th floor can be tricky because you know what floor you are really on. Despite the foreboding feelings about the number, the 2022 Porsche Taycan has set 13 new records at Brands Hatch. While a sunny, dry weekend was too much to ask for it didn't stop the Taycan lineup from being quick-charged. Their press release highlights the car's ability to jump from 5% to 80% in less than 23 minutes. The track is famous for a 1,000 km endurance race. That's 622 miles in Freedom Units, a tough task for any car. Compared to all-electric cars weighing over 1,000 kg, they chopped down all previous times for a standing start. Not only does is the Taycan the most efficient electric car on the market, but it has also been proven to perform in all weather. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan For Sale Images (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2021

Porsche Classic Asks What Makes An Icon?

No other automaker cares as much for their heritage, so Porsche Classic asks: "What makes an icon?" What began with printing new copies of old literature has evolved into factory restorations and upgrade parts for older models. What you might not know is that they continually test new tires to recommend the perfect rubber for your Porsche. For some reason, they do not offer radiators, water pumps, or coolant hoses...If you know why please tell us in the comments below. A classic Porsche 911 for sale is an investment that will change your life, so click the button to find one near you. This is why a classic Porsche is one of the top 50 best sports cars of all time. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2021

Porsche Top 5 Highlights Of The 550 Spyder

With sales of the first 356 beginning to takeoff, Ferry built a masterpiece. In order to understand what made it iconic, here are the Porsche Top 4 highlights of the 550 Spyder. One of the lightest cars of all time, it made use of independent suspension and a clever differential to power completely through corners. This how 1.5-liter lapped cars packing double or triple the power. The car was so incredible that Corvette's Chief Engineer took a long weekend in 1955 to drive for Porsche at LeMans. Aside from the late Janes Dean, Patrick Dempsey was just named Brand Ambassador by Porsche Design for 2021. Browse Porsche For Sale Image (C) Porsche Cars North America

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