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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 – October 14, 2020

Porsche Top 5 Most Thrilling GT Models

With an advertising budget that rivals Berkshire Hathaway, Porsche never fails to create amazing videos. Their latest upload is the perfect motivation to explore their most capable offerings, so let's see the Porsche Top 5 most thrilling GT models. A quick poll around the office has yielded promising candidates. The GT2 RS because of the bonkers amount of power sent to the rear wheels only. A Carrera GT because it scared their Chief Test Driver Walter Röhrl. The GT3 RS appeals to pure flat-six power, made without the need for turbos. You might have forgotten the 911 GT1, but they usually sell for over $3 Million. Tell us your ideal Porsche GT car in the comments below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 Porsche Calendar Highlights Their Icons Of Speed

Earlier today Mr. Pagani previewed the artwork we will see in their upcoming "calendario". Our German-speaking friends will also need to keep track of our solar orbit, so we are thankful that the 2021 Porsche Calendar highlights their icons of speed. To give us a hint of what's in-store, YouTube clip shows the fastest cars in the Porsche Museum as they were shot on-location. While it would be easily done by Graphic Artists or by digging up old photos, the "kalendar" will showcase everything from the 550 to the 919. Playing in slo-mo, we also see the Pink Pig, Rothman's 917, 935, and famous examples of the 911. Even though it outsold every other Porsche car in Q3, the Taycan didn't make the cut. If you want a 2021 Porsche Calendar, you will need to visit our local dealer. Check out great incentives on the new 911 for sale and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Porsche Taycan Turbo Attacks The Alps

One of the world's most formidable mountain ranges separates Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. The Alps are the ancestral home of the Porsche family, so they have always built cars capable of conquering high altitudes. Dr. Porsche's daily driver was one of his designs, the VW Beetle. Because of the thin air south of Salzburg, he fitted a big supercharger and more capable carburetors. Such is the history with Porsche, embracing turbos to add power at any altitude. Porsche Taycan Turbo Price, Specs, & Horsepower Now with the Taycan, "Turbo" is just a model, but it doesn't disappoint above the clouds. Simona de Silvestro is a Formula E racer and in the latest upload for 9:11 magazine, we see the Porsche Taycan Turbo attack the Alps. She is heading to Switzerland to show Porsche fans what 670 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque are capable of. If you haven't experienced the Taycan yet, click the button for the ride of a lifetime. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 02, 2020

Porsche Posts Impressive Q3 Performance

Listening to what your customers want and predicting industry trends are paramount to staying ahead of your competitors. While other brands have reported dismal deliveries, Porsche has just posted impressive Q3 performance. The culmination of all 192 independent dealers resulted in 15,548 Porsches sold. Model July-September 2020 2019 Difference ALL 911 1,567 1,701 -7.9% ALL 718 1,084 1,048 3.4% ALL TAYCAN 1,858 n/a n/a ALL PANAMERA 1,064 1,276 -16.6% ALL CAYENNE 4,509 4,300 4.9% ALL MACAN 5,466 6,480 -15.6% TOTAL 15,548 14,805 5.0% They took a hit in the 2nd quarter with a 20% drop, but that was better than most other brands. However, now that people are getting out and about the Macan led the pack with 5,466 sold. SUVs are still the hottest market segment, so the Cayenne was a close 2nd at 4,509. Panamera and the 718 Series Cayman/Boxster are nearly even: 1,064 vs 1,084, but the real shocker is electric. The Taycan tallied up at 1,858 cars, beating the 911 by 291 cars. Browse Porsche For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2020

Brumos Collection "Inside The 59" Compares the Porsche 91...

Two of Stuttgart's most potent machines are separated by a few decades. Even at a distance, they are easily recognizable as supercars that were far ahead of their time. Many mysteries and questions surround their development and abilities, so that is why the Brumos Collection "Inside The 59" compares the Porsche 918 Spyder to the Porsche 959. " width="680"> This amazing museum opened last year in Jacksonville, Florida. The campus has ample room for PCA events and might eventually include a race track. The building itself is an accurate copy of the Ford Model T factory that opened in 1925 along the riverbank in Downtown Jacksonville. It is filled with nostalgic images of the city's past, along with hundreds of pieces of Brumos history. As one of the oldest Porsche dealers in the U.S., they fielded cars in the world's biggest races, often with my hometown hero Hurley Haywood behind the wheel. The livestream begins at noon today, so they gave us a preview of both cars. Browse Porsche 918 Spyder For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2020

2021 Porsche Panamera Powertrain Details Explained

Contrary to what you've been taught, powerful engines don't have to be ineficcient or harmful to the environment. In their quest to give us the best driving experience, engineers in Stuttgart have pushed their popular sedan into uncharted territory. In their latest upload we can see the 2021 Porsche Panamera powertrain details explained. Starting with their most eco-friendly model, the Panamera 4 S E-Hybrid combines a revised 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid power to offer 560 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. It has an electric range of 33 miles while reaching 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. If you opt for the Sport Chrono Package, it can leap from 50 to 75 mph in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 185 mph. " width="680"> Next up is the new Porsche Panamera GTS. This one will offer the best of both worlds, as the 4-liter V8 has twin turbos that are optimized to perform and offer the same feeling as a naturally aspirated V8. Thanks to computer-controlled wastegates and VG turbos, you will have 480 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque that efficiently arrives in the same gradual manner as traditional V8 sedan would. While the engine itself has the same potential as its big brother, it does so without slurping premium fuel. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale Finally, we reach the most anticipated beast. The 2021 Panamera Turbo S has received the same forged internals of the Lamborghini Urus. The valvetrain and timing gears are also thicker to handle incredible power. That's because when the sparkplug fires, each cylinder generates 1,813 PSI to the top of the piston. With eight cylinders being pushed this hard, you will have 630 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. This means 62 mph appears in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. Larger turbos allow maximum torque to be available from just above idle, so you can cruise efficiently at triple-digit speeds. Click the button above to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Porsche news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Watch the new Guinness World Record Slalom Set By a Teena...

Engineers and test drivers from Stuttgart to Weissach are scratching their heads. Porsche pushes each car beyond its limits before its released, often setting records in the process. Now they have a new hero to test their cars. Chloe Chambers is 16 years old, and she recently pushed a stock Porsche harder than anyone though possible. So let's watch the new Guinness World Record for a slalom set by a teenager in a 718 Spyder. Porsche Boxster / Cayman Price Specs Photos & Review Her father is a veteran Porsche racer, and she learned on the curvy roads that run along the Hudson River. Determined to show the world what the new Porsche 718 Spyder is capable of, a team from Porsche and the Guinness Book of World Records rented Solberg Airport, a small airfield on the outskirts of NYC. Her time to beat was 48.11 seconds through a 2,500-foot slalom course. " width="680"> Browse Porsche 718 Boxster For Sale With cones 50-feet apart, she started by warming up the stock Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires. After a few practice runs, she went wide open without touching any cones. Guinness officials clocked her at 47.45 seconds. Needless to say, the Porsche engineers joined her family in congratulating her. Something tells us she has a bright future in motorsports, so congratulations Chloe from all of us here at duPont REGISTRY!

By Andrew Nabors – August 11, 2020

Watch the Evolution of Porsche's Supercars

To enter a street-legal car in a world-famous race, you must sell a few to the public. Every famous manufacturer had homologation cars, from the Corvette Z06 to the Ferrari GTO (Gran Turismo Omolegato). These cars were usually more subtle, with better street manners for a weekend cruise. Knowing their customers, Porsche chose the opposite approach. They sold track-ready supercars to whoever wanted them. In their latest upload, let's look at these mean machines. How Porsche Perfected 3D Printed Pistons From the lessons learned on the 1964 Carrera GTS, Hans Mezger and his team decided to offer a Porsche 911 with a massive turbocharger. Built from 1975 till today, the 911 Turbo has stayed among the world's fastest cars. The 959 debuted technology the world had never seen and the 911 GT1 was built to battle the CLK-GTR. Next was the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, a naturally-aspirated V10 powerhouse. Using electricity for boost, the 918 Spyder has 22 miles of battery range. Finally, the latest 911 GT2 RS offers nearly 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Browse Porsche For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2020

How Porsche Perfected 3D Printed Pistons

Engine builders have sworn by Mahle pistons since 1927. They have been inside Porsche's most famous and powerful race cars, (including the 911 GT2 RS and now they have challenged everything we thought we knew about engine technology. In Porsche's latest upload, we see Mahle working with Trumpf to 3D print the world's most advanced pistons. The laser adds a thin layer with each pass, allowing for an internal oil passage to cool the ring lands. Once finished, technicians at Zeiss scrutinize each one before delivery. Although the boss for the wrist pin looks small, the reduced weight allows for higher RPM. While this process is too expensive for normal cars, it is just another way Porsche offers their customers the latest and greatest technology available. Click the link below to find yours! Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2020

Porsche & Michelin Simulate Tire Testing for Real-World R...

Even before the internet, Michelin was using the latest in computer power to simulate the grip and resilience. This is done to make sure every new 2020 Porsche for sale receives the best tires available. Once installed at their Weissach test center, Werks Drivers and Michelin engineers confirm their abilities in all types of terrain. Now with the popularity of sim racing, both brands can make Porsche's virtual racers even more confident. Coming from the Corvette Aftermarket, one of the first modifications I sold to every new car owner was a set of Michelins. Chevrolet finally realized this and made them standard equipment on the previous-generation Stingray. Nothing is more important than what connects your car to the road, so click the button below to find a 2020 Porsche 911 for sale and stay with us for all your automotive news. Browse 2020 Porsche 911 For Sale

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