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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 – February 25, 2020

Mark Webber Hot Laps Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 at Estoril

Heel-toe shifting is becoming a lost art. This is how our grandparents had to drive, using your right foot to brake and your toes to blip the gas pedal. Gradually, American cars adopted heavy flywheels that eliminated the shuffle at the expense of double-clutching instead. Only the world's best drivers can execute both methods in a twinkling of an eye, so watch Mark Webber hot lap the new 718 GTS 4.0 at Estoril. While many people hoped the 4.0L would be the same 500 horsepower monster from the Porsche 911 GT3 RS for sale, that one wouldn't fit. So engineers used the architecture of the 718 Series flat-four and added a pair of cylinders. This mid-engined monster offers 400 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual. Tell us your thoughts on Heel/Toe vs double clutching in the comments below. Browse All Porsche 718 Cayman GTS For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Unveils 718 Series GTS 4.0 Boxster & Cayman

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2020

Porsche Taycan: Mission Accomplished

Get ready for a heartwarming story from the frozen north. In the latest episode of 911 Magazine, we learn the details of their all-electric sedan. In all honesty, no manufacturer has been so bold as to show the inner workings of their motors. This is what sets them apart from lesser competitors, so let's watch Porsche Taycan: Mission Accomplished. Browse All Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Turbo Road Trip: Niagara Falls to Manhattan

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2020

Porsche Racing Experience Level 2 has full Factory Support

It is a long and winding road that leads to becoming a professional racer. As part of their Level 1 Experience, veteran Porsche racers weed out the inept from the promising, giving the best drivers an opportunity to advance. Porsche Racing Experience Level 2 has full factory support. Each driver is evaluated against the instructors and also against other competitors. This is where factory instructors compare skills and intuition that can't be quantified. Much like scouting in professional sports, they know who has it and who doesn't. Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review Learning to master a powerful rear-engine race car is one of the hardest in motorsports, and that is why you should click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Stay with us for all your Porsche Racing Experience updates. Browse New Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2020

Porsche 911 Magazine: Time Travel in a Speedster

Science has proven that a Mediterranean diet is one key to longevity. Nowhere is this more evident than on the island of Sardinia. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and separated from mainland Europe, Sardinians are removed from the stresses and contaminants of modern society. In an effort to unlock how so many natives pass the century mark, Photographer Luigi Corda set out to capture the stories of the 100+ year-olds. It is the final story in the current issue of Porsche 911 Magazine: Time Travel in a Speedster. Having the opportunity to drive Speedsters of several generations, they are guaranteed to make you feel young again. It is a 4.0L, six-speed masterpiece. Your feet have 3 pedals to choose from, with 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. They are a limited series and destined to be the centerpiece of any 911 collection. So click the button below and find yours before they're all gone. Browse all Porsche 911 Speedster For Sale

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

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2020

Porsche "Big Game" Behind the Scenes

If you are a Porsche fan get ready for action. We have been the trusted resource for selling Porsche cars for 35 years, so it is only natural that we offer this film to you. Last year saw dismal commercials, so sit back and watch Porsche Big Game behind the scenes. Find Your Porsche Here Tell us what you think of the Big Game in the comments below!

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2020

Porsche Unveils Aimé Leon Dore 964 Carrera 4

When it comes to collaborations, Porsche simply outclasses any other automaker. Haute couture and horsepower might seem mutually exclusive, but prepare to be amazed. This project probably involved hundreds of hours in design and in production, so we are thrilled to see Porsche has unveiled an Aimé Leon Dore 964 Carrera 4. This gorgeous 1990 Porsche 911 will be on display at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in NYC from February 6-9. We hope this isn't a 1 of 1, because it would certainly look great in my driveway. Click the button below to find your 964 Series 911 and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse all 964 Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche 964 Specs, Photos, Price & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2020

Porsche Taycan Turbo S vs Turbo by DragTimes

We've waited long enough, and now Porsche's Tesla Fighter has arrived from Deutschland. By launching two versions simultaneously, you need to choose the right sedan for your needs. That's why our friend Brooks just filmed a Porsche Taycan Turbo S vs. Turbo by DragTimes. Porsche Taycan Price, Specs & Sound For a quick refresher, the Taycan Turbo S is their electric flagship. For an MSRP of $185,000, you will have 750 horsepower from a 93 kWh Battery. It offers 774 lb-ft of torque and a range of 192 miles. Little brother is the Taycan Turbo. It arrives with 650 horsepower, 626 lb-ft of torque and a range of 201 miles. Using the same battery with smaller motors, it is slower but more efficient. Our dealers have several to choose from, so click the link below after this heads-up action! Browse All Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Taycan Top 5 Highlights

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2020

Porsche Previews Their "Big Game" Commercial

Given the expense of advertising during the "Big Game", leave it to the Security Team at Stuttgart to deliver an amazing film. Given the new models that are arriving daily, Porsche has previewed their "Big Game" commercial. "The Heist" follows a vandal, who steals a new Porsche Taycan Turbo for sale right off the showroom floor. We would advise against this, as Porsche facilities are more secure than most banks. We're not here to spoil the action, just to let you know that our dealers have several new Taycans to choose from. Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for more Porsche news. P.S.: Porsche may have shown off the new 911 GT3 in the video. See if you can spot it. Browse All Porsche Taycan For Sale " width="680"> Related: Will Smith Surprises Lyft Riders in a Porsche Taycan

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

2020 Porsche Macan GTS is Compact & Capable

Santa told me you like sporty crossovers. Well, even if you don't, every automaker is embroiled in the war for family haulers. Engineers in Stuttgart don't take threats lightly, and that is why the new 2020 Porsche Macan GTS is compact & capable. As the latest Macan, the GTS model completes the lineup of this generation. Under the hood is their latest 2.9-liter V6. It offers 375 horsepower and a whopping 383 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. With such a broad torque curve, it reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds if you order the Sport Chrono package. It rides a bit lower than normal Macans, rolling on 20" RS Spyder wheels. Equally capable are the brakes, with 14" front and 13" rotors on the rear. Browse All Porsche Macan For Sale Pricing in the U.S. starts at $71,300, and deliveries are expected to begin this summer. Click the button above to find our dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. " width="680"> Related: Porsche 918 Spyder Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2019

Porsche Formula E as Seen Through Leica Optics

When it comes to Point & Shoot, Leica leads the way. Not only do they build amazing cameras, but their lineup also includes rifle scopes, military hardware, and ophthalmic equipment. So it's only natural that 3x LeMans Winner André Lotterer shoots the Porsche Formula E through Leica optics. Browse Leica Optics We use our Leicas at many events because of the quality and practicality, as such, they are also a perfect Christmas gift. Click the button above for great deals from our friends at B&H, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Related: New Star Wars Starship Designed by Porsche & Lucasfilm Porsche 911 Turbo S Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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