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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 01, 2018

New Porsche 935 Race Car Filmed During Testing

If you are reading this, you probably like fast Porsches. If you like them more than your average fan, why weren't you at RennSport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca over the weekend? You missed a chance for Dr. Wolfgang Porsche to sign your car, and you also missed the return of the Porsche 935 known as "Moby Dick." Yes, that's right, Typ 935/78 is making a 21st-century comeback. Inspired by the famous LeMans racer, the new example is based on the current GT2 RS and will be limited to only 77 examples. 2014 Foreign Cars that are Illegal in the USA More than a piece of history, these cars represent the last of the 991 series 911. We've seen various prototypes of the 2020 Porsche 992, and it's easy to say they are still far ahead of their competitors. It looks as if Stuttgart is upset to see the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ at the top of their home field track, so perhaps Moby Dick will make a triumphal return to the top of the leaderboard. If you are curious as to what the 935's 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque sounds like in motion, you can view the video from NM2255 down below. He managed to capture the new race car during a testing run at the Monza Circuit. Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2018

She Built a Secret Porsche Collection, Traded Horses for ...

Lisa Taylor built her very first car, which was an Aztec kit car, with her dad. He owned multiple exotic cars, including the very first Ferrari Testarossa. However, he never owned a Porsche. When Lisa drove her first Porsche years later in 1981, she was hooked and has owned one ever since then.In a video documenting her collection, by Car Throttle, we learn Lisa swapped her horses for cars with plenty of horsepower. In her collection are a lot of Porsches in exciting colors, like her Ruby Star 911 GT3 RS and 1973 911 Carrera RS in Oslo Blue. The Oslo Blue is one of her favorites out the collection and she says she had taken in on rallies. She did manage to sneak a few modern pleasantries into this classic 911, like a radio and air conditioning.Porsche 911 GT3 RS Specs, Prices, Photos & ReviewLisa also mentions how many think her cars belong to her boyfriend. She says they think that "women don't collect cars." "Being a female in car collecting is very rare," Lisa notes. Thankfully we have people out there like Lisa that prove that the automotive culture is for everyone, regardless of gender. Check out the video below to see her amazing collection and learn about her trip to Monterey Car Week with other colorful Porsches.

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2018

BMW M5 vs Porsche 911 Turbo S vs Modded Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R will always a be a star in the aftermarket scene. It's been modified over and over again by many different companies, all of them looking to make the quickest car possible. The results of this can be seen at just about any drag event, especially when you head to the GT-R World Cup on February 1-2, 2019.Autocar wanted to test the GT-R creation from Litchfield. They modified the car both mechanically, cosmetically and electronically, and the result is a freshly styled GT-R that packs 631 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Racing against this GT-R was a BMW M5 and the insanely quick Porsche 911 Turbo S. If you're familiar with the Turbo S, then you know that it's one of the fastest production cars off of the line.Each of the cars faces stiff competition in this drag race, especially the M5. But how do they all stack up? Click play below to see which one wins. Is it the modded GT-R? 911 Turbo S? Or the M5 as an underdog.How to do Launch Control in a New Ford GT

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2018

2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Hits 190 MPH on the Autobahn

As I write this, it's Friday on Labor Day weekend, and the clock is ticking. No matter what your plans are, you can still leave work in a spirited manner. Since it almost noon for our friends in The Netherlands, they decided to send us the first top speed run in a 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo.2018 Dodge Demon Price & SpecsThe Turbo model of their popular SUV has returned with a vengeance. It uses a revised 4.0-liter V8 and twin turbos to offer 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. It is not limited to 155 mph like most Germans, so the Autobahn is the perfect proving ground. This is a formal introduction to Cayenne's 3rd generation, and it sets a new precedent for luxury and performance SUVs.Body roll is controlled by Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control servos on the front and rear sway bars. The brake rotors are covered in a layer of tungsten carbide for the ultimate in stopping power. Rear wheel steering is borrowed from the 911, and the air suspension has triple chambers at each corner. Click the link below for great offers on the new models.Browse Porsche Cayenne For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2018

Hurley Haywood's 1973 Porsche at Goodwood

As one of my hometown heroes, Hurley Haywood is one of the more famous residents of Amelia Island, Florida. One of Porsche's best drivers, he is humble and never shy to sign an autograph or to encourage kids to get into motorsports. As the winner of Daytona in 1973, he had lost track of the winning car until it reappeared at Sebring last year. The owner has completely restored this classic 911 2.7 RS to 1973 specs and allowed Mr. Haywood to get behind the wheel again at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & ReviewAt this year's Porsche Werks Reunion on Amelia Island, he signed a few copies of his latest book "If My Voice Is Strong Enough To Help One Kid." It tells the story of how a high school student interviewed him for a term paper. Hurley could tell the student was gay, and it prompted him to publicly come out. A call from the boy's mother said Hurley had saved her son's life, accepting who he really was.Everyone in endurance racing knew Hurley was gay, but it didn't matter. Hurley Haywood is (in my humble opinion) the greatest endurance racer of all time. Winning LeMans in 1977, 1983, and 1994 along with serving in Vietnam have made him a veteran in every sense. If you have been looking for a classic 911 Carrera or a top-notch Targa, we have plenty to choose from. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche updates.Find Your Porsche 911 Here

By Andrew Nabors – July 20, 2018

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Sets Record at The Bend Motorsport Park

An hour outside of Adelaide is the small Australian town of Tailem Bend. This hamlet on the River Murray has seen over $100million AUD invested in a new race track. Bend Motorsports Park is a new 4.7-mile track that needed a benchmark for lap times. Starting at the top of the list of Nurburgring record holders, Porsche accepted their invitation with a 911 GT2 RS.2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & ReviewIt's winter in the southern hemisphere, with high temperatures in the low 60's, perfect for a twin turbo supercar. The press release says Australian racing veteran Warren Luff was chosen to drive the latest 'Widow Maker'. We've never seen Porsche use this nickname officially, but it is nice to see they embrace the popular automotive culture. The reason for the nickname is because it sends 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.Much like the 930 series, only the best drivers can push it to the limit safely. But drivers can sleep easy knowing that rear steering and traction control keep the GT2 RS under control. Our dealers are starting to get them on the lot, so click the link below if you think you can handle it.Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=1gYsttWHFjM

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2018

Porsche 919 EVO vs 911 GT2 RS Nurburgring Comparison

Do you prefer to have fun in a street legal supercar? If so, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS is for you. It uses a 3.8L flat-six with two healthy turbos to offer 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. They dispense with entertainment or insulation along with the AWD system. Our dealers are beginning to receive them if you need a new centerpiece for your collection.Porsche 919 Hybrid Parades Around NYCOthers like to live dangerously. This is why the Porsche 919 Hybrid exists. It uses a turbocharged 2.0L V4 to power a hybrid battery drive. With 17 first-place wins and 43 podium finishes, the 919 program proved the veracity of small gas engines combined with the latest in battery technology. But Porsche is retiring this model to make way for their Formula E program. The #919tribute tour has been from Spa to Manhattan and of course, the Nurburgring. If you are curious how the LeMans winner compares with the street legal 911, GommeBlog.it synchronized their laps of the famous track. The difference in lap times is less than it takes to read this post, so tell us which car you would choose in the comments below.Browse Porsche 911 GT2 RS For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&amp=&v=MvE_UtNp1QE

By Andrew Nabors – June 27, 2018

Porsche Panamera Turbo vs Turbo S on the Autobahn

Porsche builds their sedan in a few distinct flavors. The latest Panamera Turbo offers 550 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque from a twin turbo 4.0L V8. But it is only the middle option in the lineup. If you want the ultimate, the Panamera Turbo S couples that engine to a version of the electric drive found in the 918 Spyder. This results in 680 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. So how would they compare in an open stretch of the world's fastest highway?TECHART GrandGT Takes Porsche Panamera to New LevelsOur friends at AutoTopNL decided to run them back to back, with cameras aimed at the instrument cluster. The Turbo is rated to reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph. Big brother can reach 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 192. While it might seem close on paper, the Turbo S is an E-Hybrid, and it offers 20 miles of pure electric cruising. Tell us which one you would choose in the comments below and choose the Turbo that is right for you!Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2018

2011 Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 Destroyed In Transport

If you have ever shipped a car, you know how many variables can go wrong. For every reputable carrier, there are a dozen sleazy haulers who can't even figure out a manual transmission. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 was and is Porsche's premier naturally aspirated track car. Back in 2011, the 3.8 liter made 450 horsepower, which is impressive even by today's standards. 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 for Sale But engineers decided it wasn't enough, and they bored & stroked the flat-six to 4.0 liters. The result was 493 horsepower. This was stretching the limits of technology at the time, so only 600 examples of the GT3 RS 4.0 were built. Since then, collectors have fought over them. Accidents happen, so what you are about to see might make you cry. In the latest upload from VINwiki, an owner tells us what happened to his car in on the way to its new owner. Tell us your car transport stories in the comments below and have a great weekend! Browse Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2018

Reviewed: Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Germans have always considered themselves to be wagon masters, which is why many enthusiasts will buy a 3 Series Touring or an S4 Avant before considering a newer car. Perhaps that is why Porsche is betting we are willing to hand over $180,000 for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. Doug DeMuro knows a thing or two about cars, so he decided to see just how special this new model is.Sedans and coupes are losing ground thanks to booming SUV sales, and this battle has allowed wagons to make a quiet comeback. America has a love/hate relationship with wagons, with examples like the Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Magnum SRT8 rocketing in value since their demise.TECHART GrandGT Takes Porsche Panamera to New LevelsPorsche took the roofline and extended it rearward. This gives you more abilitity to carry taller cargo. The load floor is also lower so you won't have to lift your goods over the trunk lip. The Sport Turismo is also the first Panamera to have 5 seats, as the rear bench has room for a modest human in the middle. No fancy skylight for the rear passengers will keep it from being a shaggin wagon.The 550 horsepower twin-turbo V8 will make it a bragging wagon, as you leap to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. You will also have 567 lb-ft of torque at all wheels, this thing is bonkers! The front brake rotors are 10mm smaller than the Bugatti Chiron, measuring in at only 16.1 inches! Every other technical detail is mindblowing, so click the link below to find a dealer nearest you, and stay with us for more updates on this mean machine.Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale

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