Porsche News

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 Edward Jones – September 21, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Runs a Reported Nurburgring Time ...

The new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful 911 that Porsche has ever created. When compared to the 2011 911 GT2 RS, the 2018 model has 80 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque. The result is an astonishing 700 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (911 Turbo S comes with 580 hp and .553 lb-ft).With this power, YouTube channel EMS Nordschleife TV is saying the car ran the Nurburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes. If true, the 911 GT2 RS would be joining a handful of other cars that have completed the lap in under 7 minutes. This include the Lamborghini Aventador SV (6:59.73), Porsche 918 Spyder (6:57), and Lamborghini Huracan Performante (fastest at 6:52.01).We'll keep you updated when the official Nurburgring numbers are released.

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2017

Porsche 911 Turbo S With Paint Worth Over $90k: Most Expe...

When Instagram user @ptsrs posted a picture of a green Porsche 911 Turbo S (991.2) and said it had a paint job worth close to six figures, many didn't believe him. This is why he posted a a second picture that included a build sheet showing the paint's cost (€82,645.50/$97,335).The paint is called "Phyton Green "Chromoflair"" and it is just as incredible as its price tag. The car was on display at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur at the Nurburgring.Around the end of last year I covered another car, a McLaren 675LT Spider, that had a $60,000 and asked if it was the world's most expensive paint job. Well, now i can easily say that it was not the most expensive, as this Porsche's paint price blows the McLaren's out of the water.https://www.instagram.com/p/BXqbBQyANba/

By Edward Jones – August 03, 2017

The Intricate Final Touches of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Ex...

The new Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is without a doubt one of the German automaker's finest creations. In fact, this exact model is the most powerful 911 Turbo S, which is an achievement when you consider just how quick the 911 Turbo S really is.This new model features a long list of modifications that make it faster and more unique that any other. For example, here are just a few standard features that the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series comes with: 20-inch center lock wheels, active sports chassis,the Sport Chrono package and model-specific badging.Those tasked with installing the final touches, like the aforementioned badging, are some of Porsche's finest craftsman and take pride in their work. In a new video from Porsche, we get to see one of these craftsmen performing the final touches on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. CLick play on the video below to see them for yourself, and get a good look at just how intricate the work really is.

By Andrew Nabors – July 27, 2017

2018 Porsche GT3 Tests New Dunlop Tires by Being Pushed t...

If you like to make power without turbochargers, Porsche's new 911 GT3 is a naturally aspirated monster. The 4.0 liter flat-six is essentially the same engine found in the 2016 GT3 RS and 911R. It may not be as wild as the RS model, but it does offer a manual transmission. To see if the new car is worthy of performance tires, Dunlop invited Archie Hamilton Racing to take a few laps on their test track. Goodyear and Dunlop use the Mireval Proving Grounds to ensure their tires are up to any challenge.We had a 2016 GT3 RS in our showroom for a year, and you can't deny that it is a street legal race car. In order to appeal to a wider audience, the new GT3 has comfortable seats, more insulation, and real interior door handles instead of pull straps. The GT3 is a daily driver while the RS will always be an automotive axe murderer. The predecessor left the factory wearing Michelin PS Cup 2 tires which are as close to racing rubber as you can legally get. That is why Dunlop bet everything on their new Sport Maxx Race 2. After extensive testing on the 'Ring by Porsche, they have become the factory supplier for the new GT3. It sends 500 horsepower to the rear wheels only, which produces a top speed of 198 mph. If you are undecided over the new GT3 or a pre-owned GT3 RS for sale, our dealers will be happy to find the right car for you.

By Andrew Nabors – July 18, 2017

Walter Röhrl Attacks Goodwood in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Italy has Valentino Balboni, and Germany has Walter Röhrl. If you have a fast car that is capable of record breaking, hand it over to test drivers and you will have an award. Walter has smashed records from the 'Ring to Pike's Peak, with Nikki Lauda calling him a "Genius on wheels". As Porsche's Chief Test Driver, he has tamed such beasts as the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder. Giving him the keys to the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is analogous to Lancelot grasping Excalibur for the first time.Also Check Out: Porsche GT2 RS Donuts & Massive BurnoutThe master of Group B drifting, it would be incredible to see tire smoke billowing up the hill. But Porsche wants us to forget the reputation of the widowmaker. Sending 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels is no easy task, so shifts must be timed perfectly along with a nimble right foot. Keeping the turbos spooled is easier with the PDK 7 speed transmission. Hopefully the exhaust becomes more aggressive after break-in because it would be nice to hear the turbos sing. If you don't need all that power, our dealers have a nice selection of 997 series GT2 and GT2 RS for sale. Stay with us for all your Porsche news and reviews.

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2017

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Configurator is Now Online

Now that the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS has been revealed, it's time to build your own. Yes, Porsche has launched the official configurator for the car so that you can spend some time building your dream German supercar.In this new configurator you'll be allowed to modify a long list of options for the 911 GT2 RS. This includes the exterior color, wheels, wheel color, wheel accessories, interior and a long list of Individual Options. One of the most important choices you'll make will be the exterior color. As of right now, Porsche is allowing you configure with four standard colors (Black, White, Guards Red and Racing Yellow) and four special colors (GT Silver Metallic, Crayon, Lava Orange and Miami Blue). Click the button below to see the colors for yourself!Configure Your 911 GT2 RS

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Unveiled on Forza 7 Box Art

During the Xbox E3 2017 briefing, Turn 10 Studio's announced the upcoming video game Forza Motorsport 7. This new entry into the incredibly successful racing series will be available on the Xbox One and the newly announced Xbox One X. So, that means you'll be able to race in amazing 4k resolution at 60 fps.While the game itself is enough to make news, it's the cover car that we're also very interested at. What is it? None other than the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the most powerful 911 ever. Unfortunately, the only thing that was revealed was the car itself and not its technical specifications. However, we previously reported that the car would make over 650 horsepower on tap and 552 lb-ft of torque.If you're interested, the game will be released on October 3, but Ultimate Edition owners will get early access on September 29.

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2017

New Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series is the Most Powe...

Announced today is the brand-new Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, which will be the most powerful and distinct 911 Turbo S ever.To make the car more powerful, Porsche installed an exclusive power kit to the twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine. After installation, horsepower and torque is brought up to 607 hp and 553 lb-ft. With this increase in power, the car will sprint from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and takes 9.6 seconds to hit 124 mph. Top speed of the car is set at 205 mph.Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Specs 607 horsepower 553 lb-ft of torque 0-60 mph in 2.8 sec (with Sport Chrono) All-wheel Drive As for the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series' look, Porsche made a handful of changes. Each model comes with 20-inch center lock wheels as standard. Other new standard features include the active sports chassis and Sport Chrono package.The example pictured in this article features a very bright "Golden Yellow Metallic" finish that's hard to miss. While Porsche will be offering the car in other exterior colors, they do not specify is certain color accents will be available in other colors, like the wheels, brake colors and interior trim. One thing all examples will get is the carbon fiber accents on the bonnet, roof, rear wing and side skirts.Its exterior may have been overhauled, but so did its interior. Perforated leather with two Golden Yellow stripes on the inside layer, providing a unique visual. Contrasting against the leather is the Golden Yellow stitching found on the seating, door panels, dashboard and just about everywhere else.If you think you're getting just a car when you buy the new 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, you're wrong. When this car is purchased, the buyer also gets a limited edition Porsche Design Chronograph (limited to 500 examples) that was designed after the sports car itself. If that's not enough, customers can also get the matching Exclusive Series luggage set.Only 500 examples of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series will be created, but they're price won't be as little. Pricing is set at $257,000 in North America. The luggage set will cost $6,324, while the chronograph has yet to be priced.

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Startup and Acceleration is Brutal

Have you heard a lot about he upcoming 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS? Probably not, because the German automaker has been very tightlipped about the upcoming model. However, a few journalists were invited to sit passenger in a 911 GT2 RS prototype and learned a few facts surrounding the car.First off, according to TheDrive.com, the new GT2 RS will have over 650 horsepower on tap and 552 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are way higher than any other model currently in Porsche's lineup. Unfortunately, official numbers will not be unveiled until later this summer. In the meantime, enjoy the video below and witness its insane rear-wheel drive launching capabilities.https://www.facebook.com/automotorundsport/videos/10155252047443405/

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2017

Porsche 911 Turbo S With Insane Boost Goes for Top Speed ...

A boost gauge is nice when you want to conserve fuel. If you stay out of boost you will be rewarded at the gas pump. But when cars are modded beyond the gauge parameters, some gauges become downright silly. The Porsche 911 Turbo S uses twin turbos to make 17.5 pounds of boost, with an additional 2 lbs in a 10-second overboost mode. This wasn't enough for one owner, so PP-Performance was called upon to work their magic. Having cracked the computer tuning for the VarioCam system, the camshafts are advanced to take advantage of more boost. The point at which the intake and exhaust valves are open together is called overlap. In the old days, overlap was thought to be wasteful because it blows boost through the cylinder instead of putting to work. But modern turbos are so efficient, high overlap turns a 3.8-liter engine into a 750 horsepower monsterNew turbochargers, intercoolers and a cold air intake are used to deliver a lot more pressure. The digital boost gauge briefly hits 5.0 bar, or 5 times atmospheric pressure at sea level. A quick conversion equates to 72.5 pounds of boost pressure. This is insanity. How the cylinder heads stay on the block is anyone's guess, because boost at this level can shatter pistons. It could be that the stock boost sensor is not able to comprehend what's happening, but the results speak for themselves. The tune also has different boost levels for each gear, in order to keep the AWD system intact. If you need the perfect starting point for your supercar build, a duPont Registry Porsche 911 Turbo is a great place to start. AutoTopNL always seems to find the fastest cars on the Autobahn, so stay wit us for more wild German footage.

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