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 Tyler Rampersaud – August 12, 2022

The New 2022 Porsche 911 Sally Special Based On Pixar's C...

A one-off Porsche 911 with a major nostalgia factor will be auctioned very soon. Pixar’s Cars movie was a story about the strength of community and the power of friendship in a small town of personified cars, and one of the most iconic characters from the entire Cars trilogy was Sally Carrera, especially because she was based on one of the world’s most iconic cars. Sally is a 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera, and to celebrate her 20th anniversary, Porsche and Pixar have collaborated again on the new 2022 Porsche 911 Sally Special, a recreation of Sally Carrera in the form of a new Porsche 911. MUST READ: Porsche x TAG Heuer Unveil A New 99X Race Livery For The Formula E World Championship In Seoul The car is finished in Sally’s signature color, Saly Blue Metallic, and it features a modern interpretation of Sally’s Turbo-style wheels. Since Sally didn’t have an interior, the interior designers were left to interpret what the Sally Special’s interior would look like. Because she was a lawyer to left a high-profile, big-city job to run a motel in Radiator Springs, they thought the interior would be both elegant and down to earth, and chose Chalk leather and Speed Blue stitching with Pepita houndstooth fabric inserts. Because of Sally’s love for driving, the car is based on the most spirited and powerful iteration of the Porsche 911 Carrera, the 911 Carrera GTS. With a 473-horsepower engine and a 7-speed manual transmission, it’s a driver's car that Sally would have definitely enjoyed having at her disposal. In addition, the car is paired with a unique Porsche Design chronograph in Sally Blue Metallic, with an easily interchangeable strap. Both the car and the timepiece will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on Saturday, August 20 at Monterey Car Week in California. The proceeds from the auction will be given to two charities: Girls Inc. and USA for UNHCR. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – March 10, 2021

Mecum Glendale Preview: 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster With 3...

Presented by Mecum Auctions - Throw a thesaurus at any 911 and it will give you a hint of its abilities. If you need to interrupt a conversation about GT2 vs Turbo S, mention a Speedster. Porsche has only bestowed the name on five models since 1948, and it evokes notions of 2 seats and no compromises. As a fitting end to the 991-series, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur reserved the final 1,948 bodies from the assembly line. Knowing full well that even the base-model Carrera would be adopting turbos, they planned a naturally-aspirated Grand Finale. The 4-liter from the GT3 RS was blessed with individual throttle bodies. Unrestricted by a long plenum, the injector pressure was bumped 25% for instant response and clean running. The exhaust system is also unique, tuned to evoke the best notes from Porsche's past. Nothing about the powertrain could be adopted for mass-production, so a Speedster is the only way you can experience it. Like the engine, almost nothing else is shared with production cars. The long decklid was sculpted to keep the cockpit free of turbulence, and the windshield was cut down by 50mm. This might seem inconsequential, but because it has to support the car in a roll-over, engineers reinforced every seam in the body to tune out cowl flex. If you want an electric differential and PDK transmission go somewhere else. This car has a six-speed and a locking rear that are fed 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel steering is tuned specifically for this car, moving the Z-axis closer to the center of mass. Speaking of weight, a manual cloth top is folded under the deck lid, and it is just one of many ways Porsche achieved 3,320 lbs at the curb. This example was ordered with every possible option from Weissach seats to a speedometer that reaches 225 mph. What truly sets it apart is Signal Yellow. This bright deviation from the "approved colors" is a throwback to the 70s. It added nearly $13,000 to the invoice and it would look great in any collection. Safety laws make it very unlikely that the Speedster will ever return, so don't miss this opportunity. This vehicle will be auctioned off at Mecum Auctions' Glendale 2021 event (March 18-20). View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

Porsche Taycan Art Car Being Auctioned by RM Sotheby's

Switzerland has been hit hard by Covid, so that's why a Porsche Taycan Art Car is being auctioned by RM Sotheby's. This masterpiece was created by artist Richard Phillips in front of a Zurich restaurant back in December. It is the centerpiece of an upcoming auction from April 6 to the 13th, with all proceeds going to Suisseculture Sociale. Richard started up front by adapting his famous work from 2010. Queen Of The Night is his large-format painting inspired by Swiss artist Adolf Dietrich. At nearly 8 square meters, the landscape thanks to the Taycan for carbon-neutral luxury. The car is embarking on a tour of Switzerland, and your dealer has the itinerary. The Taycan price and specs make it perfect for your collection, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche Taycan For Sale images (C) Porsche Cars North America

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2020

2019 Porsche Speedster Heading to Mecum Auctions Indianap...

Sequence Build No. 1,373 out of a total limited production output of just 1,948 examples, this 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is in “as-new” condition with just 113 original miles. Optioned with the Heritage Design Package, a $24,510 extra, it features two-tone leather interior appointment, black brake calipers with white “PORSCHE” script, gold “SPEEDSTER” badging, classic Porsche crests and silver-colored wheels. Although it shares the Speedster namesake with the four previous generations that exemplified the minimalist sports car ethos, the 2019 Speedster is a far more radical and testosterone-infused machine. Beneath the classic Speedster wide body with a low, raked-back windshield, a double-bubble rear decklid and aggressively designed front and rear fascia is a competition-proven chassis, drivetrain, suspension and braking system sourced directly from the GT3 Touring model. The engine is a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-6 producing 502 HP with some additional bits taken from the GT3 R including individual throttle bodies, a high-pressure injection system and a lightweight exhaust. The Speedster is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox (PDK is not an option) sourced from the 911R. The suspension rides on a staggered set of center-lock wheels, 21-inch rear and 20-inch front, mounted on steamroller-sized low aspect ratio Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The GT3 Touring suspension used on the Speedster is a more compliant setup than that of its razor-edged GT3 RS brethren. Hence, the ride is firm but supple while delivering massive cornering grip. It is generously equipped with automatic climate control, Bose surround sound, Sport Chrono Package, rearview camera, Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Stability Management, Porsche Active Suspension Management, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber composite bucket seats, front axle lift system, online navigation, Porsche embossed crest in the headrests and power locks, windows and mirrors. Click the button below to view the details and stay with us for complete coverage of all Mecum Auctions. With only 113 miles on the odometer, this car will be part of Mecum's Indy Auction, July 10th to 18th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds- Click the button below to learn more View Listing About Mecum Auctions - Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for more than 30 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month.

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

Last Porsche 911 Speedster Auction Hammers for Record Price

We have been covering this story since the beginning, knowing it would promote generosity and charity in this time of need. In an unprecedented move, Porsche decided to partner with RM Sotheby's to help the United Way. The bidding ended yesterday at 1 p.m., and the last (991 Series) Porsche 911 Speedster hammered for a record price. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time After 32 bids and 48,500 unique page views, the winner offered $500,000. The auction fees and buyer's premium added another $50,000 for a total of $550,000, a sum that Porsche Cars North America decided to match. Not only will the winner receive the last 991 Series Porsche 911, it is a Heritage Edition Speedster with a "Unique Gift Package". We don't know who bought the car, but are hats are off to whoever decided to help the United Way with COVID-19 relief. As always, stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 15, 2020

The Last 911 Speedster (991) Being Auctioned NOW for a Go...

As of right now, bidding for the final Porsche 911 Speedster (991) is open through RMSothebys.com. This car is the final example of the car to pass through the production line at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and it comes both new and unregistered. On top of this car's prominence, it's also being auctioned for a great cause. When the final bid is in, the auction proceeds (excluding taxes and fees) will be donated by Porsche Cars North America to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. So, the winner will not only be getting a very special car, but also be helping out a very special cause. Click the button below to view the lot and maybe place a bid. View Auction Lot https://vimeo.com/406332879

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2020

RM Sotheby's & Porsche to Auction Last 911 Speedster to f...

There are no limits to helping others in a time like this. Last week we told you that Porsche gave all employees a big quarterly bonus in order for them to help those less fortunate. Now they have raised the bar once again. In their latest press release, our Friends at RM Sotheby's auction house have joined forces with Porsche to auction the last production Porsche 911 Speedster to fight COVID-19. Not only is this the final 991-series car to be produced, the winning bidder will also receive a 911 Speedster Heritage Design Chronograph. This unique watch will be engraved with the car's chassis number to signify the end of 991 production. The winner and one guest will also be invited to Porsche HQ in Atlanta. There they will be given a complete tour of North American operations along with Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser (Chief of 911 Lineup) and Andreas Preuninger (Chief of Porsche GT cars). https://player.vimeo.com/video/406332879?autoplay=1&byline=0 After some fun on the track, the last Speedster will be delivered by Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Klaus Zellmer. After taxes, all proceeds from this auction will go to the United Way to support their Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. The auction will open for bidding on RM Sotheby’s Online Only platform at 11:00 am EDT on Wednesday 15 April, closing at 1:00 pm EDT on Wednesday 22 April. The 911 Speedster is offered without reserve, selling to the highest bidder. Potential bidders can find more information and register by clicking the button below, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Learn More

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2019

1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S With 88 Original Miles Heading t...

Heading to RM Sotheby's Amelia Island auction, March 8, 2019, is a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S that's virtually brand-new. This example of the last air-cooled 911 has just 88 original miles on its odometer and is in pristine quality. The original owner had the 911 Turbo S finished in a vibrant Speed Yellow paint with a matching black and yellow interior that looks like nobody has sat in. This Porsche 911 truly looks like it had been kept in a time capsule since it rolled off of the production line. It comes with its original owner's manual, factory literature, window sticker, tool set, air compressor, jack, spare keys and spare wheel. When this Porsche is delivered to whoever places the final bid, it will be like the original delivery that happened in 1997 because it comes with everything and looks like it did over two decades ago. RM Sotheby's notes: "As one of only 183 produced for the U.S. market, this exceedingly low-mileage Porsche 911 is sure to be one of, if not the most original Turbo S in existence." For more information, be sure to click the button below. learn more about this porsche!

By Andrew Nabors – August 17, 2018

2016 Porsche 911 R Could Be Yours!

Don't let anyone tell you the manual transmission is dead. Porsche purists rebuked the 991 series GT3 RS for not offering three pedals, and the factory responded with the Porsche 911 R for sale. This retro-inspired ride was limited production because it was only offered as a six-speed manual. Air conditioning and audio were optional, making it one of the lightest cars in recent history. The secret is that it shares the engine and suspension from the GT3 RS. Doing without the wild aerodynamic features and the roll cage makes it a wolf in sheep's clothing. A lightweight flywheel and short throw shifter are flawless. Who needs a radio when you have 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of naturally aspirated fun? Porsche wanted owners to fall in love with driving again, so every option carried a hefty price. This is the most extreme example we have encountered. Not only did the owner opt for audio, it is Bose instead of Burmeister. The standard houndstooth cloth was too mundane, so this car has $28,000 in custom tailoring. Also onboard is the front axle lift system, A/C, and the Sport Chrono package. Push it as hard as you want into a corner, and the rear wheel steering will hold your line. It is a faithful homage to the 1967 Porsche 911 R, with unprecedented technology and performance. Over $60,000 in options and only 180 miles make it a perfect investment so it will be a primetime feature next Saturday at Mecum's Monterey Auction. Make sure you are registered to bid and tune in to their live YouTube stream. We'll be there, so stay with us for all your Mecum coverage. View This Car's Listing Here

By Andrew Nabors – August 01, 2016

One Owner 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 Evo to Appear at Monterey

In order for automakers to compete in GT racing, several examples of the race cars had to be built for public sale. During the mid 90's, it was a time of big changes for race cars and more specifically GT cars. For instance, all-wheel drive was banned in order to keep Audi from dominating the winner's circle. Because of this, Porsche was forced to delete the front driveshafts and differential from their 911 Turbo. Going back to the drawing board they installed a larger fuel cell up front, using more fuel to offset the weight of the front running gear. This is where the story of the Porsche 911 GT2 Evo began. Designed to race in the GT1 class, the FIA had no restrictions on forced induction or aerodynamics. Using lessons learned from the RSR and previous racing models, they dialed up the downforce to a figurative "11" with bolt-on fender flares and a giant rear spoiler. Porsche engineers knew this was the twilight for the air-cooled flat six engine, so they dispensed with the turbos normally found on production cars. This, and along with a larger intercooler, the new units pushed the 3.6L engine up to 600 hp. While the power can be found, the Burmester audio, or air conditioning, is missing. However, you will find a fire suppression system in lieu of a passenger seat. Porsche only built eleven examples of the 911 GT2 Evo, and they are among the fastest street-legal cars in the world. This example of the 911 GT2 Evo is making an appearance at Monterey, and it needs to be seen. With only 7,000 kilometers (4,349 miles) on the odometer, this example has not seen much action. Many Porsche-philes consider the 993 series as the last true 911, with the GT2 Evo being the end of an era. As a time capsule from 1996, it's sure to command everyone's attention at Mecum Auctions' upcoming Monterey event. For more information, be sure to visit the vehicle's lot by clicking the button below. Learn More

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