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

A person in dark clothing and a helmet stands in front of a Porsche sports car with illuminated rear lights, set against a dark background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 03, 2025

Porsche Teams Up with HEAD and Norrøna for New Ski Collec...

Porsche partners with HEAD and Norrøna for a winter sports collection featuring performance gear and ski tech inspired by the legendary 911 Targa. Porsche is no stranger to venturing beyond the road, and its latest collaborations prove just how seamlessly its design DNA can cross into new worlds. For the upcoming winter season, Porsche has partnered with the Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna and ski manufacturer HEAD to create a performance-driven collection that brings style, tech, and decades of heritage to the mountain slopes. Tied together under the theme of "Crafting New Adventures," the collaborations showcase the same forward-thinking philosophy that has made Porsche one of the most admired names in the world of sports cars. Porsche X Norrøna The Porsche x Norrøna collection centers on Norrøna's iconic Lofoten big mountain freeride line, a series built around what Jørgen Jørgensen calls "loaded minimalism." The result is a freeride collection featuring GORE-Tex® insulated shell jackets and pants tailored for skiing and snowboarding, alongside a fleece jacket versatile enough for mountaineering or trekking. At the same time, Porsche has teamed up with HEAD to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Targa with a collection of skis inspired by the car's silhouette and iconic roll bar. The Porsche 7 Series skis take their cues from giant slalom racing, delivering razor-sharp performance on groomed slopes, while the Porsche 8 Series skis offer versatility across mixed conditions with their all-mountain design. Porsche X Norrøna These collaborations show how Porsche continues to expand its identity without losing touch with its roots. Just as the 911 Targa reshaped open-air driving in 1965, the new Porsche ski collection aims to deliver performance in the mountains. Available now, these limited-edition releases are designed for those adventurists who value both function and craftsmanship, whether on the road, the slope, or beyond. Shop Porsche x HEAD Shop Porsche x Norrøna Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 18, 2025

How To Buy: Porsche's 2025 eBike Collection With All-New ...

Whether we're talking about the track-focused 992 911 GT3 RS or the fully-capable Cayenne Turbo GT, it's clear that Porsche prides itself on offering a diverse lineup that caters to every type of driver. Perhaps even more impressive than its evolving model line is the brand's focus on delivering lifestyle products that perfectly merge with its sports cars and SUVs. Celebrating its fifth generation on two wheels, Porsche is pleased to introduce its newest generation of eBikes with all-new colors that embody the DNA of its most popular vehicles. Kicking off the cycling season in style, the eBike Sport now features better versatility, making it a go-to choice for city commutes and adventurous trail rides. Key upgrades include a Fox Float 34 Performance Elite suspension fork for better control on rough terrain, plus a new carbon handlebar-stem setup that improves steering precision. Riders will also enjoy improved visibility thanks to the powerful Supernova Starstream X Pro front light and the Topeak BeSeen rear light. Power comes from the reliable Shimano EP801 drive unit, with battery sizes varying by frame—504 Wh for size S and 630 Wh for sizes M and L. Porsche's eBike Cross Performance EXC lineup also gets a stylish refresh with five new colors: Provence, Purple Sky Metallic, Vanadium Grey Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, and Carrara White Metallic. Each finish ties into Porsche's vibrant color palette, giving the bikes a unique look inspired by models like the Taycan Turbo GT and Macan. Available in three frame sizes, Porsche's 2025 eBike collection ranges from $6,450 to $10,750. Shop the entire Porsche eBike Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche eBike Collection Porsche eBike Sport 2025 Shop Now ProdPorsche eBike Cross Shop Now Source: Porsche Shop

Two individuals lean against a vintage gold car parked on a grassy field. One wears a tan outfit, the other a green sweater and shorts. Trees and clear sky in the background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2025

Shop PUMA's Porsche 911 Turbo Collection: Timeless Style ...

For decades, the 911 Turbo has not only represented the pinnacle of the Porsche brand but also its beautiful balance between blistering performance and luxurious comfort. From the iconic 930 to the most current 992 generation, it's evolved into a true game-changer on and off the track while aging like a fine wine amongst passionate Porsche purists. PUMA's collection takes inspiration from the Porsche 911 Turbo, capturing its timeless allure with a mix of casual, effortlessly stylish head-to-toe looks. The collection includes sweatshirts, track jackets, and pants in earthy tones that pay homage to classic Porsche sports cars, all featuring subtle embroidered details that add a classy but understated touch. It's a collection made for true Porsche fans, whether they're at the track or just out for the day. Completing the look, PUMA brings back the GV Special, a sneaker straight from the '80s that pairs a vintage design with everyday comfort. The SS25 Porsche 911 Turbo Collection keeps things simple for enthusiasts who want to carry a bit of that 911 Turbo spirit wherever they go. Shop the all-new PUMA Porsche 911 Turbo Collection by clicking the links below. Shop All PUMA x Porsche Our Top Picks Porsche Legacy Lifestyle Jacket Shop Now Porsche Legacy Lifestyle Crewneck Shop Now Porsche Legacy Trucker Hat Shop Now Porsche Legacy Palermo Pinstripe Sneakers Shop Now Porsche Legacy Lifestyle Graphic Tee Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 01, 2025

Discover Porsche Design's 911 GT3 Touring Soundbar 2.0

Dive into the deep end of audio luxury with the 911 Soundbar 2.0! In addition to creating a luxurious lifestyle line that features head-to-toe styles that complement the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in your garage, Porsche Design flexes its technological side by showcasing a high-quality collection of electronics for any home or office. And while the sound quality of its 911 Soundbar 2.0 perfectly resembles that of a 911 cabin, its design uses the OEM air intake grille of a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring. But what really makes the 911 Soundbar 2.0 stand out is the 2.1.2 virtual surround sound system that pumps out 300 watts of power, complete with all the bells and whistles a Porsche owner could want. It supports 4K via HDMI ports, has Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming, and even caters to audiophiles with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD. Stream with Apple AirPlay 2, GOOGLE Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. Shop the new 911 GT3 Touring Soundbar 2.0 and all other Porsche Design electronics by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 04, 2024

How To Buy: The New Porsche x HEAD Ski Collection Inspire...

Porsche and HEAD have teamed up for its second collaboration, debuting its new 2024 ski collection that pays homage to the legendary 911 Turbo on its 50th anniversary. With a similar focus on excellence and performance, the collaboration brings the winter world three exclusive ski models, each inspired by the distinct characteristics and racing heritage of the Porsche 911 Turbo. The collection includes the 7 Series and 8 Series skis, along with a special W Series designed for women. Each model features HEAD's innovative Protector binding, which helps protect knee strain, making each run smoother and safer. Beyond just skis, Porsche and HEAD's new collection also features a lineup of winter-worthy apparel and accessories, all designed in the iconic tartan pattern from the first-generation Turbo. The lineup includes ski jackets, pants, and helmets, each developed to boost performance and style on the slopes. From durable ski bags to the award-winning RADAR 5K PHOTO MIPS helmet, the collection caters to every need of the adventurous sports enthusiast. This Porsche x HEAD collection is now available for the winter season, giving fans of both Porsche’s 911 Turbo and skiing to hit the mountains with gear that marries the two. Shop the all-new Porsche x HEAD 2024 Ski Collection, inspired by 50 years of Turbo, by clicking the links below. Shop All Porsche Winter Collections Our Top Picks Ski 7 Series – Turbo No. 1 Shop Now Ski Helmet Shop Now Carbon Ski Poles Shop Now Women's Ski Pullover – Turbo No. 1 Shop Now Ski 8 Series – Turbo Shop Now Source: Porsche

A skier executes a mid-air trick against a clear blue sky, with snow-covered mountains in the background, showcasing precision akin to sports car engineering.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2024

How Porsche Blends Sports Car Engineering Into Its High-P...

Porsche and Head collaborate to create freeride skis using technology derived from the race track. Porsche and Head have teamed up to launch something unexpected, the Porsche x Head 106 Series freeride skis. Designed by Porsche’s Michael Mauer and backed by skiing legend Aksel Lund Svindal, these skis combine supercar-inspired looks with mountain-ready functionality. The transparent top layer reveals a core made from natural fibers like rattan and flax—materials Porsche also uses in its race cars. It's a cool nod to sustainability without losing focus on performance. Made in Austria, the 106 Series skis are built for freeriders looking to explore untouched powder with style and control. Available in two lengths, they recall a mix of Porsche’s design finesse and Head’s skiing know-how. The short film Time:Out gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the skis came together, capturing the shared passion for innovation and outdoor escapes. Look for these skis starting in November at select retailers. The new Porsche x Head 106 Series freeride skis, along with the entire 2024 Winter Collection, are now available by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche x HEAD Ski Collection Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2024

These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance ...

Although they don’t recreate the exhaust note of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS at redline, these Porsche Design sound products are sure to excite any owner or car enthusiast. Porsche may be best known for engineering automotive legends like the 911, but its influence extends far beyond the racetrack. Through Porsche Design, the brand brings its signature blend of luxury and performance to everyday life, offering products that embody the spirit of its sports cars. While these Porsche Design sound products might not replicate the exhilarating exhaust note of a 911 GT3 RS at full throttle, they certainly resonate with the same passion and precision. Porsche Design reimagines essential accessories by infusing them with the brand's motorsport DNA, creating products that captivate both Porsche owners and enthusiasts alike. Among its impressive range, the collection of premium speakers stands out, delivering a high-quality sound experience that perfectly complements any Porsche owner's home or office. Whether you're unwinding after a drive or setting the mood for a gathering, these speakers provide a sophisticated audio experience. In this gear guide, we've highlighted the top Porsche Design speakers that merge form and function, offering a unique way to bring the Porsche lifestyle into your everyday surroundings. Shop all of the Porsche Design speakers featured in this special by clicking on the links below. Shop All Porsche Design 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro Shop Now Outdoor Speaker PDS20 Shop Now 911 Speaker 2.0 60Y 911 – Limited Edition Shop Now Conference Speaker PDS30 Shop Now 911 Speaker 2.0 – Porsche Originals Shop Now Soundbar PDB90 Shop Now Wireless Speaker PDS50 Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 22, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche's New Limited Edition 911 Turbo Sneak...

Get ready for Porsche and PUMA's most legendary release! Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its legendary 911 Turbo with a collaboration with PUMA Motorsport to release an exclusive series of twelve different, automotive-inspired sneaker designs. Each model is limited to 911 units, making them a must-have for sneakerheads and passionate Porsche enthusiasts. The collection includes two highly-anticipated designs, the "Turbo No. 1" and "Turbo 930," which pay homage to iconic Porsche models and the design elements that made them legendary in the world of performance cars. These sneakers, crafted from high-quality materials like full-grain and nubuck leather, offer style and comfort, with details like vintage turbo lettering and the iconic Porsche logo adding a touch of heritage. The "Turbo No. 1" sneaker draws inspiration from the Porsche presented to Louise Piëch on her 70th birthday. The metallic silver sneaker features the iconic red and blue tartan pattern found in the interior of the first 911 Turbo. On the other hand, the "Turbo 930" sneaker pays tribute to Dr. Ferry Porsche's 1976 Turbo, with an Oak Green Metallic finish and a green tartan-patterned interior. Both designs also feature the signature "whale fin" heel section, reminiscent of the rear spoiler and red tail lights of the original cars. A 3D Porsche Crest and a removable plaque with 50th-anniversary lettering also highlight the exclusivity of these sneakers. To make this collection even more unique, Porsche and PUMA have introduced ten exclusive country editions, each inspired by a specific Porsche 911 Turbo model from selected markets worldwide. Available only in their respective countries, these editions showcase one of thirty original Porsche colors from the mid-70s. Porsche x PUMA's limited-edition sneakers, complete with a matching sports bag, will be available starting August 29th, 2024, at 9:11 A.M. EST. Shop all current PUMA x Porsche Collections by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Porsche Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 06, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche Design's New Chronograph 1 – All Blac...

A Porsche for your wrist! While Porsche is best known for engineering the legendary 911 sports car, its influence isn't confined to the automotive world. In 1972, Porsche introduced the original Porsche Design Chronograph as a notable entry into the luxury watch market, presenting drivers and enthusiasts with an automotive-inspired tool watch for the wrist. With an array of renditions that honor the historical timeline of the brand and its continued success, Porsche Design is proud to debut the all-new Chronograph 1 - All Black Numbered Edition as a nod to Professor Alexander Porsche's first horological masterpiece. The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition offers a modern take on the original Chronograph I, the first completely black timepiece. With a matte black dial and the updated Porsche Design logo, this fuel-driven watch subtly celebrates its iconic predecessor. The crown and clasp also feature Porsche Design's current logo, while the sapphire crystal case back provides a glimpse of the winding rotor. The sevenfold anti-reflective coating on both sides of the crystal guarantees clarity, making it easy to read the time. The watch includes a tachymeter scale and date display in the Porsche Design font, with the minute hand keeping the rectangular baton shape of the original, now with a precise tip. Measuring 30mm in diameter and waterproof up to 10 bar, the Chronograph 1 – All Black blends practicality with refined design, offering a thoughtful nod to its history while embracing modern features. Shop the all-new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 – All Black Numbered Edition

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2024

Porsche Elevates Outdoor Camping Experiences With Its New...

Perfect for any adventure or escape. For those owners who love outdoor adventures with a touch of luxury, Porsche has the perfect addition to their lifestyle lineup, the Porsche Canopy Tent. The manufacturer's newest versatile accessory offers a new way to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're at the beach, camping, or simply relaxing in your backyard. The canopy tent features a sleek black and grey design, mirroring Porsche's signature style. The spacious, multifunctional 7.5 by 7.5-foot area allows it to serve as a cozy lounge, a private space, or a weather-resistant shelter. Setting up the Porsche Canopy Tent is a breeze, thanks to its central valve inflation system. In just a few minutes, you can have it anchored to the ground using the included storm-resistant fastening set. The tent comes equipped with practical accessories like a hand pump, a floor cover, and a connecting tunnel that seamlessly links the tent to your Porsche. Designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, the tent's aesthetic is upgraded with a mountain silhouette. This tent offers various customization options, including additional side panels and an extension tent, making it adaptable to different needs. The Porsche Roof Tent, which pairs perfectly with the canopy tent, adds a whole new take on the traditional camping experience. This all-season, two-person tent features a hardcase construction that can be installed on various Porsche models, providing a room with a view thanks to its side and roof windows. With optional accessories like a heated blanket and an inner tent, comfort is assured no matter the season. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just looking for a stylish escape, these tents elevate the adventure. Shop all Porsche accessories from Porsche Design by clicking the link below. Shop All Porsche Design Source: Porsche

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