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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 04, 2021

The Porsche Macan Is Perfect For Pro-Skateboarder Curren ...

The American skater is featured on the Porsche Instagram with his stealthy Macan. The Porsche brand prides itself on supplying the perfect performance-focused fleet of vehicles for any automotive enthusiast, no matter the occupation or lifestyle. When it comes to skateboarding, the SUV lineup helps for storing extra equipment and getting friends to the skatepark. The Porsche Macan is the perfect set-up of professional skateboarder Curren Caples, featured in Porsche’s newest Instagram post as part of its #PorscheMoment campaign. MUST-READ: Porsche Re-Creates An Iconic Ski Jump With The All-Electric Taycan The Ohio native turned pro in 2013 at the age of 17 and continues to share his passion for skateboarding and luxury sports cars with the world. It further proves that car enthusiasts come in all shapes and forms with new ways of incorporating the luxury driving experience of Porsche into their daily lives. Whether it's hitting the perfect apex on the race track or cruising on the highway to your favorite skate spot, Porsche has the best performance option for you. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more #PorscheMoment releases. View all Porsche Macaan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Macan For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche (@porsche)

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2021

L'Art de L'Automobile Drops Its New Porsche 968 L'Art Col...

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Porsche 968 with Arthur Kar and L'Art de L'Automobile. With the newly released Porsche 986 by L’Art de L’Automobile, founder Arthur Kar teased his new apparel and accessories at the launch of the vehicle. Since its debut in 1991, the Porsche 968's unique body style intrigued Arthur Kar, ultimately inspiring him to redesign it. L’Art de L’Automobile is proud to announce the drop of its 968 L’Art Collection. The styling of each new piece incorporates the color scheme and graphics of the 968 L’Art. The new collection features a racing jacket, t-shirts, a sweater, and accessories to compliment the attire. The L’Art de L’Automobile x Porsche 968 collaboration marks history for the 30th anniversary of the 968 chassis and is now forever capsuled in this new commemorative collection. The all-new L’Art de L’Automobile 968 Collection is now available by clicking the link below. Shop L'Art de L'Automobile Porsche 968 Collection Media Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 17, 2021

Porsche Re-Creates An Iconic Ski Jump With The All-Electr...

Always taking that one extra step: Porsche has restaged the iconic photo of the 356 B model. As Porsche continues to celebrate its historic past, the German automotive brand is tapping into its archives of monumental moments to recreate its original setting with modern chassis. The newest project featuring two-time Olympic ski champion Aksel Lund Svindal stages an ionic photograph of Egon Zimmermann’s jump over a Porsche 356 B model. The scene takes place after the Flexen Pass near the Austrian ski resort of Zürs. Standing in place of the famous Porsche 356 is the Taycan, the brand’s first all-electric sports car. The photograph embodies the bridge between the past and future of Porsche as a brand in the automotive industry. The Porsche Museum will design two high-grade prints that will be available as a set on the Porsche Online Shop at the end of 2021. The 400th issue of the company magazine Christophorus, which will be published in September, is also devoted to the Porsche Jump. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more release information on The Porsche Jump print set. View all Porsche Taycan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Media/Information Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 16, 2021

Porsche Announces The First-Ever High-Power Engine Concert

During the Sound Night, viewers can submit questions, some of which will be passed on for the stars on stage to answer. We’ve all heard the term “Music to your ears” as automotive enthusiasts when referring to the perfect exhaust note from a performance car. Porsche models seem to be a more frequent reference because of their unique tone as the rpm’s climb. Porsche is recognizing this quality with the first-ever high-power engine concert. The first digital Porsche Sound Night 'Next Level’ will incorporate the engine notes of 20 selected race cars and series production models from the Porsche collection. Porsche Among the list of extremely desirable Porsche collector’s examples, three chassis will be making their debuts at the digital event including the 962C, 924 Carrera GTS Rally, and the 911 (901 No. 57). Alongside the immaculate examples that make up this event, the concert will feature Porsche motorsport cameos such as two-time World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, Head of Vehicle Management/Heritage Experience Alexander Klien, and Formula-E Driver Pascal Wehrlein. Porsche The interactive live event is free of charge and open to everyone, without prior registration. The event will be broadcast to all countries around the globe in German, English, and French via the website www.soundnacht.porsche.de. The Sound Night can also be followed live via the Porsche channels on YouTube and LinkedIn. Media/Information Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2021

Porsche x L'ART DE L'AUTOMOBILE Announce A New 968 Project

The French automotive specialist and streetwear brand teams up with Porsche for an all-new 968 project. The Porsche brand continues to celebrate iconic late models while still developing modern performance-focused chassis for the road and track. One of the examples now being incorporated into the newest project by L’Art de L’Automobile is the Porsche 968. Originally debuted at the IAA Auto Show in 1991, the Porsche 958 separated itself from the traditional body style of the 911 platform. Designed as one of the first Porsche models to feature pop-up style headlights, L’Art de L’Automobile founder Arthur Kar expresses his passion for the 968 with his own rendition that is set to be unveiled with Porsche at IAA 2021. Although images and information are yet to be released, the dynamic duo is sure to keep Porsche owners and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats with teaser content on Instagram. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more information on the upcoming Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968 reveal. View all Porsche 968 examples available for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 968 For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2021

PUMA x Porsche Legacy Announce The New Porsche 911 Targa ...

Celebrate the iconic Porsche 911 Targa with the new collection from PUMA and Porsche Legacy. The 911 Targa continues to be a key element to Porsche’s fleet of performance-focused vehicles, ever since its original release in 1965. As new generations developed the shape and performance of Porsche, the older styles still hold significance to the brand and its enthusiasts. PUMA is proud to celebrate the Porsche 911 Targa with an all-new apparel and footwear collection with Porsche Legacy. The new Autumn/Winter ’21 collection release features head-to-toe gear to carry any Porsche fan through the cooler months. The apparel and accessories line includes jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants, hats, and bags. Alongside the wide selection of apparel to choose from, PUMA x Porsche Legacy are releasing a set of PUMA sneakers style The clothing line is made from premium materials and incorporates vintage Porsche graphics and branding to celebrate the 911 Targa. Look out for more release information and a How To Buy special on the new PUMA x Porsche Legacy 911 Targa Collection. View all Porsche 911 Targas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Targa For Sale Media/Info Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 20, 2021

Daniel Arsham Unveils His New 1973 Porsche RSA Project

Daniel Arsham presents yet another breathtaking Porsche example. While vintage Porsche models continue to be seen as works of art, artist Daniel Arsham takes that thought to a whole new level. Daniel’s past Porsche projects included the Crystal Eroded Porsche 911 and his 1986 Porsche 930A Turbo. Daniel Arsham is proud to announce his newest project and addition to the garage, the 1973 Porsche RSA x Arsham Studios. The classic track-ready chassis features the iconic 2.7L flat-six, which makes all the right noises for any Porsche enthusiast. Along with its period-correct performance, Daniel Arsham adds his tasteful personal touches to embrace the rich heritage of Porsche. The 70’s-inspired design features a gloss yellow paint job with pale yellow bumpers to commemorate the RSR racecars from that era. Complementing the yellow paint are light blue accents throughout the exterior of the Porsche RSA, including the custom ‘Arsham’ decals and wheels. The interior is done in wide wale chocolate brown with ‘RSA’ stitched into the headrests of the sport-style seats. As Daniel Arsham presents his third Porsche project, we are excited to see it both in the studio and on the road. Click the link below to view all the current 1973 Porsche 911 listings available on duPont REGISTRY. Porsche 930 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CReLQo_sxT9/ For more Porsche news, Check out Porsche Delivers 31% More Vehicles In The First 6-Months of 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

Shop Porsche Design's New Limited-Edition P'8924 Sunglass...

The perfect pair of sunglasses to compliment any Porsche in the driveway. Porsche Design is known for using the same design process and materials to complement the German auto manufacturer’s line of performance-focused sports cars. Porsche Design is pleased to release its newest addition to the eyewear collection, the P’8924 Collection. The new Porsche Design P’8924 sunglasses are designed in a round style that gives off a contour appearance. The lens borders are made from milled titanium, while the thin titanium wire holds together the shape. These iconic sunglasses by Porsche Design, “The Contour” are available in two colors: in palladium with olive-colored lenses, limited to 911 pairs, and black with gold-colored lens edging and blue-black lenses, limited to 911 pairs. Shop the new limited-edition Porsche Design P’8924 Sunglass Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design P'8924 Sunglasses https://www.instagram.com/p/CRgZ3RIK27h/ For more Porsche Design news, Check out Essentials for Porsche Owners

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 19, 2021

The New PUMA Motorsport x Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection...

From the track to the court, PUMA has you covered. The PUMA brand continues to diversify its product line through an array of different athletic avenues, whether it's on the Monaco F1 Circuit or at the three-point line at a Charlotte Hornets NBA court. The athletic powerhouse is once again teaming up with the industry leaders at Porsche on a new athletic collection, for the basketball court. PUMA Hoops x Porsche is proud to announce the release of the Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection alongside Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier. The collection features head-to-toe products and accessories manufactured to perform at the highest levels using premium materials and state-of-the-art performance technology. In great Porsche fashion, the new lineup takes on a black and yellow colorway, matching the head-during yellow Porsche 911 designed in PUMA logos. Alongside the apparel and accessories, the PUMA Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection features two new basketball-focused shoes presented in a yellow silhouette with black accents. The new PUMA Motorsport x Porsche Hoops Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source:PUMA For more PUMA news, Check out The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Motorsport Footwear Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 19, 2021

Shop The New Porsche Design x PUMA Spring/Summer '21 Coll...

Just as the brand does with its lineup of performance-focused vehicles, Porsche also applies the art of speed into its lifestyle apparel and footwear line. Porsche Design is proud to release the Spring/Summer ’21 Collection in partnership with Puma Motorsport. The apparel collection features head-to-toe styles made from quality materials to ensure comfortable wear for owners and enthusiasts of the brand. Alongside the vast array of activewear, Porsche Design enlisted the help from the motorsport footwear legends at Puma to create new sneaker styles to best perform on or off the track. The Porsche Design x PUMA footwear collection, as well as the rest of the products and accessories part of the Spring/Summer ’21 Collection, are available online and in select retail stores. Shop the newest release from Porsche Design x Puma Motorsport by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design x PUMA Image Source: Porsche Design x PUMA For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Quality Quattro

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