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 Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2017

Porsche Panamera: Faces of Courage

If you haven't experienced the new Porsche Panamera, it is a bold leap forward in design. The market for luxury sedans is brutal to new models, and the original Panamera was a leap of faith back in 2010. But instead of succumbing to the unfounded criticisms of the competition, it has been a smashing success for Stuttgart. Porsche listens to their fans, so the 2017 Panamera has arrived slightly wider and longer to house the revised interior. Gone is the array of buttons and controls for all the vehicle systems. In its place is a large touchscreen. Only Porsche could turn a cup holder into a work of art, and their function alone is worth a trip to your local dealer.On the outside, the lines of the rear hatch are now recessed, so it looks like a trunk until you see it open. The three-piece rear spoiler deploys in elegant fashion, and the taillight design is straight from the 911. The hybrid version wasn't well promoted in the first generation because it was a test of the market. Now that electric sedans are becoming common, the Panamera S E-Hybrid will be a 2018 model with incredible attributes. Styling up front is inspired by the 918 and recent 911 models, making it unlike anything else on the road. If you need a 680 horspower sedan with 626 lb-ft of torque, the Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid has all the power you need, with the ability to cruise on electricity. It takes courage to go against the status quo, so check out the new Porsche Panamera and stay with us for all your Porsche news.

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.

By Edward Jones – May 09, 2017

Timelapse Build of Magnus Walker's Porsche Engine

Building an engine piece by piece is not a simple thing to do, but this four-minute time-lapse video sure makes it look that way.Wicked Sixes recently uploaded a beautiful video that showcased a time-lapse build of a Porsche 2.0 engine, an engine used in cars such as classic 911s, that's turned into a 2.5 SRT. In this video, we see the build process through each step in a fantastic fashion. They note in the video's description that this engine was built for Magnus Walker, one of the most popular Porsche fans.Check the video out below and see if you can muster up the courage to build an engine of your own. Heck, I may start off by putting together a model engine.Porsche Engine Assemble 2.5 SRT

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2017

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Revealed: Most Innovative Yet

The Porsche Panamera has always been a favorite of mine. And now, the new Panamera Sport Turismo has taken the crown as one of my favorite Porsches. Unveiled today, the new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo extends the range with new power and design that sets it apart from the rest.By far, the most noticeable change made to the Sport Turismo model is the redesigned rear. Starting at the B-pillars, the Porsche has changed the shape of the car's rear with a more pronounced shoulder, elongated window line and an adaptive spoiler. Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo Panamera Turbo Sport TurismoThis spoiler adjusts itself according to the car's speed. When traveling under 105 mph, the spoiler retracts to an angle of minus seven degrees. This reduces drag and "optimizes fuel consumption." If the car is going over 105 mph, the spoiler moves to an angle of plus one degree, which helps with driving stability and lateral dynamics. However, if the driver selects the Sport or Sport Plus driving modes, the spoiler will change to this degree when going over 56 mph. Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport TurismoInside, the Panamera Sport Turismo is the first in the lineup to feature three rear seats. Customers can still order a 2+2 setup with electronically adjustable individual seats in the rear. Also, Porsche raised the roof line of the car, making it easier for those passengers or driver to enter or exit the car. Interior Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo Interior Panamera Turbo Sport TurismoAt launch, Europe will have five different engine variants available for the Panamera Sport Turismo. This includes the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo (330 hp), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo (462 hp) Panamera 4S Sport Turismo (440 hp) Panamera 4S Diesel Sport Turismo (422 hp) and Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo (550 hp). It will be launching October 7, 2017, but no word has been given about a North American launch.Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2017

Battle of the Porsche 991s: 911 GTS RS vs 911 Turbo S Cab...

It's always interesting to watch two cars from the same manufacturer go toe-to-toe against each other. For today's example, it's two Porsche 911, although they are both completely different cars. On one hand, you have the 911 GT3 RS, which is a track-ready car that houses 500 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. On the other hand, you have the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (MK I), which has a 560 hp on tap and a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds.(Also Check Out - Porsche Delivers Record Number of Cars in 2016)What's more, a brand-new 911 GT3 has an MSRP of $175,900, while the 911 Turbo S Cab (MK II) is priced higher at $200,400. But, does the price difference make that of of a difference? Click play on the video below to find out!All Porsche 911 For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2016

duPont REGISTRY Porsche Accessory Selection

Winter time is here and that means it's time to get your friends, family and yourself some gifts. If you're a Porsche fan, you're in luck, because what we have in this article are a few items that will be perfect for fans of the German automaker.(Also Read - Porsche Necessities for Owners and Fans)Looking for something for the office? The Porsche 911 Office Chair will make anyone the envy of any company. Want to stream Christmas carols over Bluetooth in your classic Porsche? The Classic Radio Navigation System is the answer. Need to kit out your Porsche for the winter? The Tequipment Finder will help you search for the perfect accessories for your vehicle.Check out the picks below and use the Tequipment Finder to see just how impressive Porsche's accessory selection truly is.The Porsche 911 Office Chair You commanded the road on your way into work. Command the day from your 911 Office Chair from the Porsche Driver’s Selection Masterpiece Collection. This chair is the same, original four-way Plus sports seat that is featured in the current Porsche 911 Carrera automobile. It includes adjustable armrests, continuous seat height adjustment, electrical backrest adjuster, surface and armrests made of Porsche original Black vehicle interior leather and more.The 911 Office Chair's ergonomic construction is designed to keep you as comfortable after 8 hours in the office as you would be on an 8 hour drive.View Price and Learn MoreClassic Radio Navigation System The new Classic Radio Navigation System features iPhone, iPod, USB and AUX interfaces, allowing you to control external music sources from the display. Bluetooth functionality means that you can make calls directly from your vehicle.The Classic Radio Navigation System is available for all Classic models with DIN1 slot, from the 911 F to the 911 (Type 993), as well as for four and eight-cylinder vehicles, excluding the 356The unit features seamless dashboard fit with two different knob designs to suit vintage vehicle designs. Operating logic is based on the current Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and has a user-friendly 3.5-inch touchscreen.FM and AM radio reception is enhanced through factory-fitted antennas and the country-specific navigation has been tested through test drives in both Canada and the USA. 4x45 watt output delivers full sound. The original factory-fitted sound system with amplifier can also be installed directly or through an adapter lead - available for order with part number 91164220901.Learn MorePorsche Winter Accessories Your Porsche was made to be driven year-round, and winter is no exception. Protect your Porsche interior and exterior surfaces this winter with cargo liners, car covers and all-weather floor mats from Porsche Tequipment.To find these and other Porsche Tequipment winter products, click here for the Porsche Tequipment Finder.

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2016

How to Pronounce "Porsche"

There's a moment in every automotive enthusiast's life when they're listening to someone talk about Porsches and they mispronounce the heck out the automaker. You try your best to hold back, but sometimes your urge to correct their butchering of the brand's name is just too much.Thankfully, Porsche has made a video that you can show these friends. In the video, the correct pronunciation of Porsche is given. Be sure to have this video in your bookmark, because it could save you from freaking out on a friend at some point in your life.All Porsche For Sale

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