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 – July 15, 2024

Porsche's New Panamera Sets A Record Lap Time On The Nürb...

The new Panamera shatters previous records at the Nürburgring. Porsche's newest Panamera has once again shown what it's made of on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel. The high-performance four-door hatch clocked in 5.64 seconds faster than its predecessor, setting a new record of 7:24.17 minutes. The milestone achievement speaks volumes about Porsche's dedication to refining its sports cars. Kern, who had previously set records in 2016 and 2020, was impressed with Panamera's improved agility, especially in tricky sections like Hohe Acht and Brünnchen. The Panamera's performance increase comes from several key upgrades, including a hybrid-assisted, eight-cylinder engine and Porsche's new Active Ride chassis. These changes, along with track-focused Michelin tires, contributed to a faster lap time. Kern emphasized the chassis' stability and agility, perfectly balancing comfort and sportiness. The new Panamera is about delivering a driving experience that acclimates seamlessly from everyday roads to demanding tracks like the Nürburgring. For the record-setting lap, the Panamera was equipped with a racing seat and safety cage for protection, but it stayed true to its series version. A specially designed Carbon Aerokit enhanced its performance by increasing downforce and improving aerodynamic balance. The new Panamera shows that Porsche continues to push the envelope. View all Porsche Panameras for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Panameras For Sale Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 12, 2024

Porsche Ibérica Celebrates 40 Years With New Hybrid 911 C...

A new Sonderwunsch creation commemorates Porsche’s Iberian presence. Porsche has had a presence in the Iberian Peninsula for 40 of its over 75 years as a luxury sports car manufacturer. It was in 1984 when Porsche transitioned from being represented by an importer in Spain to establishing Porsche Espaňa. Since then, Porsche has made its mark on the Iberian region with its incredible lineup of luxury sports cars. Porsche is celebrating four decades in Spain and Portugal with a new creation from Sonderwunsch: the Porsche 911 Cuarenta Edition. The Cuarenta Edition features a configuration that interprets the modern Porsche 911 if it were configured by a Spanish or Portuguese Porsche client 40 years ago. As such, the car features a bespoke exterior color called Quercusverde, inspired by the leaves of the holm oak, the same tree that inspired the anniversary logo featured on the Cuarenta Edition car. Inside, the upholstery consists of Truffle Brown and Cohiba Brown leather, which is also paired with tartan seat centers, with special details like cross stitching and piping in Crayon. Based on the latest 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, the new Cuarenta Edition is also an example of the first roadgoing hybrid Porsche 911, with the T-Hybrid drive system introduced with the new 911 Carrera GTS. Combining tradition with futuristic performance, and timeless aesthetics with bespoke design, the new Porsche 911 Cuarenta Edition is not only a celebration of Porsche’s presence in the Iberian region but also of Porsche’s excellence as a manufacturer. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Image Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 11, 2024

Lanzante Unveils Road-Legal Porsche 935s And More McLaren...

Lanzante debuts road-legal Porsche 935s and showcases a stunning lineup of McLaren and Porsche models at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. Lanzante is set to impress at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 with an exceptional lineup of bespoke automotive masterpieces, better described as pieces of rolling art. Among the highlights are the first two road-legal Porsche 935s, a significant engineering milestone that blends the power of Porsche's track-only model with the necessary upgrades to make it road-worthy. Finished in iconic Martini and Marlboro liveries, the 935s feature custom suspension, bespoke electronics, and upgraded braking systems. Alongside the Porsche 935s, Lanzante's display includes a lineup of renowned McLaren examples. The newly developed McLaren P1 HDK and a fully recommissioned McLaren Speedtail are on scene to show Lanzante's loyalty to evolving these automotive icons. The Gulf-liveried GTR models, including the F1 GTR-97, P1 GTR-18, and Senna GTR, pay homage to motorsport history, while the TAG Turbo models celebrate racing icons like John Watson and Alain Prost. Lanzante also reveals their collaboration with 'Mad Mike' Whiddett on the 'MadMac' driftcar, marking a decade since Mad Mike introduced drifting to Goodwood. The diverse lineup at Lanzante's stand ensures that the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 will be a memorable event for any and all car enthusiasts. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Lanzante

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 10, 2024

Porsche Design x Hodinkee Tease An Upcoming Collaboration...

Porsche's image as an icon is deeply rooted in its legacy as a renowned sports car manufacturer, consistently evolving high-performance vehicles with precision engineering and driving excellence. It's the same innovative approach founder Ferdinand Porsche took when developing the Porsche Design branch from a single wristwatch, the 1972 Chronograph 1. Today, Porsche Design has become a leader in haute horology with modern and classic watches that incorporate inspiration from collector-grade classics like the Porsche 911. The team at Hodinkee is proud to preserve the heritage of Porsche Design watches by announcing an upcoming collaboration release that will spark the interest of both car and watch collectors. While specifics on the new release have been kept under wraps until its anticipated debut on July 13th, Hodinkee x Porsche Design has teased its first-ever partnership with promotional content that features a timeless Porsche 911. Teaser shots of the collaboration watch hint at it being a chronograph, showing off a tachymeter that resembles the gauge cluster of an early generation 911. For those who wish to stay up-to-date to ensure a fair shot at acquiring the automotive-inspired Porsche Design timepiece, Hodinkee has included early access for anyone who signs up on its website via email address. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for an upcoming 'How To Buy' feature on the upcoming Porsche Design x Hodinkee collaboration watch. Shop all Porsche Design watches currently for sale by clicking the link below. Shop All Porsche Design Watches Source: Hodinkee/Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 09, 2024

Porsche Shatters Records With Best Quarterly Performance ...

Porsche Cars North America achieved record-breaking Q2 retail deliveries, totaling 21,304 cars, a 13% increase. Porsche remains one of the most successful sports car manufacturers in history, with a passionate and connected community of owners and enthusiasts worldwide who preserve the brand's status as an automotive icon. Its ongoing success proves this even further as Porsche North America recently released sales stats for its most recent quarter, delivering 21,304 cars in the U.S., marking the best quarterly performance in its history. PCNA is reporting new car sales from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. Despite facing supply restrictions in the first quarter, the outcome represents a 13% increase year-over-year. Notably, the Porsche 911 had one of its best quarters ever, with sales skyrocketing by 52.5%. June was particularly impressive, setting a new monthly sales record for the 911. Timo Resch, President and CEO of PCNA, expressed appreciation for the sustained interest from customers, highlighting the critical role of the 201 independently owned Porsche Centers across the nation in delivering exceptional customer experiences. Leading the charge in Q2 were the Cayenne and Macan, both of which saw significant sales increases, complemented by the introduction of the new Panamera to the U.S. market. The Panamera achieved 1,152 retail sales during this period, showcasing the diverse appeal of Porsche's model lines. Additionally, Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales in the U.S. totaled 10,093 vehicles in Q2, a 4.3% rise compared to the same quarter last year. As the year progresses, Porsche is closing the sales gap from the supply-challenged start of 2024, showing stability and strong customer demand across its range. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 08, 2024

1-of-10 2015 Liquid Metal Chrome Porsche 918 Spyder Liste...

Part of the world-changing “Holy Trinity” of hybrid hypercars, the Porsche 918 Spyder combined electric and combustion power with all-wheel drive and state-of-the-art dynamics for earth-shattering performance. With strictly limited production and incredible style, the Porsche 918 Spyder remains one of the most exclusive and desirable hypercars today, even a decade after its introduction. View Price And Listing It’s difficult to find an example of the Porsche 918 Spyder for sale. However, duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985, a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, from Isringhausen Imports in Springfield, Illinois. However, this is not just any Porsche 918 Spyder rather it’s one of just 162 examples with the racing-focused Weissach Package built for North America, and with its Liquid Metal Chrome paintwork, it’s one of just 10 cars with its color. Its Garnet Red leather interior with silver piping makes it even more exclusive. With its importance to recent automotive history, enviable exclusivity, groundbreaking performance and technology, beautiful looks, and incredibly unique configuration, this 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder for sale is an exquisite vehicle to add to any luxury or exotic car collection, especially for a Porsche enthusiast. If you want to add this exclusive Porsche for sale to your garage, click the button to view the price and listing.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 02, 2024

Celebrate Luftgekühlt's 10th Anniversary: A Decade of Air...

Join Luftgekühlt's 10th-anniversary celebration at Universal Studios Backlot! Luftgekühlt, the iconic celebration of air-cooled Porsches, is marking its 10th anniversary with an epic return to the Universal Studios Backlot. From its humble beginnings in a small Venice, CA parking lot in 2014, Luftgekühlt has grown into a global spectacle. This year's event promises to be the greatest yet, showcasing a carefully curated collection of historically significant Porsches, both street and race. Luft 10, dubbed "The Sequel," will offer fans a fresh experience, with the backlot transformed into an explorable display of Porsche's most legendary models. Led by co-founder Patrick Long and creative director Jeff Zwart, Luftgekühlt has traveled the world, from Los Angeles to Germany, and will soon stop in Denmark. The October 5 event at Universal Studios Backlot is set to be the pinnacle of air-cooled Porsche gatherings. Attendees can expect to see iconic movie sets, sound stages, and city streets reimagined to highlight these stunning vehicles. Tickets for Luft 10 will be available soon on luftgekuhlt.com. Porsche owners eager to display their air-cooled models should register quickly, as spaces are sure to fill up fast. Fans can also look forward to a special Luft 10 capsule clothing collection, available for pre-order and on-site. This year's celebration is set to be an unforgettable homage to Porsche's air-cooled heritage, making it a must-attend event for enthusiasts and newcomers. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Luftgekühlt

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 01, 2024

Ruby Star & Ruby Star Neo: Own One Of Porsche's Most Icon...

This bright color is both iconic and head-turning. Porsche has a broad spectrum of some of the most iconic and celebrated paint colors, like Guards Red, Racing Yellow, Signal Green, and many more. However, one of the most memorable is Ruby Star, a vivid magenta shade that stands out in any crowd, with a history of adorning some of the coolest vintage 911 models and adding a layer of retro-inspired wow factor to them. Through its Paint To Sample program, Porsche has shown a knack for offering, albeit at a hefty price, unorthodox and unique colors like Ruby Star. However, in recent years, Porsche has revived the color, introducing a new version dubbed Ruby Star Neo. Rather than being a PTS, the funky pink shade is available as a special color option for cars like the 911 and 718. If you’re interested in owning a Porsche finished in the iconic Ruby Star Neo, there are quite a few available for sale on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. Here, you’ll find cars that combine the vivid and unique Ruby Star/Ruby Star Neo with the driver’s car performance of models like the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and the 911 GT3, the luxury and supercar-like performance of the 911 Turbo S, or the classic charm of the air-cooled 911s of the past. View some of the best Ruby Star/Ruby Star Neo Porsches available for sale on duPont REGISTRY below. View All Porsches For Sale 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS View Price And Listing 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera T View Price And Listing 1992 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet View Price And Listing Buy Searching for a Porsche to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of Porsches for sale right now, including some of the rarest ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Porsches for sale. Shop Best Porsches For Sale Sell Do you own a Porsche and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Porsche. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 01, 2024

Porsche Returns To Pairs For The 50th Anniversary Of The ...

The Porsche 911 Turbo, first unveiled in 1974, returns to Paris. The 1974 Paris Motor Show saw the world premiere of the Porsche 911 Turbo, a moment that marked the beginning of an era for sports car collectors and enthusiasts. Half a century later, we revisit the birthplace of Porsche's most iconic creation. Picture strolling down the stylish Champs-Élysées when a familiar exhaust note captures you from behind. It's the 911 Turbo, a car that embodies boldness, energy, and timeless luxury. The Parisian spirit of energy perfectly mirrors the bold introduction of the Turbo back in 1974. Even with the lingering effects of the oil crisis, Porsche's decision to unveil a fast, powerful sports car was nothing short of fearless. The Turbo faced skepticism in Germany, where Sunday driving bans were still fresh in memory. Yet, Porsche's press release was unapologetically proud, emphasizing the Turbo's track-inspired performance without the harshness typical of high-performance cars. The 911 Turbo established itself as a car in a class of its own, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Porsche. The 911 Turbo has exceeded being just a car; it's a lifestyle. It's about pushing boundaries, demonstrating what's possible, and embodying the essence of "faster, higher, stronger." Just as the Olympic motto inspires athletes to peak performance, the Turbo inspires automotive greatness. In the bustling streets of Paris, the Turbo stands as an example of innovation and style, much like its debut at the Paris Motor Show. View all Porsche 911 Turbos for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Turbos For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 28, 2024

Porsche Design Unveils The Iconic Curved P'8952 Sunglasse...

Discover the new Porsche Design Iconic Curved P'8952, a stylish eyewear masterpiece inspired by the Porsche 911 Turbo S. In the spirit of innovation and luxury, Porsche Design has just unveiled its latest masterpiece as part of its growing lifestyle collection, the Iconic Curved P'8952 sunglasses. This automotive-inspired new model is a tribute to the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo S, embodying the brand's dedication to blending sports car aesthetics with high-performance materials. The P'8952 is designed with aerodynamic contours and sleek curves, drawing inspiration from the 911 Turbo's surfaces and shapes. The newest addition perfectly captures Porsche Design's philosophy of "engineered passion," pushing the boundaries of style and functionality. Crafted with a combination of aluminum and high-performance polyamide RXP, the Iconic Curved P'8952 stands out with its lightweight yet robust construction. The use of high-tech materials enhances the frame's durability while also adding to its sophisticated look. Sleek temple integration into the frame provides a distinctive curve that complements the overall design. Available starting July, the Iconic Curved P'8952 is set to launch exclusively at porsche-design.com and Porsche Design Stores. Experience the fusion of luxury, innovation, and timeless design with Porsche Design by clicking the link below. Shop All Porsche Design Source: Porsche Design

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