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 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 Edward Jones – July 20, 2021

New 2022 Porsche Macan Unveiled With More Power

Porsche's second-best-selling model gets solid upgrades for 2022. The new 2022 Porsche Macan has now had its secrets revealed and they include a number of worthy upgrades. Its exterior now features a front end with a new look that includes integrated air intake, while the rear diffuser has been stretched a bit upwards. Porsche will also be making seven new wheel designs available for customers to choose from. For power, all 2022 Macans will have standard 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmissions, all-wheel drive, and engines with more power than before. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will now produce 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (+13 hp and +22 lb-ft). For the Macan S, its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 produces 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. As for the range-topping 2022 Macan GTS, its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 now pushes out 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades include a refined interior, optional Sport Package for the Macan GTS, stiffer suspension for the Macan GTs and standard Lane Departure Warning and front/rear Park Assist. Starting prices for the 2022 Porsche Macan models are as follows, excluding $1,350 for delivery: 2022 Porsche Macan - $54,900 2022 Porsche Macan S - $65,4002022 Porsche Macan GTS - $79,900 Porsche is expecting the 2022 Macan models to arrive in early 2022. Source: Porsche Cars North America

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 – July 16, 2021

Porsche Delivers 31% More Vehicles In The First 6-Months ...

If you've been seeing more Porsches on the road, it's because the brand is breaking records. After a series of unfortunate events over the past year, the automotive industry is starting to regain traction with Porsche presenting some incredible production numbers for the first half of 2021. Porsche delivered 153,656 vehicles worldwide, representing an increase of 31 percent compared to the previous year. The significant demand growth spanned all model series and global sales regions. The most successful model was the Cayenne at 44,050 units delivered, twelve percent more than last year. The Macan is in second place at 43,618 customers taking delivery in the first half-year. The all-electric Taycan celebrates a special success: with 19,822 vehicle deliveries, it is just under the level of 2020 as a whole at the end of the half-year. The latest member of the model range is on a par with the sports car icon, the 911, with deliveries of 20,611 and an increase of 22 percent. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models saw 11,922 units delivered to customers (up 33 percent). For the Panamera, it was 13,633 vehicles, an increase of six percent. Along with the percentage of sold Porsches on the rise, the German automotive manufacturer is also happy to report an influx in sales across all regions. The United States achieved particularly strong growth within the markets with a rise of 50 percent: 36,326 vehicles were delivered. For more Porsche news, Check out Watch John Mayer Promote His New Album ‘Sob Rock’ In A Porsche 911 GT3

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 15, 2021

Watch John Mayer Promote His New Album 'Sob Rock' In A Po...

What better way to listen to a new John Mayer album than behind the wheel of a Porsche GT3. John Mayer is seen as a true automotive enthusiast, as we have seen with his love of iconic brands like Land Rover. John Mayer is behind the wheel of a new vehicle, and it's not for an off-road adventure. The infamous musician is proud to announce his new album ‘Sob Rock’ by Columbia Records. Promoted as a video on his Instagram, John Mayer is seen in a 991 generation Porsche 911 GT3 inserting the cassette tape of his new album in the German supercar before taking off into the distance. Check out John Mayer’s new album ‘Sob Rock’ releasing tomorrow, July 16th. View all Porsche 911 GT3 models for sale by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWpE6lHfr_/ For more Celebrity Car news, Check out Watch Post Malone Take On The Racetrack In His New ‘Motley Crew’ Music Video

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 13, 2021

Discover Porsche's Touring Package For The New 992 911 GT3

Take on all tracks and public roads with the new Touring Package for the Porsche 992 911 GT3. The performance-focused GT lineup from Porsche continues to smash lap times while providing a race-like feel for owners of all kinds. The new Porsche 911 GT3 stands tall as the brand's most updated track-inspired chassis, but what about the owners who are planning on buying it with the intention of daily drives and road trips? Once again, Porsche has all the answers with the new Touring Package offered for the 911 GT3 platform. The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring offers configuration elements from every angle, making it the perfect car to fit your daily lifestyle. The 911 GT3 with Touring package presents the atmosphere of a classic sports car in the interior, using traditional cabin amenities for both the driver and passenger. Porsche also offers almost all the optional equipment for the 911 GT3 in combination with the Touring package. It includes all exterior and wheel colors, LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System and Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus, various assistance systems, PCCB ceramic braking system, the lift system on the front axle, all seat variants, the Chrono Package, and the audio systems. The new 2022 Porsche GT3 just became the new best daily driver with the Touring Package to compliment the 992 generation re-design. Check out all Porsche 911 GT3 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CRQsIBrhrcW/ Media/Information Source: Porsche For more Porsche news, Check out Essentials for Porsche Owners

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2021

New 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Revealed: Fastest Varia...

The fastest production Cayenne ever created. The new 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT has been revealed as the latest variant added to the Cayenne model range. This new model is only available in a coupe body style and comes with suspension systems and tires that were designed specifically for this model. Powering this performance-oriented Cayenne is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 631 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 90 hp and 59 lb-ft over the Cayenne Turbo Coupe. Porsche notes that the Cayenne Turbo GT will be able to run from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, hit a top speed of 186 mph and it will be able to complete a quarter-mile sprint in 11.6 seconds. That kind of performance makes this new variant the fastest production Cayenne ever made. To prove this fact even more so, Lars Kern took this new Cayenne out to the Nurburgring Nordschleife where he set a new SUV lap record of 7:38.9 minutes. The new 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT will be reaching dealerships in early 2022 and is available to order right now. It comes with a starting price of $180,800. Source: Porsche

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2021

The Story of Porsche's Evolution

From sports cars to SUVs. Porsche has quite the history and has evolved in more ways than one. What's most interesting about Porsche's history in regards to models is how they have reinvented themselves time and time again, getting impressive results each time. Whether it's a new 911 model, groundbreaking SUV, or even an electric sports car, they continue to evolve. CNBC recently released a video that dives into Porsche's history and how creations like the Cayenne had completely changed the course for the German automaker. Whether you're a fan of Porsche or just interested in how automakers have pivoted over the years to meet the demands of customers. Porsche is currently pivoting yet again, moving towards an electric lineup. If the Taycan is a sign of what's to come, you can sign us up as excited fans.

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2021

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Sets New Nurburgring Lap Record

Porsche takes out the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series record. Porsche has just announced that a 911 GT2 RS fitted with the Manthey Performance Kit has set a new Nurburgring lap time record for street-legal production cars. The lap time set by Porsche development driver Lars Kerns was 6:43.300, which beats out the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series' time of 6:43.616. This time also beats Kern's lap of 6:47.25 in the 991.2 911 GT2 RS. The Manthey Performance Kit that was installed consists of chassis, aerodynamics, and brake components, as well as the magnesium alloy wheels from the Weissach Package. It's currently being offered as a whole package as opposed to individually. It can be ordered from Porsche Centers in Europe. Components within the package include additional flaps on the front spoiler, carbon underbody, additional air guide elements, new rear spoiler, new diffuser, aerodiscs for the rear wheels, optimized coilovers, racing brake pads, and more. If you click play up above, you can view the record lap for yourself. Source: Porsche Newsroom

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2021

Porsche and Topgolf Announce The Panamera Invitational

A chance to tee off and win an epic Porsche experience. Porsche and Topgolf have announced a new tournament that you have to check out. The Panamera Invitational tournament will be taking place at 15 Topgolf locations across the country. Teams of two will be competing for high scores, vying for the chance to advance to the finals in Las Vegas. The winning team will get an all-expense-paid trip to Scotland to attend Porsche events, as well as experience the St. Andrews golf course. Aside from the tournament, there will be other challenges that include things like seeing who can drive a ball as fast as the Porsche Panamera. The local qualifying rounds will take place starting June 26. To see if your local Topgolf is partaking in the event, when the rounds occur, and how to sign up, click here. Source: Porsche

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