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 – August 21, 2019

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Sets Unusual Lap Record

Hot laps on asphalt are fun to watch, but what happens when the pavement ends? To show us just how capable their new SUV truly is, Porsche traveled to the middle of the Baltic Sea. A massive motorsports facility is under construction on the Swedish island of Gotland, and only half of it has been paved. That is how the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid set an unusual lap record The facility bills itself as the first Sustainable track, using wind power for electricity. The new Cayenne Hybrid also uses high voltage to offer 676 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. It uses the same 400v system as its cousin the Audi E-Tron, and it represents the future of high-performance SUVs. Being able to cruise at 83 mph on battery alone for 26 miles is a nice achievement. So how does this power reach the ground when the pavement ends? Listen to the driver's excitement and hold on for a wild ride! Click the link below to find a new Cayenne near you. Browse Porsche Cayenne Turbo For Sale " width="680"> Related: Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is Fast & Efficient

747657_cayenne_turbo_s_e_hybrid_2019_porsche_ag_1

By Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2019

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is Fast & Efficient

Porsche is on a high voltage mission to incorporate hybrid and battery technologies across its lineup. If you thought the Cayenne was fast on gas, imagine a plug-in hybrid helping it along. That is what was revealed this morning, as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is fast & efficient. Plug it in overnight, and you will have the ability to reach 83 mph on battery power alone. It packs a 14.1 kWh battery under the floor, and a 7.2 kW onboard charger. If you need a quick charge, it is capable of handling 400 volts AC at 16 amps, the same protocol as its cousin: The Audi e-tron. High voltage charging takes 2.4 hours or six hours from your home 240v system. The genius here is integrating the electric motor inside the transmission. With a full charge you will have 676 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. If you need to be silent, you can cruise on battery for 26 miles. Other standard features include active sway bars, air suspension, and electric Air Conditioning. You can have the car cool and ready to go using the Porsche Connect App. The styling and interior upgrades aren't limited to the V8 Hybrid, Porsche has also released a new V6 turbo Cayenne Coupe. It has 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from a smooth & silent 3.0L V6. It can reach 60 mph with the SportChrono package. Both models get USB-C ports, wireless charging and the infotainment has been upgraded to support wireless Apple CarPlay. Click the link below to order your new Cayenne, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche Cayenne Turbo For Sale " width="680"> Related: 2019 Porsche Cayenne Price, Specs, Photos & Review 2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Specs, Price, Review, & Photos

By Andrew Nabors – June 12, 2019

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe in Action

Stuttgart is wasting no time in expanding their SUV lineup. As such, we were blessed to find a new Porsche teaser on Instagram. Instead of another V6 family wagon, we see the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe in Action. A quick glance at Porsche USA reveals the menacing details. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 4.0L V8. It is a de-tuned version of the same monster found in the Lamborghini Urus, and it offers 541 horsepower to all wheels. But this unlikely beast also provides 568 lb-ft of torque between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm. The aim is to give SUV buyers incredible power and a fastback roof. It launches to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 177 mph. Another nice ability is being able to tow 7,700 lbs, so it could pull your GT2 RS inside a very nice trailer with ease. Or, you could be sensible and cut the mufflers off, add boost, and take everyone's money at the midnight drags. Find Your Porsche Cayenne For Sale Here https://www.instagram.com/p/BynMhlMDV4x/ Related: Porsche Cayenne Coupe Arriving in 2020 Porsche Cayenne & Macan Take a Road Trip in Thailand

By Andrew Nabors – March 21, 2019

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Arriving in 2020

Porsche's hottest SUV now comes in 2 flavors! The Cayenne has been a popular SUV since it was introduced in 2003. But the German luxury market is locked in a battle of the 4-door coupes. Essentially giving the SUV a fastback roof, it adds style and personality to their lineup. Yesterday we showed you the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. So today Stuttgart has returned fire with a press release. In it, we see the details of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe arriving in 2020. First off, the amount of standard equipment is insane. A full-length panoramic roof is standard, carbon fiber is optional. A roof spoiler is also standard, along with Porsche Active Suspension Management and the Sport Chrono package. It may look identical to the Cayenne SUV up front, but the windshield and A-pillars are 0.78" lower, details that small are why we love Porsche. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 3.0L V6. It has a single turbo and offers 335 hp along with 332 lb-ft of torque. If your commute demands incredible power the Cayenne Turbo Coupe arrives with the 4.0 twin turbo. Identical to the SUV Cayenne Turbo, you will have 541 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. Sixty MPH arrives in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 178. The turbo also comes with an automated secondary spoiler that deploys at 56 mph. Wheels range from 20" to 22". Expect to see it in showrooms this fall, with pricing starting at $75,300 for the V6 and $130,100 for the Turbo. Click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Shop Cayenne Turbo

By Andrew Nabors – May 02, 2018

Porsche Unveils 2019 Cayenne E-Hybrid

The market for luxury SUVs is hotter than ever, so leave it to Porsche to shake up the status quo. A press release last night dished out the details on the 2019 Cayenne E-Hybrid. It replaces the Cayenne S E-Hybrid with all new hardware.Under the hood is a single turbo 3.0 liter V6 that is very similar to the other V6 Cayennes. The differences begin with an electric motor/generator that sits between the engine and a new 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission. It is similar to what is found on the 918 Spyder, but this new hybrid module uses an electro-mechanical clutch to disconnect it when not needed.While the battery pack might be the same size, it has 30% more juice. With 14.1 kWh on tap, it offers an electric range of 27 miles. A 120-volt charger is standard equipment, and it is built-in to the vehicle. An optional 230-volt charger will allow you to plug in without the clutter of a wall-mounted box. This one will charge the battery in only 2.3 hours.TECHART Unveils “30 Years” Edition Magnum SportYou might figure all this technology will be expensive, but the starting price is only $79,900. For that, you will have massaging seats, 5 driving modes, 455 horsepower, and 516 lb-ft of torque. Sixty mph arrives in 4.7 seconds on your way to a 13.3-second quarter-mile. Going fast while saving gas is a smart buy, so click the link below to find a Porsche dealer near you.Browse Porsche Cayenne For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 30, 2017

Porsche Unveils New 2019 Cayenne

Only a few times in automotive history has one model saved a brand. The Cayenne was met with mixed emotions at when it arrived in 2002, but since then no less than 760,000 examples have been sold. Porsche needed something new to entice buyers into the showroom at the turn of the century. The Boxster and Cayman were not in danger, but people viewed the brand as a sports car company. The Cayenne redefined the luxury SUV. Last night at the Porsche Museum, Dr. Porsche and his team took the cover off Cayenne's third generation.Chairman of the Executive Board Oliver Blume had this to say "We have completely redeveloped our successful model. It has been visibly and tangibly improved and perfected in all respects. The Cayenne has also been digitalised and networked throughout to give it a forward-thinking design". The scene was host to dancers, a laser light show, and the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra.Cayenne borrows styling from the 911. It arrives with staggered tire sizes, rear wheel steering, and AWD as standard equipment. Two twin turbo V6 engines will be initially available. The base model will offer 340 hp and the Cayenne S will have 440 hp. Both are bolted to an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic.For incredible comfort on or off road, it has triple-chamber air suspension and Porsche 4D Chassis Control. Even with all the new parts, it weighs in at 143 lbs less than current examples thanks to clever engineering. The first production example will remain on display as part of a special display entitled "New tracks. Every destination. Always Porsche." The exhibit is planned to run until February 25th, to showcase the history of the Cayenne. No mention of a V8 was made, so if you need a great deal on a powerful Porsche, check out our Cayennes for sale and stay with us for all your Porsche news.

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2015

MANSORY Porsche Cayenne Turbo Performance Enhancements

If the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S weren't enough for you, MANSORY has unveiled their performance upgrades for the models in a new press release.The aftermarket company now offers a "Plug & Play" option for both models. This includes the installation of the MANSORY Power Box. Once installed, the Cayenne Turbo's output is increased by 50 hp and roughly 60 lb-ft of torque. Power output after this quick installation will be at a total of 570 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph time of the SUV is dropped to 4.1 seconds, .4 seconds faster than standard, after the Plug & Play process.(Related: Bespoke Rolls-Royce Wraith in Orange Metallic)For the Turbo S, performance is upgraded to 611 hp and 641 lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 50 hp and 51 lb-ft over the standard Turbo S. The 0-62 mph time is decreased to 3.8 seconds from the standard time of 4.1 seconds.To match the upgraded power, MANSORY also offers a wide array of exterior and interior modifications, showcased in the included images.Each MANSORY control unit for the upgrades costs €4,900 (approx. $5,350 USD with the current exchange rates).Gallery (Source: MANSORY) More Aftermarket News

Porsche News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe