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 – February 02, 2023

David Dobrik Rips The Hamilton Collection's $2M Porsche H...

With Steve Hamilton sitting shotgun for the drive, David Dobrik unleashes all that the Porsche 918 Spyder has to offer. Placing itself in the legendary ‘Holy Trinity’ of hybrid-powered hypercars, the Porsche 918 Spyder was Germany’s answer to Italy’s Ferrari LaFerrari and U.K.’s McLaren P1. With only 918 examples ever produced, The Hamilton Collection is lucky enough to feature an incredible PTS Grey Black spec inside its insane garage full of supercars and hypercars. Documenting their trip to Los Angeles in the newest Hamilton Collection YouTube video, Steve and the team met up with renowned influencer David Dobrik to swap cars for a joyride through sunny California. MUST-READ: Porsche 918 Spyder Price, Specs, Photos & Review Trading his Aston Martin DBX for the 875-horsepower Porsche, the YouTube star gets behind the wheel for the ride of a lifetime. The aftermarket exhaust system on the 918 Spyder screams through the streets of LA as David rips under bridges, leaving a smile on his face that you’ll have to see to believe. Although he began his visit saying “I’m not really a car guy”, the once-of-a-lifetime test drive may leave David shopping for his next garage toy. View all current Porsche 918 Spyder examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche 918 Spyders For Sale Source: The Hamilton Collection YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2022

Watch Porsche Driver Leh Keen Race A Monster Jam Truck In...

Monster Jam driver Linsey Read invites experienced, and apparently fearless, Porsche racer Leh Keen to take her on at the NRG Stadium in Texas. The idea behind every Porsche model begins with the inspiration to conquer any road, track, or off-road surface in its way. The Porsche Taycan lineup heightens that forward-thinking by adding an all-electric powertrain to the equation, introducing a new area of performance for the EV market. Putting the new Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo to the ultimate test, Monster Jam monster truck driver Linsey Read challenges Porsche driver Leh Keen to some friendly competition on her home turf. MUST-READ: 344-Mile 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo Listed for Sale Home turf quickly translates to a massive dirt course under the lights of NRG Stadium in Texas, where Monster Jam puts on an incredible show for all 72,000 spectators to see. At first glance, Linsey’s methanol-fueled V8 monster truck shares little similarities with Leh’s comfortable Porsche equipped with dual electric motors. And yet the two are remarkably similar, at least when the road turns to dirt. Boasting similar power-to-weight ratios, the two deliver similar performance off the line while sending power to all four wheels through feature four-wheel steering. Excluding the 60-foot dirt jumps, watch Linsey and Leh battle it out by clicking the video link above. View all current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 18, 2022

Jerry Seinfeld's One-Off Factory Built Porsche 718 Spyder...

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its win at Targa Florio, the one-of-one 718 Spyder build shares a display at Monterey Car Week with the Porsche 908/03 Spyder. Being a passionate hobby rather than an obsessive addiction, collecting rare and exclusive automobiles spans into a community of knowledgeable collectors from all walks of life. Whether its an average Joe or world-renowned celebrity, the automotive world presents a level playing field for all to share interests and experiences. One of the most well-regarded Porsche fanatics is American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer Jerry Seinfeld, who owns a collection of some of the rarest and most historic examples to ever leave the factory in Stuttgart, Germany. This year during Monterey Car Week 2022, two incredible Porsche examples from Jerry Seinfeld’s collection will be on scene for all in attendance to enjoy. The two vehicles on display are a Porsche 908/03 Spyder and a very special one-off factory built Porsche 718 Spyder commissioned by Jerry Seinfeld. MUST-READ: Watch Mercedes-Maybach x Virgil Behind The Scenes Of Project-MAYBACH Although the Porsche 908/03 Spyder holds significance as the winner of the Targa Florio race in May 1970, the true star of the show is the matching modern-day 718 Cayman Spyder. The idea behind the build originally came from Jerry, as he wished to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 908/03 Spyder’s win with help from the team at Porsche’s Special Projects division. The one-of-one 718 Spyder features the same Gulf Racing livery as the 1970s race car, using Porsche PTS Gulf Blue as the base layer behind his #12 race number, orange/green highlights, and British flag decal. Every step of the process was overseen by Director of Special Projects Grant Larson, who worked directly with German graphic designer Christoph Neiman on the magnificent livery. As a nod to the winning Porsche 908/03 Spyder, the custom illuminated door sills read “50 Jahre targa Florio 1970-2020” in orange and blue. Completing this build with attention to the smallest of details, Porsche Special Projects configured this 718 Spyder with a VIN that ends in 1-9-7-0. The two Porsche icons part of Jerry Seinfeld’s collection will be on display at the Porsche Zentrum in downtown Monterey from August 18th-20th. View all current Porsche inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle and celebrity car news. VIEW ALL PORSCHE FOR SALE Info/Media Sources: @giannicabiglio @ptsrs

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 05, 2022

Porsche Classic Invites Former F1 Driver Nick Heidfeld An...

The already low-mileage 959 S receives some T-L-C from the team at Porsche Classic. The Porsche name carries an immense amount of significance within the automotive and motorsport industries, blending the two to create an extensive fleet of performance cars that incorporate inspiration from historic models. One of the most notorious examples is the Porsche 959, the late 80s supercar only best described as ahead of its time. The Porsche 959 first made its debut as a Group B series rally car that later found its own production life, designed to satisfy FIA homologation regulations with 337 chassis hand-built at the factory in Stuttgart, Germany. While the 959 proves to stand at the pinnacle of early supercar development with industry-leading design and performance, the highly-exclusive 959 S model pushes the limits with more weight-saving technology and engine power. With only 29-examples in existence, former German Formula One racing driver Nick Heidfeld is proud to be one of the lucky owners. Porsche Classic is pleased to invite Nick and his Porsche 959 S to its facilities where other milestone models are kept up-to-date and on the road. MUST-READ: Porsche’s Q2 2022 U.S. Sales See A 3% Improvement Over Q2 2021 The team at Porsche Classic opened their welcoming doors to Nick’s 4,183-kilometer 959 S in the summer of 2017, after discussing and planning an extensive technological overhaul. The diagnosis showed that the engine management system had been modified. To resolve the issue under Nick’s authority, Porsche Classic staff restored the Motronic unit to its original condition. The uniqueness behind the Porsche 959 requires the appropriate attention and maintenance it deserves, which is why almost every 959 has seen the specialists at Porsche Classic at least one time in their life. Once back in his possession, Nick Heidfeld expresses his love for the Porsche 959 S by saying “I’ve had the privilege of driving many high-performance cars, but driving this high-tech legend is something special for me. I was a teenage car fan in the late 1980s, and to me this Porsche was always extraordinary. At the time, the 959 was the fastest production car in the world and by far the most advanced. So even today, it doesn’t drive like a 30-year-old car, but like a much more modern vehicle.” Currently, Heidfield’s garage includes a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, an old Volkswagen Beetle convertible, and a Porsche Carrera GT. View all of the current Porsche 959 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and supercar news. VIEW ALL PORSCHE 959 FOR SALE Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2022

Ken Block Debuts His 1,400HP Porsche SVRSR 'Hoonipigasus'...

A perfect Porsche recipe for success on the curvy sprint up Pikes Peak. Arguably known as one of the most experienced rally drivers in history, Ken Block showcases his skills behind the wheel on an array of motorsport stages around the world. Whether it's drifting in urban areas for his next YouTube video or competing in world-class race events, Ken focuses his lifestyle on automotive power and performance. Ken Block and the Hoonigan Racing Division are proud to announce their next venture to the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. Built by BBi Autosport in collaboration with Hoonigan and Hoonigan Racing Division, Ken Block is proud to present the 1,400-horsepower Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ as his new Pikes Peak race car. MUST-READ: Ken Block Recruits A New Audi e-tron SUV For Off-Road Adventures The Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ takes its shape as a heavily modified vintage 911 that embodies an entirely new aerodynamic design that achieves maximum downforce during its sprint up the mountain. The vibrant livery is created by renowned artist Trouble Andrew a.k.a. Guccighost and pays homage to the famous 1972 Porsche 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’, an iconic design still being celebrated by the brand, collectors, and fans. Its astonishing 1,400-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine platform uses a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that allows power to be evenly distributed to each will for maximum traction. Adding to its advanced technological features, the engineers at BBi Autosport fit the once classic 911 with a state-of-the-art GPS height-adjusted suspension that is based on the previous year’s telemetry of the course. The one-of-a-kind Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ build proves to be the perfect recipe for success, making its appearance as the first-ever mid-engine, AWD, twin-turbo vintage Porsche 911 in the PPO (Pikes Peak Open) class. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as The Race to the Clouds, is an invitation-only automobile hill climb to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado. This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, June 26, will mark the 100th running of the PPIHC, which features a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns and an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, rising to the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level. View all of the current Porsche 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and celebrity car news. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Source: Hoonigan

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2022

Leh Keen's New 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 In Paint-to-Sample Go...

The new GT3 with a stunning custom gold finish. While the Porsche brand prides itself on offering an extensive fleet of performance sports cars, they also feature a creative configuration process that showcases an extensive paint-to-sample color palette. With dozens of individual options to choose from, the range of possible combinations means seeing a pair of identical 911s is particularly rare. No stranger to Porsche, American race car driver Leh Keen expresses his love for the German automotive manufacturer with the creation of his vintage Safari 911 models. The design specialist at Porsche is proud to work closely with Leh Keen on his all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. The one-of-a-kind spec presents the new 992 generation in PTS Gold Bronze Metallic that took over 2-days to complete. MUST-READ: The Best Paint to Sample Porsche 911’s You Can Buy Today After showing up for delivery day, Leh Keen remembers the experiences stating “At the dealership when they pulled the cover off of it, I was kind of stunned over how beautiful it was.” With Paint to Sample, more than 100 additional pre-approved colors beyond the standard offering are available from the factory on a new 911 or 718. The Taycan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Macan have more than 50 additional choices available. Needless to say, the pictures from the photoshoot show how much Leh is enjoying his magnificent Porsche 911 GT3. View all of the current 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and celebrity car news. View All 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

Travis Barker Puts The Porsche Taycan Sound System To The...

Travis Barker and Kenny Hoopla enjoy some quality time with the Porsche Taycan. The Porsche brand aims to deliver the perfect luxury automobile by incorporating state-of-the-art design and technology with track-inspired performance. Within the German auto manufacturer’s line of vehicles, the all-electric Taycan stands tall as one of the most popular models for collectors and enthusiasts. Although the sound of a traditional exhaust system is non-exist, the quiet interior cabin and the premium audio system allow for a special driving experience for anyone behind the wheel. MUST-READ: Kevin Hart Receives The First Ferrari SF90 Spider In The U.S. Putting its sound system to the test, Porsche was happy to lend the Taycan to world-renowned drummer Travis Barker and artist Kenny Hoopla after just finishing their new album. The Porsche team spent some time with the duo to see some behind-the-scenes work in the recording studio. All in all, the Porsche Taycan lives up to the rockstar lifestyle while still providing one of the most efficient ways to travel. View all the current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity car news. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Media Source: @marvin_thebrand

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 Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2021

Walter Röhrl x Porsche 911 GT3: Twenty Years Later

How the GT3 evolved over two decades Every time Porsche unveils a supercar, it is always compared to a beast from 2001. That meeting of man and machine was a blistering lap record at the 'Ring. Walter Röhrl pushed the new Porsche GT3 around the old North Loop in 7:56. Aside from being one of the few Porsche Drivers to openly be scared of the Carrera GT, he set down to extol the virtues of the new 911 GT3. Yesterday our friend Magnus Walker spent a few minutes explaining why the latest GT3 represents a divergence within the 911 lineup. For the first time, the GT cars have received their own suspension. A dual-wishbone front end and unique tuning for the rear-wheel steering have allowed the latest GT3 to lap the ring in 6:58.927. With over 500 horsepower on tap, it's easy to reach 62 mpg in 3.4 seconds- no turbos required. Shaving almost a second off the lap time is what Porsche is capable of in 20 years, and that's why we enjoy offering you these incredible cars. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for all your 911 news. Shop Porsche 911 GT3 Image (C) Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2021

Magnus Walker Reviews the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3

The Urban Outlaw explains what makes it so revolutionary Seven generations of development have led to this point. Magnus Walker reviews the 2022 Porsche GT3 starting where it counts. Taking lessons learned from the RSR racing program, the GT cars are moving farther apart from regular-production Carreras. From the windshield forward, the suspension of the GT3 is not shared with lesser models. Porsche developed a double-wishbone front end to offer more grip than the MacPherson struts. The aerodynamics are dominated by hood vents and a gooseneck rear spoiler. Rear-wheel steering was an embargoed subject that he will hopefully touch on in the future. Years in development, Porsche has customers waiting in line for this one. Tell us what you like about the new GT3 in the comments below and stay with us for all your Magnus Walker news. Browse Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CNVnKT7pPpN/ Image and video (C) Magnus Walker

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