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 – May 19, 2022

Daniel Arsham Releases His New Porsche 930 Turbo Reveal S...

Celebrating delivery day for all automotive enthusiasts. The feeling of taking delivery of a new vehicle poses an unforgettable moment for any car enthusiast, building an immense amount of emotion and anticipation until the car cover is finally removed. World-renowned artist and automotive enthusiast Daniel Arsham aims to capture that moment in time with the release of his newest sculpture. With an appreciation for the way sculptures and cars look underneath a white cloth, Daniel creates a static sculpture of his iconic Porsche 930 Turbo in mid-reveal. The automotive-inspired piece features a single blue tonal finish, which beautifully contrasts against the flowing white cloth. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Finished in Chalk Over Bordeaux Leather Daniel Arsham’s Porsche 930 Turbo continues to be the inspiration behind many of his creative pieces, celebrating Porsche’s early era of design and performance that is best described as timeless. Daniel Arkham’s new Porsche 930 Turbo reveal sculpture is currently on-scene at Perrotin Gallery NYC in collaboration with global contemporary art magazine Frieze. View all of the current Porsche 930 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Porsche news. View All Porsche 930 For Sale Source: @danielarsham IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2022

Porsche Releases The Type 7 Volume 3 L'Art de L'Automobil...

Celebrate Porsche and L'Art de L'Automobile with an all new publication. When it comes to documenting historic Porsche moments through high-quality publications, the Type 7 Volume series is the first choice for any Porsche owner, enthusiast, or collector. Type 7 is proud to release its Volume 3 coffee table book in collaboration with the automotive experts at L’Art de L’Automobile. After a successful launch of the Porsche 968 L’Art, founder Arthur Kar is excited to feature the custom build in the all-new Type 7 Volume 3 - L’Art de L’Automobile Edition. With a cover that presents the same pattern as the 968 L’Art, the project truly incorporates the creative aspects of the partnership between Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile. MUST-READ: The New 30th Anniversary Porsche 968 By L’Art de L’Automobile The commemorative 400-page hardcover book includes 6-special profiles dedicated to L’Art friends, as well as a chapter explaining the process of configuring the L’Art 968 with the team at Porsche. The packaging of the limited-edition release is intended to be transformed into a miniature 968 L’Art with a cut and fold diagram, which also showcases a slipcase with a matching green paint job. The all-new Type 7 Volume 3 L’Art de L’Automobile Edition publication is very limited and currently available by clicking the below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. Shop Now Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 05, 2022

The New Porsche X RIMOWA Suitcase Celebrates 911 Heritage...

Two brands renowned for German engineering celebrate their heritage together. Rimowa is a brand that creates luggage known for its legendary durability and appeal within the ultra-luxe community, with the colors and styles of its luggage offerings marrying form and function perfectly to make it one of the most desirable luggage brands on the market. When it comes to cars, Porsche has a similar story. Its beautiful, dynamic, and fast cars have been the object of people’s desires all around the world. MUST READ: TAG Heuer Celebrates The New Carrera Porsche Edition With Patrick Dempsey The two brands have come together to celebrate their heritage in the most serendipitous way possible, by creating a collaborative suitcase that is designed to fit perfectly in the trunks of water-cooled Porsche 911s, and the back seats of air-cooled Porsche 911s. Inspired by the very first Porsche 911, the RIMOWA x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita evokes the golden age of travel and the glory of the early days of the Porsche 911 with its lack of wheels or a telescopic handle. The suitcase also features a gold-plated Porsche emblem, and only 911 of them will be made, making it a poignant statement of 911 and Rimowa heritage, luxury, and exclusivity. It launches on the Porsche Online Store April 21, 2022. Shop RIMOWA Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2022

Porsche Design Release The $1,800 Limited-Edition P'8950 ...

The perfect performance sunglasses to complement any Porsche 911. While Porsche keeps the automotive industry packed with performance-focused chassis, its Porsche Design lifestyle division applies the same vision to the fashion runway with luxury apparel and accessory collections. Porsche Design is proud to continue its 50th anniversary with a new addition to its eyewear line. The all-new P’8950 50Y Iconic 3D sunglasses feature a modern case design manufactured from lightweight titanium using an intricate 3D printing process. MUST-READ: Makes & Movements: Porsche Design Chronograph 1-1972 Edition x 911 Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition The futuristic bi-color frame includes a modern one-piece black mirror lens that displays a floating effect. The 50Y special-edition frames are limited to 911 units worldwide and are supplied in a high-quality 50Y Porsche Design wooden gift box with 50Y glasses cloth. The all-new Porsche Design P’8950 50Y Iconic 3D sunglasses are currently available for $1,800 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 14, 2022

Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Announce The Upcoming Porsch...

Celebrate the world of lifted Porsche 911s with the new upcoming apparel collection. With a growing presence in the world of art and fashion, Porsche continues to be the inspiration behind collaboration projects that highlight the heritage and lifestyle of the German automotive manufacturer. One of Porsche’s most influential art partners is Daniel Arsham, who features iconic models through an array of artistic avenues. Daniel Arsham is proud to partner with the fashion specialists at Stone Island on a special collection dedicated to the Porsche Safari builds. The inspiration behind the collaboration embodies Porsche’s versatility as one of the most well-rounded sports cars in history, reimagining the track-focused platform as a lifted off-road excursion chassis. MUST-READ: Sally From “Cars” Is Coming Back As A New 2022 Porsche 911 In a video directed by Jeremy Elkin and uploaded to the official Stone Island Instagram page, the brand announces the collection with a video of a Porsche 911 Safari displaying its agility on dirt with high-speed dirt drifts. Although a product list and media have yet to be released, the upcoming Porsche Safari Collection from Daniel Arsham x Stone Island is sure to be a highly-anticipated release for any car enthusiast. View all of the current Porsche 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming release information on the Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Porsche Safari Collection. View All Porsche 911 For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stone Island (@stoneisland_official) Source: @stoneisland_official

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 25, 2022

Porsche Dedicates A Museum Exhibit Its Most Iconic Lifest...

And rightly so, as the Porsche Design brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The brand has used Porsche’s iconic sporty and luxurious brand identity to create collections of all sorts of items that exude that same identity and possess beautiful, innovative, and timelessly sleek designs. MUST-READ: The Best Porsches You Can Buy Today Some of the items Porsche Design has created include watches, cellphones, fashion, and more. The brand, like Porsche itself, has always been dedicated to showing off the intersection of beauty and technology. Some of the pieces that will be exhibited include the Chronograph 1 watch, the P8478 sunglasses, the P9521 cell phone, and the P`3613 tobacco pipe. Some cars from F.A. Porsche’s private collection will be on display as well, as they were often the muses of the pieces that Porsche Design released. One of the cars on display will be the new Porsche 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, which will be limited to 750 units and includes many small homages to Porsche Design motifs. The exhibition will be at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart until July 10. Shop Porsche Design View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche Design (@porschedesign) Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2022

Porsche Design Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

Celebrate 50-years of Porsche Design with commemorative 911s and timepieces. The Porsche Design division is responsible for incorporating the luxury aspects of the Porsche brand into a series of apparel, footwear, and accessory collections. Beginning the luxury lifestyle division in 1972, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche designed the legendary Chronograph 1 to portray the styling of the historical Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa. Porsche Design is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with two iconic vehicles and a luxury sport-inspired timepiece. Shop Porsche Design The heart and soul of the 50th Anniversary takes shape as a 1972 911 S 2.4 Targa, an original chassis that went through 2-years of restoration at Porsche Classic in preparation for the milestone event. In tribute to Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, this one-of-a-kind vehicle features the same colors as the legendary Chronograph I watch that he designed in 1972, with black dominating both the exterior and interior. Porsche For the Porsche fanatics and watch collectors, Porsche Design is also presenting the all-new Chronograph 1 - 1972 Limited Edition with a historical look and feel. The special edition release commemorates the humble beginnings of Porsche Design watches and their ability to push the boundaries of modern-day watch design. Limited Capsule Collections in the fashion, shoes and sportswear, luggage and accessories ranges, as well as special eyewear collections, are also incorporated into the anniversary festivities. The newest addition to the Porsche fleet is the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, which features design characteristics that mirror the stylings of F.A. Porsche. The special edition is based on the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS model and is produced in a limited run of 750-cars. The anniversary 911 is set to arrive in the European market in April with a sticker price of 185,606 Euros. Along with the 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design, customers can also purchase a special version of the new legendary Porsche Design Chronograph 1. The celebration of Porsche Design’s 50th Anniversary highlights every aspect of the brand, along with its drive to provide a luxury experience for all to enjoy. Shop all of the current collections from Porsche Design by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more Porsche news luxury gear releases. Shop Porsche Design Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2021

Porsche Design Release The New PDT60 Wireless Earphones

Take Porsche sound on the go with these new wireless earphones. It’s known throughout the automotive community that Porsche is a master of sound, whether it's coming through the exhaust of a 911 GT3 RS or the speakers of its interior cabin. Porsche Design aims to set the bar for luxury lifestyle apparel and accessories through its motorsport-spired collections. As part of the electronics sector, Porsche Design is proud to offer its new True Wireless Earphones PDT60. The all-new PDT60 Wireless Earphones feature a state-of-the-art design matched with the technology to help provide a pleasurable listening experience for anyone on the go. MUST-READ: The duPont REGISTRY 2021 Holiday Gift Guide The optional active noise canceling (ANC) filters out background and ambient noise for undisturbed listening pleasure, while electronic noise canceling (ENC) ensures crystal-clear call quality. A built-in IR sensor interrupts playback as soon as the earphones are removed from the ears and resumes it when they are replaced. Along with lengthy 5-hours of playtime on a full charge, the Porsche Design PDT60 Wireless Headphones also receives additional charging from its leather cover aluminum case for 15-hours of playtime storage. An easy-to-use Bluetooth pairing process allows for smooth integration onto iOS and Android devices. The all-new Porsche Design Wireless Earphones PDT60 is currently available for $299 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Buy From Porsche Design Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2021

Daniel Arsharm Announces His Limited-Edition Porsche NFT ...

A chance at owning limited-edition Porsche art from Daniel Arsham. Daniel Arsham’s presence within the art and automotive world continues to grow in popularity with his vision of incorporating classic Porsche models into an array of artistic forms. Daniel Arsham is proud to announce that his artwork will now be available as limited-edition NFT Digital sculptures. In collaboration with the tech professionals at Nifty Gateway, Daniel Arsham is set to release three NFTs that display the erosion process of his iconic Porsche examples, which completes over a 9 hour and 13 minute time span. MUST-READ: The Greatest Ever Porsche Art Cars The artwork announced at this time includes the crystal eroded Porsche 930 Turbo Safari and 1955 Porsche 356, with a third example being unveiled soon. The Daniel Arsham NFT Collection is set to release through Nifty Gateway on December 22nd at 7 pm EST, with 150-pieces of the 930 Turbo Safari and 200 Porsche 356 pieces available. Click the link below for more information on the release of the new automotive-inspired NFT Collection by Daniel Arsham x Nifty Gateway. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury gear news and releases. Learn More View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARSHAM STUDIO (@danielarsham) Source: @danielarsham

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

Discover The New Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpac...

The best on-the-go baggage option from Porsche Design. The active lifestyle of the Porsche Design brand embodies the vision of the German automotive manufacturer through a collection of luxury apparel and accessories. While the team at Porsche Design aims to dominate any avenue of sport, its baggage and accessory collection helps to achieve success in style. Porsche Design is proud to present the new Cycling Backpack as part of the Urban Eco Collection. The new Urban Eco Cycling Backpack features a sustainable new design crafted from lightweight recycled materials that provide a comfortable and functional feel. MUST-READ: The All-New Porsche Electric Sport and Cross eBikes Are Now Available Designed for the biking commuter, the Porsche Design backpack includes a fitting chest strap and waist belt for safe travels. In the slim main compartment with a 2-way zipper, there is a padded notebook compartment for laptops up to 13" and a padded slide-in compartment for tablets. The Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpack comes equipped with USB and USB-C ports for on-the-go charging. The new Urban Eco Cycling backpack from Porsche Design is now available for $275 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop The Porsche Design Urban Eco Cycling Backpack Source: Porsche Design

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