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 – November 04, 2021

The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo x Db Discoverberry Bundl...

The new Porsche EV just got more adventurous with help from the team at Db. While sports cars display their performance abilities on track, Porsche prides itself on developing its fleet of vehicles to tackle more than just tarmac. Throughout its years as a leader in the automotive industry, the brand incorporated adventures sport chassis that focus on discovering new roads. One individual taking advantage of all that Porsche has to offer is Norwegian former World Cup alpine ski racer Aksel Lund Svindal. In a recent post on the Porsche Instagram page, Aksel expressed his love for the new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo x Db. MUST-READ: The Best Porsche Taycans You Can Buy Today This one-off example features a matte Burgundy design that highlights the collaboration with the travel gear specialists at Db. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is equipped with all-terrain tires, a rally-style light setup, and a matching Burgundy full-size rooftop tent. The EV highlights its incredible storage capabilities with the array of baggage and gear that Aksel carries along his long journeys with the German EV sports car. The new collaboration Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is part of The Discoverberry Bundle from Db and includes the Strøm 2385L Rooftop Tent, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo (Vehicle), Strøm 60L Roller Bag Raspberry Edition, Strøm 30L Backpack Raspberry Edition, and a camping kit. The all-new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo x Db Discoverberry Bundle is currently available for $250,000. View all current Porsche Taycan models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2021

Porsche Design Launches The New Fall/Winter '21 Eyewear C...

The collection guarantees a high wearing comfort and distinctive look as seen on brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey. The Porsche brand continues to highlight drive towards innovation and performance through its fleet of vehicles. The Porsche Design lifestyle department incorporates the same values into its line of premium apparel and accessories for enthusiasts of the brand. Porsche Design preps for the colder months with its all-new Fall/Winter ’21 Eyewear Collection featuring one-of-a-kind styles to compliment any attire. MUST-READ: Shop The New Porsche Design Fall/Winter ’21 Sports Collection Available Now As the go-to option for Porsche Brand Ambassador Patrick Dempsey, the new collection is packed with aviator, square, and round style lenses with lightweight frame constructions. His desire to stay one step ahead and willingness to embrace new ideas are values shared by Porsche Design and make him the ideal ambassador for the new Porsche Design Eyewear collection. Each piece includes 100% UV protection with anti-glare to give the best possible protection for on and off-track driving. The all-new Porsche Design Fall/Winter ’21 Eyewear Collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. Shop Porsche Design Fall/Winter '21 Eyewear Media/Information Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2021

Shop The New PUMA x Porsche Design Wild Rider Winterized ...

Taking PUMA x Porsche style into the cold winter months. As the colder months approach, it's time to put away the Porsche GT3 RS and grab the keys to the Cayenne GTS. With an array of performance-focused models, Porsche is proud to offer an option for everyone no matter the weather conditions. Porsche Design is following a similar thought with PUMA Motorsport and its line of premium footwear. PUMA Motorsport is proud to announce the release of the new FIRST MILE Porsche Design Wild Rider Winterized Motorsport Shoes. MUST-READ: Shop The New Porsche Design Fall/Winter ’21 Sports Collection Available Now The stylish and durable new design features a mid-boot upper silhouette to help ensure ankle protection. The upper is crafted from a breathable nylon and Alcantara combination to provide a comfortable wear for the Porsche enthusiast in mind. Alongside added comfort, the new design features a combination of Porsche Design and PUMA Motorsport branded logos throughout the shape of the shoe. Just as Porsche looks for the perfect tires to crush lap times on a wet day, Porsche Design incorporates a thick treaded midsole to embrace traction and support. Made to offer a fashionable option to a functional design, the PUMA Motorsport x Porsche Design Wild Rider is available in Jet Black and Steeple-Grey. The all-new PUMA FIRST MILE Porsche Design Wild Rider Winterized Motorsport Shoes are now available for $260 by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Info Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2021

L'Art de L'Automobile Drops Its New Porsche 968 L'Art Col...

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Porsche 968 with Arthur Kar and L'Art de L'Automobile. With the newly released Porsche 986 by L’Art de L’Automobile, founder Arthur Kar teased his new apparel and accessories at the launch of the vehicle. Since its debut in 1991, the Porsche 968's unique body style intrigued Arthur Kar, ultimately inspiring him to redesign it. L’Art de L’Automobile is proud to announce the drop of its 968 L’Art Collection. The styling of each new piece incorporates the color scheme and graphics of the 968 L’Art. The new collection features a racing jacket, t-shirts, a sweater, and accessories to compliment the attire. The L’Art de L’Automobile x Porsche 968 collaboration marks history for the 30th anniversary of the 968 chassis and is now forever capsuled in this new commemorative collection. The all-new L’Art de L’Automobile 968 Collection is now available by clicking the link below. Shop L'Art de L'Automobile Porsche 968 Collection Media Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

Daniel Arsham is Releasing a Limited Edition Eroded Porsc...

Limited to just 500 examples. Famous artist Daniel Arsham has announced that he will be releasing the Eroded Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Edition in a limited run of 500 examples. These sculptures are designed after his famous Eroded 911 piece but in a much smaller size. Each example comes in a custom-designed box, as well as Arsham Studio Art handling gloves and as Arsham Edition holographic label that will verify its edition number and authenticity. These will be dropping online on September 10th at 12PM EST. You can view the product page by clicking here. Source: ArshamEdition.shop

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2021

PUMA x Porsche Legacy Announce The New Porsche 911 Targa ...

Celebrate the iconic Porsche 911 Targa with the new collection from PUMA and Porsche Legacy. The 911 Targa continues to be a key element to Porsche’s fleet of performance-focused vehicles, ever since its original release in 1965. As new generations developed the shape and performance of Porsche, the older styles still hold significance to the brand and its enthusiasts. PUMA is proud to celebrate the Porsche 911 Targa with an all-new apparel and footwear collection with Porsche Legacy. The new Autumn/Winter ’21 collection release features head-to-toe gear to carry any Porsche fan through the cooler months. The apparel and accessories line includes jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants, hats, and bags. Alongside the wide selection of apparel to choose from, PUMA x Porsche Legacy are releasing a set of PUMA sneakers style The clothing line is made from premium materials and incorporates vintage Porsche graphics and branding to celebrate the 911 Targa. Look out for more release information and a How To Buy special on the new PUMA x Porsche Legacy 911 Targa Collection. View all Porsche 911 Targas for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Targa For Sale Media/Info Source: PUMA

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2021

Shop the New Porsche 911 GT3 Apparel Collection

Porsche's new 911 GT3 is an astounding creation that's been anticipated for a couple of years now. New design cues, a power 510 horsepower engine mated to a new 7-speed PDK transmission, lighter weight and more combine to create the ultimate track car. It should go without saying that there's a lot of hype surrounding this new Porsche. Those who have ordered a new Porsche 911 GT3, plan on purchasing one, or even those who just love the GT3 ought to check out the latest gear drop from the German automaker: the 911 GT3 Collection. This collection includes a 2-in-1- vest, t-shirt and hat, all of which include the GT3 logo and come in a vibrant blue color that's similar to what was seen on the 911 GT3 used to debut the model. Click the button below to shop the collection now. Shop Now

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 – May 19, 2021

The New PUMA Motorsport x Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection...

From the track to the court, PUMA has you covered. The PUMA brand continues to diversify its product line through an array of different athletic avenues, whether it's on the Monaco F1 Circuit or at the three-point line at a Charlotte Hornets NBA court. The athletic powerhouse is once again teaming up with the industry leaders at Porsche on a new athletic collection, for the basketball court. PUMA Hoops x Porsche is proud to announce the release of the Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection alongside Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier. The collection features head-to-toe products and accessories manufactured to perform at the highest levels using premium materials and state-of-the-art performance technology. In great Porsche fashion, the new lineup takes on a black and yellow colorway, matching the head-during yellow Porsche 911 designed in PUMA logos. Alongside the apparel and accessories, the PUMA Porsche Legacy Hoops Collection features two new basketball-focused shoes presented in a yellow silhouette with black accents. The new PUMA Motorsport x Porsche Hoops Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source:PUMA For more PUMA news, Check out The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Motorsport Footwear Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 19, 2021

Shop The New Porsche Design x PUMA Spring/Summer '21 Coll...

Just as the brand does with its lineup of performance-focused vehicles, Porsche also applies the art of speed into its lifestyle apparel and footwear line. Porsche Design is proud to release the Spring/Summer ’21 Collection in partnership with Puma Motorsport. The apparel collection features head-to-toe styles made from quality materials to ensure comfortable wear for owners and enthusiasts of the brand. Alongside the vast array of activewear, Porsche Design enlisted the help from the motorsport footwear legends at Puma to create new sneaker styles to best perform on or off the track. The Porsche Design x PUMA footwear collection, as well as the rest of the products and accessories part of the Spring/Summer ’21 Collection, are available online and in select retail stores. Shop the newest release from Porsche Design x Puma Motorsport by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design x PUMA Image Source: Porsche Design x PUMA For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Quality Quattro

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