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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 – October 20, 2021

Check The Spec: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Finished In PTS Go...

A chance to own one of the most head-turning vintage Porsche examples. While the market for vintage Porsche examples increases, the opportunity to find the perfect spec begins to become a more challenging process. The supercar specialists at Chicago Motor Cars are proud to present this pristine 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo. The exterior of the 911 Turbo is finished in paint to sample Gold Metallic directly from the Porsche factory. The bright and shiny theme is complemented with a set of chrome-style turbo twist wheels that help provide traction to the 400-horsepower German sports car. MUST-READ: The Best Paint to Sample 911's You Can Buy Today Opening the doors to this Porsche 911 Turbo highlights the vibrant ‘90s style two-tone Cashmere and Mocha interior layout. Making it the perfect configuration is the 6-speed manual transmission that manages the power output from Porsche’s iconic 3.8L Turbocharged Flat-Six engine, a powertrain considered to be highly desirable by all owners and enthusiasts. This 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo is currently available with 41,399 miles for $219,800. View the Chicago Motor Cars’ listing for this one-of-a-kind vintage Porsche 911 Turbo on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View The 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2021

Watch The 2021 Porsche America Parade In Indiana

The 65th Porsche parade saw cars and attendees flock to Indiana to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and, above all, share appreciation for their cars as one big family. Automotive enthusiasts share a passion driven by a community of individuals dedicated to brands that spark a smile every time they get behind the wheel. It's a feeling that seems to be shared by all Porsche owners, which is the main inspiration for the Porsche America Parade. In a video released to the Porsche Youtube channel, the passion of the German automotive brand is captured during the 2021 Porsche America Parade in Indiana. The event features over 900 Porsche examples with 2,000 plus owners and enthusiasts in attendance. MUST-READ: The GearBox: Porsche RS Style by PUMA The stories shared throughout the event explain that the backgrounds of the owners are just as different as the vehicles they drive, but the common interest is in the way that Porsche continues to impact their lives. Whether it's a memory of a family vehicle or a father and son bond, the Porsche family accepts anyone looking to talk cars while enjoying each other's company. The Porsche America Parade is a proud community of members based in both the United States and Canada looking to expand through events and long drives. Check out all the current Porsche models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale on duPont REGISTRY

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2021

Porsche Design x Steinberger Announce Its New Hotel Brand

The development of Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels is enabling Porsche Design to transfer its brand philosophy to exterior and interior architecture. The Porsche brand embodies a sense of luxury not only through its line of performance-focused vehicles, but also throughout its lifestyle division. Through the Porsche Design division, the same premium quality and innovation are reimagined to take shape in a multitude of products. Porsche Design is proud to announce its partnership with the Deutsche hospitality professionals at Steinberger. The luxury duo will be introducing an all-new innovative hotel concept that will bring together design, technology, and lifestyle at the highest level. MUST-READ: Shop The New Porsche Design Fall/Winter ’21 Sports Collection Available Now This will be combined with the excellence and experience of Steigenberger, which boasts a representative tradition stretching back for more than 90 years. The first planning stage involves the establishment of up to 15 hotels in global metropolises such as London, Singapore, Dubai, and Shanghai. The hotels will offer at least 150 rooms, suites, and penthouses. They will also have a remarkable restaurant and bar concept, exclusive Meet&Greet Cubes, and a health and beauty facility and gym extending over a minimum area of 32,300 square feet. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on the Porsche Design x Steinberger Hotel brand. View all current Porsche models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Porsche Media/Info Source: Porsche

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 Edward Jones – October 04, 2021

Porsche Continues Impressive Sales in Q3 2021

Porsche took a tiny hit to deliveries due to supply chain issues. Porsche has just posted their sales and deliveries numbers for Q3 2021 in the United States and they show a continuation of impressive results. While the delivery of 15,289 vehicles was 1.7 percent down when compared to the same time quarter last year, Porsche points this problem to supply chain issues. Additionally, Porsche has already had a phenomenal year so far, with the first nine months of 2021 outperforming the same time period in 2020 by 20.0 percent. While 2020 was the main year of pandemic-related sales issues, Porsche also points to the first three quarters of 2021 outperforming the same time period in 2019. In regards to individual model sales, the new Porsche 911 was the leader in the third quarter in terms of growth with an increase of 2.4 percent when compared to last year and 5.1 percent year-to-date. You can view the chart below to see how sales stack up from 2021 to 2020, model by model. Model July-September Sales Year to Date 2021 2020 2021 2020 ALL 911 1,621 1,567 6,729 6,402 ALL 718 753 1,084 3,165 1,956 ALL TAYCAN 1,861 1,858 7,228 2,897 ALL PANAMERA 1,090 1,064 2,806 3,119 ALL CAYENNE 4,874 4,509 15,108 12,153 ALL MACAN 5,090 5,466 16,579 13,207 TOTALS 15,289 15,548 51,615 39,734 See All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 04, 2021

The Porsche Macan Is Perfect For Pro-Skateboarder Curren ...

The American skater is featured on the Porsche Instagram with his stealthy Macan. The Porsche brand prides itself on supplying the perfect performance-focused fleet of vehicles for any automotive enthusiast, no matter the occupation or lifestyle. When it comes to skateboarding, the SUV lineup helps for storing extra equipment and getting friends to the skatepark. The Porsche Macan is the perfect set-up of professional skateboarder Curren Caples, featured in Porsche’s newest Instagram post as part of its #PorscheMoment campaign. MUST-READ: Porsche Re-Creates An Iconic Ski Jump With The All-Electric Taycan The Ohio native turned pro in 2013 at the age of 17 and continues to share his passion for skateboarding and luxury sports cars with the world. It further proves that car enthusiasts come in all shapes and forms with new ways of incorporating the luxury driving experience of Porsche into their daily lives. Whether it's hitting the perfect apex on the race track or cruising on the highway to your favorite skate spot, Porsche has the best performance option for you. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more #PorscheMoment releases. View all Porsche Macaan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Macan For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche (@porsche)

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 Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2021

Discover The New REC Watches x Gunther Werks 901 GW Colle...

The REC x Gunther Werks project was a two-year undertaking that reflects an uncompromising approach to quality, details, and finishing. Many watches on the market today are defined as automotive-inspired by incorporating similar design and technical aspects of desirable supercars. REC Watches is taking things to a whole new level by including actually recycled materials from vehicles into the construction of its watches. REC Watches is proud to present the 901 GW Collection, a series of watches made from the Porsche 993 remastered by the professionals at Gunther Werks. The Gunther Werks transformation entails a modern interpretation of Porsche’s last air-cooled 911, the 993. Regarded by many as the zenith of the 911, the Gunther Werks mission is to retain the driving experience offered by the original car while evolving its DNA and performance to new heights. The REC 901 GW Collection includes two limited-edition chronographs commissioned by Gunther Werks for its owners and enthusiasts. MUST-READ: Gunther Werks 993 Speedster Is Air-Cooled Perfection The 901 GW Exoskeleton 44mm case design is crafted in 6 pieces from stainless steel and recycled carbon fiber from the Gunther Werks Exoskeleton car. Tying into the theme of the vehicle, the REC 901 GW Exoskeleton displays a raw exposed carbon and blue design. The 901 GW Chelsea also features a 44mm lightweight case designed to mimic the styling of Gunther Werks’ iconic Chelsea Grey Porsche 911. The styling of the new REC watch matches the exact design of the 993 generation 911, from its grey exterior paint code to the touches of red accents. Each piece is driven by a Swiss-made SELLITA SW510 B automatic self-winding movement, which is capable of holding a 62-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The REC 901 GW Exoskeleton is limited to only 188-pieces for $2,495, while the Chelsea model is limited to 232-pieces for $2,495. The collaboration between REC Watches and Gunther Werks is an example of how similar the watch and automotive worlds are when creating performance-focused products. View all the current Porsche 993 911 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 993 911 For Sales Media/Information Source: REC Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2021

The New 30th Anniversary Porsche 968 By L'Art de L'Automo...

Celebrating 30 years of Porsche 968 excellence with Arthur Kar. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 968, a performance-focused chassis that took on its own shape since its debut in 1992. The 968 is being celebrated with a special project vehicle collaboration with French auto dealer and streetwear brand L’Art de L’Automobile. The founder of L’Art de L’Automobile Arthur Kar expresses his love for the 968, which made the opportunity to incorporate his vision into the commemorative project that much more special. The 968 L’Art exterior combines the traditional design of the German sportscar while adding modern highlights including sharper edges, a new front end, and a redesigned rear. The wheels on the modern 968 feature a twist on the vintage phone dial design, which also includes a set of paint-match aero disks that add to its aerodynamics and styling. MUST-READ: Porsche x L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE Announce A New 968 Project Stepping into the Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968, the interior layout is presented in the same green paint code as the exterior. Sticking with a minimalistic theme, Arthur and Porsche added small highlights like the custom ‘KAR’ vintage steering wheel and two TAG Heuer time dash gauges. Alongside the project car, Arthur Kar also continues to incorporate the 968 into his love of streetwear fashion with a preview of commemorative 968 L’Art keychains. The all-new Porsche x L’Art de L’Automobile 968 is the product of passion through the German auto manufacturer’s collaboration with Arthur Kar, who says ‘Step by step. Stay tuned this will get more serious soon. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming information and media on the new 30th anniversary Porsche 968 by L’Art de L’Automobile. View all the Porsche 968 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 968 For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CUSskZxsuvo/ Media/Information Source: @lartdelautomobilekar

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2021

The 2021 Porsche Sound Night "Next Level" Recap

Porsche and the Porsche Museum provides music to your ears with an array of top chassis. After announcing the first-ever digital high-power engine concert, Porsche gathered some of the most iconic examples at the Porsche Museum to put on a show of a lifetime. The Sound Night “Next Level” took place this weekend with all in attendance on-site and online to hear the perfect exhaust pitch of cars like the Porsche 962 C and 909 Bergspyder. Alongside the symphony of exhaust notes, key Porsche motorsport figures took the stage to provide insight on some of the vehicles being shown, as well as to answer questions submitted by live audience members. If you missed the Porsche-packed event, click the link below to check out the Porsche Sound Night “Next Level”. Stay tuned for the next Porsche Sound Night, which will take place at the Porsche Museum in 4 weeks. Click the video link above to see a recap on some of the highlights from the Porsche Museum event that took place this weekend. Check Out Porsche Sound Night "Next Level" Media Source: Porsche

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