Porsche News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2018

Top 5 Most Expensive Porsches Ever Sold

December is a time for spreading cheer and celebrating the year with friends and family. But for us it means a new season of Porsche Top 5! This YouTube series is simply the best automotive entertainment on the internet. The first episode for the 2019 model year was uploaded a few minutes ago and it describes their most coveted models. The 917 Spyder from 1973 used a flat twelve and massive turbos to make 1,200 horsepower. Mark Donohue drove the Can-Am beast to victory and it sold for $3 Million. Porsche's first race car has been immortalized by winning the 1956 Targa Florio with only 30 horsepower from a 1.5-liter engine. An original 550A Spyder is worth $5.1 Million. View the Most Expensive Cars Ever Made In order to compete in the 1997 GT1 season, Porsche was mandated to build 20 street-legal (Strassenversion) examples of the 911 GT1. These 600 horsepower monsters are the first water-cooled examples and are worth $5.6 Million. To win LeMans in 1983, Derek Bell hit speeds over 225 mph. That is why they sell for $10 Million. Finally, the Porsche 917K was the star the movie LeMans, and it's Mezger V12 has a 630 horsepower soundtrack. Finished in iconic Gulf Livery, it sold for $14.8 Million dollars. Tell us your favorite Porsche race car in the comments below and click the link to find your 918 Spyder! View All Porsche 918 Spyder For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 04, 2018

The New Porsche 935: How it Came to Life

When Porsche Motorsport engineers decided to revive a legend, no expense was spared. The new Porsche 935 is loosely based on the 911 GT2 RS and it is ready for any track in the world. Extensive computer modeling and countless hours in the wind tunnel have produced a stunning design. Only 77 examples are planned, so we hope a few of them reach the US. Their goal was to breathe new life into the Clubsport racing scene with a wild 911. Many of these will undoubtedly be locked away in Porsche collections around the world, and you will see them on the pages of our magazine. This 700 horsepower beast is the stuff that dreams are made of, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Related: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review Porsche 911 GT3 Crashes Hard Going 152 MPH at Nürburgring 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Configurator is Live!

By Andrew Nabors – November 30, 2018

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Configurator is Live!

A new Porsche 911 would be nice to have, even if its only in a virtual setting. Before you go running to the dealer, let's build a new Carrera S together. Guards Red is the only true 911 color, all others are simply mistakes. Wheels are 20" front and 21" rear in four styles. The forged RS Spyder wheels look imposing in any situation, so let's roll! Next up are a few interior options. Several materials range from Sport-Tex and a leather package for the doors and dash. We went all-in with Black & Bordeaux Red. The standard seats look plain, so we opted for the Adaptive Sport Seats which offer great lateral support. This ability to define every detail is what makes it the ultimate exotic car for sale. The next set of options blew us away. Ground effects from the Exclusive Manufaktur allow the rocker panels to make the car look lower to the ground. We are in Florida, so the sunroof was a no-brainer. Tinted glass is not needed, because it is better left to a local installer. A carbon fiber roof would be nice, but it isn't available with the sunroof, oh well. Powered folding mirrors are an option? It's getting thick now. World's Fastest SUVs For Sale For all the performance goodies you can't see, we chose almost all the 4-letter acronyms: PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes), along with Front Axle Lift, Sports Exhaust, Sport Chrono Package, Rear Steering (including power steering plus), and the 23.7 gallon fuel tank. The final few options include LED Matrix Beam headlights, dimming rear view mirror, rear wiper, and night vision. We didn't opt for all the safety helpers because this isn't a minivan. Lane change assist, surround view Park Assist, and Speed Limit Indicator are for those who lack situational awareness. Moving back inside, the cabin air ionizer is nice for smelly passengers, but ionized air causes leather to age very quickly, so bye Felicia. We did go with ambient lighting, a fire extinguisher, and heated seats. Carbon fiber sill plates and embroidered seats would be fine on a Porsche GT3, but we chose Burmester Audio with a digital FM tuner and called it quits. Build yours now! Find Your Porsche 911 Here

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2018

New Porsche 911 Watch to Celebrate the Next-Generation

Porsche has unveiled the next-generation of their 911 model, the 992 generation, after a lot of teasing and sneak peeks. To celebrate the new model, Porsche Design has unveiled a special edition watch that's limited to just 911 examples. It's called the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition. That's quite the mouthful. Porsche Design took inspiration from the new model when designing this watch. The sleek lines of the case do their best at mirroring the new dashboard found in the next-generation 911. Reading the watch while driving was also important to the designers, so they made sure to use white pointers and indicators so the wearer can quickly tell time while on the move. Other features that mimic the 911 car include the silhouette of the car on the dial and the strap that using genuine Porsche interior leather. Porsche Design will be offering the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition starting in April 2019 in an exclusive box with a special badge. Shop porsche design Also Check Out These Watches: HYT Watches Introduces the New H4 Timepieces Bentley Renews Breitling Partnership, More Watches Coming Montblanc Unveils Two New Watches at Goodwood 2018

By Andrew Nabors – November 28, 2018

2019 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport: Ready to Race!

The big news today was in the formal unveiling of the 2020 Porsche 911. The new 992 generation will benefit from a new interior and a wider stance, some of us simply can't let go. The 991 series 911 has been with us since 2011, and it has been the most successful model in the brand's history. That's why Porsche saved the best for last. Demand for the 911 is as strong as ever, which doesn't allow any downtime to re-tool the plant for a new model. Production has already started on Model-Year 2020 while the final 200 examples of 2019 come to an end. Staying true to their history, the final cars will be the ultimate examples of the 991 series. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport is a a hardcore race car that is not legal to drive on any continent. That's because the 700 horsepower twin turbo 3.8-liter is built to race. It arrives with Cosworth engine management, fire & safety systems, and lightweight body panels. Fully loaded with a 6-point harness, roll cage, and all FIA-mandated equipment, it weighs in at 3,064 lbs. That also includes air jacks, a roof escape hatch, and a 30 gallon fuel cell. Even though it is as subtle as incoming artillery, Porsche is including catalytic converters to make it one of the least-polluting race cars ever built. The steering and suspension are forged steel with ball-joints instead of rubber bushings. Both sway bars have adjustable blades, and you can easily adjust caster and camber at all corners. Brake bias is easily adjusted for changing conditions and the steel Brembos won't fade under pressure. Porsche saved the best for last! It's coming with a $478,000 MSRP and will start being delivered in May 2019. It will be a while until the RS cars return, so click the link below before they're all gone. View All Porsche GT2 RS For Sale " width="680"> Also Check Out: 2020 Porsche 911 (992): Price, Specs, Photos, and Review New Porsche Panamera GTS and GTS Sport Turismo Revealed Report: All-Electric Porsche Taycan Gets Estimated Price

By Edward Jones – November 28, 2018

2020 Porsche 911 (992): Price, Specs, Photos, and Review

Finally, the new 2020 Porsche 911 specs have been unveiled to the world. This is the eighth generation of the iconic model and it comes into the world with a slew of improvements over the outgoing model. Still, it remains a 911 with an unmistakable design. Engine For power, the 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S are now producing 443 horsepower from the turbocharged flat-six engine. That's an increase of 23 hp when compared to the previous generation. Routing this power is an 8-speed PDK dual clutch transmission, with a manual gearbox coming in time, according to Porsche. The 911 Carrera S will run 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while the 911 Carrera 4S will complete the sprint in 3.4 seconds. Those 0 to 60 times have been cut by 0.4 seconds for both models if you compare them to the outgoing model. The Sport Chrono Package can knock off an additional 0.2 seconds off the 0 to 60 time for each model when it's equipped. 911 (992) Exterior Porsche hasn't gone out of their way to reinvent the 911 with the 2020 models, which is expected. When you have such an iconic and recognizable design, there's no need to completely redesign it. Still, the 2020 Porsche 911 does have some new design changes that make it fresh. In the front are the unmistakable round 911 lights, but in between is a hood that now has more pronounced contours. Porsche says this was meant to evoke the styling of the first 911 generations. Along the sides, you may notice that the car has been widened by 1.77-inches in the front and the rear has been increased to the same width as the previous 911 Carrera 4 and 911 GTS models. Out in the back of the 2020 911 is where most of the style changes happened. Right away, you'll notice the massive light bar and a wider rear spoiler. Additionally, Porsche has decided to craft the entire out skin, except for the front and rear fascia, out of aluminum. 911 (992) Interior It seems Porsche was really reminiscing about their older 911 models while designing the 2020 model. Inside the new 911 is an interior that was inspired by the 1970's Porsche 911s. Straight lines dominate the new 911's interior, creating an unbelievably clean-looking cabin. As for buttons and gadgets, the center console has been redesigned in order to make controlling the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) an easier feat. Speaking of the PCM, it's now viewable on a massive 10.9-inch touchscreen display, an increase of 3.9-inches over the previous model. Safety and Technology The duPont REGISTRY headquarters is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, meaning we have to deal with the rain all too often. For folks like us, Porsche has, for the first time, developed the Wet Mode as standard on the new 911. This mode will detect if there's water on the road and adjust the stability control and anti-lock brake systems so they're ready for tire slippage. Owners of the new 2020 Porsche 911 can also opt for a few other safety features, like Night Vision Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Price and Production The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S comes with a base MSRP of $113,200; the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S has a base MSRP of $120,600. Neither of these prices include the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee. Those interested can order their new 911 now and expect them to reach dealers in summer 2019. " width="680"> Also Check Out: 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review How To Drive a Porsche 911 GT3 RS Faster Than Ever Porsche 911 GT3 Specs, Prices, Photos & Review Porsche 911 GT3 RS Generation Comparison Magnus Walker’s Favorite Porsche 911

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2018

TECHART Boosts the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's Po...

TECHART is taking their expertise and using it to upgrade the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's power and style, thanks to their new power kit and GrandGT styling package. The power kit is being unveiled before its debut at the Essen Motor Show 2018 (December 1-9). The new power kit for the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid increases the car's power from 680 horsepower to 770 hp, and 627 lb-ft of torque to 723 lb-ft. This power can carry the car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and to a top speed of 196 mph. TECHART also has an exhaust system for the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid model that gives it a deeper V8 sound. On top of the power kit, literally, is the TECHART GrandGT styling packages that gives the car a whole new look. This styling package includes a carbon fiber hood, front fascia, extended wheel arches, side skirts, rear apron and more. There's also the new 22-inch Formula V wheels from TECHART that blend perfectly with the styling package. And, as always, TECHART's interior capabilities are just about limitless when it comes to design. Be sure to visit TECHART.de to learn more. Also Check Out: See the Moment Stephen Curry’s Porsche Gets Smashed in an Accident Hidden Porsche Workshop is Heaven on Earth 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – November 26, 2018

2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S Spied Attacking Nurburgring

The world will see the next generation Porsche 911 at the LA Auto Show next week. There will be a new Carrera on the streets, which means the Turbo and Turbo S models aren't far behind. What started out as a heavily camouflaged coupe has been finalized into the 992 Generation for model-year 2020. To make sure it surpasses the 7 generations before it, Porsche has been flogging the next Turbo S along with the 718 Series and the Taycan at the Nürburgring. Uploaded to YouTube by Automotive Mike, check out the other prototypes he caught at the Industry Pool. Played in slow motion, you will see a few upcoming cars that haven't been mentioned in a while. The future looks promising, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Also Check Out These Related Articles: Next-Gen Porsche 911's Brutal Testing Porsche 993 Specs, Photos, Prices & Review Porsche Explains 911 Lineup

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2018

Porsche 911: Eight Generations of Perfection

We have all been waiting for the new Porsche 911. Model year 2020 will be the 8th generation of their flagship sports car, and it will be unveiled next week in Los Angeles. A press release form Stuttgart earlier this morning outlines the significance of the upcoming event. The first Porsche 911 was shown to the world on September 12th, 1963. It has seen 55 years of innovation through seven distinct models. "Typ 901" was the ancestor of all 911 models, even the Turbo S Exclusive Series we have downstairs. The flat engine mounted behind the rear wheels makes for incredible grip and a distinct soundtrack. It is a far cry from the humble 356, and its origins in an Austrian sawmill. The story of of a son's love for his imprisoned father is the stuff of legends. Turning the page on to a new chapter, Porsche is staying true to the original recipe. Over 111,900 examples of the first generation 911 were built between 1963 and '73, and 'Typ 992' will be the perfect 2+2 sports car. Tell us your favorite 911 story in the comments below, and stay with us for all your 911 news. View All Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 12, 2018

Hidden Porsche Workshop is Heaven on Earth

In Lisbon, Portugal lives Sportclasse, an independent Porsche specialist. But they're more than just a workshop, as they're built around the famous Porsche rally racer Américo Nunes' history and heritage. Because of Nunes' close relationship with the Porsche brand, his son, Jorge founded Sportclasse. This company specializes in restoring and maintaining Porsche, with most of them being classic and iconic examples. The result is a workshop that's constantly swimming in some of the most gorgeous examples of Porsche automobiles. YouTube channel Seen Through Glass was recently in the Lisbon area when he was told about the shop. Naturally, he stopped by for a visit and recorded a walkaround of the shop with owner's son, Andre Nunes. In the video, we see a few cars in the process of being restored, like a classic Porsche 911 RSR and even some of his grandfather's prized racing cars. Be sure to click play below to see this incredible workshop., especially if you're a Porsche enthusiast. Related: Porsche 911 GT2 RS MR Shatters ‘Ring Record Time Porsche Classic’s Project Gold Sells for $3 Million Porsche 993 Specs, Photos, Prices & Review

Porsche News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe