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 – October 16, 2024

Porsche Celebrates 25 Years Of The Iconic 911 GT3

Ahead of its anticipated 911 GT series release, Porsche honors the GT3. Over the past 25 years, Porsche’s 911 GT3 has built an ongoing legacy of performance and precision rooted in motorsport history. Introduced in 1999, the first 911 GT3 sent waves throughout the automotive world by setting a lap time at the Nürburgring under eight minutes. The winning recipe combined lightweight engineering with a naturally aspirated 3.6L flat-six engine. As a rear-wheel drive, track-oriented 911, it captured the joy of experiencing raw performance on the road. From adjustable aero to a stripped-down cabin, the first production model marked Porsche’s to a promise to purist that has remained a defining quality of the GT3 family. Over the years, Porsche evolved the GT3 lineup, highlighting incremental horsepower and torque gain throughout each generation. In 2004, the GT3 made its U.S. debut with more horsepower, advanced suspension systems, and lighter materials. This also marked the introduction of Porsche's first ceramic composite brakes. These upgrades allowed the GT3 to accelerate faster and handle sharper corners, both on and off the track. By the 997 generation in 2006, the GT3 placed itself into a whole new category of sports cars with 400-horsepower and the introduction of Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). This generation also debuted a traction control system and a "SPORT" mode that offered drivers more control for spirited driving. Even with added tech and factory options, aluminum body parts and track tires guaranteed that the GT3 stayed light on its feet. The game-changing arrival of the 991-generation GT3 in 2013 saw Porsche adopt a seven-speed PDK transmission, rear-axle steering, and a 475 horsepower engine that redlined at 9,000 RPM. These upgrades pushed the GT3’s boundaries while maintaining its track-focused DNA. Porsche has since continued to fine-tune every detail, with the latest GT3 completing Nürburgring lap times nearly 45 seconds faster than the original model. After 25 years, the Porsche 911 GT3 remains a benchmark both on and off the track, incorporating race-bred engineering with cutting-edge technology for those who crave a pure driving experience. As Porsche celebrates 25 years of the 911 GT3, view all Porsche 911 GT3s for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 GT3s For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2024

Porsche Teases The Unveiling Of Its First GT Model Of The...

Mark your calendars! For decades, Porsche has established itself as a fierce contender in the automotive world, built and developed directly from motorsports. And while it has grown to feature a well-rounded lineup of models that fit the needs of any lifestyle, its GT cars are what really drives the brand and its passionate community of owners and enthusiasts. Well, Porsche just made huge waves in the industry as it just announced the upcoming unveiling of its first GT model of the new 911 generation. Scheduled for October 18th at 6:30 EST, the world premiere will feature insights from Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT model line, joined by legendary Porsche ambassadors Walter Röhrl and Jörg Bergmeister. Those looking to catch the unveiling live can head to the Porsche Newsroom or tune in via YouTube and LinkedIn, with the event available to stream on-demand afterward. The launch is set to showcase an exciting look at two different variants from Porsche’s GT department in Flacht, with a key focus on individuality and emotion. Porsche continues to hint that both versions come packed with innovative features and details, likely raising the bar for driving experiences. As the 911 evolves, the GT lineup’s debut highlights Porsche’s passion for elevating performance, keeping fans on the edge of their seats for what’s next. View all Porsche GT cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche GT Cars For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2024

Porsche Sonderwunsch Honors The Carrera Panamericana Mexi...

A blast from the past meets the future of Porsche performance. Porsche has just introduced its new 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special, a jaw-dropping spec celebrating 70 years since the brand’s historic run in the Carrera Panamericana. Inspired by the 1954 race that Hans Herrmann drove Porsche's iconic 550 Spyder to victory in the Sport class, this tribute car captures the spirit of Porsche’s successful racing roots. With the Carrera’s history deeply intertwined with Porsche’s legacy, the modern 718 Spyder RS honors a time when smaller engines prevailed over bigger competitors, leaving a mark on motorsport that still resonates today. This configuration is the final piece in a special trilogy paying homage to Porsche's connection with the Carrera Panamericana. Built by Porsche Latin America and the Exclusive Manufaktur team, the 718 Spyder RS combines modern design with vintage characteristics. Silver carbon fiber bodywork and Carmine Red racing stripes channel the look of the 550 Spyder, while a number 55 racing decal nods to Herrmann’s actual race car. Inside, black leather and red stitching create a classic look and feel, with special touches like Panamericana embroidery and a custom TAG Heuer watch mount under the center armrest. Beyond celebrating Porsche’s illustrious past, this car has a future purpose. Porsche announced that the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana Special will go up for auction in 2025, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes in Latin America. The unveiling first took place at a Mexico City gala, where Porsche team members and race officials gathered to celebrate the Carrera’s legacy. Events like this are a reminder that Porsche’s relationship with the Panamericana is about storytelling and tradition, passed down through generations. With its sleek design and nostalgic touches, the 718 Spyder RS Panamericana is a thoughtful blend of history and modern craftsmanship, showing how Porsche continues to evolve while staying connected to its roots. From its head-turning exterior to the exclusive TAG Heuer collaboration, every detail reflects Porsche’s love for motorsport and design. Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 11, 2024

Porsche 911 Sales Increase By 36.9% In Q3 2024

A revamped lineup spells solid results for Porsche in the third quarter. After celebrating its 75th anniversary last year, as well as the 60th anniversary of the legendary Porsche 911, 2024 has been a year of transformative change for Porsche. The iconic luxury performance manufacturer revealed a new version of its Panamera luxury sedan and wagon, as well as a new version of the Taycan, including the ultra performance-oriented Taycan Turbo GT, the all-electric version of the Macan, and a new version of the 911, including the first hybrid 911, the new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. Porsche’s revamped product lineup has proved a success as the brand’s U.S. sales results for the third quarter of 2024 are now in the books. In the quarter, Porsche delivered 19,350 cars for United States customers, and while that number represents a 3.2 percent decrease from last year’s number and a 4 percent decrease year-to-date, some of Porsche’s revamped models are beginning to show their potential for success as deliveries begin. With 5,339 U.S. deliveries of the Porsche 911 in the quarter, the sales of the model in the quarter increased by 36.9 percent compared to the same quarter of last year. In addition, the 718’s sales increased by 36.4 percent in the quarter compared to last year’s Q3 number. With new models getting ready to hit the road, Porsche expects to finish 2024 strong. View All Porsche 911s For Sale

An image of a Porsche in a teaser shot for Lollipop Racing.

By Gabriel Vega – October 10, 2024

Porsche To Star In Interactive Racing And Fictional Series

Known as "Lollipop Racing," it'll consist of 10 fictional episodes and ten races featuring the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the 911 GT3 R.

An image of a Porsche Carrera GT on a track.

By Gabriel Vega – October 10, 2024

Porsche Unveils Bespoke Michelin Tire For The Carrera GT

Nearly 20 years after production of all 1,270 units ended, Porsche partnered with Michelin to develop a brand-new tire for its V10 supercar.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2024

Porsche x Almond Surfboards Collaboration Pays Tribute To...

Porsche and Almond Surfboards release custom boards and a laid-back apparel collection. Along with dominating both on and off the track with timeless icons like the 911, Porsche stands out as a well-rounded brand that adds an extra touch of luxury and performance to any industry it dives into. Porsche has recently teamed up with Almond Surfboards to celebrate Southern California's iconic Porsche and surf culture of the 1960s. The collaboration features custom-made surfboards in classic Porsche 911 colors like Bahama Yellow, Irish Green, Polo Red, and the famous Pink Pig racing livery. Each board is meticulously hand-shaped by Almond Surfboards in Costa Mesa, California, and customers can personalize their board with their favorite color and racing number. The collaboration, deemed "Single Fins & Air Cooled Engines," is inspired by the shared passion for Porsche 911 sports cars and classic single-fin surfboards. Each represents timeless design and a deep connection to both the open road and the ocean. The collection includes two sizes of surfboards, 7’10” and 9’11”, made with polyurethane foam, basswood stringers, and wrapped in fiberglass. Each board is custom numbered, marked "Made in California," and comes with a handcrafted fiberglass single fin and a wooden wall bracket for display. In addition to automotive-inspired surfboards, the Porsche x Almond collaboration offers apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and accessories, all capturing the laid-back vibe of 1960s surf culture. Each piece is designed and printed in California. This collection celebrates the enduring legacy of Porsche and Southern California's surf scene, offering enthusiasts a chance to connect with both worlds in style. These limited-edition surfboards, along with the capsule collection of surf-inspired apparel and accessories, will be available starting October 1, 2024, through Porsche’s online shop, select Porsche Design stores, and the Almond Surf Shop. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2024

Porsche Announces Finalists For Its 4th Annual Classic Re...

Celebrating expert restorations from across the U.S. The 2024 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge has revealed its finalists, showcasing the skill and dedication of Porsche-trained technicians from around the U.S. Now in its fourth year, the challenge highlights classic Porsche examples from the 1950s to the 2000s, with entries judged on three categiories: Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization. Over 55 builds were entered in this year’s contest, representing the East, South-Central, and West sales areas. Area East Finalists Preservation: Paul Miller Porsche - 2002 Boxter Restoration: Porsche Mechanicsburg – 1997 911 S (Type 993) Individualization: Porsche Englewood – 1985 911 Carrera Coupe The finalists include a 2002 Boxster from Paul Miller Porsche (Preservation, East), a 1977 911 Turbo from Porsche Louisville (Restoration, South-Central), and a 2006 Cayman S from Porsche San Francisco (Restoration, West). Each of these cars signifies the timeless allure of Porsche, with restoration teams using more than 80,000 Porsche Classic Genuine Parts to help revive these iconic models. Honorable mentions for the People’s Choice awards featured entries like a 1975 911 Targa from Porsche Exchange and a 1956 356 Speedster from Porsche Minneapolis. Area South Central Finalists Preservation: Harper Porsche – 1994 928 GTS Restoration: Porsche Louisville – 1977 911 Turbo Individualization: Porsche Charlottesville – 1996 911 Carrera 4 (Type 993) The final showdown will take place at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on October 4th. With the U.S. market being home to more classic Porsches than any other market, the Restoration Challenge brings together the very best of these cherished models, all expertly restored to their former glory. Area West Finalists Preservation: Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas – 1986 911 Targa Restoration: Porsche San Francisco – 2006 Cayman S Individualization: Porsche Tucson 1979 – 911 SC Porsche’s Classic U.S. headquarters in Atlanta continues to support efforts with top-tier restoration services and parts, guaranteeing that these timeless cars remain roadworthy for years to come. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2024

These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance ...

Although they don’t recreate the exhaust note of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS at redline, these Porsche Design sound products are sure to excite any owner or car enthusiast. Porsche may be best known for engineering automotive legends like the 911, but its influence extends far beyond the racetrack. Through Porsche Design, the brand brings its signature blend of luxury and performance to everyday life, offering products that embody the spirit of its sports cars. While these Porsche Design sound products might not replicate the exhilarating exhaust note of a 911 GT3 RS at full throttle, they certainly resonate with the same passion and precision. Porsche Design reimagines essential accessories by infusing them with the brand's motorsport DNA, creating products that captivate both Porsche owners and enthusiasts alike. Among its impressive range, the collection of premium speakers stands out, delivering a high-quality sound experience that perfectly complements any Porsche owner's home or office. Whether you're unwinding after a drive or setting the mood for a gathering, these speakers provide a sophisticated audio experience. In this gear guide, we've highlighted the top Porsche Design speakers that merge form and function, offering a unique way to bring the Porsche lifestyle into your everyday surroundings. Shop all of the Porsche Design speakers featured in this special by clicking on the links below. Shop All Porsche Design 911 Soundbar 2.0 Pro Shop Now Outdoor Speaker PDS20 Shop Now 911 Speaker 2.0 60Y 911 – Limited Edition Shop Now Conference Speaker PDS30 Shop Now 911 Speaker 2.0 – Porsche Originals Shop Now Soundbar PDB90 Shop Now Wireless Speaker PDS50 Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2024

Luftgekühlt 10 Celebrates Porsche's 911 Turbo Anniversary...

Luftgekühlt 10 is bringing together 911 Turbo legends, air-cooled icons, and exciting events to celebrate 50 years of Porsche greatness in LA this October. Luftgekühlt 10 is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo, and it’s looking like it will be yet another sold-out event on its growing schedule. Taking over the Universal Studios Backlot, the Porsche-packed event is set showcase an array of historic and modified 911 Turbos, including some race cars with winning pasts. For purists and lifelong fans of the brand, getting a glimpse at the 930-based Vasek Polak Racing Porsche 934 that dominated the 1976 Trans-Am Championship will be a serious highlight, especially with Chassis #0179 on display, the actual car that helped George Follmer clinch the title. But Luft is more of an entire weekend experience. Things kick off with a pre-party at Gunther Werks in Huntington Beach on October 3rd, and then roll into the Rise & Shine event at Race Service in LA the next morning. If you’re all about the 911 Turbo, you won’t want to miss the 50th-anniversary celebration at the Petersen Automotive Museum, where Porsche owners and enthusiasts will gather to share stories over cocktails and food. For those who want to kick it up a notch, the weekend wraps up with the Mobil 1 Air-Cooled Caravan on October 6, a rally drive through LA that ends with a Cars & Coffee at Porsche Santa Clarita. This year’s Luftgekühlt is set to be a Porsche lover’s paradise, packed with rare cars, good company, and unforgettable drives. General admission tickets to Luftgekühlt 10 are still available (as of writing this), so make sure to grab yours before it’s too late. View all Porsche 911 Turbos for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 Turbos For Sale Source: Luftgekühlt

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