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 Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2024

Rare Flachbau 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S Listed For Sale

There’s nothing like an air-cooled Porsche 911. The Porsche 911 is one of the most legendary sports cars of all time, and its community of enthusiasts and collectors is one of the most vibrant and rich subcultures in the automotive world. As diverse as the love for the Porsche 911 is, the splendor and charm of the air-cooled generations of the 911 is widely agreed upon and practically undeniable. The air-cooled era of the Porsche 911 was an incredibly important chapter in Porsche’s 75-year history, and excellent examples of air-cooled Porsche 911s are some of the most desirable and collectible cars on the market. This 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S, listed for sale from Ryan Friedman Motor Cars in Glen Cove, New York, is one of the best. It represents the end of the 964 generation of the 911, which was succeeded by the 993, the last air-cooled Porsche 911 generation. Being a Turbo S example, it exemplifies the pinnacle of 911 performance in its time, but its most unique features is the “Flachbau” silhouette. A rare and expensive option, “Flachbau” cars feature a front end that is much different from the regular 911, with a flatter, more aerodynamically efficient shape. This car is one of only 39 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo Ss designated for the United States with the Flachbau option. An approximate 76 Turbo S Flachbau coupes left the factory worldwide. The exterior is finished in the beautiful Midnight Blue Pearl, while the interior boasts elegant plaid seat inserts with dark wood trim, along with luxurious dark blue leather. If you’re looking for a stunningly-preserved piece of Porsche history that is also one of the most well-equipped and exclusive air-cooled Porsche 911s on the market, this may be the car for you. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing Image Source: Ryan Friedman Motor Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 05, 2024

Aimé Leon Dore Debuts Its ALD x Porsche 944 Turbo In NYC

Following up the 356 build, Aimé Leon Dore keeps it classic with the new ALD Porsche 944 Turbo! With a personality and style that resembles that of the cool kid in school, the Porsche brand operates more like a trendy lifestyle that perfectly accompanies its fleet of classic and modern sports cars. It has a look and feel that falls perfectly in line with the fashion specialists at Aimé Leon Dore, which has been beautifully depicted through exclusive collaboration collections and bespoke vehicle builds. Since recently teasing shots of a sporty, red leather Porsche Club Jacket with a giant Porsche logo, Aimé Leon Dore is proud to shed light on its upcoming Porsche collaboration by introducing the new ALD Porsche 944 Turbo. The reveal comes as part of a short film debut yesterday, featuring celebrity cameos from classic car collectors and fashion icons like NYC rapper Action Bronson. Styled to match the same look as the Porsche Club Jacket, the custom Porsche 944 Turbo comes finished in a vibrant red paint scheme with bright gold Aimé Leon Dore logos hidden throughout its exterior. The gold doesn't stop there, as the 944's legendary phone dial-style wheels come painted in the same eye-catching hue. Inside, the cabin has been subtly redesigned to keep the same traditional look while adding some modern touches by incorporating ALD branding on areas like the steering wheel, headrests, and gauge cluster. Highlighting the inspiration from classic Porsche models other than the 911, the idea piggybacks off the previously released Aimé Leon Dore Porsche 356. As we wait in anticipation for the Spring/Summer '24 drop featuring the Porsche Club Jacket, the Aimé Leon Dore Porsche 944 Turbo is currently on display at 224 Mulberry in New York City. View all Porsche 944 Turbo examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 944 Turbos For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche (@porsche) Source: Aimé Leon Dore

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 05, 2024

Porsche's Turbo Legacy: Celebrating 50 Years at Retro Cla...

Join Porsche at Retro Classics 2024 as they commemorate 50 years of Turbo innovation. Preserving the most cherished motorsport icons from Porsche's storied history, Retro Classics welcomes enthusiasts to Stuttgart to experience a blast from the past. At Retro Classics Stuttgart 2024, Porsche owners and enthusiasts will gather to celebrate a milestone in automotive history: 50 years of Porsche Turbo excellence. From April 25th to 28th, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Porsche Turbo at this renowned event. Highlighting the event is the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo "No. 1," an innovative masterpiece that marked the beginning of a revolutionary era. Step back in time and witness the design and performance that defined Porsche's iconic Turbo models. Explore rare examples like the 911 Turbo 3.0 Coupe and the 911 GT2, each showcasing Porsche's dedication to lightweight design and powerful engine platforms. Engage with industry experts as they discuss Turbo's impact on motorsport and series production, shedding light on its ongoing legacy. Dive into Porsche's rich heritage through historic archives, including original drawings and advertisements, offering insights into Turbo's evolution over five decades. Join Retro Classics 2024 and be a part of Porsche's Turbo legacy. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2024

Watch This Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato & Porsche 911 Dak...

Which would you choose as your track weapon? Gone are the days when supercars were subjected to smooth cruises and track weekends with a rather recent off-road approach adopted by manufacturers like Lamborghini and Porsche. With the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and Porsche 911 Dakar dominating undiscovered roads as part of a whole new sector of supercars, it poses the challenge of having to choose between the two. For Utah supercar and hypercar collector Supercar Ron, that question has yet to cross his mind as he already owns each and continues to enjoy them the way they were designed to be. As part of his newest YouTube upload, Supercar Ron and the team fly to Colorado to participate in an ice racing event that takes place on a frozen lake. Sporting the same snow camo livery, the Lamborghini Huracán and Porsche 911 Dakar sit pretty on over 17 inches of ice with the snow-covered mountains creating the perfect backdrop. The Huracán Sterrato's extra punch of power, courtesy of a 1,000 horsepower twin-turbocharger setup, requires a new set of studded winter tires specifically designed for ice racing. Ron's first lap in the Lamborghini and Porsche act as demonstrations of how each supercar's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system operates under full power on icy terrain. In addition to the matching duo, other track companions during the day included a custom-lifted Mazda Miata, Mitsubishi EVO 9, and many more. Showcasing what these off-road supercars are really capable of, we can't wait to see what Supercar Ron has in store for his Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and Porsche 911 Dakar. View all Lamborgini Huracán Sterratos and Porsche 911 Dakars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini Huracán Sterratos For Sale View All Porsche 911 Dakars For Sale " width="680"> Source: Supercar Ron YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 04, 2024

How Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Creates Custom Masterpieces

Sonderwunsch is all about making the wildest dreams come true. Many car enthusiasts will tell you about the prestige of Porsches finished in special colors from the Paint to Sample library, an immense spectrum of colors, many of which are inspired by history, and many of which serve as bold expressions of owners’ personalities. However, Porsche can deliver bespoke personalization at an even deeper level, through its Sonderwunsch, or Special Wishes program. Part of the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur portfolio, Sonderwunsch, even before customization was established as a department, was something Porsche had done since the 1950s, modifying cars for racing, or even changing the radios. However, it was in 1986 when Porsche became the world’s first car manufacturer to establish its own in-house department for customization. Since then, the entire Exclusive Manufaktur umbrella has expanded to include over 1,000 options, with limitless possibilities. The history of Sonderwunsch projects is incredible, ranging from stylish and luxurious configurations to performance-oriented custom machines. Herbert von Karajan had a 911 Turbo equipped with the lightweight body of the Carrera RS, which took painstaking effort to create and featured a Martini-inspired livery, as well as his signature as the rear badging. In addition, the iconic “Flachbau” flat-nosed 911 originated as a Sonderwunsch project, as Mansour Ojjeh wanted a roadgoing version of Porsche’s 935 race car. Today, cars like the new Porsche 911 S/T represent these extra-special dream Porsches. Using the 518-horsepower engine from the 911 GT3 RS, the S/T combines purified, spartan driver-focus with heritage-inspired design, timeless luxury, and an elegant silhouette, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Porsche 911, making for the ultimate driver’s car for the 911 enthusiast. Now, Porsche’s new flexible manufacturing system, Porsche Production 4.0, has been created with personalization and special editions in mind, especially with over 90% of Porsche 911 customers choosing Exclusive Manufaktur options, employing the abilities of both Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and CFK-Manufaktur. Especially important when it comes to special editions and GT cars, CFK-Manufaktur specializes in carbon fiber components. With a manufacturing process dedicated to creating cars that are truly special, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’s incredible abilities are preserving automotive excellence at its finest. View All Porsches For Sale Image Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 03, 2024

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring In PTS Viola Metallic For Sale

The Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the most coveted performance cars out there, and for good reason. Its immense 510 horsepower comes courtesy of a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine, and that power goes to the rear wheels, with an available manual transmission for an unadulterated driver-focused experience. On top of that, Porsche offers the GT3 in the Touring spec, which caters to drivers who want all of this in an elegant, understated package, making for a true dream driver’s car. View Price And Listing This 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, which is available for sale at Ryan Friedman Motor Cars in Glen Cove, New York, is one of the best examples of the GT3 Touring available, thanks to a beautifully unique, head-turning configuration. The most noticeable feature is the Viola Metallic color, which is part of the coveted Paint To Sample spectrum. The captivating purple hue is paired with bronze wheels and decals, as well as a carbon fiber roof and wing mirrors. Inside, you’ll find an interior that is also special, with white leather upholstery, courtesy of Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. This stunning GT3 Touring also comes with a manual transmission, carbon ceramic brakes, and all the performance and dynamism that makes the GT3 such a coveted Porsche 911 model. Driver-focused engineering, elegant looks, a 6-speed manual transmission, and an extra-special unique configuration make this 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring a car that’s perfect to add to any exotic or luxury car collection. Click the button to view the price and listing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RYAN FRIEDMAN MOTOR CARS (@ryanfriedmanmotorcars)

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 03, 2024

How To Buy: PLAYMOBIL's New Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Of...

Dive into the thrilling world of off-road adventures with PLAYMOBIL's Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad. As enthusiasts with a love for all things automotive, it's easy to remember how easy it is to get lost in the world of collectibles and memorabilia. Whether it's a detailed diecast of your dream Porsche 911 or a spare spectator program from your first race, these pieces tell a story while complementing the home or office of a passionate car lover. Aimed at influencing the future generation of Porsche purists, the creative team at PLAYMOBIL is proud to release its all-new Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad set. With extra off-road equipment, including a removable roof, space for four figures, and extra ground clearance, the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad takes on the aggressive, safari-inspired appearance of Porsche's most iconic creation. Sporting a classic green finish with vibrant orange decals, the silhouette of a lifted 911 is sure to sit pretty in any small-scale collection. Designed for fans aged 5 to 99, PLAYMOBIL's Porsche set is the perfect example of timeless fun. The attention to detail is incredible, with a spare wheel and fuel canister neatly stored on the roof rack, all secured with silicone straps. There's even a designated spot for the shovel. The off-road Porsche comes equipped with new axle mounts and larger wheels, providing increased ground clearance to overcome any obstacle. The terrain plate adds an extra layer of excitement, offering various challenges for the off-road enthusiast. Plus, with its flexible features like the openable rear engine hood, removable roof rack, and roof, the possibilities for adventure are limitless. Shop the all-new PLAYMOBIL Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Offroad by clicking the link below. Shop PLAYMOBIL x Porsche Source: PLAYMOBIL

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 02, 2024

PUMA x Porsche Head To The Beach With Its New Crews Go Su...

The latest Crews Go Summer Collection by Porsche and PUMA blends high-speed luxury with casual beach vibes for the ultimate summer look. This season, PUMA and Porsche are hitting the summer streets in style by introducing the all-new Crews Go Summer Collection just in time for summer. The lineup is a thrilling homage to the exhilaration of the open road and the relaxed atmosphere of coastal beach living, setting a new benchmark for summer fashion. It's designed for those who lead a Porsche-driven lifestyle, whether that involves cruising in a 911 GT3 RS or surfing the waves. The Crews Go Summer Collection invites enthusiasts to express their passion for life and adventure, embodying the essence of an endless summer. The collection offers a variety of pieces, from eye-catching shirts to adaptable hoodies and stylish accessories, all embracing a unisex design. It features regular-fit hoodies for everyday comfort, twill fabric shorts with practical pockets, and shirts designed with unique carpenter panels and silver rivets, adding a garage-like flair. The ongoing collaboration between Porsche and PUMA is about making a lifestyle statement. Whether you're exploring the city's hidden gems or embarking on a scenic road trip, the Crews Go Summer Collection ensures you look and feel part of the exclusive Porsche team. Embrace the summer in style with this collection, now available online at puma.com and Porsche-design.com. Shop All Porsche x PUMA Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 02, 2024

Porsche Asks 911 Developers What Makes It Great

The immense variety of Porsche 911 models means that there’s something for everyone. The Porsche 911 is a unique sports car, and while it in many ways defines the genre, it also stands out with its unmistakable retro-inspired silhouette and its rear-engined layout. However, despite being such a one-of-a-kind entrant in the world of performance cars, the 911 is itself an incredibly versatile vehicle, with a whopping 27 different variants available to choose from in the current generation. Whether you want a manual transmission, an open top, all-wheel drive, or brutally track-focused performance, the Porsche 911 shows an incredible ability to excellently adapt and cater to the needs of various drivers. In fact, its own developers reflect the diversity of what the 911 can deliver, with each having their own favorite and a reason as to why it’s perfect. Porsche put together a “speed dating” event of sorts to talk to the team and pick their brains about why they love the 911, and what it means to them. Mathias Roll is an aerodynamics engineer for the GT department, responsible in part for the radical Le Mans-inspired swan-neck wing on the current GT3 RS, which to him is conservative compared to the designs he would have chosen for the car himself. Meanwhile, designer Matthias Kulla, who has a garage full of retro and vintage oddities, prefers the current Porsche 911 Targa Heritage Design Edition, and Daniel Steyer, the Carrera T’s chassis developer, loves the trim level for its driver-focused ethos and purist appeal. Achim Lamparter, Project Lead for the 911 Dakar, loves the model because it brings the unshakeable splendor of the 911 in a new direction, showing off its amazing off-road ability. Racing legend Walter Röhrl also took part in the event, as a Porsche Brand Ambassador, and his favorite is the purist-focused masterpiece, the exclusive new Porsche 911 S/T, driving the spartan performance machine for hours from Zuffenhausen to the Black Forest, going to the Palatine region and back. However, for long-distance comfort and hair-raising performance in one, the Turbo S is also an excellent choice. Whether it’s luxury, unique design, race-ready character, or even off-roading ability, the 911 can do quite a lot, and it’s a legend in the automotive world for a reason. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Image Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 27, 2024

Porsche Reveals Its Traditional & Futuristic Design Process

Like its cars, Porsche’s design process combines innovation and tradition. Porsche has been creating some of the world’s most desired and celebrated luxury performance cars for over 75 years, and in that time, its design process has evolved to fit the manufacturer’s ethos: celebrating and honoring tradition, while pioneering and innovating engineering, luxury, and performance. Today, Porsche proudly boasts a design process that is “the best of both worlds” with traditional and cutting-edge methods combining to create timelessly beautiful and futuristic designs that honor the unmistakable charm of its historic vehicles. Michael Mauer, Style Porsche’s Vice President, says that “there is no analog versus digital, but rather analog and digital. The two approaches complement each other and both have their advantages and disadvantages.” What this means is that the first step of design happens in the most traditional way possible, with a pen and a clean sheet of paper. After that, another well-known traditional automotive design method is used, the creation of a clay (industrial plasticine) model. According to Style Porsche Director of Design Models, Martin Kahl, the sensory aspect of the physical model, made of over a ton of plasticine material, is paramount to the process. Along with traditional methods, the months-long iterative design process also involves contemporary, cutting-edge digital design methods. An advantage to the digital process is that the prototype (an 18-gigabyte virtual model with up to 50 million polygons,) can be easily compared in a photorealistic virtual environment to its predecessor, or the other vehicles in the model lineup. Gaming-derived, high-end virtual reality software is involved to help designers go into great detail, and as development progresses, analog and digital methods are used back and forth to finalize a stunning design. The final phase sees the hardware of the design come to fruition, and at this part of the process in Weissach at Porsche’s design studio opened in 2014, prototypes are brought into the sunlight to confirm how they would look in the real and natural world. With the highest quality of both traditional and modern design methods involved in the process of creating Porsche cars, Porsche effortlessly honors its long-standing tradition and heritage and also introduces pioneering technology, engineering excellence, and cutting-edge performance. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Image Source: Porsche

Porsche News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe