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 19, 2023

Porsche Uses Its Manufacturing Expertise To Help Revoluti...

ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting collaborate on a pilot project aimed at leveraging automation to make modular housing more affordable, sustainable, and efficient. ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting are joining forces to ignite a transformation in the construction sector. Through a pioneering pilot project, the collaboration aims to drive innovation in modular housing manufacturing. The joint venture seeks to address pressing challenges such as the demand for affordable housing, labor shortages, and the environmental impact of traditional construction methods. Porsche Consulting executives noted that the project aims to combine ABB's cutting-edge robotic solutions with Porsche Consulting’s expertise in efficient factory operations. Marc Segura, President of the ABB Robotics Division, highlighted that smarter automation could be a game-changer for the construction industry, offering increased productivity, customization capabilities, and more sustainable construction procedures. Labor shortages are a significant hindrance to housing availability, contributing to a nearly four-million-home shortfall in the United States. Traditional construction struggles with sustainability and efficiency, especially with issues like material wastage, which can account for up to 25% of the materials transported to a construction site. Modular construction, backed by automation, offers a promising solution by reducing material waste and minimizing weather-related delays while providing a safer working environment. The collaboration between ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting aims to redefine modular construction by incorporating advanced robotics and intelligent automation, setting new benchmarks in affordability, sustainability, and efficiency. View all Porsche sports cars and SUVs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

Patrick Dempsey Drives The Porsche x TAG Heuer 718 GT4 RS...

Patrick Dempsey steers Porsche's 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, spotlighting the unique collaboration between Porsche and TAG Heuer. Yesterday wrapped up a spectacular two-day event for the Porsche brand at La Carrera Panamericana, the iconic 2,175-mile road race across Mexico. In a show-stopping guest appearance, TAG Heuer ambassador Patrick Dempsey jumped behind the wheel of the Porsche 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special, exciting both fans and racers in attendance. The track-focused GT4 RS was crafted at Porsche’s elite Sonderwunsch workshop by its Exclusive Manufaktur division, embodying the manufacturer's approach to luxury and performance. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS features a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that delivers 493 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. The Carrera Panamericana event gave Porsche enthusiasts a front-row seat to witness this one-of-a-kind collaboration between Porsche and TAG Heuer. The 718 GT4 RS made its unforgettable journey from the bustling port city of Veracruz through scenic Oaxaca, finally reaching its destination in Mexico City. The event provided a golden opportunity for local Porsche aficionados to get an up-close look at what the GT4 RS is truly capable of. The 718 GT4 RS Carrera Panamericana Special exemplifies the seamless blend of power, luxury, and cutting-edge design that Porsche and TAG Heuer are globally renowned for. With the Hollywood allure of Patrick Dempsey adding an extra layer of glamour to the event, this two-day showcase effectively turned the spotlight on Porsche's expertise and its thrilling partnership with TAG Heuer. View all Porsche 718 Cayman models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 718 Cayman For Sale Source: Porsche Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 06, 2023

TECHART Debuts A New Carbon Rear Spoiler For 911 Carrera ...

For Porsche owners looking to upgrade their track-inspired 911s, there's exciting news on the horizon. The upgrade specialists TECHART have rolled out its latest aftermarket offering, a carbon rear spoiler for the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera and 911 GT3 Touring models. Known for their head-turning designs and performance modifications, TECHART's newest creation is all set to redefine racing aesthetics with its complete carbon fiber construction. The newly introduced TECHART Rear Spoiler III is a must-have for Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe or GT3 Touring owners, adding an aggressive touch combined with functionality. This launch further amplifies TECHART's already impressive lineup of aerodynamic enhancements tailored for the 992 generation. This two-part rear spoiler features an easy installation process for DIY car enthusiasts. Crafted with a paintable carbon fiber base frame, and a carbon spoiler lip, it weighs a third less than the standard rear wing. But it's not just about lightweight aesthetics. The spoiler lip offers customization options. Owners can choose between a matte or high gloss visible carbon fiber finish, or even get it painted in their preferred shade. Functionality is at its core with integrated air ducts designed from thorough aerodynamic simulations. These ducts promise better engine cooling due to increased airflow to the intercoolers. Beyond the aesthetics, the fixed rear spoiler ensures high downforce across all driving conditions, guaranteeing optimal aerodynamics, even at top speeds. Explore TECHART's full customization collection for Porsche 911 models on their official website by clicking the link below. Discover TECHART Source: TECHART

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2023

Porsche x TAG Heuer Unveil Two Special-Edition 718 Cayman...

Porsche and TAG Heuer join forces to unveil an exclusive 'Sonderwunsch' project based on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. In a creative collaboration between Porsche Latin America and TAG Heuer, two special edition Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS examples were showcased at this year’s Rennsport Reunion 7 at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The two track-focused GT4s are part of the "TAG Heuer x Porsche – Legends of Panamericana” Sonderwunsch project, a tribute to both the historic Carrera Panamericana race and TAG Heuer's Carrera Chronograph. Celebrating 70 and 60-year anniversaries of key moments in motorsport racing history, the partnership strengthens the long-term relationship between Porsche and TAG Heuer. The special edition Porsches feature design elements paying homage to the 550 Coupé raced in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. From the Sonderwunsch workshop in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, with input from Style Porsche, Porsche Latin America, and TAG Heuer, these configurations sport racing numbers 152 and 154. The numbers commemorate the 550 Coupé's original designs and are displayed proudly on the cars' Le Mans Silver Metallic paintwork, a special shade developed in collaboration between Porsche France, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), and Porsche AG. The color honors the 100-year anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1951 356 SL Coupé, which was the first winner of the race. Interior styling is equally impressive. Guards Red leather seats contrast with the black dashboard, featuring tri-colored stitching in green, white, and red (the colors of the Mexican flag). A TAG Heuer stopwatch module was exclusively designed for this project, gracing the center console. Brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey will pilot one of these special editions in the upcoming stages of the Carrera Panamericana, marking a significant milestone in Porsche and TAG Heuer's journey. The Sonderwunsch project is a continuation of Porsche’s Co-Creation strategy, giving life to its Sonderwunsch program from the late 1970s that allows for the creation of customer-requested one-off cars. The second of the two cars, bearing racing number 152, will be auctioned in early 2024 for a charitable cause. With this extraordinary partnership and showcase, Porsche and TAG Heuer honor racing history while contributing to the sport's evolving future. View all Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2023

Timo Resch Takes The Wheel As New Head of Porsche Cars No...

With a rich history at Porsche, Resch aims to strengthen the brand's presence in the U.S. Change is in the air for Porsche Cars North America as it welcomes its new leader, Timo Resch. Taking over from Kjell Gruner, who departed in July, Resch brings a wealth of experience and deep familiarity with Porsche and the American automotive market. Starting his successful career in 1995 as a student at Porsche Zuffenhausen, Timo has come full circle with the acceptance of his new leadership role. Timo Resch is no stranger to the nuances of the automotive world, having served in various pivotal roles at Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America. From 2007 to 2009, Resch headed the Product Planning and Market Research unit for the North American branch. His career then took him through executive positions at Audi AG and BMW, where he was most recently the Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M. Resch's broad industry expertise, particularly from his global roles at BMW and Audi, is expected to help elevate Porsche's brand presence in North America and lay the groundwork for future growth. Set to officially take the reins in November 2023, Resch's return to Porsche is already generating buzz for what lies ahead for the brand in North America. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

Rennsport Reunion 7 Welcomes "Mirage", The Porsche 911 Fr...

From the big screen to the biggest Porsche gathering, Transformers' 911 'Mirage' is the star of the show. When it comes to creating buzz in the auto and entertainment industries, nothing does it quite like a mashup of legendary sports cars and iconic action film characters. This September, the Autobot Mirage and its Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8 (964) movie car are set to grace the world's largest Porsche gathering, Rennsport Reunion 7, after making a grand appearance in "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." Fans can feast their eyes on this dynamic duo alongside other Transformers legends like Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal, and even attend a special screening of the blockbuster film. Ayesha Coker, Vice President of Marketing for Porsche Cars North America, couldn't be more thrilled. She commemorates the effort of the Porsche Classic team in restoring the car to functionality post-filming, saying, "It's a significant piece of Porsche history, and there's no better stage than Rennsport Reunion 7 to showcase it." The rarity of the 911 Carrera RS 3.8 can't be overstated, with Porsche producing only 55 units for the entire globe. To protect these vintage gems, the film used five movie set cars that superficially replicate the real deal. An authentic engine sound was recorded from a real 911 RS 3.8 to make the movie as accurate as possible. Each picture car had a unique function, from executing high-speed backward driving to intricate stunts, illustrating the efforts taken to produce a film experience that resonates with movie lovers and automotive enthusiasts. If you're one of the lucky guests attending Porsche's Rennsport Reunion 7 event, make sure to look out for Mirage and the rest of the Transformers crew. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo Completes Its 3,000-M...

The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo's trek across Australia showcases its range, efficiency, and the nation's growing electric infrastructure. Proving its remarkable capabilities in all conditions, the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo has completed a groundbreaking 3,107-mile journey across Australia, highlighting long-distance travel for electric vehicles. Kicking off in Darwin and ending at Bondi Beach, the adventure served as testing grounds for the Taycan's stellar range and Australia's rapidly expanding network of electric vehicle charging stations. Making use of a variety of charging options, the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo showcased its cutting-edge battery technology, durability, and efficiency. Equipped with an optional 22kw onboard charger, the vehicle optimized its charging times, even in the most remote locations. Over 19 days, the car made 27 charging stops and spent a total of 85 hours charging, mostly overnight. The route was nothing short of awe-inspiring, featuring stops at Nitmiluk National Park, the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge, the quaint town of Daly Waters, and the iconic Bathurst Racetrack. The car also conquered the infamous Simpson Desert dune ‘Big Red’ and navigated through the roads of the Blue Mountains before reaching its final destination at Bondi Beach. The expedition aligns with Porsche's electrification strategy, as the all-electric Macan nears completion and will be available in 2024. Following it will be the all-electric versions of the 718 and the Cayenne, cementing Porsche's commitment to electric mobility. View all Porsche Taycan models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 19, 2023

Porsche Unveils Rennsport Reunion 7 App Ahead of World's ...

The app is aimed at enhancing the visitor experience for the upcoming massive Porsche gathering. With the clock ticking down to the world's largest Porsche gathering, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) is giving fans a high-octane tool to elevate the Rennsport Reunion 7 App. Set to host over 80,000 enthusiasts at the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from September 28 to October 1, 2023, the event promises a packed schedule of activities and surprises, all of which can be navigated effortlessly using this cutting-edge mobile app. Aimed at keeping participants in the loop with real-time announcements and events, the app also offers a customizable schedule feature. But the perks don't stop there. Users can explore the paddock through an interactive map, catch up with the racing timetable, and discover dining options and other activities of the circuit. For those keen on diving deep into the Porsche legacy, the app offers insights into iconic models and key personalities that have shaped the brand. Social media enthusiasts can also enjoy the app's in-built camera frames, and treasure hunters can take part in a scavenger hunt sponsored by Mobil 1 with exciting prizes up for grabs. Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, the Rennsport Reunion 7 App is your pocket guide to an exceptional Porsche experience. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche