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

Revealed: 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is a Mega Manual, Open-Top Driver’s Car

By Charles Bradley – April 14, 2026

Revealed: 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is Mega Manual, Open-Top Driver’s Car

In the pantheon of Germanic high-performance machines, few combinations are as evocative as a high-revving boxer engine paired with an open sky. Porsche has once again answered the call of the most ardent driving enthusiasts with the premiere of the 2027 911 GT3 S/C. Standing, of course, for ‘Sport Cabriolet,’ this fresh model variant is an emotional love letter to visceral, analog engagement, offering the world-class mechanics of the GT3 line in a pure two-seater, open-top format. The S/T Formula, Unplugged The 911 GT3 S/C is a sophisticated hybrid of Porsche’s most revered driver-focused attributes. It borrows the uncompromising lightweight components from the limited-production 911 S/T and marries them to the legendary 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine. To ensure the most connected experience possible, Porsche has designated the GT3 S/C as a manual-only affair. It is equipped exclusively with a short-ratio, lightweight six-speed GT Sport manual transmission. This singular focus on the three-pedal experience cements its status as a purist’s tool, reminiscent of the 2019 911 Speedster but without the production volume constraints. Consistent Lightweight Construction “We have managed to keep the weight of the 911 GT3 S/C particularly low at 3,322 lbs. despite the fully automatic top,” said Frank Moser, Vice President 911 and 718 model line. “The new 911 GT3 S/C responds to our customers' desire for sports cars that are particularly fun to drive. The exciting powertrain of the 911 GT3 comes into its own even more when driving without a roof, especially on winding country roads.” This featherweight figure is achieved through an extensive use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), which forms the hood, fenders, and doors – components directly inherited from the 911 S/T. The underbody panels and rear anti-roll bar follow suit in carbon fiber. To further reduce unsprung mass, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) come as standard equipment, shedding over 44 lbs. compared to iron rotors. The 20-inch front and 21-inch rear center-locking wheels are forged from magnesium, saving an additional 19 lbs. A Technical Masterpiece of Open-Air Engineering Unlike its manual-roof predecessors, the GT3 S/C introduces a fully automatic lightweight top. Utilizing magnesium panels, the roof maintains the iconic 911 silhouette with a coupe-like curvature, free of visible bows. The hydraulic mechanism can cycle the top in 12 seconds, while an integrated electric wind deflector deploys in two seconds to preserve cabin serenity at high speeds. Under the rear deck sits the heart of the beast: a 502 hp naturally aspirated engine capable of screaming to a 9,000 rpm redline. With sharper camshafts derived from the GT3 RS and flow-optimized throttle valves, the GT3 S/C surges to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 194 mph. Bespoke Craftsmanship: The Street Style Package For those seeking a more individualistic expression, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers the Street Style Package. This ‘Director’s Cut’ option features Pyro Red decorative graphics, Victory Gold brake calipers, and a dark gear lever with an open-pore walnut shift handle. The interior of the package is a showcase of precision, featuring four-color braided leather and an aesthetic that leans into modern color combinations. Owners can even complement their vehicle with a bespoke Porsche Design chronograph, featuring a winding rotor modeled after the car’s magnesium wheels. Chassis and Arrival Advanced suspension, combined with high-grip sport tires and the lightweight S/T chassis tuning, promises a level of agility rarely felt in a convertible. “The arrival of the 911 GT3 S/C marks the first time an open-top 911 uses a double wishbone front axle,” said Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Director GT Cars. “In combination with the particularly high-grip sports tires and the low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that has hardly been experienced with an open-top car before.” The 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C is available for order immediately, with a starting MSRP of $273,000. U.S. Porsche Centers expect the first arrivals by the fall of this year. A significant number of features with this model become standard equipment that are otherwise optional on the 911 GT3:- Lightweight package: $20,350- Magnesium Wheels: $17,840- Cabriolet (not optional, but value shown represents typical gap between coupe and cabriolet variants): $14,000- Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes: $10,370- Leather interior: $5,020Adding those price equivalents to the MSRP of the 911 GT3 would bring the MSRP above $306,000. Considering that, the MSRP of the 911 GT3 S/C at 273,000 represents a discount of roughly 11 percent vs. the standard GT3 as-equipped. That figure also doesn’t account for the added carbon fiber parts that the S/C gains from the 911 S/T (fenders and door in carbon fiber), where options based pricing is not broken out. View All Porsches For Sale Images: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 26, 2021

Porsche Design's New Eyewear Collection Now Available

Recently, Patrick Dempsey was introduced as Porsche Design’s 2021 brand ambassador and face of the new Eyewear Collection. After much anticipation, Porsche Design is proud to release an array of new sunglass styles with the automotive inspiration behind each pair. The highlight of the lineup is the Porsche Design P’8688 Liquid Titanium, a style worn by Dempsey while behind the wheel of a Porsche 992 911 Cabriolet. The lenses feature VisionDrive technology, a polarized treatment that offers a decisive optical advantage for the ultimate driving experience. The titanium frame offers lightweight comfortable wear while providing the strength to uphold wear and impact. Just as all other sunglass styles in the collection, the P’8688 Liquid Titanium is available in four different frame and lens color options. The Porsche Design Eyewear Collection featuring Patrick Dempsey is currently available to shop by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Eyewear For more Porsche Design news, Check out Porsche Design Spring/Summer ’21 Fashion & Sport Collections Now Available

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 16, 2021

Porsche Design Unveils An Exclusive Custom Chronograph Fo...

After much anticipation, Porsche unveiled the 2022 992 911 GT3 as part of the new addition to the track-inspired lineup. The great news continues with the release of the Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph, a new luxury timepiece available exclusively to owners of the new chassis. Each watch features the ability to completely customized the appearance of the chronograph to match the specification of your personal GT3, using the Porsche Design Chronograph Configurator. Like its motorized role model, the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 exudes inspiration with its ornate design, consistent performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. The close connection between the timepiece and the sports car is unmistakable at first glance. The watch is driven by the Werk 01.200 movement, which can be viewed through the GT3 Wheel styled winding rotor. The Porsche Design GT3 Chronograph is sure to pair well as a collector’s example next to the all-new Porsche 992 911 GT3. Configure and learn more about Porsche Design’s custom chronographs by clicking the link below. Porsche Design Chronograph Configurator Porsche Design For more Porsche Design news, Check out Porsche Design Spring/Summer ’21 Fashion & Sport Collections Now Available

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2021

Porsche Design Introduces Patrick Dempsey As 2021 Brand A...

Yesterday, we covered Porsche Design’s Instagram post teasing both a new brand ambassador and luxury eyewear collection. A few hints were provided, leaving fans guessing who Porsche Design's new member was going to be. After a couple of days of keeping a secret, Porsche Design is proud to announce Patrick Dempsey as its new ambassador for 2021. A video released on the Instagram page gives a behind the scenes look at the photoshoot featuring Dempsey and the new eyewear collection set to release this year. As a Porsche fanatic, he knows his way around the interior of a racecar. Dempsey even participated as a driver in the 2014 24-Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 911 RSR. Patrick Dempsey is very much a respected individual in the world of Porsche, which makes it a perfect transition into the fashion world of Porsche Design. Check back in for future release information on the Porsche Design Eyewear Collection featuring Patrick Dempsey. For more Porsche news, Check out Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition x Porsche Design Heritage Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2021

Porsche Design Teases New 2021 Brand Ambassador And Eyewe...

The wide variety of brand ambassadors within the world of luxury goods gives consumers insight into how a product is diversely used no matter the occasion. Porsche Design took to Instagram to tease fans of a new brand ambassador joining the team, using a few keywords to describe the individual. They define the ambassador as a “devoted actor, Porsche car enthusiast, athlete, and the perfect ambassador.” Leaving the fans guessing in the comments section. Porsche Design did share that a new eyewear collection will be unveiled with the announcement. We have a few guesses as to who the new member of the Porsche Design family will be, but until announced, we will continue lookout for more hints. Check back in for coverage on when Porsche Design announces its 2021 brand ambassador, as well as the release of the new eyewear collection. Comment below who you think the new Porsche Design brand ambassador will be for 2021. Shop Porsche Design For more Gear news, Check out Puma Motorsport Releases Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2021 Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Porsche Design Introduce The Amphibio 2.0 Skis

We have all seen what Porsche vehicles can do on track, off-road, and around town, but how about on the ski slope. Although a GT2RS could probably make it up the mountain, Porsche Design decided to try to make it down with a set of skis first. The German automobile manufacturer announced the partnership with Elan, a leader in the industry of ski technology. The Porsche Design x Elan Amphibio 2.0 is an all-mountain ski that guarantees maximum versatility to perform with ease in a variety of conditions and terrain. The sleek design combined with the lightweight performance results in another area for Porsche to dominate. The Porsche Design x Elan Amphibio 2.0 skis are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Skis

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

How To Shop Porsche Design Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday calls for great deals on some of our favorite brands, like Porsche Design. The lifestyle branch of the German auto manufacturer is currently offering huge savings on the fashion and sports collections. No matter the season or climate, Porsche Design has you covered from head to toe with an array of clothing and accessories. The clothing lines pull inspiration from the process of how each sports car is made, using premium materials to provide a comfortable daily experience. The Porsche Design Cyber Monday sale has something for everyone in the family and is now available. When: Now Available Where: Porsche Design Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2020

Makes And Movements: 2020 Porsche 992 911 x Porsche Desig...

Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do. They just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the automotive industry and even specific cars altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular supercars available through DuPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. 2020 Porsche 992 911 The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic models in automobile history, with the first 901 generation unveiled in 1963. Since then, Porsche has redesigned the platform with more performance and technology. The 992 was announced in 2018 as the eighth generation with updates to launch the 911 into a new era of styling. The exterior redesigned to present a more modern muscular look using a significantly wider wheel housing, new LED headlights, a variable-position rear spoiler, and an elegant rear lightbar. The interior is updated to a modern spec using inspiration from the ‘70s Porsche 911 models. A straight-line dashboard with recessed instruments allows for a balanced driving experience. A larger 10.9-inch display provides comprehensive connectivity for the driver and passenger. The configuration of the Porsche 992 911 is just as personalized as it has ever been, including an array of color options and materials that give customers the ability to create the perfect vehicle. Performance is the key that drives the Porsche 911, with past variations equipped with different levels of performance. The Porsche 992 911 launched with the Carrara S and Carrara 4S, a rear-wheel and all-wheel drive option that produces 443 horsepower. The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 is paired with the ultra-responsive 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, making the driving experience effortless. New assistance systems such as Wet Mode are standard equipment, which helps detect water on the road using a camera-based warning and brake assist system. The Porsche 992 911 starts at $113,200 and includes various sub-models with GT chassis on the way. Why To Buy The Porsche 992 generation is a great buy for any Porsche enthusiast that enjoys modern styling and performance that is backed by the brand that continues to lead as a German sports-car manufacturer. The new platform incorporates a performance-focused system with modern technology and safety options, making it a drivable vehicle for anyone in the family. The meticulous configuration process allows for any customer to spec the perfect 911 for the driveway. View All Porsche 992 911 For Sale Porsche Design Custom-Built Chronograph Porsche Design originated as a branch of the automobile manufacturer as a way to deliver Porsche inspired lifestyle products to complement the brand for owners and enthusiast. The watch collection features a Sport Chronograph Configurator that allows individuals to build a watch using the same process as if it was a Porsche 992 911. All components have the ability to be changed using premium materials and color codes that are also incorporated into the vehicles rolling off the factory floors. The Porsche Design Chronograph is a 42mm example that is driven by an in-house WERK 01.100 automatic caliber. The color of natural titanium and black titanium are available for the case, bezel, and optional metal bracelet. Color codes pulled directly from Porsche are used to highlight the dial ring, leather strap, and decorative stitching. A transparent back case and winding rotor display the inner workings of the mechanism. The choice of a Porsche wheel style as a winding rotor is an available option, which includes nine different OEM rim styles. As if that is not personalized enough, Porsche Design added custom engraving for the case back, as well as graphic engraving on the plaque included in the packaging. The Porsche Design Sports Chronograph configurator has over 1.5 million design possibilities starting at a base price of $5,150. Why To Buy The configurator for the Porsche Design Sports Chronograph is the best option for a custom timepiece because it gives the customer the ability to spec the perfect watch for their intended use. The platform has the means to create timepieces that can be dressed up or down while still celebrating a specific Porsche or the brand heritage as a whole. It is the perfect addition to any Porsche owner or enthusiast's collection. Shop Porsche Design Custom Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2020

An Early Look At The Porsche Design X AOC AGON PD27 Gamin...

Gaming has become much more than just aimlessly completely career modes. It is now a worldwide platform to compete and even gain skills for real-life scenarios. The transition to a more professional stage requires equipment to help provide the best and most realistic gaming experience. Porsche Design is entering the gaming industry with the help from AOC, the leader in the gaming monitor market, to introduce its PC Monitor. The Porsche Design x AOC AGON PD27 monitor incorporates the same design and performance that goes into Porsches seen on and off the track. The display presented as a 27” QHD display, features an eye-catching design with a 240 Hz refresh rate developed for the most ambitious gamers and professional esports enthusiasts. The curvature of the monitor gives off the feeling that you are behind the wheel of a Porsche GT2 RS going into the first turn at the track. A wireless gaming keypad will be included to quickly switch display settings in different game genres, like FPS, RGB, and others. The AGON PD27 will be available on December 5th through the Porsche Design website for $799.99. Learn more about the Porsche Design x AOC gaming monitor by clicking the link below. Learn More " width="680"> Source: AOC YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2020

Get Comfortable In Porsche Design's First Ever Bathrobe

What is more comfortable than the plush leather seats of a Porsche Taycan? The answer is the new Porsche Design Bathrobe. The lifestyle branch of the German automotive manufacturer released the first-ever bathrobe featured in Anthracite Grey with tons of Porsche Design logos. The robe is made from premium terry velour, providing a minimal style that offers a comfortable experience at home. The Porsche Design Bathrobe is currently available for the price of $285 by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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