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 – March 06, 2024

Porsche's Air-Cooled Luftgekühlt Experience Announces A 2...

Experience the essence of Porsche at Luftgekühlt 2024, as it tours Europe and returns to Southern California to celebrate air-cooled classics. In the community of passionate Porsche purists, Luftgekühlt holds a special place, celebrating the manufacturer's successful air-cooled heritage, from the iconic Pre-A 356 to the 993 series that discontinued in 1998. Luftgekühlt is an immersive experience into the heart of Porsche culture, highlighting a carefully curated collection of significant street and race cars that have shaped the brand's legacy into what its become today. What began as a modest gathering of vintage Porsche owners in Venice, California, has quickly transformed into a globally recognized showcase. This year, Luftgekühlt is expanding its horizons with a two-stop European tour to commemorate its tenth anniversary. The tour kicks off in Wroclaw, Poland, on June 14-15, followed by an inaugural Scandinavian event in Copenhagen, Denmark, on September 7. The end of this year's celebrations will bring the Porsche community back to Southern California this fall, marking a decade since Luftgekühlt redefined the traditional car show. While details of the tenth-anniversary event are still under wraps, anticipation is high for an exceptional celebration of Porsche's pioneering road and race cars. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsches For Sale Source: Luftgekühlt

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 05, 2024

Watch The 1,088HP Porsche GT4 ePerformance Drift In Snow

Electrified racing innovation has a snow day. The Porsche GT4 ePerformance is currently on a mission to change the racing world. As an all-electric race car, it boasts an incredible 1,088 horsepower, and has the capability to change its power output, depending on whether the goal is to set a low qualifying time, or deliver consistent performance through a longer race. This past December, the GT4 ePerformance ventured to a different environment than the race tracks that it has become typically accustomed to, going instead to Levi, Finland, located roughly 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle for testing in extreme cold weather. The venue was the same as the iconic Porsche Ice Experience, an incredible event where attendees get the opportunity to experience Porsche performance cars in a snowy landscape, conquering high-performance driving in an environment like no other. For the snowy terrain, the GT4 ePerformance was fitted with spiked snow tires, and its incredible electric power was unleashed to drift among the Scandinavian wilderness. Despite the extreme cold weather, the performance of the GT4 ePerformance was strong, with fast charging bringing the battery back to full capacity in as little as 20 minutes, with the oil cooling system keeping it at the proper temperature throughout the testing. In addition, an experimental feature for drifting was implemented, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels when the brake and accelerator were both pressed, which only took an hour to implement, highlighting the dynamism and flexibility of electric powertrains. With a veritable spectacle in the snowy Arctic landscape of Levi, Finland, the Porsche GT4 ePerformance boasted success in its cold weather testing challenge, and continues to triumph in its journey towards bringing the racing world to the future. View All Porsches For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2024

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Creators Drive Porsche 911s In ...

The worlds of an iconic video game series and a legendary sports car collide. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth reimagines the iconic story of the original Final Fantasy VII, and is the second installment in a trilogy of games that celebrates Final Fantasy VII’s legacy. To celebrate the new game’s launch, and reflect on the original that inspired it, the minds behind Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Creative Director Tetsuya Nomura, Producer Yoshinori Kitase and Director Naoki Hamaguchi, took to the streets of Tokyo in a pair of Porsche 911s. One is the new 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, an excellent representation of Porsche’s ability to continue the longstanding legacy of the Porsche 911 to create an incredible luxury sports car. The other is the 1997 Porsche Carrera 4S, which is the same year that the original Final Fantasy VII was released. Like the Porsche 911, which was the result of a dream to create an unprecedented sports car, Final Fantasy VII pushed boundaries with the advent of 3D technology, which opened the doors for developers to create an entirely new artistic depiction of the fantasy world in which the game is set. Similarly, the opportunity to remake the game meant reimagining it with new technology, in a similar way that the current 911 captures the classic performance car charm of the original while adding groundbreaking engineering and performance capabilities to the mix. Together, the Porsche 911 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth represent two cultural icons in their respective fields, and both represent innovation, artistry, and the power of imagination. The minds behind both sought to create something that hadn’t been done before, and once they did it, the video game and automotive worlds alike changed. View All Porsche 911s For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 27, 2024

The Porsche Travel Experience Explores The Sights & Cultu...

Behind the wheel of a Porsche is a great way to experience Ireland. Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with verdant landscapes and centuries of rich history, and driving to the Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of the island is an incredible adventure. The experience features the breadth of some of Ireland’s greatest driving experiences, including some of the most iconic locations like the Slea Head Drive, part of the Wild Atlantic Highway. The Porsche Travel Experience brought this drive together and featured in it one of the greatest cars to do it in: the Porsche 911 Turbo. The unique travel experience combined the thrill of driving a Porsche with the incredible sights and cultural experiences of the Emerald Isle. The iconic and revered sports car boasted its powerful boxer engine and all-wheel drive to make for an exhilarating driving experience through one of the world’s most iconic and idyllic locations. The journey included time in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city, which combines rich traditions with modern art and lifestyle. The Nancy Hands pub and the legendary Guinness Brewery exemplified Dublin’s character for the Porsche Travel Experience. However, in a departure from what Ireland is typically known for, the tour also stopped at the Hazel Mountain Chocolate company, where a couple run the only bean-to-bar chocolate company in Ireland. Finally, the journey stopped at The Tweed Project, a place where artisans celebrate the rich heritage of Irish textiles, especially wool. There, designers create contemporary fashion, exclusively making garments using local Irish textiles. Throughout the tour, the Porsche Travel Experience in Ireland celebrated culture and history, and made for an incredible drive. Join The duPont REGISTRY Rally Club Image Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 27, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche x PUMA x LaMelo Ball 911 Turbo-Inspir...

From the racetrack to the basketball court, Porsche can truly do it all. Dominating on practically every surface, whether it be snow, dirt, or tarmac, Porsche also aims to show its fashion expertise on the runway with its Porsche Design lifestyle branch. And while its fashion line perfectly embodies the luxury and craftsmanship that resembles its interior design, Porsche Design is hitting the basketball court with PUMA and NBA star LaMelo Ball. No stranger to the world of exclusive, high-performance cars, Ball has been seen leaving the Charlotte Hornets' arena in his Ferrari SF90, Hummer EV, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The all-new PUMA x Porsche Basketball Collection pays homage to the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo and Indiana's involvement in automotive history. This release features racing-inspired graphics with yellow and black color themes, commemorating some of the most iconic shades featured on collector-grade examples like the 930 Porsche 911 Tubro. In addition to stylish hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts, and accessories, the star of the stage is a special edition pair of LaMelo Ball's signature basketball sneaker, the MB.03 game shoe. So whether you're trying to stand out on game day or race day, shop all the fuel-driven styles from Porsche Design x PUMA x LaMelo Ball by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design x PUMA x LaMelo Ball Collection Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 23, 2024

Porsche x Delta Airlines Re-Launch Its Luxury Chauffeur S...

That's right, Porsche will pick you up in a 911 GT3 RS! Last year, Delta Airlines passengers flying into its Atlanta hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were shocked to see a $2 million Porsche 918 Spyder on the runway sporting 'Delta' logos. The supercar chauffeur came thanks to an initiative promoting the partnership between the two industry giants, giving select Delta Airlines members a courtesy ride from the tarmac. Now with a new fleet of track-focused sports cars, Porsche and Delta are proud to re-launch the program with the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS. For the specially selected passengers who wish to take the quicker route from the terminal, they will be offered the front seat into Porsche's most powerful and sophisticated GT3 RS to date. Porsche USA recently teased the fuel-driven opportunity on its Instagram page, showcasing a race-ready, Guards Red Porsche 911 GT3 RS at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport awaiting its next companion. The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS perfectly embodies the fusion of F1 inspiration with Porsche's iconic design. Its aerodynamic profile is drawn directly from the racetrack to the road. The heart of the GT3 RS is its naturally aspirated engine, a powerhouse of precision and speed, delivering 502 horsepower to its rear wheels. that highlight its capability for rapid acceleration and nimble handling. So next time you fly into Atlanta on Delta Airlines, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for a bright red Porsche 911 GT3 RS on the runway. View all Porsche 911 GT3 RS examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche USA (@porscheusa) Source: Porsche USA

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 22, 2024

Aimé Leon Dore Teases Its Spring/Summer '24 Drop With A P...

From the racetrack to the fashion runway, Porsche truly does it all! When you think of classic Porsche culture and the lifestyle synonymous with timeless sports cars, fashion often tends to play a crucial role with inspiration from automotive legendary cars like the 911. If there is one brand that directly lines up with Porsche and its historic involvement as a style icon it is Aimé Leon Dore, a Queens, New York-based fashion brand that has since taken the world by storm with founder Teddy Santis at the wheel. Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore have proved their popularity within the high-end streetwear world having released two instantly sold-out collections since their first collaboration in 2021. Today, Aimé Leon Dore took to its Instagram page to tease its upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 Collection with a shot of a classic leather jacket sporting a huge Porsche crest. The upcoming collection release from Aimé Leon Dore showcases a diverse lineup that features a few pieces with motorsport inspiration, whether it be a short-cut motorcycle jacket or racing jersey. With sneak peek photos proving that it won't be a full Porsche-themed drop, you can almost guarantee there will be a mad dash for the leather Porsche crest jacket. The all-new Aimé Leon Dore Spring/Summer 2024 Collection will be available online and in-store tomorrow at 11 AM EST. Shop all of the current Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche Collections by clicking the link below. Shop Aimé Leon Dore x Porsche View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aimé Leon Dore (@aimeleondore) Source: Aimé Leon Dore Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2024

An Electrifying Debut: Sacrilege Motors Set To Shine at M...

In the automotive world, innovation and tradition drive the road ahead. Sacrilege Motors, known for its bespoke performance, has recently turned heads with an invitation to ModaMiami, the exclusive event hosted within the Biltmore Estate's lush private golf club. ModaMiami promises car enthusiasts and collectors the perfect blend of luxury and automotive passion. Phil Wagenheim and Bobby Singh, the dynamic duo behind Sacrilege Motors, have been making waves in the industry since their debut on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours. Their latest creation? A reimagined 1992 Porsche 911 America Roadster, dubbed "Blackbird" in homage to the iconic SR-71 aircraft. This build is both a restored classic and a statement of what's possible when you blend classic aesthetics with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology. Limited to 250 units, this U.S. version of the Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet Turbo-look is set to electrify the audience at its Florida unveiling. The excitement surrounding ModaMiami is undeniable, especially for Wagenheim, a University of Miami alumini. The fuel-driven event is quickly setting a new standard for collector car showcases, rivaling the country's most prestigious concours. For Sacrilege Motors, it's a mission to preserve the quintessential Porsche experience while driving it into the future with EV innovation. As the automotive world evolves, Sacrilege Motors stands at the forefront, merging the past with the future. Buy ModaMiami Tickets Here Source: Sacrilege Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 20, 2024

Porsche Adds Two New E-Hybrid Models To Its Panamera Lineup

Porsche expands its hybrid lineup with luxury and performance. The new Porsche Panamera, after over a decade since it was first introduced, is an excellent combination of a luxury sedan, and a thrilling performance car with a character that only Porsche knows how to create. With hybrid technology, Porsche imbued the new Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid with incredible electrified performance, and a new announcement has revealed that Porsche is expanding its lineup of Panamera hybrids for the new generation, announcing the new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and the Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. The new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid combines a 2.9-liter V6 with a hybrid system to produce 463 horsepower, getting from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. Meanwhile, the 4S E-Hybrid has 536 horsepower, getting from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and climbing to 180 mph. While their performance might be slightly different, both models boast the luxury and performance character that has made the Panamera an iconic luxury performance machine. The new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $115,500, and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid starts at $126,800. Both models will be available to order at the end of March, with arrivals at U.S. Porsche dealers set to begin in the fall of this year. View All Porsche Panameras For Sale Image Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 20, 2024

RARE Paint-to-Sample Speedster Blue 2004 Porsche Carrera ...

The Porsche Carrera GT stands out as a true icon in the automotive world, showcasing profound influence on both the Porsche brand and the realm of high-performance supercars and hypercars. With its groundbreaking engineering and breathtaking design that continues to skyrocket in value alongside other famous Porsche models, the Carrera GT quickly tranformed from a supercar with a $440K MSRP into a multi-million dollar collector piece. As the market for Porsche's most celebrated supercar continues to make its uprise in popularity, rarity, and value, finding the perfect Carrera GT to add to your garage is becoming increasingly harder. The supercar specialists at Chicago Motor Cars are pleased to showcase this one-of-a-kind 2004 Porsche Carrera GT as part of its ever-growing inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY. The Carrera GT's low and sleek profile is accentuated by a stunning paint-to-sample Speedster Blue exterior finish, courtesy of the bespoke professionals at the Porsche factory in Stuggart. Along with a distinctive rear wing that automatically deploys at high speeds for stability and performance, the Carrera GT's signature side inlets and large air ducts highlight its racing heritage. Its iconic design comes complete with a set of lightweight centerlock wheels, giving the Carrera GT an unmistakable presence on any road or track. The interior of the Porsche Carrera GT is a nod to its driver-focused DNA, offering a perfect blend of racing spirit and luxury. The cockpit is hand-crafted with Dark Grey leather and carbon fiber accents that emphasize its lightweight look and feel. The bucket seats, inspired by Porsche race car ergonomics, offer superb support and comfort, ensuring the driver remains firmly in control during high-speed straights and tight corners. The Porsche Carrera GT is powered by a remarkable 5.7L V10 engine, delivering an impressive 612 horsepower. The powertrain enables the Carrera GT to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just under 3.9 seconds and reach top speeds of around 205 mph. The engine's distinctive, high-revving character offers a symphony of automotive sound, resonating with the heritage of Porsche’s racing lineage. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission that provides precise and engaging gear shifts, the Carrera GT's powertrain embodies Porsche's commitment to pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. This immaculate 2004 Porsche Carrera GT from Chicago Motor Cars is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

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