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 – December 13, 2023

The First U.S. Production RUF SCR Supercar Imported by RU...

As the official importer and headquarters for the region, RUF North America assists clients in bringing in their new orders to the US through our HQ which also holds our showroom with active inventory and configuration lounge. The delivery program entails an experience like no other where the team takes the customer on the track with their own RUF vehicle to test the car and learn its limits. Thanks to its partnership with The Concours Club, RUF North America has its showroom in a state-of-the-art facility located within the club grounds to help provide clients with the experience they deserve. With the 2.5-mile race track right in its backyard, the RUF North America showroom is perfectly located to showcase these vehicles in the best environment. This SCR is the first of 70 SCRs that will be made and is the second model developed on our carbon monocoque chassis. Powered by our 510 horsepower, water-cooled 4.0-liter flat-six mated to RUF Automobile's own six-speed transmission, this is only the second of its kind. Launched with the CTR Anniversary, RUF’s new carbon monocoque platform is the future of our company as a manufacturer and a remarkable piece of automotive engineering history. RUF is the only vehicle manufacturer making a carbon monocoque chassis with a rear engine and manual transmission. Weighing only 2,866 lbs, the power-to-weight ratio is sensational on the RUF SCR providing an incredibly emotional driving experience. Thanks to the design of its own chassis, RUF developed it to have dual wishbone pushrod suspension both in the front and in the rear as well. While still paying homage to the iconic design everyone knows and loves, the RUF SCR is still a modern take on an iconic line. With proportions that still resemble that of an aircooled car, the size of the vehicle is still small making it nimble and lightweight. This example is finished in Ivory over black and grey Alcantara. Equipped with RUF's lightweight wheel that has a split-spoke design, the elegant yet sporty spec continues its motorsport orientation on the inside. This SCR has iconic carbon lollipop bucket seats with pepita inserts and on the door cards, can be seen to have exposed carbon paneling with lightweight pull tabs. Throughout the cabin, the interior has red stitching and red RUF SCR logos inside which matches the red calipers and red RUF logos on the centerlock caps. Now that SCR safely made it to the hands of RUF North America, we can't wait to see it on roads and tracks in the future. Discover the SCR, and the entire collection of supercars from RUF North America by clicking the link below. Discover RUF North America Source: RUF North America/Esteban Larranaga (Photos)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2023

Watch This Porsche 911 Set A New Altitude World Record

Racing driver Romain Dumas sets a new world altitude record in a Porsche 911 powered by eFuels on the Ojos del Salado volcano. On December 2nd, Romain Dumas, a celebrated three-time Le Mans champion, achieved a groundbreaking feat by setting a new world record for the highest altitude reached by a vehicle. Piloting a significantly modified Porsche 911 running on eFuels, Dumas ascended the west ridge of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile, marking a historic moment in automotive exploration. The challenging expedition was backed by an international team from various countries, including Chile, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. The team, facing extreme conditions of thin air at high altitudes and freezing temperatures, supported Dumas in his remarkable journey to the peak. Shortly after his descent, Dumas expressed his awe at driving in such uncharted territory, pushing the 911 to heights no other earthbound vehicle had reached before. The successful climb was a proud achievement for the entire team, made possible by the collective effort and belief of various partners. The expedition showcased the prowess of two specially modified Porsche 911 models, named “Doris” and “Edith,” with Dumas achieving the record in “Edith.” These cars, based on the current 911 Carrera 4S, were equipped with portal axles for increased ground clearance, Aramid fiber underbody protection, and carbon fiber seats. Notably, “Edith” featured a steer-by-wire system from Schaeffler Group, enhancing precision on challenging terrain. This achievement sets a new benchmark in automotive exploration while demonstrating the potential of eFuels in extreme conditions. The eFuels used in the Porsche 911 were produced at the HIF pilot plant “Haru Oni” in Punta Arenas, a project initiated by Porsche. This expedition to Ojos del Salado, surpassing the previous record set in 2020 and going beyond the altitude of Mont Blanc, showcases Porsche's pioneering spirit in both technology and adventure. View all Porsche 911 models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 06, 2023

Mattel Creations x Daniel Arsham Debut A Limited Edition ...

Mattel Creations is expanding its creative horizons with an extraordinary, fuel-driven collaboration with contemporary American artist Daniel Arsham. The partnership reimagines a selection of eight 1:64-scale Hot Wheels models and accessories, blending the worlds of art, iconic toys, and collectible cars. Arsham, known for his exploration of fictional archaeology and future history through various art mediums, brings his distinct vision to the Hot Wheels universe. The collaboration features limited edition releases across four "Laps," starting with crystalized, eroded versions of Hot Wheels' famous Rodger Dodger and a Porsche 930 Turbo. The debut, titled "Lap One," will be showcased at a public event in New York City and later on the Mattel Creations website, adding exclusivity and anticipation to the releases. This two-year project between Arsham Studio and Mattel Creations design team marries Arsham's innovative use of materials with the timeless appeal of iconic Hot Wheels models. For "Lap One," the Rodger Dodger, a modified 1973 Dodge Charger SE, and the Porsche 930 Turbo, a favorite of Arsham, are the chosen models. The collaboration also introduces the Eroded Super Rally Case, inspired by the original 1968 Hot Wheels Rally Case, enhancing the collectible nature of the series. One of the collaboration's groundbreaking aspects is the use of Silkstone, a porcelain-like composite, to capture Arsham's signature eroded details at a miniature scale. This choice marks the first time Silkstone has been used for 1:64-scale Hot Wheels models, making it a historic moment in toy and art fusion. Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel, highlights this partnership as a blend of legends, offering fans a unique collection that transcends the boundaries of toys and art. The Mattel Creations and Daniel Arsham collaboration is set to captivate both Hot Wheels enthusiasts and art collectors, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved toy car brand while showcasing Arsham's artistic expertise. Shop all of the automotive-inspired collectibles from Mattel by clicking the link below. Shop All Hot Wheels Toys Source: Mattel

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 04, 2023

Porsche's Leipzig Plant Celebrates Its Two-Millionth Vehi...

Porsche's manufacturing facility in Saxony, Germany reached a significant production milestone today with the two-millionth vehicle, a Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid in Madeira Gold Metallic, rolling off its Leipzig assembly line. Destined for a customer in Dubai, this landmark vehicle highlights the success and growth of the Leipzig facility, especially with the Panamera model line since 2009. Gerd Rupp, Chairman of the Management Board of Porsche Leipzig GmbH, highlights the intertwined growth stories of the Leipzig location and the Panamera. The expansion of the facility in 2013 to include a body construction plant and paint shop, transforming it into a full factory, marked a significant shift for Porsche, allowing complete in-house production. Today, the Leipzig factory stands as a crucial financial driver and employer in Central Germany, boasting over 4,400 employees. The team's dedication has been key in overcoming various challenges and driving the facility's success. Underlining Porsche's dedication to innovation, the Leipzig site has evolved into an electromobility hub, capable of manufacturing vehicles with combustion, electric, and hybrid powertrains on a single line. Recognized for its 'smart factory' approaches, the Leipzig plant has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious Factory of the Year award for 2023. Focusing on intelligent, digital, and connected manufacturing processes, the facility is also committed to sustainability, aspiring towards a Zero Impact Factory vision. Its responsibility in sustainability and efficiency is reflected in the Platinum rating from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and the Lean & Green Management Award 2021. The production of the two-millionth vehicle marks a manufacturing achievement while also symbolizing Porsche's ongoing dedication to technological advancement, sustainable practices, and economic growth in the automotive industry. View all Porsche Panamera models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Panamera For Sale Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 04, 2023

Porsche Motorsport Sets Sights High For The 2024 Season

Porsche Motorsport is gearing up for a triumphant 2024, setting its sights on winning titles across the globe’s largest endurance championships, Le Mans, and various esports series. Announced during the “Night of Champions” gala at the Weissach development center, Porsche’s extensive and ambitious program for the coming year was revealed, highlighting the brand's commitment to motorsport excellence. In 2024, the soul of Porsche Motorsport's attention will focus on the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, along with the ESL R1 sim racing competition with the Porsche factory team Coanda Esports Racing Team. The FIA WEC and IMSA series will see a driver lineup shift for the Porsche 963 hybrid prototype. Dane Cameron and Matt Campbell will swap cockpits, joining forces with their respective teams to chase victories in North America, Le Mans, and the FIA WEC. In Formula E, Porsche aims to build on its successful 2023 season with the Porsche 99X Electric Gen3, targeting the championship title. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and customer team Avalanche Andretti, featuring reigning world champion Jake Dennis, will compete in a record 17 races in the 2024 season. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport will continue its extensive customer racing activities, supporting partner teams in the world’s most important GT series. The introduction of GT3 vehicles in the FIA WEC and the legendary 24-hour races at Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps highlights Porsche’s commitment to GT racing. Alessandro Ghiretti, the new Porsche Junior, was also introduced, alongside Nicolas Leutwiler, who was honored as the best amateur driver of 2023 with the Porsche Cup. Porsche Motorsport’s extensive racing program for 2024 reflects its relentless dedication to motorsport, combining top-tier factory race cars with robust customer racing and esports initiatives. View all current Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 01, 2023

Rainer Schlegelmilch’s New "Porsche Racing Moments" Celeb...

See Porsche's incredible racing history through the lens of Ranier Schlegelmilch. Rainer W. Schlegelmilch's name resonates with an unmistakable echo in the world of motorsports photography, particularly when it comes to capturing the essence of Porsche racing. His latest work, a visually stunning photo book, offers an intimate 25-year journey into the heart of Porsche's racing history, showcasing a blend of speed, design, and passion. Schlegelmilch's journey began at the Nürburgring in 1962, igniting a lifelong dedication to motorsports and Porsche. This book, spanning from 1963 to 1988, is both a curation of photographs and a narrative of evolution, capturing the essence of the track, the raw conversations of drivers, the hard work of mechanics, and, most importantly, the revolutionary designs of Porsche racing cars. The collection highlights iconic models like the 550, 718, RS, RSK, 907, 908, and the legendary 917 and 962, along with the timeless 911. Each model is brought to life through Schlegelmilch's unique zoom technique, transforming the cars' motion into a vibrant, almost tangible experience. The images, whether in striking black and white or vivid color, convey the speed and spirit of these engineering marvels. But this book delves deeper than the cars. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the real world of racing. The nervous anticipation of teams, the intense discussions among drivers, the grease-stained hands of mechanics – all these elements are captured with a realism that transports the reader right to the heart of the action. The Collector's Edition, numbered and personally signed by Schlegelmilch himself, comprises copies 201 to 962, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts and collectors. Additionally, two exclusive Art Editions, featuring original prints signed by the photographer, offer an even more immersive experience into this captivating world. This book is a must-have not only for Porsche aficionados but also for anyone who appreciates the art of photography and the thrill of racing. It speaks to the enduring legacy of Porsche in the racing world and a tribute to the genius of Rainer W. Schlegelmilch, whose lens has so eloquently captured the essence of speed, design, and the raw beauty of motorsports. In a world where racing and automotive design evolve rapidly, this book stands as a timeless reminder of the glory and history of Porsche racing. It's an invitation to explore a rich legacy, a journey through time, and a celebration of the passion that drives the world of motorsports. The essence of Porsche's racing saga, as seen through Schlegelmilch's lens, is a narrative not just of cars and races, but of emotion, innovation, and an undying passion for speed. Buy The Book Image Source: Taschen

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 30, 2023

Porsche And Dua Lipa Tease A New Partnership

Two icons come together for an exciting announcement. Dua Lipa is known for her illustrious career as a pop star, boasting an arsenal of retro-inspired hits and dazzling videos and performances. With its 75-year history, Porsche has a similar appeal, with cars inspired by classic design, craftsmanship, and irresistible charm which also combine modern innovation and excellence. As two household names in their respective fields, Porsche and Dua Lipa are announcing an upcoming partnership, and the automotive world and fans of the songstress alike are coming together for a new partnership. Announced on Instagram, Dua Lipa is shown behind the wheel of classic and modern Porsches, like the legendary 911 and the futuristic all-electric Taycan, asking fans to “keep your eyes peeled for what’s to come in the future…” In addition, the Instagram account for the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles is mentioned in the post’s caption. Whatever this new partnership between Dua Lipa and Porsche is slated to be, it represents the convergence of two names with formidable star power, whether it be in the music industry or the automotive industry. Fans of Dua Lipa and Porsche alike should be excited about the potential of what the two can do together. View All Porsches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 29, 2023

Icons Of Porsche Brought Over 27,000 Fans To Dubai

The incredible event featured showcases of the new Panamera and a Sonderwunsch bespoke 911 Turbo. The Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai recently concluded, marking a significant milestone in the automotive world. This annual event, known for showcasing the legacy and innovation of Porsche, attracted over 27,000 fans, making it a grand celebration of the brand’s 75 years of sports car excellence and 60 years of the iconic 911 model. The festival, set against the backdrop of the Dubai Design District, was a celebration of the cultural phenomenon that is Porsche, blending the love for classic and modern cars with arts and culture. This year's highlight was the first public display of the new Panamera, a model that continues Porsche's legacy of combining luxury with performance. Additionally, the unveiling of a special 911 Turbo Sonderwunsch, a bespoke model paying homage to the first 911 Turbo, captivated the audience. This unique vehicle is a testament to Porsche's dedication to customization and heritage and the abilities of its Sonderwunsch bespoke program, showcasing the brand's ability to blend modern engineering with classic and unique designs. Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, emphasized the festival's importance as a celebration of the Porsche community's passion and strength in the region. The event's success, he noted, was a result of the collective effort of Porsche owners and enthusiasts who shared their cherished sports cars with the audience. Their participation brought to life the spirit of Porsche, making the event a memorable experience for everyone involved. The festival also marked the regional debuts of the 718 Spyder RS and the Vision 357 Speedster concept, alongside the all-electric Mission X hypercar concept. These models highlight Porsche's commitment to innovation and its vision for the future of sports cars. Additionally, the event featured a diverse display of vehicles from the Porsche Museum collection, including a 911 S/T, across eight zones. Each zone, from the 60 Years of 911 to the Porsche Museum heritage truck, offered a unique insight into Porsche's rich history and future directions. One of the most eye-catching features of the event was a giant inflatable 911 that entered the Guinness World Record books as the 'largest inflatable vehicle'. Towering over the Dubai Design District, this bright red sports car replica, based on the first-generation 911, was visible from miles away, symbolizing Porsche's significant impact on the automotive landscape. In addition to these displays, the festival also celebrated the history of the 911 Turbo through a bespoke project. A one-off 911 Turbo, remastered via the Sonderwunsch personalisation program, was revealed, drawing inspiration from the “911 Turbo Nr. 1” commissioned for Louise Piëch, daughter of Ferdinand Porsche. The original car, with its narrow-chassis 911 Carrera body and distinctive large Turbo rear wing, served as inspiration for a modern interpretation of a classic, blending historical significance with contemporary craftsmanship. The Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai stands as a testament to the brand's enduring appeal and its continuous evolution. It not only celebrated the past but also looked forward to the future of sports cars, underlining Porsche's position as a titan in the automotive industry. View All Porsches For Sale Image Source: Porsche

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2023

Bill Gates' Porsche 959

The annual Forbes 400 was released Sept. 16, offering to the world a list of America's wealthiest individuals. This year's list has a combined wealth of $2 trillion, an increase from last year's $1.7 trillion and the highest combined wealth in the history of the list. Sitting at the top, Bill Gates has yet again been crowned America's wealthiest with a net worth of $72 billion. Gates, the 57-year-old behind Microsoft, has a long history of wealth, charity and, surprisingly, Porsches. Bill Gates Porsche 959 in silver is one rare beauty. Gates first purchased a Porsche 911 Turbo in 1979 and rumor has it that he was pulled over quite a few times in the blue sports car. This 911 has since been auctioned off for $80,000. However, we aren't here to talk about a 911, but instead, a car that proved Porsche was capable of much more than an air-cooled 911: the Gates 959. And it was this car that Gates fought for years. Image Source: Porsche (left), Microsoft (right) The Porsche 959 was the most impressive car to come out of the German automaker's doors, and quite possibly the greatest car of the 80's. This twin-turbo supercar came equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, instead of the normal 5-speed. It was capable of completing a 0 to 60 run in just 3 seconds and hit upwards of 195 mph for its top speed. These are incredible numbers, not only for a car released in 1986 but also for cars released nowadays. It’s no wonder Gates had such an affinity for this car. 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort (Darin Schnabel ©2020 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) While most Porsches can import quite easily from Europe to the USA, the 959 had complications abound, making it impossible for US citizens to get their hands on one of these supercars. One of the citizens was Gates, who ordered a 959 from Porsche, only to have it impounded at customs. The reasoning provided to justify the impounding was that the 959 had not yet cleared crash-testing requirements and did not meet EPA standards. Gates' German supercar sat idly by for over a decade. Porsche 959 interior (Darin Schnabel ©2020 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) With Gates anxious to get his hands on his Porsche 959, he worked together with others to get the "Show and Display" law passed. This law would allow privately imported vehicles to be exempt from the Federal Motor Safety Standards (FMVSS) if the car met a standard of "historical or technological significance." Another way for cars to be exempt from the FMVSS is if the model in question had less than 500 models produced. This was good news for Gates, as the Porsche 959 was only produced 337 times. Porsche 959 engine (Darin Schnabel ©2020 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) The passing of the "Show and Display" law allowed Gates to get his hands on his 959 and experience true Porsche power. He can even be seen today driving his car around occasionally, making sure he does not reach the annual mileage limitation of 2,500 on-road miles that came with the passing of the "Show and Display" law. Featured Image Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2023

TECHART Debuts Its New GTstreet R 'Art Car' at Manila Aut...

TECHART debuts the GTstreet R Cabriolet Art Car, featuring artwork by Ronald Ventura. At the Manila Auto Salon 2023, TECHART Automobildesign GmbH charmed an audience of automotive collectors and enthusiasts with the unveiling of a unique GTstreet R Art Car. TECHART, headquartered in Leonberg near Stuttgart, is renowned for setting global standards in Porsche customization. This year's Manila Auto Salon, held from November 16-19 at the SMX Convention Center, became the stage for TECHART's exceptional showcase of automotive art and design. The spotlight was on the TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet, a model based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, decorated with contemporary artwork by the globally acclaimed Filipino multi-media artist Ronald Ventura. Following the success of the first GTstreet R Art Car revealed at last year's show, this year's GTstreet R Cabriolet Art Car features a stunning artwork by Ventura. Known for his intricate layering and distinct styles in paintings and sculptures, Ventura transformed the limited edition model into a moving canvas of expression. For those inspired by TECHART's vision, the brand offers a unique virtual experience. Enthusiasts and fans can visit www.techart.com/buildyourown to create their personalized TECHART individualized Porsche model in real-time 3D. This interactive platform allows users to engage with TECHART's world of customization, blending technology, art, and automotive excellence. The GTstreet R Cabriolet Art Car is not just a sports car but an example of TECHART's fusion between automotive performance and artistic innovation. Build Your Own TECHART Porsche Source: TECHART Automobildesign GmbH

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