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 – September 17, 2021

Porsche Re-Creates An Iconic Ski Jump With The All-Electr...

Always taking that one extra step: Porsche has restaged the iconic photo of the 356 B model. As Porsche continues to celebrate its historic past, the German automotive brand is tapping into its archives of monumental moments to recreate its original setting with modern chassis. The newest project featuring two-time Olympic ski champion Aksel Lund Svindal stages an ionic photograph of Egon Zimmermann’s jump over a Porsche 356 B model. The scene takes place after the Flexen Pass near the Austrian ski resort of Zürs. Standing in place of the famous Porsche 356 is the Taycan, the brand’s first all-electric sports car. The photograph embodies the bridge between the past and future of Porsche as a brand in the automotive industry. The Porsche Museum will design two high-grade prints that will be available as a set on the Porsche Online Shop at the end of 2021. The 400th issue of the company magazine Christophorus, which will be published in September, is also devoted to the Porsche Jump. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more release information on The Porsche Jump print set. View all Porsche Taycan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Media/Information Source: Porsche

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2021

2022 Porsche Taycan Gets More Colors and Technology

The new Taycan can be personalized more than ever before. The new 2022 Porsche Taycan is coming into the world with more options than before and that's great news for customers. With the new Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus options, the new Taycan will now be seen in a wide range of colors never before featured on the electric car. This includes colors like Moonlight Blue Metallic, Acid Green, Rubystar, Riviera Blue and Viola Metallic. Porsche has also included some new tech, including the Turbo Charging Planner, optional Remote Park Assist and Android Auto. Be on the lookout for some beautifully-colored new Taycans to come into the world in the near future. Taycans For Sale Source: Porsche, Porsche Newsroom

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 07, 2021

Marcus Armitage Wins The 2021 Porsche European Open

A tournament filled with drives, putts, and Porsches. Throughout the professional golf season, we have seen manufacturers sponsoring events with competitors arriving at the course in some of the most exclusive models. Porsche knows this all too well, especially after wrapping up the 2021 Porsche European Open. The tournament concluded with Marcus Armitage winning with a score of eight under par. Throughout the weekend Porsche models like the Taycan Turbo S were placed throughout the landscape for all to enjoy. The highlight of the Porsche European Open sat on the 17th in the form of an all-new Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo presented in a vibrant green paint color. Proudly presented on the “Hole-in-One Prize” podium, each professional took a shot at the par 3 hole in hopes of winning Porsche’s newest model. Porsche continues to diversify its adventures by incorporating its versatile lineup of performance vehicles in all areas of sport and lifestyle. Keep your eyes peeled for more Porsche appearances throughout the professional golf season. View All Porsche Taycan For Sale Porsche For more Porsche news, Check out The Top Discovered on dR This Week

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2021

Porsche Taycan Electrifies Sydney Harbour

High voltage luxury arrives down under Australia's power grid is more efficient than the U.S. Cars of from Porsche or Audi can be recharged at any Electrify America station, or any public EV charger. But our grid vibrates at 60hz thanks to Nikola Tesla. Australia's grid buzzes at 50hz, in keeping with Europe. This took a little more time to build a chargine infrastrucure since all the parts need to come from Germany. You wont need to recharge as much, because Bill Nye explained Taycan's regen braking. In a press release this morning, we're happy to announce that all Taycan models are available down under. While it might be a tad early to cross the outback, the East Coast abounds with charge points. Tell us which Taycan you would choose for an Australian vacation and click the button to experience one for yourself. Shop Porsche Taycan

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

Porsche Taycan Regenerative Braking Explained by Bill Nye

Science ride from the Science Guy Professor Nye has a hot line to our cerebral cortex. It is there that we recall his lessons from our youth, making sense of electromagnetism. Well Porsche saw fit for him to reprise his role, and their latest upload explains the incredible brakes of the Taycan. The brakes on your car transform speed into heat and dust. Not only does this waste all of your kinetic energy, it also makes your wheels filthy. Almost every electric car has an inverter that is capable of turning the electric motors into generators. This (AC/DC) box normally puts a load of 80 kw on the wheels, but Porsche saw fit to offer 265 kW of stopping power. Tapping the brake pedal puts 355 horsepower back into the motors, charging the batteries in the process. Your car can't do this, and its just one of thousands of details that make the Taycan the only logical choice. Click the button to find out more. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2021

Bill Nye The Science Guy Explains the Porsche Taycan

Learn about Porsche's electric powerhouse from the Science Guy himself. Many have learned about the world from Bill Nye The Science Guy whether it be in school, on television or on YouTube videos. Now, you can learn all about the all-new Porsche Taycan from Bill Nye thanks to a new YouTube series from Porsche. In this new series, he goes over some of the most intriguing aspects of the Taycan that people really don't understand. This includes how the Taycan utilizes its energy, how regenerative braking works and even its two-speed transmission. In total, there are five videos in the series, each one being worth the watch. Check them all out by scrolling below. If you're looking to add a Taycan to your collection, be sure to click the button to see what's currently available for sale. See All Taycans For Sale " width="680"> " width="680"> " width="680"> " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2021

Porsche & Shell Announce New Taycan Fast Chargers in Mala...

Southeast Asia is about to get a High-Voltage direct investment Here in the U.S. Porsche's charging network is centered around their "Electrify America" network. However, those in different corners of the world want to enjoy the Taycan also. That's why Porsche and Shell have announced new Taycan fast chargers in Malaysia and Singapore. This new collaboration will see six Shell stations add the ability to charge two cars at 90 kW each. Take a moment to browse the best Taycans we have for sale today before the story moves on! If only one car is on the hook it can take 175 kW. This quick splash is the same hardware that is offered at every Porsche/Audi dealer, and it forms the backbone that allows owners to travel from Porsche Center Penang to Singapore without fear of running the battery low. In case you haven't looked chargers are everywhere these days. So click the button to learn more from our dealers and tell us where you would drive your Taycan in the comments below. Browse Porsche Taycan For Sale Images (C) Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – April 05, 2021

Mark Webber's Taycan Isn't Afraid of Rain

Noosa is just outside Queensland, and it is a beacon for tourists thanks to great weather and scenic beaches. But the coast is packed with tourists, which prompted Porsche's Brand Ambassador to head into the mountains. Built to be practical and stylish, it is capable of cruising in any weather, and it isn't afraid of rain. With a range of 373 miles, you will have the ability to clear your head in 2.4 seconds. That's all you need to reach 60 mph, and it makes the Taycan one of the fastest cars in production. Choosing between the sedan and the CrossTurismo could be a hard task, so click the button to learn more about them, and stay with us for all your Taycan updates. View Mark Webber's Road Trip

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2021

Porsche Shows How Impactful Updates For Electric Cars Can Be

Porsche is proving how meaningful and impactful updates to electric cars can be with their latest announcement. Porsche has just announced a very comprehensive software update for the model year 2020 Taycan and it includes quite a few enhancements that were introduced in the M/Y 2021 Taycan variants. The update includes a more in-depth navigation system, simplified charging station search, the ability to pre-select state of charge during DC fast charging, the ability to reduce the maximum DC charging power, wireless Apple CarPlay, and ambient lighting that can change color depending on the music currently playing. While these updates may not seem like a lot to some, they really are quite impactful. The charging updates will give owners more control over how their car charges, optimizing the battery's service life and performance, as well as making charging easier. If you use Apple CarPlay, you know how big of a deal making the feature wireless is. With both functional and quality-of-life changes, these updates really make a difference. It's nice to see Porsche showing previous model years of the Taycan love and updating them with newfound features. If you'd like to purchase one for yourself, be sure to click the button below. See All Taycans For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2021

Fast Financials: Porsche is Unstoppable

Normal automakers are cooking up dozens of excuses for their 2020 performance, but Porsche is unstoppable. Driven by the incredible 992-series 911 and the Taycan's popularity, the value of the brand surpassed 2019's numbers by $119 million dollars. This puts a total value at $34 billion, and it justifies Porsche as being the cornerstone of the VW empire. “The financial year 2020 was successful for Porsche – despite challenging circumstances,”- Chairman Oliver Blume Deliveries of 272,000 cars was only down 3% despite being shutdown during the outbreak. They saw a 14.6% return on sales to yield an operating profit of 4.99 billion. With more than 20,000 Taycans delivered, Porsche has opened a door to electric car enthusiasts who would have never considered the brand before. Covid forced all automakers into a precarious situation, but Porsche saw it as an opportunity to trim some fat. Without losing any of their 36,000 employees, they eliminated waste by improving logistics and cancelling corporate expenditures that no longer made sense. Every worker received a Christmas bonus of $9,332 for helping make that a reality. "Profitability Programme 2025" is a plan to grow the business by 11.8 billion over the next four years, and you will see it happen here. Stay with us for all your industry insights. Browse Porsche For Sale Images (C) Porsche A.G.

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