Porsche is reportedly developing a new supercar equipped with an eight-cylinder boxer engine, a configuration the brand has not used since the legendary 917 prototype. This development comes after more than a decade without a dedicated flagship model, with the last one being the 918 Spyder, produced 11 years ago.
The German publication Handelsblatt reported that Porsche CEO Michael Leiters will present details of this new vehicle during the Capital Markets Day, scheduled for October 7. The project, internally nicknamed Porsche S1, is part of the company's strategy to focus on combustion models for its most exclusive editions, catering to its audience's preference for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Although the project may incorporate elements of the Porsche 911, it is expected to be an exclusive vehicle. The recent sale of Porsche's stake in Bugatti injected about one billion euros in cash into Stuttgart, but the company still has priority expenses.
McLaren alters its logo with historical references
McLaren has made a change to its typography design, drawing inspiration from the origins of Bruce McLaren. The new lettering used on the cars is derived from the facade of the gas station owned by Bruce's family in Auckland, New Zealand. This location was the starting point for the first modifications made by Bruce McLaren to his 1929 Austin Seven, culminating in his first victory at Muriwai Beach.
This new font, named 'McLaren Sans', was previously displayed on the McL 6GT supercar during Monterey Car Week in California. Recently, McLaren changed the inscription on the rear of the vehicle, replacing 'McL 6GT' with just 'McL'. The manufacturer clarified that other iconic symbols remain in use, such as the Speedy kiwi bird, originating from the first shield designed by Bruce, and the Speedmark, the inverted 'C' emblem.
McLaren also emphasized the importance of its traditional colors—orange, chosen by the founder to make the cars stand out on the track, as well as blue, red, beige, and black. This change reflects a new phase for the brand, marked by contrasts: while the McL 6GT features a naturally aspirated V8 with a manual gearbox, the company is preparing an SUV to compete with models like the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue, aiming for broader appeal.
Rare MCA Centenaire supercar to be auctioned
The MCA Centenaire, a remarkably rare supercar, will be offered at auction by Broad Arrow Auctions. Conceived in the late 1980s by Italian Fulvio-Maria Ballabio, a former Formula 2 and CART driver, the vehicle featured the work of specialists such as Carlo Chito, an engineer with experience at Ferrari and Autodelta, and Pierluigi Corbari, former sporting director of Alfa Romeo.
Its innovation lay in the carbon fiber monocoque, often cited as the first street car to employ such construction. The engine was a 5.2-liter V12, taken from the Lamborghini Countach 5000QV, which generated 455 hp transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed ZF manual gearbox. Only five examples were produced between 1990 and 1992, and the car in question is the first.
Additionally, the MCA Centenaire was the first supercar manufactured in Monaco, and its name honors the centenary of the principality's Automobile Club. The car will participate in the 2026 edition of the Zoute Concours Auction, which will take place in Belgium on October 9, with an estimated valuation between 900,000 and 1.2 million euros.
In another piece of news, Dodge has asked owners of 345 units of the Demon 170 to suspend the use of the cars. The manufacturer identified a specific batch of defective crankshaft dampers in these units, representing over 10% of the total production of 3,300. According to Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO, the problem can start with abnormal noises and, if ignored, lead to a 'catastrophic engine failure.'
Dodge is arranging for the component replacement and will cover transportation costs for the repair. Interestingly, this action is being treated as a Customer Service Notice rather than a formal recall.
