Articles

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 Khris Bharath – September 02, 2025

Audi’s TT Successor Leak Points to a Radical New Flagship EV

A single leaked image was all it took to send Audi fans into speculation mode. Ahead of its debut at the 2025 IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Audi Canada yesterday briefly posted to Facebook, and then deleted, a shot of what appears to be a concept based around the brand’s next sports car. Now it begs the question: is this the long-rumored electric successor to the TT, which was discontinued over two years ago in 2023? When the original TT (Tourist Trophy) first hit the scene back in 1998, it shared its platform with the humble Mk4 Volkswagen Golf. What made the 1st Gen-TT special wasn’t raw performance but its minimalist Bauhaus-inspired design. Simple, geometric, and uncluttered, it became an instant icon and one of Audi’s most influential cars of all time. Fast forward to today, and Audi wants to recapture that impact. The new coupe, penned by design chief Massimo Frascella, carries the tagline “strive for clarity.” Frascella, fresh from Jaguar Land Rover, is tasked with resetting Audi’s entire design language. Looking at the leaked image of this concept, it appears that Audi is leaning heavily into its past. The side profile of this sleek mid-ship coupe recalls the 2000 Rosemeyer concept and the 1991 Avus, both Audi design studies that combined sharp geometry with motorsport cues. While the wide D-Pillar merging into the roof is a nod to the OG-TT, a break in the roof could suggest a Targa-style roof. The multi-spoke wheels give off Taycan-Mission E vibes. Audi’s teaser campaign has also highlighted the 1930s Auto Union Type C and D Silver Arrows. “The legends of yesterday are the blueprint for tomorrow,” Audi says, framing the concept as both evolutionary and revolutionary. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Audi (@audi) Now this isn’t an isolated Audi project, but one with serious intent. CEO Gernot Döllner says every new concept from now on will preview a real production model. That means this car isn’t just a one-off; it could eventually sit above the RS e-tron GT as Audi’s new halo coupe, potentially filling the void left by the retired R8. Ironically, an all-electric R8 e-Tron exists. This also appears to align with a report from Audi Club of North America, that the car is part of a program inside the Volkswagen Group, spanning several models. Alongside Audi’s coupe, there’s Porsche’s next-gen electric 718 Boxster and Cayman, and something for the VW Group’s Spanish-brand Cupra, and maybe a potential Scirocco comeback. The program, codenamed TT Evo, should give each brand a dedicated performance model, while sharing engineering costs and economies of scale. There’s a catch. Audi’s concept is likely based around the aforementioned Porsche 718 EV, which in itself hit a roadblock as Porsche’s chosen battery supplier, Northvolt, filed for bankruptcy last year. Its assembly partner, Valmet, was also reportedly bogged down by endless revisions, and insiders say the 718 EV’s launch has slipped from 2025 to at least 2026. That’s a problem because the outgoing combustion-powered 718 goes out of production in late 2025. If Porsche stumbles, Audi’s timeline could be pushed back as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴡɪʟᴄᴏ ʙʟᴏᴋ (@wilcoblok) Also, there’s still the question of whether buyers actually want an all-electric sports car. Porsche’s Taycan may have found an audience, but more among luxury EV adopters than hardcore enthusiasts. The Rimac Nevera’s slow sales show how little appetite there is for ultra-pricey EV exotics. Even Ferrari and Bugatti have hedged their risk with hybridized flagships rather than pure electrics. Sports car buyers are traditionalists, and a car like the 718 GTS 4.0 with its naturally aspirated flat-six and manual transmission is still celebrated as the “real” Porsche. Audi’s challenge will be to make an EV that delivers emotional and driver engagement, often missing in EVs. Engineers across the VW Group know this, which is why features like active suspension, advanced aerodynamics, and potentially simulated dynamics could all very well be on the table. Audi calls this moment “TT 2.0.” Some insiders believe it could even revive the quattro name, tying into Audi’s Formula 1 debut in 2026. But a 2027 or 2028 timeline is more realistic given Porsche’s delays. But for now, the leaked photo shows a coupe that looks far more production-ready than Audi would like to admit. Whatever it is, we’ll learn more when the Ingolstadt-based brand unveils its next design icon at 9:00 pm CEST, later today. View All Audis For Sale

A red sports car with gold rims is displayed indoors at the Petersen Automotive Museum. A sign in the background reads, "DOES YOUR CAR CONNECT YOU TO THE PAST?.

By Khris Bharath – August 29, 2025

Three Monterey Car Week Headliners Land at Petersen Autom...

If you missed this year’s action-packed Monterey Car Week, you now have a second chance to view and admire three of the Show Stoppers again. The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has just unveiled three headline-making supercars from the event, which will be on display for a limited period: Alfa Romeo’s brand-new 33 Stradale, the original Koenigsegg CC Prototype, and Gordon Murray’s S1 LM. Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale For those unaware, the modern-day Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, limited to 33 units worldwide. Some of these examples were destined to be EVs, but thankfully, all 33 examples ended up as gasoline-powered models, more specifically, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that packs 620 horsepower and can do 207 mph. But what makes the story interesting is Alfa’s attempt to capture the spirit of the Tipo 1967 33 Stradale, which is arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever made. If you’re wondering how it stacks up against competitors, think of it as Alfa’s answer to Ferrari’s Icona series or Lamborghini’s Invencible. Koenigsegg CC Prototype The next exhibit is something far rarer: the Koenigsegg CC Prototype. Built in 1996, this one-off laid the foundation for the Swedish hypercar brand that we know today. Its 4.7-liter supercharged V8 puts out 655 horsepower, which is still a significant figure today, but mighty impressive for the time. For some context, the Mighty McLaren F1 from the era, produces anywhere between 618 and 627 horsepower. It would become the fastest car in the world (240.1 mph) in 1998 with Andy Wallce at the wheel. Koenigsegg tested the CC Prototype, up in Sweden, then shipped it to the Paris Motor Show, where it surprised the established bunch. Christian Von Koenigsegg himself was particularly ecstatic to see it at the Quail this year. If you’re a fan of the Scandinavian automaker, this example will allow you to closely view some early features that would become signature Koënigsegg design details. This car is essentially the blueprint that launched a hypercar empire. Gordon Murray S1 LM Since we brought up the McLaren F1, the third exhibit is about Gordon Murray’s modern-day tribute to it, S1 LM. Designed as a track-ready homage to the McLaren F1 GTR, it features a naturally aspirated race-bred 4.3-liter V12 with 690 horsepower, and leans into the lightweight philosophy that Murray pioneered back in the day. Unlike the more civilized T.50, the S1 LM is a raw interpretation meant for purists. Only five will exist, all sold to a single buyer. If you’ve followed Murray’s work closely over the decades, you know this project is so much more than nostalgia and more about refinement after decades of lessons learned. We have a special feature in the works on the S1 LM touching on its highlights. But in the meantime, if you’re in the L.A. area, you should take the time out to check out these automotive heavyweights in person, while you still can, because the Petersen display isn’t permanent. Tickets are available at petersen.org/tickets. View All Supercars and Exotic Cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY Source: Petersen Automotive Museum

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 26, 2025

How To Buy: Porsche x Backdrop's PTS Paint Collection For...

Discover new home decor with Iconic colors from Porsche's history, now available in an exclusive collection with Backdrop.

A red sports car with white racing stripes and the number 01 is shown with a speed of 472.41 km/h displayed in large white text above it, celebrating BYD’s YangWang U9 Track Edition just hitting a new EV top-speed record.

By Khris Bharath – August 26, 2025

BYD’s YangWang U9 Track Edition Just Hit 472 km/h, Settin...

Demand for EVs has been in decline globally for over a year, and hybrids may be eating into sales; however, electric cars continue to push the boundaries of performance. Just yesterday, we covered Mercedes-AMG’s GT XX smashing endurance records at Nardò in Italy. We’ve got yet another EV grabbing the headlines today: BYD’s YangWang U9 Track Edition has set a new world top-speed record for electric vehicles, hitting 472.41 km/h (293.54 mph) at Papenburg’s massive 12.3-kilometer (7.64-mile) oval in Lower Saxony in Germany, where VBOX timing and on-board footage confirmed the 472.41 km/h top speed figure. " width="680"> This makes the U9 Track Edition the fastest road-legal EV in history, surpassing the Rimac Nevera, which previously held the fastest production EV crown at 412 km/h (256 mph) set in July this year. For some context of how some of the fastest gas-powered models compare, Bugatti’s 490.48 km/h (304.77 mph) Chiron Super Sport 300+ run record in 2019, with Andy Wallace at the wheel, took place at VW’s private Ehra-Lessien track, near the old East German border. Now, it is worth noting that the U9 is not faster than the absolute electric land-speed record holders, like the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3, a purpose-built all-electric streamliner, which has a 549 km/h (342 mph) record, set in 2016 on the salt flats of Bonneville in Utah. The difference is that such vehicles are one-off prototypes, and not road-legal hypercars. But coming back to the U9. Yangwang may not be a household name, but the automaker is the luxury arm of the Chinese brand, Build Your Dreams (BYD). For those unaware, BYD has already surpassed Tesla in global EV and plug-in hybrid sales, thanks to its vast model range and dominance in China. While Tesla sells fewer, higher-margin cars (still waiting on that new-age Roadster announced in 2017), BYD’s scale and vertical integration have already made it the world’s largest maker of electrified vehicles. The YangWang U9 (seen above) is BYD’s flagship hyper-EV under their luxury sub-brand. The Track Edition is a heavily reworked evolution of the standard U9 that features four 240-kW motors for a combined 1,287 horsepower. The Track Edition upgrades to four TZ240XYA motors, pushing out 3,019 horsepower, and runs on a 1,200-volt electrical architecture and upgraded cooling. It also packs track-focused hardware, including a carbon-fiber roof, a large fixed wing, adjustable diffuser blades, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in wide 325-section tires. Both versions employ BYD’s individual wheel drive and the viral DiSus-X active suspension that can literally make the car hop. The record-breaking Track Edition is tuned for extreme durability and performance at speed, and even weighs slightly more at just under 6,000 pounds, yet the extra power more than compensates. Beyond the U9, China continues to make waves in the all-electric space. The Nio EP9 once shocked the world by running a 6:45.9 lap at the Nürburgring as early as 2017, making it the fastest EV on the Green Hell at the time, with two more records at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) that followed. Then, in June this year, we reported on Xiaomi’s four-door electric sedan, the SU7 prototype, which set a blistering Nürburgring lap time of 6:22.091, not just undercutting Nio but also several established hypercars at the ‘Ring. For BYD, launching YangWang is about proving that Chinese automakers too can play in the same league as the Bugattis, Koenigseggs, and Rimacs of the world, all at a considerably lower price, of course (starting somewhere between $230,000 and $250,000). These high-speed test runs also validate battery safety, thermal management, and high-speed stability. That translates into better fast charging, more reliable motors, innovation, and tech that should hopefully trickle down to mass-market EVs. View All Cars For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Source: BYD Global

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 25, 2025

Shop The Best Motorsport-Focused PUMA Sneakers For The Ul...

Bridging the fashion sector with the car industry, these are our picks for the top automotive-inspired sneakers available now.

By Khris Bharath – August 20, 2025

Silver Arrows, Hollywood Cars, and Concept Cars: Mercedes...

If you were able to make it to this year’s Pebble Beach Automotive Week looking for the usual lineup of multimillion-dollar exotics and coachbuilt hypercars, Mercedes-Benz had so much more to offer. We gave a preview of what to expect last week. Well, now that the dust has finally settled, we wanted to do a quick recap of everything that the three-pointed star had in store. Their headline act? A 1910 Benz Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen that led the Tour d’Elegance, restored by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. It packs a 5.7-liter four-cylinder with four-valve tech, dual ignition, and a cardan drive, features that were groundbreaking in 1910. Where most cars at the time still struggled with reliability, this Benz was built for long-distance competition in the Prinz-Heinrich-Fahrt, one of Europe’s earliest endurance rallies. It appeared parked up next to a privately owned 1914 Mercedes Grand Prix car, highlighting a time when Daimler and Benz were still rivals before eventually merging in 1926. For all its engineering might, the Prinz-Heinrich took home the Charles A. Chayne Trophy, an award given since 1987 to the most technologically advanced car of its era. Mercedes already has ten “Best of Show” wins at Pebble, so adding another high-profile honor strengthens its dominance here. Finally, Mercedes-Benz Heritage CEO Marcus Breitschwerdt himself took the wheel for the 62-mile tour, where it was joined by a Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. Also, just like at Goodwood this year, at Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance, the German marque also leaned into the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, where they had Fangio’s legendary 1954-55 W 196 R Formula 1 car sitting next to today’s AMG F1 W16 driven by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. That is 70 years of Formula 1 evolution, innovation, and engineering represented in a single frame. At Laguna Seca, a 1955 W 196 R and the legendary 300 SLR, yes, the very car that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson used to blitz the Mille Miglia in record time, shared the track with an equally exotic roofless V8 2009 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. But Pebble Beach isn’t just about the past because Mercedes also rolled out the low-slung 1,341-horsepower CONCEPT AMG GT XX, which we saw back in June. A design study, it previews the brand’s next generation of high-performance EVs. The futuristic Vision V people carrier concept, making its American debut, and the ultra-exclusive Maybach S 680 “Emerald Isle” (only 25 units for the U.S.) were also on display. Finally, there was the “Stargaze Theatre,” Mercedes’ pop-up drive-in showcasing its biggest film cameos in history, where you had a chance to take a close look at cars like the Jurassic Park M-Class, the Beverly Hills Cop 380 SL, and even the battered 220 SE from The Hangover. Mercedes also showcased its latest Hollywood stint by displaying the Brad Pitt starrer F1 The Movie: APXGP movie prop car alongside the AMG GT 63 “APXGP Edition”, one of just 52 units built with the film’s livery. This was a reminder of how Mercedes is deeply woven into pop culture, bringing a spectacular variety of automobiles and an action-packed weekend to a close. View All Mercedes-Benz Cars for Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

A sleek, light blue vintage-styled sports car is displayed on a green lawn with trees and people blurred in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 19, 2025

Nichols N1A Makes US Debut At Pebble Beach

Inspired by racing history, the Nichols Cars N1A made a splash at Pebble Beach. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the grand finale of Monterey Car Week, and there, some of the world’s most incredible cars gather to celebrate automotive history, excellence, luxury, and legacy. However, some of the most interesting participants in the concours include the cars showcased on the Concept Lawn. Located away from the main Concours, the Concept Lawn is meant to showcase the latest and even future vehicles from some of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. One of those was the N1A, the first model to emerge from Nichols Cars, which made its US debut on the Concept Lawn. Inspired by the McLaren M1A of the 1960s, the racing-inspired performance car’s first customer builds are already underway. Only 100 customer cars are set to be made, and the first 15 are set to feature the ICON 88 specification, like the one that was on display at Pebble Beach. Combining vintage-inspired design with purist-focused engineering, ultra-lightweight construction, and modern performance excellence, the Nichols N1A uses Formula One-grade carbon fiber to weigh under a ton, and with a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine derived from the GM LS3, its 650 horsepower mean that its power-to-weight ratio is nearly 700 horsepower per ton. Sending that power through a manual transmission, the open-top racing-derived car is the perfect blend of cutting-edge performance and vintage-style thrills, and with it making its Stateside debut on the Concept Lawn, the new Nichols N1A brought exclusivity and purist driving excellence to this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Nichols Cars

A man stands on a golf course at Pebble Beach in front of vintage and modern Rolls-Royce Phantom cars, celebrating 100 Years of automotive excellence against a stunning coastal landscape.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2025

Rolls-Royce Celebrates 100 Years of Phantom with All Eigh...

For the first time in history, all eight generations of the Rolls-Royce Phantom were photographed together. Monterey Car Week always has a way of turning dreams into reality, with the rarest and most iconic cars casually cruising throughout the Peninsula. It's a place where owners create unforgettable moments behind the wheel, and enthusiasts finally get to lay eyes on cars they've only ever imagined. This year at Pebble Beach, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars added to that magic, making history with the first-ever gathering of all eight generations of the legendary Phantom. 2025 marks 100 years since the Phantom first hit the road, and that milestone says a lot about its place in automotive history. Since debuting in 1925 as the successor to the Silver Ghost, the Phantom has always been positioned as the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce. Over eight generations, it has served as the brand's flagship model, and the one that best showcases what the marque stands for: comfort, craftsmanship, and a sense of effortless driving. Looking back, the Phantom's story is really the story of Rolls-Royce itself, always evolving with new materials, technology, and ideas, yet staying true to the quiet confidence that makes it instantly recognizable. The current Phantom VIII continues that tradition but also embraces its role as a blank canvas for bespoke configurations. Clients around the world have turned their Phantoms into one-of-a-kind builds, whether inspired by haute couture, film, cultural heritage, or art. From the shimmering details of Phantom Syntopia to the cinematic nods of Phantom Goldfinger, these commissions highlight just how adaptable the model is. What makes Phantom special is its commanding presence on the road and how it balances old-world craftsmanship with modern innovation. Even with the evolution of technology and performance, the Phantom still carries that sense of calm and effortlessness that has defined it from the beginning. Reaching a century gives Rolls-Royce a chance to reflect on how the Phantom earned its reputation and why it has managed to keep it for so long. From the early coachbuilt bodies of the 1920s to the experimental ideas of the Phantom II Continental, and later the rebirth of the model at Goodwood with Phantom VII, the nameplate has carried significance few cars in history can claim. As the automotive world continues to change, Phantom remains a reminder that some things, like craftsmanship, presence, and timeless design, never really go out of style. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale All Eight Generations 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton Nicholas & Shelley Schorsch of the Audrain Collection, Newport, Rhode Island This Rolls-Royce Phantom I is one of 21 Ascot Phaetons produced, a design described by Rolls-Royce as a sports phaeton and named for the aristocratic horse-race held annually in England. In 1929, the Phantom I benefited from several updated features, including an aluminum cylinder head, servo-assisted four-wheel brakes and temperature-controlled radiator shutters. This Springfield-built example (chassis S308LR) also features polished aluminum beltlines, combined with 21-inch wire wheels and roll-up windows, a modification performed by Murphy Coachworks of Pasadena, California. The car was delivered on October 10, 1929, and is featured in Rolls-Royce in America, written by John Webb de Campi. The original chassis, body, and engine have recently undergone extensive restoration to appear at the Concours. 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Sedanca Drophead Coupé Peter Reynolds, Cardiff, Wales The Phantom II was the last of the Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP models, produced from 1929 through 1935. This car (chassis 197RY) is one of 18 built to this iconic design by Chelsea coachbuilder Gurney Nutting on the Phantom II Continental chassis—and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of styling for the era. The Sedanca boasted a bonnet almost half the length of the car. It was created by A. F. McNeil, whose career at coachbuilders Gurney Nutting and James Young lasted until the 1960s. Testament to McNeil’s genius is the fact that all 18 of the sedancas built still exist, a true indicator of the intrinsic value of McNeil’s design. 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III H.J. Mulliner Sedanca de Ville The Nethercutt Collection, Sylmar, California The Phantom III, the final car that Henry Royce worked on, was introduced in 1936, and it was the last V12-powered Rolls-Royce until the Silver Seraph was launched in 1998. The Phantom III chassis ceased production in 1939 but continued to be bodied through 1941. This example (chassis 3BT-179) boasts H. J. Mulliner Sedanca de Ville coachwork, a design recognized as sinister and gothic—yet ultimately elegant. This 1937 Sedanca de Ville features a disappearing top. It was first owned by the Honorable W. G. Bethell, son of Sir John Henry Bethell. Prior to its ownership by the Nethercutt Collection, this Rolls-Royce won Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours in 1957. Welcome back! 1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV Hooper Landaulet Stephen Brauer, St. Louis, Missouri At the suggestion of the Duke of Edinburgh and then-Princess Elizabeth, the first Phantom IV was built for the royal couple in 1948. Between 1950 and 1956, 18 more Phantom IV automobiles were constructed for royalty or heads of state only, also featuring the 5.7-liter straight-8 engine on the 145-inch wheelbase. This example (chassis 4BP5) was also built specifically for the royal couple and was code named “Jubilee” for the company’s 50th anniversary. The Queen’s yacht “Britannia” was designed explicitly to accommodate the motor car, which, with its Hooper Landaulet coachwork, was ideal for overseas touring and shipped all over the world. This Phantom IV remained in service to the Palace for the next 43 years and attended two royal weddings. Bentley Motors then owned the Phantom IV from 2002 until 2018, when it was acquired by the current caretaker. 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young Touring Sedanca Stephen Brauer, St. Louis, Missouri The Phantom V was produced from 1959 until 1968. A total of 11 Sedancas were built by James Young on the Phantom V chassis, and this is one of just four right-hand-drive touring limousines—a noteworthy bookend to the work of legendary custom-body designer A. F. McNeil. The Sedanca marked the finalé of the coachbuilt era for Rolls-Royce, and the end of the British class divide between the automobile owner and chauffeur. This car (chassis 5AT76) was delivered to Mrs. Elsie Richter Tritton, widow of Sir Louis Baron of Black Cat cigarette fortune, and it exhibits several custom features included at her behest. Prior to delivery, it was shown at Earls Court in 1960. 1972 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Mulliner Park Ward State Landaulette Jim George/Pete DeAngelo, Shelby Township, Michigan From the introduction of the Phantom V in 1960 through the end of the Phantom VI in 1991, Rolls-Royce built two styles of Landaulettes. The shorter design featured a manually operated convertible top, whereas the longer style known as the State or Ceremonial Landaulette featured a much more complex electrically operated top opening, created largely for royalty and state leaders. This Rolls-Royce (chassis PRX4656) is the only left-hand-drive Phantom VI State Landaulette built. It was delivered in 1971 to the Republic of the Ivory Coast for use by Head of State Félix Houphouët-Boigny and acquired by the current owner in 2015. 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Coupé The Richardson Collection The Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Coupé stands out as the most exclusive model of the Goodwood era, with only about 550 examples produced between 2006 and 2016. Designed as the most driver-focused member of the Phantom VII family, it pairs a sleek, pillar-less two-door silhouette with a long hood and fastback rear that nods to classic Rolls-Royce elegance. Under the hood, a 6.75-liter V12 delivers 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, offering effortless acceleration and the brand’s signature magic carpet ride. Inside, the cabin showcases hand-stitched leather, rich veneers, and the optional Starlight Headliner, making each car a bespoke expression of modern craftsmanship. Today, the Phantom Coupé remains a rare and refined symbol of grand touring luxury. 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Platino Private Collector in Washington, DC CThe Rolls-Royce Phantom Platino, introduced as part of the eighth-generation Phantom Series II update in 2022, is a highly exclusive expression of the marque’s pinnacle motor car. Limited to just 10 commissions, the Platino is celebrated for its sophisticated design, rare materials, and elevated craftsmanship. Though named after the element platinum, the Platino is not defined by color alone. Instead, the name reflects a holistic design philosophy focused on understated opulence and contemporary elegance.

A remastering of the Porsche 911 by Gunther Werks, this purple sports car with a large rear wing is parked indoors on a polished concrete floor, with helmets displayed on shelves in the background.

By Charles Bradley – August 13, 2025

Gunther Werks GWX Revealed: Its Most Exclusive Porsche 91...

Gunther Werks, renowned for its precision-engineered, high-performance remastering of the Porsche 911 platform, has revealed its most exclusive creation to date – the Gunther Werks GWX. Unveiled as the pinnacle of the company’s bespoke offerings, the GWX will see an extremely limited production run of just three builds, each available only through an invitation-only program. This latest evolution pushes the limits of performance and design refinement, building upon Gunther Werks’ proven platforms while incorporating cutting-edge technology and materials. At its core is a second-generation 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 440 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This evolved Coupe motor integrates the brand’s latest performance innovation – advanced sliding throttle body plates – for a razor-sharp throttle response and dramatically improved airflow at wide-open throttle. A custom-developed drive-by-wire throttle system supports this slide valve technology, marking a major leap in responsiveness and efficiency. The GWX’s exterior showcases completely bespoke carbon-fiber body panels, engineered for improved aerodynamics and downforce. Key elements include vented front fenders, flared side skirts, rear quarter panels, a race-spec front bumper, vented rear bumper with diffuser, and a frame-mounted rear wing with decklid ram air scoop. The platform also benefits from rear chassis bracing derived from Gunther Werks’ Turbo model for enhanced rigidity. Aesthetically, the GWX commands presence with an exclusive Candy Purple paint, developed in-house, accented by silver pinstriping and an exposed herringbone carbon-fiber weave running along the hood, roof, and tail. This visual treatment is unavailable on any other Gunther Werks build. “Our new GWX takes all we have learned with remastering the Porsche 911 platform and pushes it even further,” said Peter Nam, CEO and founder of Gunther Werks. “We are extremely excited to offer this pinnacle of performance to our most loyal customers and continue to showcase our technical prowess with our newest offerings.” With only three examples ever to be built, the Gunther Werks GWX represents the highest expression of the company’s craftsmanship, engineering, and exclusivity – a true summit for collectors who demand the rarest, most advanced iterations of the Porsche 911. View All Gunther Werks Porsche For Sale Source: Gunther Werks

Three race cars drive on a racetrack at sunset, led by the number 1 car. Two drivers wear helmets as a modern building and barriers line the background—capturing the spirit of Must-See Mercedes-Benz Moments at Pebble Beach 2025.

By Khris Bharath – August 12, 2025

Must-See Mercedes-Benz Moments at Pebble Beach 2025

If you’re heading to the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week, Mercedes-Benz is bringing an exciting lineup of cars that you’d not want to miss. The centerpiece is the new Stargaze Theatre, a drive-in style installation that screens scenes from films featuring Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Parked in front of the massive outdoor screens will be the real cars from those films: think 450 SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the ML 320 from Jurassic Park, the 190 SL from High Society, and more. Mercedes is also partnering with the team behind the recent Brad Pitt starrer, F1: The Movie. The blockbuster film’s director, Joseph Kosinski, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer will host a private conversation about the movie’s production. On display nearby: the fictional APXGP race car and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 “APXGP Edition,” a limited-run 52-unit special, inspired by the movie’s livery. The three-pointed star will also use Pebble Beach to preview two major concept vehicles. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX, an electric four-door sports sedan with 1,341 horsepower, represents the next phase of AMG’s performance strategy. The Vision V concept also makes its American debut. Built on the new Van Electric Architecture, it envisions a luxury lounge on wheels. If you’re looking for something that’s all about exclusivity, Mercedes will present the Maybach S 680 Edition Emerald Isle, limited to 25 examples for the U.S. market, each finished with details inspired by California’s Central Coast. Racing history will also be on display at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where the iconic 1955 300 SLR will share the track with the 2009 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. Mercedes-Benz will also present the legendary Sauber-Mercedes C9, one of the all-time Le Mans race cars. Finally, the Tour d’Elegance promises a spectacular drive along the 17-Mile Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway, while the new AMG GT 63 “APXGP Edition” will join a rare 1910 Benz Prinz-Heinrich, which is one of only two surviving examples. So there you have it, a taster of what Mercedes is bringing to this year’s Pebble Beach. Whether you collect cars, love motorsports, or just appreciate automotive culture in general, you’ll find plenty to dig into, around experiences specifically designed to pull you into the German brand’s legacy, current innovations, and future vision, and for more on what else is coming later this week, check out our in-depth Guide to the 2025 Monterey Car Week. View All Mercedes-Benz Models For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe