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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 – May 01, 2024

Reddick Brown Ford Gets A Sneak Peek At Shelby's 2024 Sup...

Shelby redefines American muscle with its newest generation of Super Snake Mustangs. Honoring Caroll Shelby's legacy and his enduring influence on the automotive industry, Shelby American Inc. continues to push the boundaries of performance by cranking up the horsepower on modern Mustang builds. After just recently revealing the new 830 horsepower 2024 Super Snake Mustang in both a coupe and convertible, Ford fanatics have been flocking to dealers in hopes of securing one of the 250 examples slotted for production. The award-winning team at Reddick Brown Ford is getting an up-close look at the new Shebly Super Snake Mustang, welcoming an exclusive prototype chassis to its dealership in Morrison, TN. Sitting pretty just below a breathtaking blue convertible on the back of an enclosed transport truck, the Super Snake comes finished from Shelby's production facility sporting the same dark maroon metallic finish as the inaugural launch spec. The in-person sneak peek showcases just how far Shelby American is willing to push the limits with Ford's newest generation of Mustangs, redefining American muscle yet again. Menacing exhaust notes set the tone for the Shelby Super Snake, giving future owners the option of choosing between a naturally aspirated 5.0l V8 (480 horsepower) or an upgraded supercharged version (830+ horsepower). Drivers will also be excited to hear that Shelby has engineered its newest track monster series to feature both a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox and a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. While the special visit from Shelby American and its prototypes is only temporary, you can definitely expect future 2024 Super Snake Mustang deliveries from Reddick Brown Ford soon to come. View all Reddick Brown Ford inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Reddick Brown Ford Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brock Patterson (@brockpatterson) Source: @brockpatterson/@reddickbrownford

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2024

TAG Heuer Teams Up With KITH For An Upcoming Exclusive Wa...

TAG Heuer welcomes KITH to its family! Along with maintaining its status as a pioneer in the luxury watch industry, TAG Heuer also opens its doors to creative collaboration with brands and individuals who share a passion for haute horology. As part of an upcoming limited edition release, TAG Heuer recently took to its Instagram to tease an up-close dial shot showcasing a new partnership with the streetwear specialists at KITH. KITH, founded by Ronnie Feig and renowned for its clothing collections, often draws inspiration from fuel-driven themes through collaborations with industry leaders like BMW M. Today, teaser shots have surfaced of a vintage-style cream dial sporting a custom TAG Heuer x KITH "KITH Heuer" logo. While a definitive answer on which watch will be featured is still yet to be known, the duo has dropped hints at the release with a caption that reads "TAG Heuer and @Kith are teaming up to bring lights on the first ever watch to bear the “TAG Heuer” name". The backcase also presents an engraved motif of the iconic KITH box logo, which further embodies this TAG Heuer as one of the most desirable and collectible models in its vast lineup. As its release date of May 1st quickly approaches, tune into duPont REGISTRY for more release information on the all-new TAG Heuer x KITH watch release. Shop All TAG Heuer Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: TAG Heuer/KITH

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2024

How To Buy: NOCTA x L'Art de l'automobile's CLK GTR-Insp...

When two worlds collide. Taking Drake's world-renowned NOCTA brand, Arthur Kar's passion at L'Art de l'automobile, and their love for inspiring streetwear clothing around the appeal of sports cars, the two fashion giants have joined forces on the new release of a capsule collaboration collection. With elements and designs inspired by the timeless styling of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, the head-to-toe lineup features a retro color palette and period-correct graphics. First hinted at with an image of a minty motorsport-style hat sporting the NOCTA and L'Art logos, teasers for this highly-anticipated drop led us down a literal rabbit hole after Arthur introduced his rabbit, Mr DOROAD. The collection offers a comfortable and casual feel with a soft varsity jacket and matching sweatpants being a highlight, all littered with automotive-inspired patches and branding. The NOCTA x L'Art de l'automobile capsule also includes jackets, hoodies, a graphic motocross long-sleeve, graphic tees, and a fitted hat. The NOCTA x L'Art de l'automobile is now available exclusively through Nike's SNKR app. Shop all Nike x NOCTA gear by clicking the link below. Shop Nike x NOCTA View this post on Instagram A post shared by L'Art de L'automobile KAR (@lartdelautomobile) Source: NOCTA/L'art de l'automobile

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 25, 2024

The Hamilton Collection Takes Delivery Of Its $2.5M Purpl...

The Hamilton Collection's garage welcomes yet another insane hypercar! When it comes to high-performance hypercars, the Rimac Nevera needs no introduction, currently holding 26 World Records and the title of being one of the fastest production cars ever made. Since configuring its own spec and visiting the Rimac factory in Croatia during production, The Hamilton Collection finally took delivery of the highly-anticipated Rimac Nevera and took it out for a proper first drive on their newest YouTube video. Steve's Nevera stands out as chassis #069 of 150 and features a custom, color-changing metallic purple finish with a ton of exposed gloss carbon fiber accents. Lime green carbon ceramic brake calipers add a vibrant touch while the gloss black multi-spoke wheels give it a sinister look. Behind the butterfly doors is a modest and minimalistic cabin layered in black alcantara with lime green contrast stitching. With a user-friendly interface and a useful selection of switches and controls, it could quite possibly be the most driven hypercar in the fleet. Last driving a Nevera in Croatia, which landed him in hot water with the local police, Steve takes out the Nevera while the rest of the team follows in a Cadillac Escalade V. The difficulty of keeping up with a 2,000 horsepower electrified hypercar came rather quickly as the Escalade lost sight of the Rimac in a mere 20 seconds. From then on it becomes a cat-and-mouse game as ariel shots show just how fast the Rimac Nevera accelerates as it easily paces and passes cars driving at highway speeds. Along with the heart-racing test drive, the team goes through all the extra goodies that come along with purchasing a $2.5 million Rimac Nevera. As we congratulate The Hamilton Collection on taking delivery of its new Rimac Nevera, we cannot wait to see more electrified hypercar content. View All Supercars & Hypercars For Sale Source: The Hamilton Collection YouTube

BRABUS Shadow 1200 Sun Top Phantom Gray Signature Edition 0X0A0738

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 24, 2024

Discover BRABUS Marine's New Shadow 1200 Sun-Top Phantom ...

BRABUS Marine adds a new open water explorer to its lineup! The BRABUS name has forever been synonymous with adding style and performance to the Mercedes-Benz lineup through an in-house operation based out of its original headquarters in Bottrop, Germany. Already exploring new road ventures with other leading OEMs like Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and KTM, the team has also successfully entered the luxury marine sector through a collection of performance-focused boats. BRABUS Marine is excited to embark on its next journey with the introduction of its all-new Shadow 1200 Sun-Top Phantom Gray Signature Edition. This luxurious 45-foot superboat, handcrafted with precision and passion, redefines days on the water by combining performance with luxurious comfort. Right from the harbor, the Shadow 1200 commands attention with its sport-driven design and aggressive presence. Known for its "1-Second-Wow Effect," its exterior, painted in the distinctive Phantom Gray with BRABUS Red upholstery, makes it a highlight at any docking spot. The BRABUS Shadow 1200 is packed with power too. Equipped with triple Mercury Racing 5.7l V10 engines, it provides an impressive 1,200 horsepower. Whether cruising at a comfortable 40 knots or reaching top speeds of 55 knots, the Shadow 1200 promises unmatched maneuverability in its class. The helm features state-of-the-art technology, including Simrad navigational systems and Mercury's Joystick Piloting for seamless control, ensuring every ride is both thrilling and also extremely safe. Luxury on the Shadow 1200 is exceptional, featuring a spacious deck that includes massive social areas from the foredeck to the gullwing door-equipped front lounge. Optional layouts allow customization, including multiple wet bars and an aft cabin, transforming the boat into a perfect party venue or a peaceful retreat. From carbon fiber details to bespoke leather upholstery, every inch exudes refinement. Ambient details like premium JL audio systems and mood-enhancing LED lighting elevate the onboard atmosphere. Each unit, requiring up to six weeks to paint and polish, showcases the meticulousness of BRABUS's dedication to quality. The "BRABUS Sign of Excellence" is a promise of a top-tier experience. For marine enthusiasts who demand the best in power, performance, and prestige, the BRABUS Shadow 1200 Sun-Top Phantom Gray Signature Edition is prepared to turn heads and stir passions. Discover The BRABUS Shadow 1200 Superboat Source: BRABUS

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2024

How To Buy: The Ferrari Edition Audio Collection by Bang ...

From the interior of the SF90 Stradale to the comfort of your home, Bang & Olufsen and Ferrari introduce a new level of luxury listening.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2024

Bianco Rosso 1995 Porsche 911 Coupe Remastered by Gunther...

In the world of iconic sports cars, nothing quite measures up to the timeless legacy that Porsche has engineered with the 911. Perfect on paper to factory standards, many have tried their hand at further improving Porsche's recipe with lightweight designs, state-of-the-art technology, and most importantly, plenty of track-inspired performance. Of those willing to push the boundaries through bespoke builds, the team at Gunther Werks prides itself on preserving the Porsche 911 through modern interpretations. Here to offer a first-class ticket into a niche community of passionate owners, Prestige Imports x Gunther Werks Miami is excited to showcase this 1995 Porsche 911 Coupe Remastered by Gunther Werks as part of its extensive inventory of supercars and hypercars for sale. View Price And Listing Engineered with an ultra-lightweight chassis for street and track driving, Gunther Werks crafts every inch of its 911 silhouette in carbon fiber. The Bianco Rosso Commission features a stunning white metallic finish with vibrant red Porsche livery accents that pay homage to its racing DNA. Gunther Werks' 18-inch forged aluminum 3-piece wheels offer a modern take on a classic wheel design, resembling the iconic Fuchs wheels that came standard on early 911s. Inside, the sleek and subtle factory cabin design has been revamped by Gunther Werks to present a futuristic interior that stays keen on keeping things super lightweight. In addition to a set of carbon sports bucket seats layered in soft Rosso alcantara, its carbon tub remains exposed to show off the craftsmanship and attention to detail from Gunther Werks. Modern amenities like a carbon steering wheel work together with classic characteristics like period-correct gauges to blend the best of both worlds. At the rear lies an upgraded 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-six engine that cranks out more than 400 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, paired to a Getrah G50 6-speed transmission with custom gear ratios. Made to be the ultimate driver's car, the Porsche 911 Coupe comes equipped with a KW bespoke Clubsport coilover suspension that is easily adjustable to conform to any road or track. If you're ready to add a collector-grade example to your fleet, this Porsche 911 Coupe Remastered by Gunther Werks from Prestige Imports x Gunther Werks Miami is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2024

Porsche Debuts New Power-Packed 2025 Cayenne GTS Models

The Cayenne GTS makes its triumphant return to Porsche's fleet. First engineered as a practical and functional way for Porsche to showcase its performance capabilities on an adventurous scale, the Cayenne has made a forever mark on the brand with four successful generations. Even more popular than the model line itself is the GTS (Grand Turismo Sport) version, sporting a distinctive V8 powertrain enhanced with other performance upgrades. Since completing its full model revamp on the Cayenne in 2023, Porsche is now proud to present the all-new Cayenne GTS as the final piece to the puzzle. Suspension Upgrades Dynamic upgrades for the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS include a Cayenne Turbo G-inspired, performance-tuned suspension, an improved V8 engine, and sporty GTS-specific design elements. At the heart of the Cayenne GTS' upgraded suspension is an adaptive damper system PASM and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. With a 10mm ride height reduction and meticulously tuned suspension components, every twist and turn becomes effortless. Performance & Styling Under the hood, Porsche's V8 engine roars to life, now delivering 493 horsepower, a 40 horsepower boost from its predecessor. Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, the Cayenne GTS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 171 mph. Complementing its impressive performance are GTS-specific design characteristics, from black model designations to tinted lights and red brake calipers. Inside, the cabin screams sportiness with Race Tex accents and optional GTS interior packages. With the latest Porsche Driver Experience and a range of standard features, including ambient lighting and HD-Matrix Design LED headlights, the Cayenne GTS offers everything you need in one package. Availability & Pricing Scheduled to arrive at Porsche Centers in Fall 2024, the 2025 Cayenne GTS starts at $124,900, with the Cayenne GTS Coupe priced at $129,500. View all Porsche Cayenne models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche Cayennes For Sale Source: Porsche

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 22, 2024

Petrolicious Opens Submissions For New Film Competition

Filmmakers are invited to help write the next chapter of Petrolicious. With over 400 beautifully created, captivating films in its archive, Petrolicious captures what being an automotive enthusiast means. 11 years after being founded in 2013, Petrolicious has now become a part of the duPont REGISTRY Group network, and to kick off this new era of Petrolicious, a new film competition invites fans to create their own films about being a car enthusiast and submit them for the chance to be featured on the Petrolicious YouTube channel and win a special award. The competition asks entrants to create a film lasting three minutes or less about why they, or a friend, loves a car they own or drive. After submitting, films that are chosen by Petrolicious will be shown on the Petrolicious YouTube channel to its 890,000 subscribers, as well as viewers worldwide. In addition, the best film, which will be voted for by viewers and an expert panel, will win a special award from Petrolicious’ partner, Rohma Motorsport. If you want to enter the new Petrolicious Film Competition, you can start the process by clicking the button below. Submit your details to the form, and Petrolicious will reach out with a link to upload the film. Entrants have until April 30, 2024 to submit their interest, and after that, they have until May 30, 2024 to submit their completed film. With this new competition, you and your film about a special car can be a part of the next chapter of Petrolicoius. Submit Your Interest In The Petrolicious Film Competition

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By Jordan Aquistapace – April 19, 2024

Dodge Does Right After A Veteran's SRT Demon 170 Was Sold...

A nightmare at the dealer turns to delivery day at Jay Leno's Garage! Imagine walking into a dealership to buy your dream car to only find out shortly that it was sold out from under you without any contact or communication. This happened to be the unfortunate story for an American soldier who configured and placed an order for a brand-new Dodge SRT Demon 170 at a Dodge dealer in his local hometown. While on deployment, the soldier's Demon 170 was unrightfully sold to another customer upon arriving at the dealership without his knowledge. If you haven't been closely following the story as I have, then you'll be happy to hear that Dodge Corporate did right after hearing the news by allocating another new build slot for the soldier to once again spec out his dream car. But it doesn't stop there. Dodge even covered all the options and upgrades added to the SRT Demon 170's build sheet and stuck to a strict base price charge for the soldier. Catching wind of this heroic tale built around American muscle, Jay Leno and the team at Dodge invited the soldier and his new ride to the Jay Leno Garage for a not-so-average delivery experience. What seemed to be a nightmare in the making, quickly turned into a happy ending with Jay Leno sharing "The garage is more than just a place for cars but a place that can help these moments come together. Enjoy the new ride and thank you for your service!!". View all Dodge SRT Demons for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Dodge SRT Demons For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jay Leno's Garage (@jaylenosgarage) Source: @jaylenosgarage Instagram

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