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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 – October 18, 2023

Victor Victor Worldwide's New Campaign Features An Incred...

The record label founder brought out his best Ferraris for the occasion. While multi-million dollar supercars and hypercars stand out as the driving force behind performance and luxury, they also act as inspiration and future goals for success-seeking individuals with a passion. This understanding is accurately portrayed in Victor Victor Worldwide's new campaign, featuring a short skit that resembles the uplifting motivational scene from the classic 1998 movie 'He Got Game' starring actors Denzel Washington and NBA star Ray Allen. The short skit stars professional skateboarder Tyshawn Jones, who recently went viral worldwide for ollieing over Victor Victor Worldwide founder Steven Victor's $5 million Ferrari Monza SP2 supercar on his skateboard. Steven Victor's car collection is making yet another cameo appearance, as the modernized movie scene showcases his jaw-dropping lineup of Ferraris that all present the same shimmering silver finish. Inspiring Tyshawn's character with the fleet of highly desirable Italian prancing horses, the two do a full walk-around of Ferrari's most expensive and exclusive models ever released. Steven Victor's carefully curated Ferrari lineup includes a Daytona SP3, LaFerrari, F12tdf, 812 GTS, and 458 Speciale. Configured from Ferrari in the same shade to assemble the ultimate garage, it's safe to say that Steven Victor's all-silver Ferrari collection will go down in history as one of the greatest. View all Ferrari models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by WOCKOOOO!!! (@stevenvictor) Source: @stevenvictor IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2023

Celebrating 25 Years Of The Audi TT: An Automotive Icon B...

As the Audi TT marks its 25th anniversary, we reflect on the iconic sports car that revolutionized automotive design and performance standards. When you think of cars that have become design icons in the automotive world, the Audi TT easily earns a spot on the list. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, this milestone model is also nearing the end of its production life. It's a bittersweet occasion tinged with nostalgia and amazement for a car that has redefined what a sports coupe can be. Conceived by American designers Freeman Thomas and Peter Schreyer, the TT emerged from Bauhaus design, prioritizing minimalism and functionality. Its geometric shape and driver-centric cabin set it apart from anything else on the market when it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995. That same design remained largely intact when the production model launched in 1998. The TT was a performer, with early models offering transversely mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 150 to 225 horsepower. Over time, Audi kept pushing the performance envelope, introducing higher-output variants like the TT Quattro Sport and the TT RS. Over its lifespan, Audi sold a whopping 178,765 first-generation TT Coupés and 90,733 TT Roadsters. Its influence extended beyond sales figures, as it played a crucial role in shaping Audi's brand identity. As Audi reorients towards electrification, the TT's production may be coming to an end, but its influence on automotive design and performance will continue to live on. As we bid farewell to this iconic model, we recognize that its legacy is permanently etched into Audi's DNA. Here's to 25 years of the Audi TT, a masterclass in design and performance. View all Audi TT examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Audi TT For Sale Source: Audi

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

Ferrari Announces Crytocurrecy As New Payment Method For ...

With Ferrari's new form of payment, there's no need for cash or financing. As the demand for desirable supercars increases alongside the community of affluent car collectors, manufacturers are starting to become more selective when it comes to allocating the latest and greatest models. At Ferrari, the brand prides itself on maintaining the tradition of cementing relationships with past, present, and future owners who share a passion for Italian craftsmanship and design. Today, Ferrari is pleased to announce its next jump forward into the future of automotive manufacturing with a new way to pay for your Italian handcrafted supercar or hypercar. CNBC Television recently reported that Ferrari will now be accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment when purchasing vehicles like the new Ferrari 296 GTB. The bright idea comes as part of a new partnership between Ferrari and BitPay, offering Bitcoin, Ether, or USDC as payment for the U.S. market. One of the main benefits of using cryptocurrency when shopping for a Ferrari is the savings that owners will retain from transaction fees or surcharges. Removing risk from both the dealership and buyer, the crypto amount will be immediately transferred into U.S. dollars at the time of purchase. However, buyers will be forced to pay a capital gains tax on any increase in the cryptocurrencies used to buy the Ferrari. The strategic move comes from Ferrari's belief that its younger clientele has built their fortunes on cryptocurrency, wanting to use it as payment to acquire their dream cars. With a $77 billion market value and a sold-out inventory for the next 2-3 years, Ferrari is adding the crypto payment as yet another method of growing itself into a leader in the supercar and hypercar space. View all Ferrari models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: CNBC Television

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By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

How To Buy: PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1's Football Jersey ...

Root on Scuderia Ferrari F1 with this limited edition jersey, just in time for the Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. As Formula 1 race fans prep for the United States Grand Prix, PUMA has teamed up with Scuderia Ferrari to launch an American Football Jersey that seamlessly combines the thrill of motorsport and the gridiron into a single piece of sportswear. The fuel-driven PUMA collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both brands, proving that Scuderia Ferrari's influence is not limited to the racetrack but has the potential to electrify audiences all around the world. Unveiled just before the race at the Circuits of The Americas in Austin, TX, the jersey pays homage to Texas' deep-seated football culture. And by doing so, PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 connects with a broader spectrum of sports enthusiasts and style-savvy customers. At the heart of this collaboration is the Scuderia Ferrari American Football Jersey, a marvel that weaves the classic American football design with the unmistakable, high-octane vibe of Ferrari's racing heritage. Donned in Ferrari's iconic racing Rosso Corsa red, the jersey features Scuderia Ferrari emblems, sponsor logos, and driver numbers, staying true to its motorsport origins. The jersey stands out as a storytelling canvas that captures the soul of two colossal worlds, embodying the excitement of motorsport and the unbeatable spirit of American football. The introduction of this jersey underscores Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA’s commitment to engaging with fans globally, transcending traditional sports barriers. Whether you're a racing purist or a gridiron enthusiast, this jersey offers a slice of two worlds you love, rolled into one. Shop the new Scuderia Ferrari American Football Jersey as well as the entire PUMA x Ferrari Collection, by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2023

Lamborghini Squadra Corse & Iron Lynx Accelerate SC63 LMD...

Lamborghini Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx intensify development with a three-day test in Spain, featuring Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Romain Grosjean. Making its triumphant return to the world of endurance racing, Lamborghini Squadra Corse continues the development of its upcoming SC63 LMDh prototype contender. Lamborghini Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx have just wrapped up an intense three-day testing session for their prototype race car at the Circuito de Almería in Spain. This round of testing sets the stage for the car’s debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship 2024 season, set to kick off in Qatar next March. Factory Drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Romain Grosjean were behind the wheel, marking Grosjean’s first time driving the SC63. Over three days at the 2.6-mile circuit, the main focus was on reliability and procedural tests. Technicians from Lamborghini and Iron Lynx were tuned in to observe long runs to learn more about the prototype's capabilities. The single chassis used during the test managed to cover almost 1,250 miles, meeting its pre-test targets. The event also served as a platform for Squadra Corse and Iron Lynx technicians to test out Full Corse Yellow and related restart strategies. Grosjean, who recently participated in select endurance events in the WeatherTech IMSA Sports Car Championship with Iron Lynx, took his turn at the SC63 alongside Caldarelli. The two professional drivers divided the mileage equally, offering a collaborative approach to the testing process. Grosjean conveyed enormous enthusiasm about his experience, noting the car performed admirably from the first laps. The testing journey for the SC63 isn’t over yet. Next week, the team will proceed with another round of tests in Europe before taking the development stateside. There, the Lamborghini Iron Lynx test team will continue the homologation process by IMSA and conduct additional tests on North American tracks. View all Lamborgini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2023

Lamborghini's Ad Personam Studio Expands For A Tailored C...

Lamborghini's Ad Personam Studio doubles its space to offer a cutting-edge “phygital” experience. The allure of configuring a dream supercar or hypercar comes with the ability to customize every finish and feature to match the owner's personality. The creative specialists at Automobili Lamborghini continue to evolve the luxury customer experience by expanding its Ad Personam Studio. Situated at the brand's headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, the newly renovated studio offers an immersive 'phygital' experience that brings together the physical and digital realms. Since its start in 2016, the studio has more than doubled in size, signifying how crucial customer personalization has become to the Lamborghini brand and its sales. The remodel goes beyond just adding space, enhancing the quality of the personalization process by scheduling future reservations for global clientele. The studio now incorporates cutting-edge tools that allow customers to interact with upholstery materials, listen to engine sounds, and view exclusive multimedia content on a special power wall. The journey begins at Lamborghini dealerships worldwide, where customers start by defining their supercar's general elements. From there, they are invited to the Ad Personam Studio to dive into a world of infinite customization possibilities. The options range from "Ad Personam essential," which expands on basic color and trim configurations, to "One Shot" customization that fulfills client-specific requests, including the use of unique or non-automotive materials. In addition, two other Ad Personam areas have been set up at Lamborghini Lounges in New York and Tokyo, further expanding the reach of this exceptional customization experience. For those who prefer digital configurations, Lamborghini offers an Ad Personam Virtual Studio where initial digital meetings occur. This expansion is just one part of the ongoing evolution of the Ad Personam program, which has plans to introduce additional customization options for the Lamborghini Urus. View all Lamborghini models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 12, 2023

Discover The Art and Science Behind Bugatti's Carbon Fibe...

Bugatti turns carbon fiber into a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. When it comes to highly desirable multi-million dollar hypercars, Bugatti is known for incorporating groundbreaking engineering, exceptional aesthetics, and mind-blowing performance into its fleet. At the core of Bugatti's success lies in the use of an incredible ultra-lightweight material, carbon fiber. Not only a structural component, carbon fiber is an artistic medium that embodies Bugatti's 'Form Follows Performance' philosophy. From its monocoque tub to its body panels, carbon fiber is best defined as the lifeblood of any Bugatti hypercar. Its functional beauty traces back to the EB110, which pioneered the use of carbon fiber construction throughout all of the manufacturer's production vehicles. Over the years, Bugatti has continually pushed the envelope by making carbon fiber both strong and stunningly beautiful. Today, Bugatti customers can choose from nine different tints and varying levels of visible carbon fiber when configuring their dream specs. Each sheet of carbon fiber contains incredibly thin woven fibers, aligned to ensure maximum rigidity. The body components made of carbon fiber weigh 20-30% less than those made of aluminum, and 50% less than those made of steel. The meticulous process of aligning these fibers is complex and time-consuming, governed by materials experts and design teams. For instance, a single side panel, roughly 6 feet long, takes nearly a week to produce. Once these panels meet Bugatti's high standards, they undergo a final treatment. Paint technicians apply multiple layers of clearcoat, sometimes tinted, to emphasize the weave's visual appeal. The result is a masterpiece that combines art and engineering, one that only leaves the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim after achieving flawlessness. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale Source: Bugatti

By duPont Registry – October 11, 2023

Sotheby's Motorsport Is Auctioning Off This 2018 Porsche ...

It sports the optional Weissach Package.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 10, 2023

Audi Sport GmbH Celebrates 40 Years Of Automotive Excellence

Audi Sport GmbH marks its 40th anniversary, highlighting its journey from Quattro GmbH and the evolution in high-performance models and electric vehicle innovation. Today, the automotive world celebrates the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport GmbH, which started its humble beginnings as Quattro GmbH. To commemorate the brand's significant achievement, Audi organized festivities earlier this summer alongside the Nürburgring 24 Hours and its exhibition at the Neckarsulm production facility. On October 14th, Audi has planned an exclusive event at Audi Forum Neckarsulm, giving fans an in-depth view of the high-performance subsidiary that has redefined automobile standards for the past four decades. From its foundation in 1983 as Quattro GmbH, it transitioned to Audi Sport GmbH in 2016. Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, emphasized the company's ambition by reflecting on their achievements over the past 40 years and their vision for the future. Owners and enthusiasts can expect an entertaining and informative program, with insights into vehicle development and production being shared by key Audi Sport members. Visitors can also embark on exclusive tours of the neighboring Böllinger Höfe production plant, where Audi's pioneering electric RS model, the Audi RS e-tron GT, is crafted alongside the iconic Audi R8. Historic and current models, including the awe-inspiring all-wheel-drive Audi S1 e-tron quattro Hoonitron prototype, will be on display. Audi Sport race legends, Rinaldo “Dindo” Capello and Luca Engstler are set to make an appearance to engage with fans. The anniversary celebrations commenced in May, captivating an audience of around 235,000 fans at the Nürburgring 24 Hours with four specially designed Audi R8 LMS cars. The company's sales records reflect its successful trajectory, with a 15.6% sales growth in 2022, marking another sales record. Audi Sport GmbH encompasses vehicle customization, lifestyle collections, and motorsport, ensuring its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automobile excellence. View all Audi models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Audi For Sale Source: Audi

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 09, 2023

Mercedes-Maybach Joins Forces With Space Perspective For ...

Mercedes-Maybach partners with Space Perspective, innovators in carbon-neutral space travel, offering luxury spaceflight experiences with sustainable ground transport. In a stellar partnership, Mercedes-Maybach is proud to be teaming up with Space Perspective, a pioneer in offering the world's first carbon-neutral spaceflight experiences. Founded by spaceflight veterans Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum in 2019, Space Perspective is redefining the way we view modern-day space travel. The company's Spaceship Neptune is designed to transport its Explorers in a pressurized capsule to 100,000 feet using a groundbreaking SpaceBalloon. Not only does it prioritize the safety of its passengers, but its carbon-neutral approach also focuses on environmental conservation. The collaboration between these two luxury giants aims to elevate the celestial journey of Space Perspective’s explorers, experiencing the extravagance of Mercedes-Maybach even before lift-off. Mercedes-Maybach commits to providing all-electric vehicles to ensure explorers and guests travel sustainably to and from Space Perspective’s facilities and the launch site located on Florida's illustrious Space Coast. Further sweetening the deal, Space Perspective's state-of-the-art spacecraft will be showcased in Mercedes-Maybach's latest brand film. This partnership doesn’t end with just transport solutions. Talks are underway between the design teams of Space Perspective and Mercedes-Maybach, exploring other integrations to infuse more Maybach into the space travel experience. As space tourism takes off, this collaboration ensures that Explorers witness the wonders of space while journeying in unmatched style and luxury. View all Mercedes-Maybach models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Maybach For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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