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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 Tyler Rampersaud – January 30, 2023

Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars Of All Time

The desire to be the best is simply natural. By definition, there's literally nothing better than being the best, and whether it's through speed, design, luxury, or innovation, the best exotic cars become legends that are respected internationally by car enthusiasts from generation to generation, and their names and stories go on to serve as inspiration for new creations or industry standards for automotive greatness. The 50 best exotic cars are just some of the many cars that have cemented their legacies and stood the test of time as machines that deserve praise and preservation. There's no doubt that these cars will go on to be remembered for decades to come, and that the chapter that each one has written in automotive history will continue to grow longer. Lamborghini Countach Curated One of the most iconic cars from an exotic car company that everyone knows. This car was by far on more bedroom walls in the 80s than it was in garages because it was just as much a pop culture icon as it was an incredible car. It had an incredible 26-year lifespan, which was thanks to the fact that the Countach was a car that kept up with everything around it. By the time it was discontinued, it still clocked in incredible numbers among its much younger peers with a 185 mph top speed and 4.7 seconds from a standstill to 60 mph. View Countach Listings Ferrari F40 RM Sotheby's Being the last car that the legendary Enzo Ferrari would ever oversee the development of, the Ferrari F40 couldn’t disappoint. And with 4.2 seconds to 60 miles per hour, a 197 mph top speed, and the ultimate street-legal race car experience for its time, the Ferrari F40 went on to be one of the most desirable Ferraris to ever exist and one of the best supercars of all time. View F40 Listings Porsche 918 Spyder Mecum The hybrid “holy trinity” of hypercars was likely the most important thing to happen in the 2010s for auto enthusiasts. The Porsche 918 Spyder was one of the exotic cars that redefined hard and fast beliefs in the car world, most importantly the one that hybrids were boring. The 918 used it’s electric capacity to complement its gas engine and achieve the world’s first sub-7-minute lap around the ‘Ring for a street-legal production car. View 918 Spyder Listings Lamborghini Murcielago Curated The Murcielago was a rare car that earned the respect of just about anyone because it was a thoroughbred Lamborghini: purely dedicated to incredible looks and incredible performance. Lamborghini proved as they had before that they were unwilling to compromise when it came to beauty and speed, with a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, which was probably why Dark Knight’s Bruce Wayne made it his vehicle of choice. View Murcielago Listings Porsche Carrera GT RM Sotheby's Any childhood 'Need for Speed' fans who grew up with iconic titles like 'Carbon' and 'Most Wanted' know that there isn’t a car quite like the Porsche Carrera GT. Its incredible looks have stood the test of time, and its sub-4-second 0-60 stat ensures that the Carrera GT doesn’t waste any. The Carrera GT is, beyond a doubt, a pure icon in Porsche history. This supercar list wouldn't be complete without the Carrera GT. View Carrera GT Listings Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series The 2010 introduction of the SLS AMG was enough to completely rock the word for car enthusiasts: an incredibly performing grand tourer with the 300SL’s iconic gullwing doors and the world’s most powerful production naturally aspirated engine at the time. In the car’s even more incredible Black Series spec, 3.2 seconds to 60 and a 196 mph top speed were on the table. View SLS AMG Listings Bugatti Chiron Bugatti In 2016, we didn’t see it coming. The Bugatti Chiron shattered expectations that car enthusiasts didn’t even know they had. The Veyron’s already unbelievable W16 engine was improved upon, even more, giving drivers an unprecedented 1479 horsepower. On top of that, the top speed is electronically limited to 261 mph, and we might never know the Chiron’s true potential. There are many reasons that the Chiron belongs on this exotic car list. View Chiron Listings Bugatti Veyron One could argue that the Buggati Veyron 16.4 was a car that marked the beginning of a new era for supercars, sports cars, and cars in general. Before that car was put into production, the world wouldn’t even imagine that a car with a 16-cylinder engine would be real and drivable. A world record for a 253 mph top speed later, the world was proven wrong. The Veyron has become just one of those exotic car names that everyone knows. View Veyron Listings Lamborghini Aventador SVJ It’s not easy for a company like Lamborghini to go even further towards the cutting edge of innovation than it already is, but the Aventador SVJ managed that. Thanks to 759 horsepower and an all-new active aerodynamics system that Lamborghini developed just for the SVJ, it has the record for the fastest production car lap around the ‘Ring under its belt as we speak. View Aventador SVJ Listings Lamborghini Veneno Lamborghini 1.41 lateral Gs is what the Lamborghini Veneno can produce in a corner, meaning you can be pushed to the side at a force equal to 1.4 times the amount of gravity while cornering in a Lamborghini Veneno, without breaking traction. That statistic only scratches the surface of what makes this extremely unique and rare Lamborghini so special. Lexus LFA RM Sotheby's There’s nothing like the sound of a V10, but there’s really nothing at all like the sound of the Lexus LFA. So, when you’re using only 3.6 seconds to get to 60 mph, and revving the LFA all the way to 9000 rpm before switching to the next gear, you can thank not only Toyota but sound and engineering experts at Yamaha for the performance and sound you’ll be treated to along the way. View LFA Listings McLaren Senna Having raced for McLaren’s F1 team during the peak of his F1 career, the late and great Aryton Senna has an incredible legacy in the McLaren brand. That’s why when they set out to build one of the most powerful and capable track-focused cars the world had ever seen, it was him they wanted to honor. With 2.8 seconds to 60 mph and less than 10 seconds for a quarter mile, the Senna lives up to its supercar name. View Senna Listings Dodge Viper ACR With a melodic V10 engine designed by Lamborghini and the perfect proportions of every enthusiast’s grand touring dreams, the Dodge Viper is a hard formula to beat. Add the ACR package, and it’s even harder. With fewer bells and whistles, and a laser focus on speed, the ACR offers its driver the most downforce of any production car at top speed, which is 1,763 pounds at 177 mph. View Viper Listings Saleen S7 Barrett-Jackson Any fan of Saleen knows that they are all about performance, between the Mustangs and F-150s that they have turned into monstrous machines, and the legendary S7. 2.7 seconds in 0-60 time and a 248 mph top speed make it clear that after 20 years, the S7 remains a source of pride in all-American speed. View S7 Listings Ferrari F50 Ferrari’s mid 90s flagship model wasn’t just known for its dramatic styling, it was a car that started some serious drama on the asphalt, too. Its 512 horsepower, F1-derived V12 packed a serious punch, resulting in figures like a 3.8 second 0-60 mph, and a 202 mph top speed, which for today are impressive, and for the 90s, are simply insane. View F50 Listings Pagani Huayra BC Pagani The Pagani Huayra BC is something else. Its unorthodox, passionate styling suggests something otherworldly, but not nearly as otherworldly as the car’s performance. The BC edition is a Huayra that is made for the track (as if the regular Huayra wasn’t). What you get is a body made of a special “carbon triax” carbon fibre, and 745 horsepower, which means it has a power to weight ratio of 3.57 pounds per horsepower. Pagani is one of the rare car brands that continues to produce absolutely stunning supercars. View Huayra Listings Pagani Zonda Pagani The Pagani that started it all was, is, and always will be a car for the ages. With a 7.3 liter Mercedes-AMG V-12 that pumps out 594 horsepower and carbon fiber construction meant that the car offered 218 mph in the way of top speed, and with only a 3.6 second 0-60, it didn’t take long to get there. View Pagani Listings Lamborghini Huracan Performante The Huracan is a wonderful car, with a V10 engine sitting behind the driver and a four-wheel-drive system that simply begs to be driven fast. The Performante turns that up a few notches. With 631 horsepower, extra stiffening, and incredibly intelligent active aerodynamics, the Performante can reach 209 miles per hour, and held the record for the fastest Nurburgring production car lap for nearly a year. View Hurcan Performante Listings Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Butterfly doors and a hood that appeared to be miles long made it clear from the car’s outset in 2003 that it was a spectacle, and what was under that aircraft carrier of a hood was no different. Its 5.4 liter, 617 horsepower V8 took it to 60 in a mere 3.4 seconds and eventually to a top speed of 208 mph. View SLR McLaren Listings Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M It’s no secret that Ferrari is a force to be reckoned with, so when they said they were going to make a convertible that is incredibly competent on the track, they meant it. Thus, the 430 Scuderia Spider 16M was born: a gorgeous Ferrari convertible with a 503 horsepower that’s good for a top speed of 196 mph. What’s the catch? Only 499 of these incredible vehicles were produced. View Scuderia Spider 16M Listings McLaren 675LT The iconic McLaren F1 “Long Tail” GT was a historic edition of an even more historic car in McLaren’s lineup. In 2015, the “Long Tail” edition of the McLaren 650S paid homage to that model by incorporating a similar body style to increase downforce and improving upon the performance of the car it was based on. It’s good for 2.9 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of a blistering 205 mph. View 675LT Listings Chevrolet Corvette C7 ZR1 Hennessey Gone are the days of the front-engined Corvette, but we’re glad that they at least went out with quite the bang. The ZR1 configuration of the ‘Vette gave its customers 755 horsepower thanks to a 6.2 liter LT5 engine and a 2.6 liter Eaton supercharger. Paired with magnetic ride control, front splitter, and a fixed wing for downforce and you’ve got an American performance beast good for 215 mph. View Corvette ZR1 Listings Ferrari 599 GTO The Ferrari 599 is easily one of the marque’s most impressive, iconic, and beautiful Grand Touring Berlinettas. And when it comes to being street-legal, the GTO is the fastest 599. Ferrari took their insane 599 XX and made it just tame enough for public roads, and what they came up with was a gorgeous machine with a 3.3 second 0-60 and a top speed of 208 mph. View 599 GTOListings Ferrari Enzo Those who had a Ferrari Enzo poster in their bedroom as children are only just becoming adults today, yet still the Enzo is, only 16 years after its production, a legendary symbol of just how beautiful a supercar can be. Its incredible looks are still unparalleled and instantly recognizable, and also unparalleled are its ability to rocket to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and top out at 221 mph. There’s a reason the Enzo is the supercar of a generation and will always be one of the super nice cars you hang a poster of on your wall. View Enzo Listings Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S (2004-2007) Vanquish was the fancy car name given to Aston Martin’s flagship coupe for many years, and the Vanquish S of the mid 2000s pulled out just about every stop to live up to its title as the cream of the Aston Martin crop. Drivers received 60 more horsepower than the regular Vanquish (grand total: 520), better aerodynamics, and improved suspension, steering and brakes. Until the One-77, it was the fastest Aston Martin ever. View V12 Vanquish Listings Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera The Lamborghini Gallardo was the beginning of an era for Lamborghini, that of V10 powered exotic sports cars that are smaller than their flagships but no less beautiful, exotic, and fast. The Superleggera configuration of the Gallardo was lighter and more powerful than usual, with a 3.2 second 0-60 and 204 mph top speed. View Gallardo Listings Koenigsegg Jesko Koenigsegg Since its inception, exotic car brand Koenigsegg has been known for making some of the most powerful, dynamic vehicles on the planet. The only bars they have to raise are their own, and they raised their own bar with the Jesko. With E-85 fuel, the Jesko’s driver can expect to have 1,603 horsepower at their disposal, and the limits they can push that power to aren’t even officially known to this day. View Koenigsegg Listings Ariel Atom Ariel When Ariel made the Atom, they decided that less is more. By focusing on an incredible power to weight ratio, they created a car that competes with giants while only occupying a fraction of the footprint. Thanks to it only clocking in at 1,349 pounds, 321 horsepower is all you need for an undeniably incredible 2.8 second 0-60 time. View Ariel Atom Listings Detomaso Pantera Only a car as incredible as the DeTomaso Pantera can have a practically unchanged production run of 21 years. It’s aggressive design and strong performance solidified the Pantera’s status as an automotive cult classic, and with 350 horsepower and a 174 mph top speed, it had bite to match its bark. View Pantera Listings McLaren 720S Spider If you want an ultimate performance car experience, look no further than the McLaren 720S. And when a Mclaren 720S provides open air exhilaration, it doesn’t get much better. Because of the integrity of the structure of the 720S Coupe, the Spider offers a top down driving experience with virtually no compromises. The 720S Spider makes once impossible performance numbers like 2.9 seconds to 60 and a 202 mph top speed with the top down very real for its lucky driver. View 720S Spider Listings Bentley Continental GT3-R Bentley The modern Bentley Continental was a revolution, known for being an incredibly competent vehicle on all fronts. It rocked the world by being an opulent luxury grand tourer that wasn’t shy in the power and dynamics department either, and the GT3-R was the ultimate iteration of the Continental’s performance potential. By ditching the backseat, turning the power up to the tune of 572 horses, adding a new titanium exhaust, and taking a whole host of other measures, the GT3-R became capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in a mere 3.3 seconds. View Continental GT3-R Listings Jaguar XJ220 The Jaguar XJ220 is arguably the quirkiest and most underrated car on this list. Its turbulent history was marked by breaking Guinness World Records and almost financially breaking Jaguar, but in a Van Gogh fashion, it’s appreciated now for how brilliant it actually was. With 542 horsepower coming from a twin-turbocharged V6, the XJ220 reached a top speed of 217 miles per hour, making it the world’s fastest production car in its time, while still managing to provide a sumptuous Jaguar experience. The XJ220 is one of the most iconic cars from an iconic exotic car brand. View XJ220 Listings Acura NSX (First Gen) The spirit of Formula One runs through the veins of the NSX, and that’s because late and great F1 legend Aryton Senna oversaw the development of it. With the world’s first production all-aluminum body, VTEC variable valve timing that was incredibly novel for its time, and a 175 mph top speed proved its dedication to performance. View NSX Listings Porsche 911 RUF CTR Yellowbird " width="680"> Porsche knows how to make an incredible sports car, but RUF knows how to push an incredible Porsche to its absolute limits. The CTR made waves all over the world when it was introduced in 1987 by taking a 911 Carrera 3.2 and upping the displacement to 3.4 liters, twin-turbocharging it, and swapping out the factory transmission for their own. With all of that modification, the Yellowbird was the fastest car in the world when it came out, topping out at 213 mph. View RUF Listings Porsche 959 It took a century of innovation, ingenuity, and pedigree for Germany to earn its reputation for engineering in the automotive world. If one car made sure that said reputation would last forever, it was the Porsche 959. The amount of technology (in the name of automatic ride height adjustment, incredibly clever all wheel drive, and hollow magnesium wheels that allowed for an onboard tire pressure monitoring system) made this car a World’s Fair on wheels. All that tech made the 959 top dog of its era, with a 3.6 second 0-60 and a 198 mph top speed. View 959 Listings Hennessey Venom GT Hennessey Off of Interstate 10 in what seems like the middle of nowhere in Texas is Hennessey, a shop known for pushing cars like the Dodge Viper farther than the average person could even imagine, and making every car they got their hands on into a performance monster. That was until they made their own. The Venom GT, while technically an unrecognizably modified Lotus Elise, was their 1,244 horsepower twin-turbo LS7-powered, 270 mph capable beast. The Venom GT made permanent automotive history from the middle of nowhere in Texas. View Hennessey Listings McLaren F1 McLaren There’s plenty of reasons as to why the McLaren F1 is a unique vehicle. Maybe it’s the butterfly-style doors, maybe it’s the fact that the driver sits in the dead center of the cockpit with not one but two passengers’ seats on either side, or maybe it’s the innovative carbon fiber monocoque body. What really speaks volumes, however, is 3.2 second 0-60 time and 240 mph top speed, making it clear that McLaren intended to break boundaries, and very much did. When McLaren created the F1, the world knew that they would continue to make some of the best looking supercars of all time. View McLaren Listings Ferrari F12tdf The Ferrari F12tdf takes the beautiful and dynamic F12berlinetta and perfects it on the performance front. With 769 horsepower under its sweeping, massive hood, and 243 pounds of weight shaved off the base car, the F12tdf is capable of a 2.9 second 0-60 and 211 mph in total, as well as the second-fastest lap around Ferrari’s own test circuit, second only to the legendary LaFerrari. View f12 tdf Listings Audi R8 V10 Plus Audi The Audi R8 has, for the last 14 years, provided its customers with one of the most solid and foolproof performance car formulas to ever exist. With the dynamics of a mid-engine layout, Audi’s tried and true Quattro system, and a highly spirited V10 engine, the R8 is a tough car to beat. The V10 Plus offers 611 horsepower, making for a 3.1 second 0-60 and a 205 mph top speed. View R8 Listings Porsche 911 GT2 RS There is only one Porsche 911, and there only ever will be one Porsche 911, and the GT2RS is just about the best 911 Porsche has ever made. The latest GT2RS comes with 691 horsepower, and magnesium and carbon fibre all over to save weight, resulting in a 211 mph top speed and a 0-60 of just 2.7 seconds, which are truly ultimate Porsche numbers. View 911 GT2 RS Listings Ferrari 488 Pista While Ferrari is more known for their V12-powered cars, the 488 Pista proves that their V8 offerings are not to be discounted. The Pista improves on the already incredible 488 by leaving 200 pounds of weight behind and bringing along 40% more downforce, with an end result of 2.8 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of 211 mph. View 488 Pista Listings Koenigsegg The One:1 Koenigsegg The only type of car that can outdo a Koenigsegg is a better Koenigsegg, and when the world was already wowed by the Koenigsegg Agera R, they were blown away yet again by the impossible One:1. It’s name comes from the fact that when power to weight is measured in PS and kilograms, the ratio is 1, or equivalent to a megawatt. Because of this Koenigsegg coined a new term “megacar” for the One:1, and rightfully so. While there are many supercar types and hypercars, Koenigsegg is all about the megacar. View Koenigsegg Listings Aston Martin One-77 It’s a shame that the world will only get to see 76 of this car (one has been totaled), with its perfect proportions, wide, but still very elegant stance, its trademark swan doors and gorgeous interior. But there’s more than just that to write home about when it comes to the Aston Martin One-77. With a 3.5 second 0-60, and a 220 mph top speed, the One-77 doesn’t just have a pretty face. View Aston Martin Listings Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR RENNtech The 90s were quite the era for supercars, and with many supercar models from the era simply being street-legal versions of GT1 race cars, these 90s legends are still unique and unforgettable today. With a 7.3 liter V12 producing 604 horsepower, the CLK-GTR managed 3.8 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of 214 mph. All 'best supercars lists' would not be complete without the CLK-GTR. View Mercedes Listings McLaren Speedtail McLaren McLaren has a lot to be proud of, and the list of their achievements as a brand seems to only grow exponentially as the years go by. That’s why their latest Ultimate Series hypercar, the Speedtail, pays homage to the F1 in plenty of ways. These include the F1’s iconic seating arrangement, an incredibly long, teardrop-shaped rear end akin to the F1 LM, and most importantly, an F1-worthy top speed figure of 250 mph. View Speedtail Listings Apollo IE " width="680"> IE stands for Intenza Emozione, or Intense Emotion in Italian, which is an understatement for what the prowess of this vehicle evokes. The IE’s modified Ferrari V12 was developed with HWA AG, a cousin of AMG, and what they came up with was 780 naturally aspirated horsepower. Paired with a construction made almost entirely of carbon fiber and what you get is a 2.7 0-60 and 208 mph in top speed. Life is too short to drive boring cars. You deserve the best supercar brands, and that is what we offer. Stay with duPont REGISTRY for all your luxury lifestyle essentials. Exotic Cars For Sale

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By duPont REGISTRY – January 22, 2023

Why Would Someone Pay $88,888,888 For A License Plate?

Image with size : 1140x570 Presented by PlateBroker.com. Why Would Someone Pay $88,888,888 For A License Plate? Prestige, legacy, and symbolism matter most when money is just a number. 恭喜发财 January 22, 2023 marks the start of the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve Zodiac animals. It is a symbol of elegance and beauty. Wherever you are in the world, Platebroker.com wishes you a healthy and prosperous New Year. The existence of symbolism is an important facet of cultures around the world, influencing decisions ranging from where to live, what to believe in, and what to purchase. You may notice a tendency for big ticket items, like homes or cars, to feature 888 in their listed prices. The number 8 in Chinese sounds very similar to the word to “make a fortune” so, naturally 888 is “triple fortune.” The widespread popularity of the number 888 makes it arguably the most recognizable number in the world. It also makes it the most coveted and desirable when associated with scarcity, and status. When you’ve reached a certain level of financial success, you become unfazed by daily fluctuations in your net worth. Essentially, the concept and use of money both change. Acquisitions are motivated by personal joy, exclusivity, and, at times, a competitive spirit. It is rumored that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia thought he was bidding against his Qatari rivals, thus pushing Davinci’s Salvator Mundi to its record-setting price of $450.3 million, blowing past the estimate of $100 million. The desire to keep it away from the opposition was just as poignant as the provenance of the painting. When the California 888 plate was released, no asking price was set because potential buyers may be motivated by things other than price. A sale at $88,888,888 would not only demolish the 15-year-old world record, but would establish a high watermark that would most likely remain unchallenged for a long while. The iconic price of eight 8’s would immediately become etched in international legend. A sale at $28,888,888 would break the world record and disrupt the license plate market. The number 28 is popular in Chinese culture as it sounds like the Cantonese phrase for “easy money.” Other symbolic Chinese numbers include: 19 - “forever” | 13 - “a lifetime” | 6 - “smooth” All serious offers will be considered for California 888 and symbolic numbers are very welcome. The question now is who will break the record and set a new standard across the globe? Will it be a corporation like 888 Holdings or ByteDance, or an individual like Jensen Huang or Tony Xu? The Year of the Rabbit just may hold the answer. Photos feature inventory from our friends at Lamborghini Dallas and Pagani of Dallas. Visit PlateBroker.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2023

The Hamilton Collection Spends $800K A Year On Maintainin...

With plans to add 15 more cars in the next three years, The Hamilton Collections maintenance bill is sure to get even bigger. Making the transition into supercar ownership doesn’t stop at the price tag, but instead long after throughout its lifespan of modifications and regular maintenance. Although all new vehicles come with a cushioning warranty and maintenance plan, any out-of-pocket repairs on an exotic car can add to your annual spending. In The Hamilton Collection’s newest YouTube video, Steve and Tommy review all the money spent on repairs, modifications, insurance, and gas for the entire $30 million car collection in 2022. From the famous Keith Urban Pagani Huayra to an LS V8-powered Cadillac Limousine, some of the year’s biggest spends will truly surprise the community of passionate fans. MUST-READ: Best Exotic Cars Over $1 Million You Can Buy Today Of all the high-horsepower performance cars, Steve Hamilton’s R35 Nissan GT-R takes the cake with a modification bill totaling an astonishing $215,000. While the Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder all remain under factory warranty, the most surprisingly cheap supercar to maintain is the Ford GT’s $782 yearly oil service. Overall, The Hamilton Collection spent an additional $6,745 on gas, $42,000 on wheels and tires, $40,000 on PPF and wraps, $27,800 on insurance, and $15,000 on details, totaling an astonishing $800,000+ for 2022. Watch The Hamilton Collection break down the cost of each supercar and hypercar’s maintenance by clicking on the video above. Source: The Hamilton Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 13, 2023

Watch Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 5 Trailer

Offering unprecedented access, Season 5 will once again take fans behind the scenes. Responsible for showcasing the action-packed world of Formula One to viewers around the world, Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive series continues to gain traction as one of the hottest releases on the streaming platform. Each episode takes fans behind the scenes of F1 teams and drivers, and their pursuit of victory throughout the season. Netflix is proud to announce that Drive to Survive will be returning for its 5th season to cover one of the most dramatic F1 seasons to date. Fans can tune in to support their favorite drivers, whether it be Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, or any of the determined competitors. Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 5 returns on February 24th, 2023. Watch the season 5 trailer for Drive to Survive by clicking the video link above. Source: Netflix

By Gabriel Vega – January 10, 2023

We Take A $250,000 Grech RV Strada-ion Across California

Presented by Grech RV. We Take A $250,000 Grech RV Strada-ion Across California Since the start of 2020, the RV and camping world has changed dramatically. A quick look at Google Trends reveals that both terms received the highest traffic they'd had in nearly a decade. Thus waves of newcomers flooded the hobby, and its popularity continues today. However, with many different classes, sizes, and configurations available, choosing a camping rig, especially as a newcomer, can be pretty tricky. I, for one, had never even considered taking an RV road trip, mainly because it seemed complex and time-consuming. The idea of going on a vacation only to worry about so many aspects of my stay frankly turned me off from the concept as a whole. However, when the opportunity presented itself for me to take a brand-new Grech RV Strada-ion on a quick trip across California, I couldn't say no. What is a Grech RV Strada-ion?The Grech RV Strada-ion is a Class B motorhome based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 XD 170' Extended High Roof. It's powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine developing 188 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque. This configuration sends all of its power to its rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Strada-ion is available in three color options, Iridium Silver, Grey White, and Tenorite Grey. Grech RV currently offers two floor plans. The first is the Lounge Plan, which features seating for up to nine people and sleeping accommodations for two. This configuration features four swiveling chairs in its forward compartment, allowing four people to sit comfortably around a removable center table. The second configuration is the Tour Plan. While it seats seven and sleeps up to two, it prioritizes onboard amenities and added cargo space. These include a slightly larger kitchen, bathroom, and front storage compartment. I had the roomier Lounge Plan and its configurable chairs for my journey. What makes the Grech RV Strada-ion unique?While there are plenty of luxury-oriented Class B motorhomes, the Grech RV Strada-ion stands out in three key areas. The first is, as alluded to in its name, the onboard Lithium-ion battery system. It replaces the Cummins Onan propane generator found in the standard Strada model and powers the RV in a more environmentally friendly and quiet way. During my trip, I found myself pulling into a campsite late at night, and not having to wake anyone up by firing up an onboard generator was a welcomed advantage. The second is in the RV's rear suspension, as the Strada replaces the Sprinter's leaf spring configuration with an air suspension system. It features a self-leveling design that does an excellent job of balancing stability and ride comfort. When encountering significant road imperfections at higher speeds, the Strada can more confidently absorb bumps than a standard Sprinter passenger van. Lastly, the Strada-ion stands out with its restrained aesthetic. Despite having a starting price of $244,900, this motorhome isn't unnecessarily flashy. It features stainless steel paneling along its sides, a molded fiberglass body kit, and subtle Grech RV branding. It's the ideal rig for the type of person that wants to have a luxurious camping experience while still flying under the radar. Is The Grech RV Strada-ion easy to drive?Having never driven anything of this size before, jumping behind the wheel of the Strada-ion seemed daunting at first. It's 116-in high, 80-in wide, and 290-in long. However, on the road, it shrinks around you, despite being the largest motorhome Grech RV sells. Its benefits, such as its light steering, upright seating position, and excellent visibility, are advantages of its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Base. Despite its hefty size, its 325 lb-ft of torque output offers more than enough power to get up and go. Even while crossing mountain passes on our way north out of Los Angeles, the Strada never felt like it was out of steam. Its seven-speed automatic transmission delivered seamless shifts and kept the engine low enough in the RPMs to avoid excess noise. As a first-time RV experience, it didn't take long for me to grow confident behind the wheel. On the tech front, the Strada-ion counts on two traditional analog gauges with a digital display between them. A central infotainment screen houses the latest Mercedes-Benz MBUX system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Once hooked up, the media played through the system is audible throughout the cabin, thanks to the onboard premium sound system. Flick the turn signal in either direction, and the same central screen cuts to a live feed from either of the mirror-mounted side-view cameras. Alongside a blind-spot alert system, driver attention monitoring system, and radar-guided cruise control, the Strada features plenty of onboard safety systems. What is the Grech RV Strada-ion like to live in?After a long day of driving and quietly arriving at our campsite far after the sun had set, it was time to explore the Strada-ion's touchscreen control system. There are two screens, one by the sliding door and one towards the rear of the cabin, although smartphone connectivity allows you to adjust many of the same settings from a mobile device. The first step was to lower the shades, which a single press of the system could do. Then by extending the two rear ottomans and collapsing the back sofa, I quickly transformed the cabin's rear into a bed. It offers a memory foam construction and is covered in a soft but durable Ultraleather material like the rest of the cabin. At 5'10, I could comfortably spread out as the bed's footprint is 66-in wide and 76-in long. Since we had driven a full day, our Lithium-ion battery system was fully charged partly by the engine and rooftop solar panels, allowing us to run all of these systems in complete silence. It is a 12-volt system with 1,260 Amp Hour / 16,128 Watt Hour. There's also an onboard 3,000 Watt Xantrex inverter and an auxiliary 280 Amp Alternator with a Wakespeed regulator. Despite the system's complexity, it proved easy for a newbie like me to use it on the very first day. With the bed made, it was time to cook dinner. Although the Lounge Plan offers slightly less cooking space than the Tour Plan, there was plenty of room to chef it up with minimal effort. A section of removable quartz countertop usually covers the faucet, and the small refrigerator and microwave combo live just beneath it. A two-burner induction cooktop heated up quickly and seemed to draw little power as I made dinner.When it was time to eat, I swiveled the driver's seat around and deployed the removable central table. It doubled as both an eating surface and work station. On the first night, I had quite a bit of writing to do, so having a flexible area to accomplish it made the whole experience relatively easy.Cleaning up was a breeze as the quartz countertop isn't very porous and some Clorox wipes quickly got the job done. With just the dishes left to do, it was back to the touchscreen to fire up the pump for the freshwater tank. Like everything else, it is powered by the onboard electrical system and is nearly silent. The Tank capacities in the Strada-ion are 26 gallons of fresh water, 27 gal of gray water, and 13 gal of black water, all 12-volt heated. I chose to complete this trip right before winter began in California, so as I turned in for the night, it was a cool 44 degrees outside. Far from freezing, but it was cold enough to warrant firing up the Strada-ion's onboard Timberline heating system. It's a diesel-based design that provides general cabin heating and hot water for the bath and kitchen. Controlled by a separate touchscreen nestled just behind the driver, it takes about 30 min to get going, but once it does, it keeps the cabin warm through the night. Is the Grech RV Strada-ion suitable for first-time buyers?If staying in the Strada-ion as a first-time RVer taught me anything, this motorhome is incredibly easy to use. As mentioned above, I'm far from the most technical person, and the idea of having to manage so many things during a short vacation seemed like it would be quite a challenge. However, the Grech RV is positioned as a luxury product. Thus all of its various interfaces and systems proved straightforward. Even the onboard battery system has a minimal learning curve. From a driving perspective, the Strada-ion, despite being a Class B motorhome, drives like a much smaller van. Think of your typical U-haul-sized Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit. Very little behind the wheel reminds you that you're piloting a rig over 24 ft long. Its onboard safety systems and various cameras make it surprisingly easy to maneuver. On our first day back home, I could sneak it through our narrow driveway and tuck it behind my tiny house. When it came time to dump our gray and black water tanks, it was all done through the stainless steel utility center. It's hidden behind the RVs stainless steel side panels and features a retractable hose and an intuitive pump system. Grech RV also includes various adapters that make the whole process seamless and low effort.The Grech RV Strada-ion is the motorhome for the type of person that wants to have as luxurious of a camping experience as possible, with minimal effort and maximized enjoyment. How much does the Grech RV Strada-ion cost?The Grech RV Strada-ion is the brand's largest and most expensive motorhome. It has a base price of $244,900 but can increase with available bespoke options and custom layouts. A standard Strada starts at $225,900 and features the aforementioned Cummins generator instead of the battery system. Grech RV offers the $223,900 Terreno and $199,900 Turismo models for a smaller footprint. Both of these are also available with a Lithium-ion battery pack system. For more information on the Grech RV lineup and detailed pricing and floor plan information, please visit the link below. In the interest of full disclosure, Grech RV is an advertiser on duPont REGISTRY and thus sponsored this story and accompanying video. View Grech RVs For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2023

Watch A Sneak Peek Of The New Gran Turismo Movie, In Thea...

From gaming console to the big screen, Playstation's Gran Turismo is telling the true story of a professional racecar driver. Over the years, we have all grown to love the Gran Turismo video game series, as its responsible for being the gateway into the world of high-performance sports cars. While the game invites players to race on their favorite tracks behind the wheel of a selection of supercars and hypercars, Gran Turismo is excited to announce that its newest project will be seen on the big screen this summer. The all-new Gran Turismo Movie is based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish-fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver. MUST-READ: Ferrari Unveils The New 1,337-HP Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo Concept The Sony Pictures Entertainment film directed by acclaimed English actor Orlando Bloom, features a cast made up of Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, Daren Barnet, and many more. In a sneak peek look at the upcoming release, the race-inspired storyline incorporates authentic action-packed racing that you would expect to see in any professional setting. The all-new Gran Turismo Movie will be shown exclusively in movie theaters this summer. Watch the teaser trailer for Gran Turismo by clicking on the video link above. Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 21, 2022

Watch The McMurtry Spéirling Hypercar Do An 8.35-Second Q...

With F1 engineering and no holds barred, this small car delivers big performance. It might look like a toy, but the Spéirling from McMurtry Automotive is a very serious machine when it comes to performance innovation. It was conceived by Sir David McMurtry, a British entrepreneur who asked Formula 1 engineers to make the most ludicrous performance car that they possibly could, and this is what they came up with. With an all-electric powertrain and a dual-motor rear-wheel drive drivetrain, the car is capable of achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 horsepower per metric ton, and in addition, the car itself is a “fan car,” something that was seen in motorsport history, which uses a fan to generate immense downforce even before the car gets to speed. MUST READ: The GearBox: Electric Elegance Already, the incredible little car has broken the record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s famed Hillclimb with an incredible time of 39.08 seconds. Now, the McMurtry Spéirling has used its innovation and performance potential to achieve a blinding quarter-mile time of just 8.35 seconds, and a 0-60 time just above 1.4 seconds. With these numbers, the McMurtry Spéirling bests current records for the fastest-accelerating production cars of all time, and becomes one of the most innovative and intimidating hypercars ever made. View All Hypercars For Sale Source: YouTube/Carwow

By duPont REGISTRY – November 30, 2022

2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport Noire Listed for Sale (1 of 20)

Presented by Automobiles Etcetera. With a production run of just 500 units worldwide, the Bugatti Chiron is already one of the rarest vehicles of the last two decades. However, the car listed for sale today is rarer still. It is a 2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport Noire, one of 20 cars with a Matte Black Carbon exterior and a Beluga Black interior. It also includes a set of black wheels to match the rest of its darkened aesthetic. This limited run of cars exists to pay tribute to the $12.5 Million La Voiture Noire. The French car maker produced the one-off to commemorate its missing Type 57SC Atlantic of the 1930s. All 20 Noire examples feature the Chiron Sport’s 8.0-Liter quad-turbocharged developing 1,500 hp. Initially, the Bugatti offered the Noire package as a $110,800 option for its Sport model. " width="680"> Canadian dealer Automobiles Etcetera lists this specific car for sale with just 417 miles on the clock and is in excellent condition. For more information about this specific car and all the other vehicles Automobiles Etcetera has for sale, please call (514)-852-2886 or click the link below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 23, 2022

The New 777 Hypercar Is A $7 Million Exclusive Monza Raci...

This new hypercar is born and raised at one of the world’s most legendary racetracks. Racing doesn’t involve much luck, but this new hypercar promises the jackpot track experience, as it’s called the 777. The car and its manufacturer, 777 Motors, were founded by entrepreneur and collector Andrea Levy, and the car calls the famous Monza racetrack home. The number 7 is quite prevalent throughout the car, as it will cost €7 million (roughly $7.25 million), has 730 horsepower, and will only be produced in 7 examples. MUST READ: Watch A New Hour-Long In-Depth Interview With Gordon Murray The car enlists the talents of important names in motorsport, with engineering from Dallara, naturally-aspirated V8 power from Gibson Technology, and styling coming from Umberto Palermo Design. With a lightweight FIA-homologated carbon fiber monocoque and highly advanced aerodynamics, the car develops over twice as much downforce at 230 mph as it weighs, at just 1,984 pounds. The car is built purely for customers to enjoy on the track, and without any racing regulations, owners will be able to race the 777 around Monza in an estimated time of as little as 1 minute and 33 seconds. The 7 owners’ cars will be kept at the Monza circuit where they can be raced at their owners’ leisure, as well as at special events put on for them. While the car is not a hybrid, the 777 Hypercar will use synthetic fuel that dramatically reduces CO2 emissions. While deliveries of the car will begin in 2025, customers will first receive things that will prepare them for the arrival of the new track car. The first is a device that will prepare owners’ necks for the 3.5 to 4 Gs of lateral acceleration it will experience in the car, and the second is an advanced simulator through which owners can prepare to drive the car. In addition, they will be granted access to professional training programs, usually reserved for the world’s top racing drivers. If you want a truly unparalleled Italian racing experience, the 777 Hypercar is your jackpot. View All Race Cars For Sale Source: 777 Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 18, 2022

The Bentley Flying B is A Historical Symbol Of Luxury Aut...

For a brand like Bentley, hood ornaments are quite important. Hood ornaments are one of the most undeniably classic symbols of automotive luxury, as they speak to the glory and craftsmanship of luxurious cars from eras past. Bentley, as a brand with over 100 years of history, is one of the few brands that still uses hood ornaments on its cars, and its current “Flying B” hood ornament is the sixth generation of the Bentley hood ornament. Creating it involves a level of craftsmanship that evokes historical coachbuilding and artisanal dedication, and although it’s a simple and seemingly superfluous touch, the Bentley hood ornament symbolizes the incredible level of luxury that Bentley is able to offer. MUST READ: Bentley Unveils A New Bespoke Sneaker Collection By ‘The Surgeon’ The Flying B is ordered for 97 percent of all Flying Spurs. Cast as a single piece of 316-grade stainless steel, the emblem takes 11 weeks to create from start to finish, after which it is fitted with the crystal acrylic wings by WCM Europe, as well as LEDs that add brilliance to it when it’s deployed. The Flying B has been a part of Bentley’s legacy since the 1920s, when it was a set of horizontal brass wings, to a streamlined single wing in the 1930s, then to rear-facing wings through the 1970s. There was a long period in which prominent solid hood ornaments were banned for pedestrian protection, but eventually, they came back in 2006 with a retractable design for the Azure and Brooklands, and in 2019, the current design took shape on the Flying Spur. With the Flying B, a historical icon of luxury still is made with the craftsmanship of the past. View All Bentleys For Sale Source: Bentley

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