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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

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By Tyler Rampersaud – January 30, 2024

O'Gara Coach Launches New Collision Center For Luxury & E...

Supercar owners can now trust a supercar expert for repairs. O’Gara Coach is one of the most prolific names in the supercar world, with an incredible network of dealership locations, and an inventory that boasts some of the most amazing, rare, desirable, and simply greatest cars ever created. With an arsenal of supercar expertise and experience, O’Gara Coach provides sales, service, and experiences to clients, being one of the most important entities when it comes to both owning and enjoying a supercar or hypercar. Now, O’Gara is launching a new facet of its business, the O’Gara Collsion Center, which helps supercar owners in the unfortunate event of a collision to repair and restore the condition of their vehicles. Exotic and luxury cars demand an increased attention to detail and care when it comes to workmanship, especially during repairs, and O’Gara Coach’s prolific supercar expertise is sure to deliver just that. The new collision center boasts a concierge service from start to finish, with pickup, delivery, and genuine parts with dedicated, painstaking craftsmanship. The collision center is located in San Diego, California, and specializes in repairing Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce cars. With a new collision center and expertise in some of the world’s most prestigious supercar manufacturers, O’Gara Coach is making one of the hardest moments in supercar ownership much easier. View All Vehicles For Sale From O'Gara Coach San Diego View this post on Instagram A post shared by O'Gara (@ogaracoach)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2024

Ferrari Launches Its Fuel-Driven Spring/Summer 2024 Fashi...

From the race track to the fashion runway, Ferrari does it all! Ferrari, a name tied to high-performance supercars and the electrifying atmosphere of the race track, seamlessly transitions its design expertise into the realm of high fashion, proving that speed and style can share the same heartbeat. With its rich Italian heritage as the cornerstone, Ferrari crafts a fashion collection that mirrors the Italian design and craftsmanship of its fleet of ultra-exclusive supercars and hypercars. Each piece as part of its new Spring/Summer 2024 Collection features a blend of elegance, innovation, and the fiery spirit of the racetrack, tailored for the runway. Whether you're behind the wheel or on the streets, Ferrari's DNA is unmistakably woven into every fiber, radiating success and sophistication in every thread. Ferrari's Spring/Summer 2024 Collection offers a range of apparel, footwear, and accessories that are as suitable for the boardroom as it is for a spirited weekend drive. Adopting the distinct color palette and high-grade materials used by its supercar facility in Maranello, Italy, the collection offers a subtle nod to Ferrari's heritage. The pieces are designed to provide a sophisticated, yet understated look, ensuring that professionals can enjoy a touch of Ferrari's renowned style and quality in their everyday wardrobe. Ferrari ventured beyond its iconic design studios to join forces with its partners at PUMA Motorsport. Together, they're crafting an exclusive line of performance sneakers that promise to resonate with Ferrari owners and enthusiasts, seamlessly blending the rush of the racetrack with the elegance of everyday style. Shop all of the current Ferrari styles from PUMA Motorsports by clicking the link below. Shop All Ferrari x PUMA Motorsport Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2024

TAG Heuer Kicks Off LVMH Watch Week 2024 With A Handful O...

From icons to modern smartwatches, TAG Heuer is here to compete for the top spot in 2024. LVMH Watch Week is where the crème de la crème of luxury watchmaking congregate, transforming it into a glittering showcase of horological excellence. As the industry's spotlight event of 2024, it's not just about setting the tone for the year; it's where the giants of timepiece manufactring unveil their latest masterpieces. Sure, brands are there to give us a sneak peek of their upcoming collections, but let's be real – they've all got a few aces hidden up their sleeves. Expect whispers of groundbreaking innovations and exclusive reveals that will continue to ripple through the industry long after the curtains close on this prestigious event. Alongside debuting its all-new eyewear collaboration collection with Thélios, the team at TAG Heuer are proud to present a handful of watches that will set the watchmakers pace for 2024. Shop All TAG Heuer Watches TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph TAG Heuer is starting the year with a flair by introducing the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, a nod to the classic DATO layout, now featuring a model with the renowned tourbillon movement. These watches artfully blend the distinctive 2023 Glassbox style with a striking teal green color theme. This combination celebrates the brand's storied past while also welcoming an exciting future. These timepieces are sure to win over watch aficionados and collectors globally, as they pay tribute to TAG Heuer's deep-rooted connection with racing. Continuously leading the pack, the Carrera collection holds its ground in the LVMH lineup, maintaining its prominence even after the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the Carrera in 2023. Shop Now New TAG Heuer Connected Watch Faces TAG Heuer is stepping up its game by blending its classic watchmaking artistry with the tech-savvy world of connected watches. They're rolling out some fresh watch faces, dialing up the style and substance of their already popular TAG Heuer Connected Watch. They're not just sticking to the basics either. TAG Heuer is introducing some exclusive watch faces, including limited editions and designs that capture the essence of their iconic brand. But here's the real game-changer: TAG Heuer is mixing the legendary vibes of their top collections – the sleek and sporty TAG Heuer Carrera, the adventure-ready TAG Heuer Aquaracer, and the race-inspired TAG Heuer Formula 1 – right into the heart of these connected watch faces. Shop Now TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Green TAG Heuer is thrilled to roll out the latest gem in its 45mm E4 series, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4, now sporting a sleek green shade. This stylish smartwatch is where classic watchmaking meets modern connectivity, offering a fresh twist to your everyday style. This season, TAG Heuer is all about blending suave luxury with an athletic vibe, introducing a rich, subtle green that adds a layer of sophistication to the Connected Calibre E4. The TAG Heuer Connected Watch comes with a sturdy steel case, sized at a substantial 45mm. But the real showstopper is the vibrant green ceramic polished bezel, flawlessly paired with a green rubber strap for a look that's both coordinated and striking. TAG Heuer has nailed the art of fusing these elements, crafting a watch that's a feast for the eye Shop Now Source: TAG Heuer

A close up image of the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage.

By Gabriel Vega – January 29, 2024

2025 Aston Martin Vantage Teased Ahead Of February 12th D...

A new Aston Martin Vantage is coming. The British carmaker announced today that it plans to unveil its latest offering on February 12th and even published a teaser photo to give us a glimpse of what's to come. While Aston Martin has yet to share any details surrounding its upcoming sports car, spy shots captured over the last 12 months indicate that, like the new DB12, this upcoming Vantage could be more of a significant refresh than an all-new model. This, of course, would fall in line with previous statements made by executive chairman Lawrance Stroll highlighting his intentions to thoroughly update the carmaker's current portfolio to make them more competitive sooner rather than later. Developing an all-new platform takes the best part of a decade, and if the DB12 is anything to do by, the upcoming Vantage should still be quite the machine. After all, the carmaker claims this new model will be " a sports car engineered for real drivers." This new teaser image seems to back up this assumption. The prominent body line that nearly splits the Vantage's door in half essentially carries over from the current model. However, the front fenders appear slightly restyled, channeling air along the car's sides through a sharper, less curvaceous vent. The rear wheel arches appear somewhat extended, as does the side skirt. Suppose the DB12 is anything to go by. In that case, we should see significant updates to the Vantage's front fascia and interior, most notably adding much-needed tech features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Aston's flagship DB12 also received significant quality improvements to its cabin. As such, it wouldn't be surprising to see some trickle-down to the brand's "entry-level" offering. Aston Martin plans to unveil the new Vantage alongside the new AMR24 Formula 1 car and the Vantage GT3.

By duPont REGISTRY – January 23, 2024

duPont REGISTRY Group Appoints Jeremy VanderVelde as Chie...

duPont REGISTRY Group, the premier name in the exotic and luxury automotive marketplace, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jeremy Vander Velde as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Jeremy's arrival marks an influential move for duPont REGISTRY Group as it continues to elevate its leadership in the luxury automotive sector. Jeremy Vander Velde joins duPont REGISTRY Group with a wealth of experience gained from his tenure at automotive industry disruptors. He initiated his automotive career at Tesla, where he served as the Senior Manager of Operations, overseeing the successful launch of Model 3 deliveries and contributing to the development of Tesla's groundbreaking home delivery model. Throughout the pandemic, Jeremy played a pivotal role at CarMax as a General Manager, contributing to the initial launch of their omni-channel customer experience model. His efforts enabled customers to enjoy seamless options such as home delivery and curbside pickup during a challenging period. In his most recent role as VP of Operations at Shift Technologies Inc, an omni-channel used car retailer, Jeremy continued to demonstrate his prowess in operational leadership. "duPont REGISTRY Group is thrilled to welcome Jeremy Vander Velde as our new Chief Operating Officer. His extensive experience and proven track record in revolutionizing operations for automotive industry disruptors align perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence," said Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group. Jeremy Vander Velde's appointment comes at a crucial juncture for duPont REGISTRY Group, as the company embarks on new initiatives to provide an unparalleled online experience for buyers, sellers and its dealership partners. "We believe Jeremy's strategic insight and operational and technical acumen will play a vital role in driving duPont REGISTRY Group's growth and solidifying our position as a leader in the luxury automotive sector. We are excited to leverage his expertise as we continue to elevate the standards of excellence within our industry," added Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group. Jeremy Vander Velde's appointment is effective , and he will be based at duPont REGISTRY Group's Miami headquarters. For media inquiries, please contact: media@dupontregistrygroup.com About duPont REGISTRY Group:At the heart of the Driven Lifestyle division lies the duPont REGISTRY Group, the world’s leading luxury ecosystem that encapsulates the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. Built by some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space, duPont REGISTRY Group represents a vibrant community of hundreds of thousands of members nurtured over nearly four decades. Its portfolio includes duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino, and FerrariChat.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 19, 2024

Petersen Museum Welcomes The McMurtry Spèirling Hypercar ...

The McMurtry Spèirling touches U.S. soil for the first time in sunny California. In an automotive where boundaries are constantly pushed with cutting-edge design, technology, and performance, its safe to say that hypercars come in all shapes and sizes. This is especially true for the McMurtry Spèirling, the smaller scale track-only hypercar famous for its record-setting sprint at the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb. With a set of twin-electric motors that generate a combined 1,000 horsepower to its short wheelbase body, the Spèirling finished the 1.16-mile course in a jaw-dropping 39.08 seconds. The passionate automotive historians at the Petersen Museum are proud to showcase the McMurtry Spèirling for the first time in the U.S. from now through the weekend. Car enthusiats are welcome to visit the McMurtry Spèirling and experience its incredible size first-hand. Its single seat cabin, enhanced aero, and larger wheels make for the perfect cornering recipe, utilizing a unique fan system that holds the ability to create nearly 4,400-pounds of downforce on demand. Only on pubic display until the end of the weekend, make sure you get down to the Petersen Museum to catch a glimpse of the record-setting McMurtry Spèirling hypercar. Source: Petersen Museum

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2024

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001 Heads To Barrett Jac...

Ford Motor Company is making waves in the collector car world with its latest move, a charity auction of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001 at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2024. The legendary Mustang remains a statement of power, performance, and Americana, continuing its ongoing legacy with yet another thrill-seeking track star. With an impressive 500 horsepower under the hood, the Dark Horse stands out as a pinnacle of American muscle. The 2024 model makes a grand entrance as the first new Mustang performance nameplate in over two decades. Its powerplant? A growling fourth-generation Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine. The Mustang Dark Horse is a four-wheel masterpiece of innovation, featuring a unique 6-speed TREMEC manual transmission complemented by an advanced cooling system. From the transmission oil cooler to the rear axle cooler, every detail is meticulously crafted for optimal performance. The Dark Horse takes handling to a new level with its MagneRide suspension and a Torsen rear differential, anchored by Brembo 6-piston front brakes. Inside, you'll find the most advanced, driver-focused cockpit in Mustang history. From the sleek, flat-bottomed steering wheel to the customizable 12.4-inch digital cluster, every inch screams Ford Performance. And the cherry on top? The entire hammer price from the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale sale goes to JDRF, leading the charge against type 1 diabetes. Mark your calendars for January 27, 2024, and witness automotive history with the sale of this 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001. View the auction lineup for Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2024 on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Barrett Jackson Inventory Source: Barrett Jackson Auction Company

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Jehan Daruvala, Maserati MSG Racing, Maserati Tipo Folgore

By Gabriel Vega – January 12, 2024

Maserati MSG Racing Gears Up For 2024 Formula E Season Wi...

The 2023-24 FIA Formula E World Championship officially kicks off tomorrow in Mexico City at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Ahead of the start of the season, however, the Maserati MSG Racing team held a roundtable discussion to discuss its new driver lineup, its goals for the year, and how it plans to embed lessons learned on track into the carmaker's upcoming line of electric road cars. The team's new driver lineup was the first and arguably the most important topic of discussion. It was announced in September of last year that Edoardo Mortara would depart the team after six consecutive seasons. For this upcoming season, Jehan Daruvala switched from Formula 2 to replace Mortara ahead of Formula E's 10th season. Maximilian Günther, the youngest person ever to win a Formula E race, returns for his second season with the team. MSG's driver lineup wasn't the only aspect of the team shaken up ahead of the new season, as only a few months ago, it was announced that team principal James Rossiter would depart as well. During the round table discussions, Head of Maserati Corse Giovanni Sgro confirmed that José M Aznar Botella, Maserati MSG Racing's Managing Partner, would fill in as team principal until a suitable replacement for Rossiter is found. However, it was also mentioned that Aznar couldn't fulfill the role in the long term due to business obligations. Aside from Maserati's Formula E involvement highlighting the carmaker's return to motorsport, it also promotes the brand's upcoming lineup of electric road cars. When asked how the team's experience on track could serve road car development, Sgro stated that the data collected from the racing cars provides valuable insights into improving the road car's battery consumption and regenerative braking systems. As the team makes crucial decisions ahead of the upcoming season, it's looking to replicate the success it saw in Jakarta in June of last year, with hopefully more podiums to come. For now, it all kicks off this Saturday in Mexico City.