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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 duPont Registry – March 20, 2023

28-Mile, Pristine 2021 Koenigsegg Regera For Sale

This is the chance of a lifetime to acquire one of the most exclusive and poweful supercars ever created!

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 28, 2023

Malibu’s $15M Sea Level Drive Estate Is A Stable For Supe...

Setting itself on Malibu's most precious landscape, this oceanfront estate is perfect to store one-of-a-kind hypercars and supercars.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 27, 2023

Steve McQueen's Former $17M Malibu Oceanfront Mansion

Once owned by renowned actor Steve McQueen, this luxurious Malibu waterfront property poses a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity.

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2023

1970 Plymouth Superbird: Spellman Signature Auctions Elli...

Presented by Spellman Signature Auctions. 1970 Plymouth Superbird: Spellman Signature Auctions Elliott Museum Event At Spellman Signature Auctions’ upcoming “Auction on the Ocean at the Elliott Museum,” an eye-catching 1970 Plymouth Superbird will be crossing the block. This classic muscle car has undergone a comprehensive restoration and is 1 of 1,935 ever produced. It's powered by a Super Commando 440 CI V8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a 4-speed manual A833 transmission. As you can tell from the pictures, this Superbird is finished in FJ5 Lime Green with a black vinyl top. Inside is a black interior and Hurst pistol grip shifter. This is a magnificent example of the iconic Superbird. View Listing For More Info Event Information: Featuring over 300 cars. Exotics+Classics+Imports+Muscle. Schedule Of Events: THURSDAY FEB 16 - DAY 1 10am - 4pm: PREVIEW DAY OPEN REGISTRATION FRIDAY FEB 17 - DAY 2 10am-12pm: PREVIEW HOURS 12pm-4pm: AUCTION: CLASSICS & MUSCLE 6pm-9pm: VIP COCKTAIL EVENT: MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKS SATURDAY FEB 18 - DAY 3 10am-5pm: AUCTION: MUSCLE & EXOTICS 6pm-9pm: VIP COCKTAIL EVENT: MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKS SUNDAY FEB 19 - DAY 4 11am-2pm: AUCTION: IMPORTS & TUNER CARS SPECIAL INTEREST AND AUTOMOBILIA Learn How To Sign Up Tags: First Second Third Forth Fifth Sixth

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2023

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28: Spellman Signature Auctions El...

Presented by Spellman Signature Auctions. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28: Spellman Signature Auctions Elliott Museum Event At Spellman Signature Auctions' upcoming "Auction on the Ocean at the Elliott Museum," a beautiful 1969 Camaro Z28 will be crossing the block. This specific Z28 features the original, 12,000-mile drivetrain that stars the DZ 302 V8 engine. Mated to this engine is a 4-speed transmission. This Z28 comes with all of the original paperwork that dates all the way back to the original handwritten order from the dealer. Its exterior is covered in the beautiful Garnet Red paint while the rear has the rare spoiler delete. Spellman Signature Auctions also notes that it's Jerry MacNeish Certified and has a Camaro High Performance Inc. certificate. Other features include the disc brakes and red bucket seats. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Listing For More Info Event Information:Featuring over 300 cars. Exotics+Classics+Imports+Muscle.Schedule Of Events:THURSDAY FEB 16 - DAY 110am - 4pm: PREVIEW DAY OPEN REGISTRATIONFRIDAY FEB 17 - DAY 210am-12pm: PREVIEW HOURS 12pm-4pm: AUCTION: CLASSICS & MUSCLE 6pm-9pm: VIP COCKTAIL EVENT: MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKSSATURDAY FEB 18 - DAY 3 10am-5pm: AUCTION: MUSCLE & EXOTICS 6pm-9pm: VIP COCKTAIL EVENT: MUSIC, FOOD, DRINKS SUNDAYFEB 19 - DAY 4 11am-2pm: AUCTION: IMPORTS & TUNER CARS SPECIAL INTEREST AND AUTOMOBILIA Learn How To Sign Up Tags: First Second Third Forth Fifth Sixth

By Edward Jones – February 09, 2023

Richmond Auctions Announces February Event: Over 800 Rare...

Presented by Richmond Auctions. Richmond Auctions is proud to announce their premier February 17-18, 2023 auction.

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 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 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 Gabriel Vega – October 18, 2022

Rolls-Royce Spectre Arrives As The Brand's First Fully-El...

Over the past year, Rolls-Royce has extensively teased its first-ever fully electric model, the Spectre. From winter testing in the arctic circle to on-road refinement in the French Riviera, the carmaker claims its first EV has covered over 1.5 million miles in testing, simulating up to 400 years of use. Today we get our first proper look at the Spectre, and there's plenty to share. For starters, it's important to note that despite its early online debut, the Spectre is still a year out from its official launch, with the first customer cars set to arrive towards the end of 2023. As such, Rolls-Royce has yet to publish final performance figures or exact details on its electric powertrain. As far as EVs go, the Spectre is one of the most stunning. It's not immediately recognizable as an electric car and doesn't rely on overly futuristic looks to set it apart. Its styling is sleek, elegant, and very Rolls-Royce. The brand's first EV doesn't seem to welcome the future by ditching the past. Instead, it takes a recognizable design language and streamlines it with aerodynamics and efficiency in mind. Take the front Pantheon grille as an example. It's the widest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce and employs similar vanes to those found in the carmaker's other products but are purposely angled to channel air around the car's front. It's a subtle visual change that has a sizable impact. According to Rolls-Royce, the Spectre is the Phantom Coupé's spiritual successor. However, its fastback design also has subtle hints of Wraith, specifically its sloping roofline. It may only have two doors, but the Spectre is quite a sizable vehicle. Its 214.7-in length is 2 in longer than a Ghost and 4 in longer than a Cullinan. According to Rolls-Royce, 23-in wheels were necessary to keep its proportions in check. Although they showcase a multi-spoke fan blade style design, the carmaker has yet to comment on how they contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the Spectre builds on the brand's existing interior design language with its prominent digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and a wide infotainment screen in the dashboard. Like with its exterior styling, Rolls-Royce didn't follow common EV trends. It still employs physical buttons, switches, and many high-quality materials. Alongside the brand's Starlight Headliner, the Spectre debuts new Starlight Doors, complete with 4,796 luminous stars, excluding those in the roof. Although they have yet to release official figures, Rolls-Royce estimates that the Spectre will deliver around 577 hp, 664 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated EPA angle of 260 miles with the standard 23-inch wheels. It's important to note that the carmaker has not published specifics on motor count, battery size, or charging speeds. However, we know that the Spectre will integrate its batteries into the car's overall structure, making it at least 30 percent stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. The Spectre rides on the same Architecture of Luxury platform as the Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan. The architecture's flexibility allowed engineers to place the car's floor halfway between the sill structures instead of on top or underneath them. Additionally, engineers routed the car's wiring and climate control piping between the battery pack and the floor to create a perfectly smooth surface. This allows the Spectre to offer a lower seating position while its battery pack results in "almost 700kg (1,543 lb) of sound deadening." Given its generous dimensions and hefty battery pack, the Spectre is now the heaviest Rolls-Royce model, with a curb weight of 6,559 lb. Despite this, it'll match a Black Badge Ghost's 4.4-second run to 60 mph. Like all other Rolls-Royce vehicles, it has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Also Read: Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Road Trip: 1000 Miles In A Billionaire’s $500,000 Daily Driver To keep its weight in check through corners while still delivering the brand's "magic carpet ride." The Spectre counts on the latest iteration of the carmaker's Planar suspension. It allows the large EV to de-couple its anti-roll bars, allowing each wheel to act independently. The goal is to prevent rocking motions and disturbances caused by road imperfections. For example, if one wheel hits a pothole, it won't affect the other three. As the Spectre detects a corner up ahead, it'll re-couple its anti-roll bars and stiffen its dampers. Additionally, its four-wheel steering system helps to effectively shorten its wheelbase, allowing for more agile handling. Alongside its online debut, Rolls-Royce officially opens its Spectre order books today. As mentioned earlier, the carmaker expects to deliver its first customer cars in Q4 2023. As of writing, Rolls-Royce has yet to announce official pricing figures. Expect more official announcements with greater detail as we near the car's official launch in 2023. See All Rolls-Royces For Sale

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