Aviation

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 31, 2026

Piero Ferrari Takes Delivery of Bombardier's 200th Challenger 3500

With more than 24,000 private business jets operating worldwide, it's no surprise that certain names and models appear time and again thanks to their reputation, quality, and popularity among frequent flyers. Bombardier stands out as one of the giants on that list, and even more specifically, the Challenger 3500, the company’s flagship in the super-midsize category. Celebrating a monumental milestone, Bombardier just recently delivered its 200th Challenger 3500, and the new owner is none other than Mr. Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman of Ferrari. It’s been almost four years since the first production Challenger 3500 was delivered to entertainment entrepreneur and CEO Les Goldberg, and it has only gained notoriety and popularity as production has ramped up with years' worth of orders. And with a range of 3,400 nautical miles, the aircraft proves to be perfect for Mr. Ferrari’s frequent travel to Formula One races all around the globe, supporting Scuderia Ferrari F1 and rooting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to victory. “We are especially proud to mark thismilestone withMr.Piero Ferrari and thank him for the confidence he has placed in Bombardier.This achievement speaks to the exceptional dedication of our employees, the confidence our customers continue to place in Bombardier and the strength of an aircraft that delivers outstanding performance, impressive efficiency and an elevated cabin experience. The Challenger 3500 has quickly established itself as a category leader, and we look forward to building on that momentum.” - David Murray, Executive Vice President,Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System GALLERY-EMBED With range and efficiency top priorities for Bombardier, the Challenger 3500 really shines inside, offering the comfort of a spacious cabin that accommodates 8 to 9 passengers. The aircraft also features an industry-first voice-controlled cabin, giving passengers complete control to manage lighting, temperature, and media settings hands-free. Upgrades like 4K video displays and wireless charging keep Mr. Ferrari and his passengers connected to all the race action while at 45,000 feet. Bombardier has no plans to slow production of its best-selling super-midsize business jet, continuing to deliver the aircraft to private owners and major corporate clients, setting its sights on 300 deliveries in the future. Source: Shamin Abas (SAPR)/Bombardier

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 13, 2026

Gulfstream's G800 Is Breaking Records As The World's Longest-Range Business Jet

When it comes to private aviation and the evolution of luxury aircraft, Gulfstream remains a top contender and pioneer in the industry, making history with the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which flew for the first time in 1958. Today, the Savannah, GA-based aviation company has grown its fleet to more than six current production models and a handful of discontinued models that are still tracking air miles, all of which are enjoyed by owners worldwide. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced two major milestones that further cement its place in aviation history, with the next-generation G800 achieving the company's fleet’s 800th city-pair speed record and the farthest, fastest flight in business aviation history. Now officially confirmed and celebrated, the G800 completed the 800th city-pair speed record in early June during a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to its headquarters in Savannah, traveling 2,973 nautical miles in 5 hours and 52 minutes at an average cruising speed of Mach 0.91 (698mph). To put things into perspective, not only isn’t there a non-stop commercial flight that is offered for this route, but the quickest one-stop flights generally take around 9 hours and 38 minutes. The second milestone took place on June 28th, when Gulfstream’s G800 completed a separate record-setting flight from Melbourne, Australia, to Moline, Illinois. The flight covered 8,303 nautical miles in 16 hours and 56 mins at an average cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (652mph). Gulfstream aircraft have now achieved 815 speed records across the fleet, including 15 set by the G800 since entering service in August 2025. Marketed as flying faster in the world’s longest-range business jet, there is absolute truth behind Gulfstream’s stamp on the G800. With an impressive 8,200-nautical-mile range, multiple living areas, and a cabin designed to reduce fatigue through fresh air and low cabin altitude, the Gulfstream G800 is engineered for spending as much time enjoying the journey as the destination. Source: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

A blue and white private jet, representing the pinnacle of private aviation provided by Airshare, soars over cloud-covered snowy mountains under a clear sky.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2025

Airshare Named Official Private Aviation Provider Of The ...

Airshare teams up with PGA of America through 2029 Airshare just landed a big partnership with the PGA of America, locking in as the official private aviation provider through 2029. That means they’ll be flying into major events like the Ryder Cup in 2025 and 2029, the PGA Championship, and the PGA National Club Championship. Airshare is also getting involved with local PGA Sections in places like Southern California, South Florida, New York, and the Southwest, helping support community golf growth in those regions. It’s the kind of move that combines high-profile exposure with some homegrown golf support, which makes sense considering how deeply golf and private aviation tend to cross paths. Airshare has been around for a while and has expanded a lot recently, with nearly 140 aircraft flying around the country. They offer the usual mix of jet cards, fractional ownership, and charter flights, and they’ve been pushing to expand even more since new ownership came on board last year. Teaming up with the PGA of America helps them stay connected to a sport that’s always on the move. With big events like the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on the calendar, the timing feels pretty spot-on. What’s even better is that they’re also making an effort to work with PGA professionals on a local level. For a company that’s often associated with elite travel, it’s a surprisingly grounded approach. Discover Airshare Source: Airshare

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 09, 2024

ONEflight Members Revel In Luxury At The 2024 Formula 1 M...

ONEflight International treated its members to an exclusive Formula 1 experience at the Miami Grand Prix 2024, featuring prime views, outstanding hospitality, and special appearances, including ONEflight Brand Ambassador Kevin O'Leary. ONEflight International, a distinguished name in Private Jet Travel, recently made waves at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2024. Visiting sunny South Miami for the third time, the Miami GP proves to be the place to be for A-list celebrities, top-tier athletes, and other influential individuals. The three-day extravaganza, held at the Miami International Autodrome from May 3rd to May 5th, offered ONEflight members an unforgettable experience that got them close to the action while enjoying luxurious amenities. Guests of ONEflight were treated to exclusive views of the track at the Chairman's Garage Level Suite and Rooftop located in the Paddock Club, allowing the opportunity to witness the heart-pounding action of Formula 1 racing upfront and in person. In addition to other big names on the scene, ONEflight Brand Ambassador Kevin O'Leary added an extra layer of excitement to the fuel-driven event wearing two exclusive gold Rolex Daytona chronograph watches. Ferren Rajput, CEO of ONEflight International, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting their respected members at such a prestigious, world-renowned event. He highlighted the company's dedication to providing exceptional service and access to exclusive events, guaranteeing an unmatched experience for their valued members. The thrilling finish saw McLaren F1 and team driver Lando Norris emerging victorious, claiming the top spot on the podium and adding to the excitement and spirit of Miami. The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2024 marked yet another milestone in ONEflight's commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences to its members, setting the bar high for luxury travel and hospitality. Discover the endless opportunities in private jet travel from ONEflight by clicking the link below. Discover ONEflight International Source: ONEflight International

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2024

Honda Aircraft Company Celebrates 250th HondaJet Delivery...

Honda Aircraft Company continues its rise to the top in business aviation. Honda Aircraft Company's recent delivery of its 250th HondaJet marks a significant milestone while highlighting its leading position in the business private aviation market. The accomplishment, celebrated with a special event at the company's global headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, comes after HondaJet's first customer delivery in late 2015. Since receiving its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the same year, the HondaJet has consistently set new standards in the very light jet category. Its evolutionary journey from the original model to the latest Elite II showcases continuous improvements, strengthening its reputation as the most fuel-efficient, fastest, and highest-flying aircraft in its class. With over 210,000 flight hours and an impressive dispatch reliability of 99.7%, the HondaJet fleet's growth is an example of Honda Aircraft Company's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience. Customers enjoy seamless access to top-tier support, thanks to Honda's extensive global network, including Authorized Sales Representatives and Service Centers across multiple continents. Looking ahead, Honda Aircraft Company is keen on reshaping the future of aviation, with the HondaJet Echelon set to elevate efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Source: Honda Aircraft Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 24, 2022

Airbus Corporate Helicopters Delivers The First ACH130 As...

Combining ACH’s key values of excellence, quality and service with Aston Martin’s commitment to beauty, handcrafting and automotive art. After announcing its partnership with the aviation experts at Airbus Corporate Helicopters, Aston Martin took on the challenge of designing the new special-edition ACH 130 helicopter. The ACH 130 Aston Martin Edition features a range of interior and exterior designers implemented by the creative team at Aston Martin. Available in four external liveries with complementary interiors, the helicopters are embellished with Aston Martin signature elements. MUST-READ: An Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Stunt Car Auctioned For $3.2 Million Aston Martin and Airbus are proud to deliver the first ACH 130 Aston Martin Edition to the United States. The helicopter was delievred to the private individual, who also owns an Aston Martin sports car, and is on display in the static area at the NBAA Annual Convention. With one confirmed delievrey, we are anxious to see who will be accepting their Airbus ACH 130 Aston Martin Edition next. View all the current Aston Martin examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Aston Martin For Sale Source: Airbus Corporate Helicopters

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2021

Why the Bell 505 is a Must-Have For this Property and Rea...

Presented by Bell - The luxurious, modern Bell 505 plays an essential role in ensuring seamless transportation for business as well as offering an exciting way to see the world. Just ask Clayton Boyd, owner of a multi-function company that specializes in the design and development of luxury barns along with real estate and property development. This Bell 505 owner leverages his short light single aircraft to reduce travel times between jobs. “With the Bell 505, I'm ready to go in five minutes, fly to destination, land at destination, do my business, stop, get fuel, grab something to eat and come home,” says Boyd. “It just cuts my day in half as far as transportation.” The Bell 505 has been one of the most sought-after helicopters in the industry, garnering attention from global owners and corporations. Its comfortable, high-visibility cabin and powerful performance continues to wow customers as they use the platform for speedy transportation while enjoying beautiful views from the air. “The Bell 505 cuts my travel time by 20-30% of the time. While I’m traveling, I find myself just in awe of life,” Boyd remarks. “As I’m looking at all the colors and terrain, it’s a totally different view from the air.” As for the makeup of this aircraft, the Bell 505’s dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Garmin G1000 offer pilots the most advanced upgrades to ensure flight is seamless. Powerful rotor blades and a Safran Arrius 2R engine also add to its remarkable performance. But the careful, methodical engineering of Bell’s latest commercial platform reflects 86 years of renowned vertical lift innovation. Clayton Boyd agrees. “One of the things that Bell has going for them, which people may overlook, is their legacy as a military company. Bell produces aircraft that defend our country. To get those contracts, you have to build the best of the best, and Bell doesn’t cheapen that up! You can tell this when you get a Bell 505; this thing is built like a tank – very stable and controlled.” Discover more about the versatile, agile Bell 505. Visit BellFlight.com

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By Edward Jones – March 02, 2021

Haute Retreats Now Offering Private Jet Charters With ONE...

Presented by ONEflight - Haute Retreats has announced their exclusive jet partnership with ONEflight International. “Coordinating private jet charter to and from Haute Retreats villas guarantees health and safety advantages as the world continues to grapple with the effects from the COVID-19 pandemic” - says Haute Retreats CEO and Founder Piccinin Sabrina. ONEflight is the leading ultra-luxury jet provider with the largest global network of private aircraft at your fingertips through the simple booking platform, BAJit.com. Only partnering with the best of the best, Haute Retreats is no exception, they will now extend the same level of service ONEflight provides its members, on the ground. ONEflight is proud to have been chosen by Haute Retreats to provide it members access to amazing luxury properties around the world and to further extend their VIP private jet services to Haute Retreat clients as well. Haute Retreats, is a world-class luxury villa rental company bringing over 22 years of luxury hospitality experience. Deeply committed to making a difference, its dedication to service is crucial and now they will provide exemplary lifestyle experiences for ONEflight’s members. Through this new partnership, members now have unequaled access to a collection of 1,900 villas and mansions around the globe. Multiple destinations are offered throughout Europe in Italy, France, Greece, Switzerland and Spain as well as the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Maldives and if you are looking to stay closer to home there are destinations in most of U.S. states as well. Follow ONEflight International Private Jets online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com, ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEflight.net for details. Visit ONEflight.net BAJit to Your Next Destination from ONEflight International on Vimeo.

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2019

Delta and Wheels Up Partner for One of the World's Larges...

Delta Air Lines and Wheels Up have announced they are joining forces to create one of the world's largest owned and managed fleets of private aircraft. In the announcing press release, it's noted that this partnership "make private aviation accessible to more consumers and provide unparalleled travel options." The terms of the partnership will see Delta Private Jets combine with Wheels Up. This addition to the Wheels Up will bring their private aircraft count up to over 190 and member/customer count to over 8,000. For Delta, they will hold an equity position in Wheels Up. “Bringing together our complementary businesses, which represent the best consumer brands in private and commercial aviation, is transformative and a first for the industry,” said Wheels Up’s Founder and CEO, Kenny Dichter. “The combination of Wheels Up and Delta Private Jets, along with the partnership commitments between Delta and Wheels Up, aligns with our growth objectives and vision of building a platform that will make private flying and the private flying lifestyle accessible to significantly more individuals and businesses in the US and around the world.” Expect to see this transaction close in early 2020. In the meantime, both companies will function as they have been. VISIT WHEELSUP.COM

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