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

Bentley News

Bentley news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Continental GT, the Bentayga, the Flying Spur and Mulliner's bespoke commissions. Our reporting takes in model reveals, first drives and the auction results that establish what these cars are worth. Bentley Motors news tends to move slowly and matter for years, so we follow how values hold across a generation. This is where the marketplace becomes useful. Many of the Bentleys covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, placing the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Bentley news today, and the luxury car market news that surrounds it, begin below.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 13, 2026

Bentley Announces Michelle Yeoh As New Brand Ambassador

Bentley Motors has just crossed the threshold of a new chapter in its history, introducing the Torcal, its first production BEV, and continuing to execute its bold Beyond100+ strategy. Recently, the manufacturer announced former soccer player Mats Hummels as a brand ambassador and, days later, announced yet another brand ambassador: actress Michelle Yeoh. Global brand ambassador for Bentley Motors is the latest addition to Yeoh’s extensive resume, which includes ballet training, starring roles in over fifty films, and the first Best Actress Academy Award to be won by an Asian woman. Her appearances in the Wicked duology, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Crazy Rich Asians have propelled her to the highest echelon of the entertainment world, and another testament to Yeoh’s stardom is an Hermès handbag style named after her. Yeoh’s relationship with the Bentley brand is longstanding. Her husband, Jean Todt, has a collection of Bentleys that includes a 1965 Continental S3, a 2019 Mulsanne, and a 2025 Flying Spur Speed First Edition. Along with the announcement of her brand ambassador role, Bentley Motors External Creative Director Greg Williams photographed her in a new portrait. Her peers in the ambassadorial position include Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mai Ikuzawa. <- Gallery -> About her new role, Yeoh commented, “Over more than four decades on screen, from Hong Kong action cinema to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, to the worlds I've explored in Everything Everywhere All at Once, I've always been drawn to stories about transformation, about characters who evolve without losing who they are at their core. Bentley embodies that same idea: a brand that has reinvented itself again and again while staying true to its craftsmanship and its soul. That's why this partnership feels so natural to me. Torcal represents Bentley's next chapter, and I'm honoured to be part of telling that story.” With an illustrious career including some of the most iconic films in recent memory, Michelle Yeoh is the epitome of stardom and excellence in the film and entertainment industry. Now, as the newest global brand ambassador for Bentley Motors, Yeoh can add yet another feather to her cap. View All Bentley For Sale Image Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 08, 2026

Bentley Names Mats Hummels A Brand Ambassador

A 2014 World Cup victory is just one highlight of Mats Hummels’ impressive career, including years of playing soccer professionally, along with his expertise being lent to television and investing. Now, he is named as the latest European brand ambassador for Bentley Motors. In a long-term partnership, Hummels and Bentley Motors have agreed to a two-year collaboration, focusing on German-speaking markets, connecting his own excellence in his various pursuits to Bentley’s evolving lineup of ultra-luxury vehicles. A fan of Bentley vehicles already, Hummels drives a Continental GT as part of his ambassadorial role, and commented, “Outstanding achievements are born from never settling for ‘good enough’. What fascinates me about Bentley is its exceptional attention to detail. Ultimately, what makes the difference – just like in football – is how closely you focus on every detail. The Continental GT is my absolute favourite: timeless design, performance, and captivating attention to detail.” Recently, Hummels’ TV appearances have included the Champions League and this year’s World Cup, which was hosted in the United States. Involved in the sport as an investor as well since his retirement from playing, Hummels has also contributed to charitable causes as a UNICEF ambassador for over a decade. <- Gallery -> Aligning with his reputation for precision and excellence in soccer, Hummels’ new Bentley Continental GT Speed evolves an already impressive luxury performance grand tourer by combining the power of a twin-turbo V8 engine and a hybrid system for unprecedented levels of performance. Partnering with Bentley Motors as the latest brand ambassador for the century-old manufacturer, he joins compatriots such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Cody Gakpo, and Lucien Laviscount. View All Bentley For Sale Image Source: Bentley Motors

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 13, 2026

New Bentley x Gstaad Guy Bentayga EWB Chalet Edition Unveiled

Over a century of history has cemented Bentley’s position in the automotive industry as a manufacturer of some of the world’s most luxurious, beautiful, powerful, and exclusive cars, with impressive engineering, opulent design, and bleeding-edge innovation. After roughly a decade on the market, the Bentley Bentayga has become one of the most popular and celebrated Bentley models, and the Bentayga itself has evolved over the years, with an available hybrid powertrain and an extended-wheelbase variant. The Bentley Bentayga EWB serves as the basis for Bentley’s latest creation, which was made in collaboration with social media personality the Gstaad Guy. Known for his videos with a humorous perspective on luxury lifestyles, the new collaboration is the Bentley Bentayga EWB Chalet Edition, a Bentley Mulliner creation designed to capture the ideal alpine aesthetic as an everyday companion for a Swiss luxury lifestyle. A limited edition collection of the Bentayga EWB Azure, the Chalet Edition features a four-seat layout, focused on providing maximal comfort and a wellness-focused experience. Saddle leather upholstery, tweed details, diamond quilting, Liquid Amber open-pore wood veneers, and other stunning details make the interior of the Chalet Edition a sumptuous oasis with a decidedly Alpine style. The Gstaad Guy’s emblem and other details related to his social media presence are subtly placed throughout. <- Gallery -> Meanwhile, the exterior is finished with Light Tudor Grey paintwork, which is hand-applied over 60 hours of work. Bronze and Fireglow accents add to the bespoke craftsmanship in the commission. Available exclusively through Bentley Mulliner, the new Bentley Bentayga EWB Chalet Edition is a perfect intersection of Bentley’s ultra-luxury legacy and The Gstaad Guy’s unique perspective on alpine opulence. View All Bentley Bentayga EWB For Sale Image Source: Bentley Motors

By Khris Bharath – April 10, 2026

Bentley Names Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Its Latest Global Ambassador

Bentley has confirmed Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its newest global brand ambassador. The announcement comes alongside a new campaign, captured by Greg Williams, that adopts a more personal and cinematic approach. Priyanka’s trajectory into this role reflects a career that spans continents. She first rose to prominence in Bollywood, becoming one of India’s most recognized and highest-paid actors, with multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards to her name. Her early work established her range across drama and commercial cinema, while her transition to Hollywood introduced her to Western audiences. Her lead role as Alex Parrish in Quantico on ABC marked a milestone, making her the first South Asian actor to headline a major American network drama. Publications such as Time and Forbes have consistently recognized her influence, naming her among the world’s most impactful and powerful women. <- Gallery -> She operates across multiple disciplines as an actor, producer, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and investor. Her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador further extends that influence, with a focus on education and children’s welfare, using her platform to drive measurable impact. The accompanying film, set to debut in the coming weeks, leans into this format. Shot at Sony Studios in Los Angeles, the ad campaign places Priyanka in a setting she knows well. The environment is stripped back and conversational, offering personal insights into her life and creative outlook, with a Bentley Continental GT in the background. “I’ve always been drawn to Bentley’s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling because there’s an intentionality behind every detail that feels rare. As someone who lives for the creative energy of being on set, this collaboration felt instinctive. It’s about shared values, but also about a shared appreciation for the process behind what we create.” - Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “Priyanka brings a fresh energy and authentic perspective that aligns with Bentley. The film’s relaxed style allows her voice and personality to come through naturally, creating something more authentic than traditional advertising,” said Ben Whattam, Marketing Director at Bentley Motors. Her appointment also expands Bentley’s ambassador program, joining existing collaborators such as Mai Ikuzawa and Lucien Laviscount. The British brand is building a network of individuals who operate across industries, each contributing a distinct perspective.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 06, 2026

Three Women In Music Design A Bespoke Bentley Continental GTC

In March 2025, three exceptional women in music came together at the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe, England, to design a bespoke Bentley Continental GTC. Anna Lapwood, conductor and organist, Tina Guo, cellist and composer, and Sister Bliss from the group Faithless joined Mulliner to create a bespoke Bentley that combines their ideas and inspirations in a harmonious, stunning creation with Bentley’s incredible luxury artisan craftsmanship. Now that the build has been completed, it will join Bentley’s fleet soon, before which it will debut at a female-focused cars and coffee event to be held on International Women’s Day at Bicester Motion, held in collaboration with What She Drives. Lapwood’s incredible talent in combining classical and modern music in her performance has been part of collaborations with artists like Raye, Bonobo and Benedict Cumberbatch. Guo has been nominated for a Grammy award, performing solo for the scores of films like Sherlock Holmes, Dunkirk, and Inception, and has recently performed for other projects like DUNE, DUNE 2, Gran Turismo, Top Gun: Maverick, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and even co-composed the main theme of Wonder Woman with Hans Zimmer. Sister Bliss has performed with Faithless since its founding, with a 30-year career comprised of eight albums, six top-ten singles, over 20 million records sold, and over a billion streams globally. A trailblazer for female DJs, Sister Bliss is a mainstay at festivals and one of the most celebrated dance artists in the music world. <- Gallery -> The car, a bespoke Bentley Continental GTC, features various bespoke touches from Mulliner, representing the artistic vision and perspectives of each of the three musicians who contributed to its design. The exterior is finished in a satin-finish Peacock paintwork, with accents in Tornado Red. Inside, Imperial Blue is paired with accents in Gold and Pillar Box Red, with contrast stitching and veneer in Copper Stone adding to the ultra-luxury design. The real stone veneer reminded Tina Guo of her recent work in tribal music. Sister Bliss contributed a soundwave design to the car, a Bentley first, which is applied to the seats and doors, the tonneau cover for the convertible top, the treadplates, and in an animated welcome lamp. Anna Lapwood’s unique contribution came in the form of Bentley’s signature air vent “organ stop” controls, which, as an organist, she particularly resonated with. In the new bespoke Continental GTC, the organ stops are finished in 24-karat gold. The finishing touch is a plaque on the center console, which features a Spotify code that can be scanned to get to a playlist curated by Lapwood, Guo, and Sister Bliss. With Bang & Olufsen audio, the bespoke Continental GTC is the perfect place to enjoy the music. After its International Women’s Day debut and its time with the Bentley press fleet, the new bespoke car will be sold as a collector-worthy showcase of bespoke luxury and the excellence of three incredible women in the music industry. View All Bentley Continental For Sale Image Source: Bentley Motors

By Khris Bharath – October 22, 2025

Bentley Names Lucien Laviscount As Global Ambassador

Bentley has officially named British actor Lucien Laviscount as its newest global brand ambassador, signaling a fresh chapter for the Crewe-based marque. You probably know Laviscount from Emily in Paris, but beyond Netflix fame, he’s fast becoming a face of modern British luxury. While he now drives a bespoke Mulliner Continental GT Speed in Onyx, featuring a Beluga and Fern Green interior with Galaxy Stone veneers, Laviscount recalls why he admires the British marque. “My first memory of seeing a Bentley in the wild was while playing football in the back streets. Everyone just stopped. Growing up in Burnley taught me the value of hard work, taking pride in everything you do, and leading with integrity. Those early years laid the foundation for who I am today. Becoming a brand ambassador for Bentley is deeply personal. It’s a moment that reflects where I come from and everything I’m working towards.” During his recent tour of Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, England, Laviscount said he was deeply impressed by the craft and the people behind the marque. Meeting with families who’ve worked at Bentley for multiple generations left him inspired by their dedication and heritage, and how the brand has retained such strong family values throughout its 106-year history. At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Lucien took the wheel of the legendary Bentley Speed 6 up the famous hill climb and later joined the brand’s growing culture and coffee community at the Duke of London, celebrating the Bentley x Joe & the Juice collaboration. “Bentley has always been famous because of its customers, since the extraordinary Bentley Boys and Girls of the 1920s. Today they are equally extraordinary, and Lucien will help us celebrate this unique community and legacy.”- Ben Whattam, Bentley’s Global Marketing Director. In addition to his new role with Bentley, Laviscount is also the global face of Dolce & Gabbana Men and an ambassador for Formula E. His creative reach across fashion, entertainment, and motorsport makes him a natural fit to serve as the brand ambassador for one of the world’s most storied automotive brands. Besides the current lineup, as Bentley looks towards its next generation of flagship models, likely influenced by the EXP 15 concept unveiled earlier this year at the brand’s new design studio, Laviscount will play a key role in Bentley’s broader strategy of connecting design, culture, and craftsmanship of its electric and hybrid future. View All Bentleys For Sale Images: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 09, 2024

Bentley x Bang Bang Debut New One-Off Color-Changing Bent...

The ink is dry on Bentley’s latest collaboration. While Bentley is well-known for its ultra-luxurious vehicles with stunning details, elegant design, fine materials and incredible driving character. However, through Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke department, the personalization factor of Bentley’s coveted luxury vehicles is incredibly strong. With an incredible library of colors, materials, and finishes available, the possibilities of creating personal statements through Mulliner are virtually limitless, let alone what Mulliner can do with bespoke vehicles. During this year’s Miami Art Week, a new collaboration from Bentley unfolded, with a bespoke vehicle at its center. That collaboration is with famed tattoo artist Bang Bang, and it uses innovative technology for a creative vicual effect on Bentley’s icnoic ultra-luxury SUV: the Bentayga. After recently debuting a groundbreaking “Magic Ink” tattoo ink, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy collaboratively designed a new one-off with Bentley that mimics its effect. The “Magic Ink” allows users to “turn on” and “turn off” their tattoos by exposing it to specific wavelengths of light. In the collaboration, the artwork featured on the bespoke collaborative car is able to change its appearance in white and UV light, sharing its dynamixm with the famed, high-tech “Magic Ink” tattoos. Revealed at Miami Artr Week this year, the next chapter of Bentley and Bang Bang’s collaboration will be unveiled in 2025. View All Bentleys For Sale Image Source: Bentley

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 02, 2022

Bentley And SagerStrong Collaborate On A One-Off Continen...

Bentley Americas and the SagerStrong Foundation collaborate on a piece of automotive art. Late legendary sportscaster Craig Sager was known for his bold style and head-turning blazers. His “rose-colored glasses” approach to life was reflected in his style and his personality, and his SagerStrong Foundation founded by him and his wife Stacy to fight against blood cancer reflects his optimism for a brighter future. To celebrate his life and legacy, Bentley Americas partnered with the SagerStrong Foundation in creating a one-off 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible customized by Mulliner and inspired by one of his most iconic moments. MUST READ: Best New 2023 Convertibles The design of the car is inspired by a piece he wore at one of his last major experiences, which was the 2016 ESPYs when he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. The exterior of the car mimics the pattern of the blazer he wore at the event, using it to highlight the shape of the vehicle. His legacy also lives on in the form of the embroidery of his signature on the seats. To support SagerStrong’s mission, the car will be auctioned to support the foundation early next year, and won’t just be a unique expression of art, pop culture, and automotive excellence, it will also support an amazing cause. View All Bentley Continental GTCs For Sale Source: Bentley

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