Brabus

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 Khris Bharath – July 28, 2026

BRABUS Unveils ULTIMA 55, The Brand's First Luxury Catamaran

BRABUS has built its name turning Mercedes-Benz models into high-horsepower machines for decades, but the brand's ambitions have long since expanded beyond cars. Today, the German company’s portfolio spans everything from classic car restorations, coach-built cars like the recently unveiled 1,000-horsepower Bodo grand tourer, motorcycles, motorhomes, fashion, and luxury real estate to performance boats. Now it is adding another chapter to its marine portfolio with the BRABUS ULTIMA 55, the company's first luxury catamaran, developed in collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, one of the world's leading builders of luxury multihull yachts. Seen here against the backdrop of Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island, the ULTIMA 55 combines the spacious layout of a multihull with performance that's uncommon in this segment. Unlike a traditional monohull yacht, a catamaran uses two hulls, creating a wider beam, greater stability, and significantly more interior space. Power comes from twin 10.8-liter six-cylinder engines producing 725 horsepower each, enough to push the yacht beyond 40 knots (~46 mph). An integrated hydrofoil system lifts the hulls higher above the water to reduce drag, improve efficiency, and minimize heel, giving passengers a smoother ride at speed. The exterior carries the unmistakable BRABUS DNA. Graphite Black bodywork is complemented by exposed carbon fiber on the roof, ventilation trims, and signature design elements, while illuminated BRABUS logos and LED roof lights complete the look. <- Gallery -> The automotive influence continues below deck. You can choose between a two-cabin layout accommodating four guests or a three-cabin configuration for up to six guests. The helm features a BRABUS-specific widescreen digital interface that consolidates navigation and onboard controls into a single display. Moonstone leather, Alcantara, exposed carbon fiber, aluminum accents, and ambient lighting closely resemble the cabins of the company's supercars. A fully equipped galley, retractable 43-inch television, and Bowers & Wilkins Marine Series sound system reinforce the yacht's luxury credentials. Practicality also played a significant role in the ULTIMA 55's design. Folding side platforms expand the beam from 18.4 feet to 24.9 feet at anchor, creating additional entertaining space. Transformer sunpads convert into seating, while the aft deck incorporates a carbon fiber dining table, electric barbecue, and wet bar. The ULTIMA 55 marks the latest evolution of BRABUS' marine ambitions. We've previously covered everything from the Shadow 900, Shadow 38, and Shadow 1200 Sun-Top Phantom Gray to the company's showcase at FLIBS 2025 and its recent partnership with AB Yachts on its first branded superyachts. More recently, BRABUS expanded its presence in the Middle East with BRABUS Island, a 92-villa waterfront development in Abu Dhabi. Whether viewed as a high-performance cruiser or a floating extension of the BRABUS brand, the ULTIMA 55 represents the company's most ambitious marine project yet, bringing its unmistakable automotive design language into the growing luxury catamaran segment. Images: Brabus Marine

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2024

BRABUS Showcases Supercars And Superyachts At The Pebble ...

Discover BRABUS' latest supercars and superboats at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2024. The performance professionals at BRABUS are set to return to the United States for the 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, triumphantly returning to the Gold Coast from August 15 to 18, 2024. Against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at the Pebble Beach Golf Resort in California, this prestigious automotive event will feature BRABUS in a perfect location on the 17-Mile Drive. This year's event will showcase an extensive range of BRABUS Masterpiece supercars, along with the latest from BRABUS Classic and BRABUS Marine. Renowned as one of the most respected car shows in the world, the Concours draws thousands of enthusiasts, collectors, and industry experts, all aiming for the Best of Show award. At the BRABUS booth, visitors will have the opportunity to view some of the brand's latest creations, including the BRABUS 900, based on the G 63, the BRABUS 750, based on the SL 63, and the BRABUS 900 Rocket R, based on the 911 Turbo S. Additionally, the BRABUS Classic 6-Star restored Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet will be on display, representing a blend of heritage and modern engineering. The BRABUS Shadow 500 Cross-Cabin Deep Blue superboat will also be part of the lineup, displaying BRABUS' expansion into the marine sector. Stay tuned for exclusive impressions and insights published on BRABUS' Instagram and YouTube channels as well as right here on duPont REGISTRY. Immerse yourself in the world of BRABUS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2024 and visit the BRABUS booth during Pebble Beach Automotive Week! View all BRABUS inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BRABUS Inventory Source: BRABUS

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 28, 2024

BRABUS x AWAKE Debut The $22K Carbon Shadow Jetboard, Lim...

BRABUS hits the water with its new Jetboard! With a storied history built on modifying and restoring Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs, the BRABUS brand has since evolved into a luxury powerhouse that now charters into the open waters with marine-inspired collaborations. Alongside superyachts like the Shadow 1200 Sun-Top and Shadow 1000, BRABUS Marine is proud to partner with AWAKE Boards to debut the Shadow Jetboard as its newest offering to its growing marine-inspired collection. The BRABUS x AWAKE Shadow Jetboard is the epitome of elite performance, sporting the same black and red colorway as BRABUS' supercars and superyachts. Limited to only 77 pieces worldwide, the Shadow Jetboard offers a lightweight design crafted from carbon fiber. A set of carbon fins enhances power and control while redirecting water flow for optimal propulsion. The electrified Jetboard achieves a 0-31mph acceleration time of only 3.1 seconds, with an overall top speed of 34+mph for those willing to push the boundaries. Maximum ride time stands out at a lengthy 60 minutes while cruising conservatively, with a full charge time of 120 minutes. Along with being approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the all-new BRABUS x AWAKE Shadown Jetboard also features a collection of BRABUS branded accessories that symbolize its dominance on the water. Officially launched today as an extension of its marine collection, the ultra-exclusive BRABUS x AWAKE Shadow Jetboard is now available through the BRABUS Shop and AWAKE Boards website for $19,283. Discover The BRABUS x AWAKE Shadow Jetboard Source: BRABUS Marine

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 01, 2021

The New BRABUS Marine x Jobe Collection Is Available Now

Take the performance-focused BRABUS look to the marina. As temperature rises and seasons change, the focus now is to get outside and enjoy yourself by the perfect body of water. German performance brand BRABUS is hanging up the track and off-road keys this summer to do just that. BRABUS Marine is proud to present its newest collaboration with premium water sports brand Jobe, a line of apparel and accessories perfectly picked for summer days. Made for the whole family, the stealth-styled products ranged from life vests to boating tubes. The collection features premium materials ensured to keep you comfortable and safe while on the water, just as BRABUS provides from any of its vehicles and watercraft. The all-new BRABUS Marine x Jobe water sports collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop BRABUS Marine x Jobe Media Source: BRABUS Marine For more Gear News, Check out ICON 4X4 Announces Custom Bag Auction To Support The Go Campaign

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 04, 2021

The BRABUS Vintage Apparel Collection Is Now Available

While a company like BRABUS continues to push the boundaries of future performance and design, they also take moments to celebrate the past. The BRABUS Vintage Collection is the newest addition to the German performance shop’s clothing and accessory line. The collection includes sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and hats with graphics inspired by past BRABUS models. The Vintage Collection celebrates the beginning of BRABUS and excites the enthusiasts, as the models featured are vehicles that still hold significance in the automobile industry today. The BRABUS Vintage Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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