Cadillac

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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2026

2025 Cadillac Celestiq Listed For Sale

Cadillac unveiled the Celestiq a few years ago as a revival of the dramatic flagship that characterized Cadillac in decades past. Many of the same principles from legends like the Eldorado guided the creation of the, like a massive footprint, dramatic design, and elevated craftsmanship. However, the Celestiq features a futuristic EV powertrain and plenty of high-tech features that catapult the idea of the ultra-luxury Cadillac into the 21st century. That said, traditional principles give the Celestiq its ultra-exclusive panache, like a strictly limited production volume and bespoke curation that involves customers working directly in conjunction with Cadillac’s design team. With 655 horsepower and 646 lb/ft of torque on tap, the Celestiq can get from 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Reportedly, only 25 were made for 2025, and one of them is listed now for sale on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. <- Gallery -> Available at Galpin Aston Martin in Los Angeles, California, this 2025 Cadillac Celestiq for sale has 668 miles on its odometer. It was delivered in November 2025 and features a Rosewood Metallic exterior color, along with an interior in a two-tone configuration that combines Renaissance Red with Sheer Gray. The original window sticker is included with the car, and the vehicle has also been treated with Paint Protection Film. If you want a chance to own the new chapter of Cadillac’s incredible flagships, this 2025 Cadillac Celestiq is one of just a handful of these futuristic yet traditional masterpieces made, and certainly one of the only ones available for sale now. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

1-of-15 Manual Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Listed For Auction on dR Live

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 13, 2026

Ultra-Rare Manual Cadillac CTS-V Listed on dR Live

The Cadillac CTS-V has long been a unique expression of American performance. Combining American muscle V8 power with a sophisticated and elegant luxury sedan made it a unique approach to performance, competing with European performance luxury models with a distinctly muscle car approach. However, what was even more unique than the CTS-V sedan was the CTS-V wagon, which, in the car’s second generation, offered drivers a luxury performance wagon with a V8 engine under the hood, and even a manual transmission if the owner chose that. Today, any Cadillac CTS-V Wagon with a 6-speed manual transmission is a collector-worthy masterpiece and a unique statement of American performance, and despite examples being just over a decade old, the manual CTS-V Wagon is already well on its way towards becoming a classic. Listed now on duPont REGISTRY Live, the new luxury online auction platform that is changing the landscape for enthusiasts with a 14-day return policy and a 100% sell-through rate, is not just any 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, and not even any example with a 6-speed manual. With a Glacier Blue Metallic exterior color, along with a Light Titanium leather and suede interior, this example is reportedly one of just 15 cars like it. Originally delivered in Ontario, Canada, it was imported into the United States in 2024. Its 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine is shared with the contemporary Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, with 556 horsepower, and a 0-60 time of approximately 3.9 seconds after sending that power to the rear wheels. With a top speed of 190 mph, the CTS-V Wagon is still one of the fastest station wagons to ever be conceived. <- Gallery -> This specific example enjoys a variety of optional factory equipment, as well, like Recaro seats, Brembo brakes with red calipers, Bose surround sound, and a panoramic sunroof. It also has various performance upgrades, like an Airaid intake, a Tony Mamo ported throttle body, ceramic-coated American Racing Headers, dual exhaust from Corsa, an aftermarket supercharger pulley, and a secondary catalytic converter delete. Destined for the highest caliber of American performance enthusiasts and luxury performance wagon fans, bidding for this 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon on duPont REGISTRY Live ends in less than a week. If you want to put your bid in now, just click below. Bid Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 24, 2023

Fully-Armored 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV For Sale

Unnoticeable to the naked eye, this Cadillac Escalade comes equipped with a full armor package!

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By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2020

Rule The Streets in Al Capone's Armored Cadillac

There was a time when South Chicago was safe and peaceful. Wherever this car was seen, everyone gave respect to the owner. As the head of the "Chicago Outfit," Al Capone killed over 33 rivals to gain control of the city. Tomorrow marks the 91st anniversary of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Capone sent his Captains to the northside and dispatched all 7 leaders of the North Side Gang with a pair of Tommy Guns. This is the armored car that they used. VIEW MORE DETAILS Celebrity Cars Las Vegas is offering this piece of American History for $1,000,000. In the last decade, the term "Gangster" has seen resurgence in the automotive lexicon. No matter how mean your car might be, this is where it all started. Scarface ordered this 1928 Cadillac Series 341-A with every option. The 1928 Caddilac lineup were the first cars designed by Harley Earl, and they revolutionized the industry. Fisher body delivered a plush Town Sedan, and it was placed on Cadillac's strongest chassis. Boilerplate steel in the doors and floor was hidden for a stock appearance. All glass was replaced with bulletproof laminates, and the HC (High Compression) V8 made it one of the fastest production cars. Instead of the standard 3 on the tree, this car has 4 on the floor, giving it more acceleration and top speed than the FBI. After being tailed by Eliot Ness and his "Untouchables", Capone was arrested for tax evasion and sentenced to Alcatraz. Almost immediately, Chicago descended into the mayhem that continues to this day. This car represents an era when La Cosa Nostra brought order to chaos, and now Al Capone's armored Cadillac can be yours. VIEW MORE DETAILS

By Andrew Nabors – October 24, 2019

2016 Cadillac Escalade EXT Limo For Sale

This is a mobile office like no other! No expense was spared when this vehicle was crafted and there is over $200,000 invested. Important business meeting? Chauffeur? Want to pull up to the G5 in Style? This one of a kind meticulously designed vehicle boasts more bells and whistles than a private jet on wheels. Custom built to not only turn heads from the outside but more jaw-dropping is the luxury awaiting on the inside. A few of its distinguished amenities: LED Raised roof light show, Alcantara suede trim with red and white leather seats, Gold plated handles, built-in Massage/footrest, 24-inch wheels, and 2-tone leather The driver partition is a 28" Apple TV, that lowers into the chassis. You will have aircraft-style tables, a lockbox to keep valuables safe, makeup mirrors, XM radio, built-in trash can, coat hangers, fridge, interior curtains and much more. Only 30,000 miles. Asking $150,000. Click the link below for all the details View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2015

2016 Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V For Sale

Our friend John Hennessey is not content to leave any car in its original form. That’s why he unleashed his engineers on the already potent third generation of the Cadillac CTS-V. One of the primary ways to add more power to any engine is to move more air, so first to be installed is a new supercharger pulley that spins the blower faster than before. Since this generates exponentially more heat, a larger air-to-water heat exchanger is installed behind the grille. Equally larger intercoolers are placed in the intake for a chilly shot of air to the back of the valves. Speaking of those valves, they are dancing to a new beat thanks to a proprietary camshaft design. The specs of this cam are more guarded than the recipe to Coca-Cola, because it takes many hours of computer modeling and several prototypes to lock down the final design. Ported cylinder heads and a custom engine calibration complete the package that dynos at 800 bhp. Of course, the package includes a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty along with serialized dash and engine plaques. If you need lessons on how to handle the power, John is always willing to teach you a few new tricks. If a basic CTS-V just won't cut your need for high horsepower, then check out the listing on our website to learn how you can make the 2016 Hennessey Cadillac yours. Hennessey Car Brand Inventory

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