Celebrity Cars

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 01, 2022

Ken Block's New Audi RS e-tron GT Makes Molehills Out of ...

It’s never too late to show off your dream winter wheels. In a mythical, all-white getup, Ken Block’s new Audi RS e-tron GT looks just like the expanses of snow that it is going to be the ultimate car to drive in. Its subtle, elegant look is completed with white wheels from Rotiform, which sit close to the rest of the car thanks to its adjustable ride-height suspension that allows the RS e-tron GT to go from sporting stunning lowrider looks to being a capable performer in the snow with plenty of ground clearance at just the touch of a button. MUST READ: Ken Block Launches the Audi RS Q e-tron Into the Icy Air Its understated beauty is somewhat deceiving, because what Audi has in store with the RS e-tron GT is a stunning 637 horsepower and 612 lb/ft of torque, making it the world’s fastest Audi RS car. With world-famous Gymkhana and rally driver Ken Block behind the wheel, the RS e-tron GT is going to get lots of snow and mountain action. The look and performance of the car pay homage to Audi’s rally legacy with cars like the Quattro sport and Ken Block’s own S1 Hoonitron, and being electric, it improves on cars like the Quattro by not needing oxygen to deliver power, meaning that altitude is not a concern the way it used to be. While the season is ending soon, Ken Block’s Audi RS e-tron GT has got to be the ultimate winter machine. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2022

"Million Dollar Wheels" Takes You Behind the Scenes of a ...

A glimpse into the life of a dealership that sells to the most popular celebs in Beverly Hills. Wires Only is a Beverly-Hills-based dealership that's run by RD Whittington, a man who has become the go-to person when it comes to connecting celebrities with their dream cars. Celebs that he has helped out include Floyd Mayweather, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo Dicaprio, Drake, Jeff Bezos, and so many others. All of them know that if there is a car they want, RD can get it for them. Also Read - Spider-Man Tom Holland Swings Into a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Following RD along in his pursuit as an exotic car matchmaker for celebs is the new Discovery+ show, "Million Dollar Wheels." It looks to be an exciting show that will feature some of the world's most famous celebrities and also show off how some of the rarest cars are acquired. Additionally, you can check out Wires Only's inventory by clicking the button below. The inventory is always being supplemented by insane cars like Bugatti Veyrons, customized luxury cars and so much more. Odds are each of his cars will end up in the hands of a celebrity you follow. View Wires Only Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 23, 2022

Vogue Covers Kim Kardashian's All-Grey Car Collection

Kim K's car collections matches her home. When fashion blends into the world of exotic cars, highly sought-after models are transformed into works of art. In a recent Vogue special featuring Kim Kardashian, the American media personality goes through her most recent car collection that all take on matching designs. In collaboration with the supercar specialists at The Platinum Group, Kim’s collection now includes a Mercedes-Maybach S580, wide-body Lamborghini Urus, and Rolls-Royce Ghost. MUST-READ: Watch Ferrari Collector David Lee Unveil His New LaFerrari Aperta The gloss grey color used throughout the fleet derives inspiration from her home, which is a new taste compared to her usual matte silver spec. While every car poses as a great addition to any garage, the Mercedes-Maybach S580 takes the cake as Kim Kardashian’s favorite of them all. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more lifestyle releases and celebrity car news. " width="680"> Source: @platinumgroup IG / Vogue YouTube

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2022

Ken Block Launches the Audi RS Q e-tron Into the Icy Air

He's definitely enjoying his time with Audi. After the Audi RS Q e-tron made its debut at the Dakar Rally, the electric off-road race car made its way to Zell am See in Austria for the GP Ice Race. While there, the Audi was through the ice-cold course courtesy of Ken Block. “The laps in the Audi RS Q e-tron were a phenomenal experience – even though the car probably feels more comfortable in the desert than in the snow,” said Ken Block. “Thanks to Mattias Ekström, who patiently explained all the special features of his car to me. A few minutes behind the wheel was enough to understand the fascination of this car.” ALSO READ - Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang Price & Specs Block also had the chance to take the classic Audi Quattro A2 rally car around the circuit. This was the kind of Audi rally car that inspired Block as a teenager, so this surely won't be a memory that he will forget any time soon. You can see Block behind the wheel of the RS Q e-tron in the video up above for yourself. Audi RS Q e-tron #224 (Team Audi Sport), Mattias Ekström Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 10, 2022

Tom Holland Gets A New Porsche Taycan Turbo S, But Not Be...

The Spider-Man star’s reaction to the Taycan’s performance was no act. Actor Tom Holland is no stranger to a nice car. Having recently purchased a Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV, he certainly has a taste for vehicles that deliver luxury and performance, so when Porsche took him to the Porsche Experience Center at Hockenheimring to test out the Taycan, there was no doubt that he was going to have a good time. MUST READ: Singer Vehicle Design Announces Its New Porsche 964 Turbo Build Out on the track, the Taycan Turbo S’s unprecedented torque and acceleration from its electric powertrain drew some choice words out of Holland, but more importantly lots of laughs and lots of smiles. And not only did he get to take the Taycan Turbo S out at the Porsche Experience Center, he also got to take one home back in the UK. With a gray exterior and black interior, the car’s sleek look perfectly complements his style, and he seems incredibly excited to have it, calling the Taycan “the best car ever made” out on the test track. We can’t blame him at all. Porsche Taycan For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Porsche GB (@porsche_gb)

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 26, 2022

Kevin Hart's New Michael Myers-Themed Roadrunner is Scary...

There’s nothing funny about this custom Roadrunner. Kevin Hart is known for his comedy and acting, but his passion for cars and specifically American muscle cars are very serious. His car collection is full of cars with classic beauty and modern performance and features, and his newest Plymouth Roadrunner themed after Michael Myers, customized by Dave Salvaggio at Salvaggio Design in Wisconsin is no different. MUST READ: “Bad Boys” Porsche 911 Turbo Sells For $1.3 Million With a black and orange Halloween-themed color scheme derived from his love for slasher movies, everything about this car is scarily impressive. The only original parts on the car are the roof, doors, fenders, and back quarter panels because everything had to be reworked to fit Hart’s performance demands. From the LED lights to the custom splatter-effect leather interior, to the custom carbon fiber all over the car, to the 940-horsepower Hemi engine under the hood, just about everything about the car is dedicated to Kevin Hart’s taste and specifications. Here’s to hoping we get to see it in action soon. Source: Salvaggio Design

By Gabriel Vega – January 20, 2022

"Bad Boys" Porsche 911 Turbo Sells For $1.3 Million

Whatever happened to Will Smith's Bad Boys 911 Turbo? While 1995's "Bad Boys" featured more than enough flying bullets and explosions to satisfy moviegoers, it also featured plenty of eye candy for automotive enthusiasts. Driven by detective Mike Lowrey, a black 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 served as the movie's hero car and a vital player in the film's final epic action sequence. Based on the 964 generation 911, this Turbo 3.6 features a 355-hp turbocharged flat-six, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just four seconds before continuing to a top speed of 175 mph. This was the last 911 Turbo with power going to the rear wheels and its performance certainly made it one of the fastest sports cars of its time. With production ending in 1994, this 911 Turbo is one of just 350 produced for the U.S. market. Long after its time in the spotlight had passed, the famed sportscar underwent a complete restoration. Since then, it's spent most of its time winning car shows and racking up a total of 34,396 original miles on the clock. Over the weekend, the "Bad Boys" Porsche 911 went on sale at a Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, FL, trading hands for a massive $1.3 million. If that sounds pricey, consider this. Michael Bay, director of "Bad Boys," sold the car to a friend after filming for just $60,000. While this 911 Turbo has already found a new home. Check out the link below to see all modern and classic 911 Turbo models currently on sale via duPont REGISTRY. All Porsche 911 Turbos For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 30, 2021

Joe Rogan's New Gunther Werks Porsche 911 is a Dream Car

Joe Rogan's Porsche 911 is an absolute doozy. This new masterpiece was posted on Instagram by its creator, Gunther Werks. Joe Rogan's Porsche 911 by Gunther Werks is a truly rare creation as only 25 examples of the company's conversions will ever be made. Gunther Werks puts a lot of work into each of their creations, including completely disassembling and restoring each 993 911 meant for conversion and fitting them with a long list of new and bespoke components. Some of the juiciest components include the 4.0-liter flat-six engine from Rothsport (431 horsepower and 312 lb-ft of torque), an upgraded Getrag G50 manual transmission and a completely customized interior and exterior that the client picks out. For Joe Rogan's new 911, he went with a black exterior with red accents that match the iconic taillight. The overall aesthetic makes for a 911 that will drop jaws where ever it goes. See more celebrity car news. Joe Rogan's Car Collection: Must See Source: @guntherwerks/Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 27, 2021

Rick Ross' Car Collection Keeps Getting Bigger And Better

Rick Ross is a true car enthusiast with a collection of classic muscle and modern supercars. While Rick Ross is known as an iconic American artist and entrepreneur, he is also a well-respected collector in the automotive world. Rick Ross’ car collection is best described as a diverse masterpiece that includes examples ranging from classic American muscle to the most desirable supercars on the market. When securing collector-grade chassis is key, Rick Ross has an eye for original matching number vehicles that appear like they just rolled off the showroom floor. Whether it be a Ferrari 488 Spider or a pristine 1957 Chevy Bel Air, his passion for what he enjoys continues to inspire and introduce a new era of automobiles for other collectors and enthusiasts. Depending on the day of the week or outfit choice, Rick Ross has a fleet of collector cars that line the extremely long driveway of his Atlanta estate. If your question is "How many cars does Rick Ross have?" the only way to give a simple answer is by saying "a lot." That said, discover just some of the best cars featured in Rick Ross’ collection by scrolling below. A Collection of Classic Chevrolets View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) When it comes to creativity and style, RIck Ross' old-school cars have it in spades. Many being originally from the mid-century, the artist's classic Chevrolets have stunning craftsmanship and custom work that pays homage to the aesthetics of the time, especially Rick Ross' '57 Chevy Bel Air. His collection of golden-age American automotive excellence might just be the most fascinating part of his garage. Ferrari 488 Spider View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) Especially when your garage is at the level of Rick Ross' car collection, an Italian Prancing Horse is an absolute must. Few other brands in the history of the automotive world equally capture the flair, performance, luxury, and incomparable style of a Ferrari, and the Ferrari 488 Spider is a prime example. For high-performance, top-down fun, the 488 Spider is a perfect addition to Rick Ross' car garage. Custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) Rick Ross' classic car collection makes for some of the most stunning classics ever, let alone some of the best pieces in his collection. The 1957 Chevy Bel Air, a legend of its time, is one of the heroes of Rick Ross' classic cars, and to top it all off, it's painted in a shade of red that makes it look like it was taken right out of its golden age, but paired with a modern, bold, and stylish lowered suspension and big wheels. Tesla Model 3 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) Out of all of Rick Ross' cars, this one may be one of the most practical. There's little doubt that the artist enjoys his Tesla Model 3 for its electric performance and efficiency, long driving range, luxurious comfort, and subtle but elegant style. It's the perfect car for when an avid car enthusiast like Ross needs something that's subdued but nonetheless excellent. Custom 'Gucci' 1971 Chevrolet Impala View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) If it wasn't a part of Rick Ross' classic car collection, this stunning Chevrolet Impala would be at the intersection of the automotive and fashion worlds. Inspired by Italian fashion house Gucci, the roof of the car is adorned with the iconic brand's logo print, and the beige paintwork with gold accents throughout the rest of the car serve as a perfect complement, echoing both Gucci's Italian glamor and the Impala's American style. Rolls-Royce Phantom View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) Few vehicles can serve as more luxurious additions to any car collection, and Rick Ross' Rolls-Royce is simply a must-have car for a man like him. When it comes to the potential for personalization, the attention to detail, and the craftsmanship involved in the creation of these incredible cars, there is no brand quite like Rolls-Royce, and many car enthusiasts would agree. Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) If you're looking to answer the question "How much is Rick Ross' car collection worth?" this stunning convertible is sure to account for quite a big chunk of that total. This Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet is a rare and incredible piece of automotive excellence, with ultimate craftsmanship, incredibly elegant design, and the power of a V12 engine, something that's becoming more of a unicorn in the automotive world as the years ago by, making this Maybach convertible one of the best of Rick Ross' cars. 2021 Mercedes-AMG G 63 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) As one of the most legendary luxury SUVs in the world and a celebrity favorite all over the world, one of Rick Ross' vehicles simply had to be a Mercedes-Benz G Class SUV. With his passion for performance, however, he opted for the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and as a result has an amazing piece of engineering, design, and luxury in his garage. Rolls-Royce Wraith View this post on Instagram A post shared by Biggest Boss Rick Ross (@richforever) While quite a few elegant cars appear on Rick Ross' car collection list, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is certainly one of the classiest. The stately coupe is one of the most excellent grand tourers money can buy, with driving pleasure and luxury that few cars in the world could compare themselves to. In addition, the black and white color scheme of the car evokes the look of a tuxedo.

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2021

Ken Block's New Hoonitron from Audi Finally Revealed

Goodbye Hoonicorn, hello Hoonitron. When Ken Block announced a partnership with Audi, the world knew to expect a wild creation from the German automaker that would rival the Hoonicorn. We now know what the creation is and it's called the Audi S1 e-tron quattro Hoonitron, or just the Hoonitron. This new wild and one-of-a-kind electric Audi used the iconic Sport quattro S1 as a frame of reference, and you can see the similarities in the design. From the massive front wing to the equally impressive rear wing and short wheelbase, the new Hoonitron is a wonderfully modern interpretation of a legend. Block and Audi Design spent just four weeks designing the Hoonitron, and they managed to create a stunner of a vehicle in that short span of time. In regards to it's power, it features two electric motors that provide power to all four wheels. Block has also had the chance to test drive the car. "Audi gave me the opportunity to test it for a few days in Germany," said Ken Block. "I’m familiar with a wide variety of cars using internal combustion engines and transmissions, but there were a lot of new things for me to learn here. Spinning into a donut at 150 km/h directly from standstill – just using my right foot – is an all-new experience for me." While we haven't seen the car in action just yet, we will in the upcoming "Elektrikhana" film, which will be the next video in the Gymkhana series. Stay tuned for more news regarding Block and his adventures with the Hoonitron. Source: Audi

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