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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2022

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Enjoy A Couples Drive In Their ...

The celebrity couple that also enjoy high-performance supercars. With exclusive supercars and hypercars in high demand, the lengthy lists of qualified owners include prominent collectors, celebrities, and other influential individuals. Sharing a passion for anything automotive, the true beauty lies on the open road with the enjoyment of a one-of-a-kind driving experience. In a recent Instagram post uploaded to Alicia Keys' profile, the American singer-songwriter enjoys a highway cruise in her Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Project One Edition features a head-turning Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 livery that showcases the track-inspired design of the supercar. MUST-READ: Leh Keen’s New 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 In Paint-to-Sample Gold Bronze Metallic The video is taken during a couples drive with her husband and American record producer/rapper Swiss Beatz, who is behind the wheel of his 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Swizz Beats comments on the post that the keys to the Black Series are Alicia’s, even teasing her possible upcoming delivery of the highly-anticipated Mercedes-AMG Project One. Needless to say, we are excited to see more car cameos from the growing garage of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. View all of the current Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming celebrity car news. View All Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) Source: @aliciakeys IG

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 18, 2022

How Mark Wahlberg's "Beast" Car From "Uncharted" Was Made

The Hyundai Tuscon got a wild makeover for a wild adventure. The Uncharted movie takes Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg on an uncanny, action-packed international adventure in search of long-lost treasure. And in a treasure hunting adventure movie like this one that echoes the likes of Indiana Jones, the gadgets, vehicles, and locations all need to carry the film’s zany, heightened energy. Mark Wahlberg’s car, a custom Hyundai Tucson which earned the nickname “Beast,” was no exception, and to create a car with the rugged-adventure ready looks to take on a treasure hunt of epic proportions, Hyundai designers Brad Arnold and Liz Curran had to get creative. MUST READ: Apocalypse Manufacturing’s Big Screen Debut Features Daniel Radcliffe Behind The Wheel One of the biggest challenges when designing the “Beast” was the fact that the allotted time to design the car was quite short. The design process began after the film began production, and that meant that the car already had a deadline to be on set overseas, giving the designers only 1-2 weeks to design the car before it had to go into the shop to be built, when otherwise, design processes can take as long as years to become fully formed cars on the road. With a gray color complemented with matte black accents, the “Beast” Tucson looks like it means business. Bumper bars, large black wheels with off-road tires, riveted matte black fender cladding, and a snorkel with stippled texture to hide scuffs and scrapes all add to a look that transforms the Hyundai Tucson into a beastly and sinister machine. Source: Hyundai

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 14, 2022

Musician Rod Stewart Fills Potholes Near His Home To Driv...

Being a good samaritan is sometimes what it takes. The road near musician Sir Rod Stewart’s home in Harlow, England is in… terrible condition. It’s riddled with water-filled potholes which have reportedly damaged cars on the road and busted the tire of an ambulance. And while these are all genuinely alarming concerns, one of the biggest for Stewart himself is the fact that the potholes render the road simply undrivable for his Ferrari, which sits low to the ground and can’t handle that kind of surface. So, he decided that if nobody else would repair the road, he would. MUST READ: You Can Buy Post Malone’s 2019 Bugatti Chiron In his post on Instagram, he can be seen with a shovel filling the holes in the road, and explaining that the road is in undrivable condition while the British Government is spending “millions and millions of pounds” on the M11 motorway. Hopefully, now that the road is in better shape due to Rod Stewart’s handiwork, we will get to see him enjoying his Ferrari and taking it out onto the road soon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart) Source: Instagram/SirRodStewart

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 07, 2022

Michael Fux Takes Delivery Of His New Purple Hispano Suiz...

Michael Fux's collection grows with a new fully-electric hypercar. As an influential car collector with a taste in diversity, Michael Fux continues to add magnificent examples to his ever-growing collection of exclusive hypercars. Today, Michael Fux took to Instagram to announce the delivery of his newest addition to the garage, the long-awaited Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne, delivered to him at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance by the CEO of Hispano Suiza himself, Sergio Martinez Campos. After securing the chassis late last year, Michael has been waiting for the day that the Hispano Suiza would make its venture safely from Barcelona. The exterior of the fully-electric hypercar features a vibrant metallic purple exposed carbon fiber finish that matches the personality of its happy new owner. The bespoke color, dubbed "Ocean Song Rose" was derived from Michael's favorite flower, which he personally sent to the Hispano Suiza design department from Miami in order for them to authentically recreate the color on the car, showing Hispano Suiza's dedication to making the Carmen Boulogne a bespoke car in every sense. In addition, the car was delivered to Michael Fux at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, an automotive event known for its celebration of unique, rare, and stunning cars when it comes to performance, heritage, and beauty. Hispano Suiza is not a stranger to the event, having twice won the "Best in Show" award in 2001 and 2021. MUST-READ: Michael Fux Car Collection is on Instagram and it’s Amazing Inside, the interior configuration presents itself in an all-white design, called "Birkigt White" crafted from genuine leather with black contrast piping, with the model name, "Boulogne," embroidered onto the headrests. The Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne produces over 1,100-horsepower from its two rear electric motors and holds a 250-mile range on a full charge. Managing all of the power and instant torque is a state-of-the-art fixed 1-speed transmission that launches the Carmen Boulogne from 0-60mph in just 2.6-seconds. Now that the new Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne is safely in Michael Fux’s possession, we are excited to see him enjoy it on the open road. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle releases and celebrity car news. Source: Hispano Suiza

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 04, 2022

Gucci Mane Takes Delivery Of His New Ferrari LaFerrari In...

Gucci Mane upgrades his car collection with a rare LaFerrari. Since its release into the automotive world, the Ferrari LaFerrari continues its legacy as a pinnacle example for the Italian brand. The exclusive hypercar features the first-ever hybrid powertrain for Ferrari and includes a long list of influential owners. In his new ‘Publicity Stunt’ music video, American rapper Gucci Mane celebrates the delivery of his new Giallo Modena (Yellow) Ferrari LaFerrari. The multi-million dollar LaFerrari pairs perfectly with Gucci Mane’s matching Ferrari 812 Superfast, which also makes an appearance throughout the music video. Alongside the yellow prancing horses, Gucci Mane and wife Keyshia Ka’oir Davis’ car collection also includes a Ferrari F8 Tributo, Lamborghini Urus, Lamborghini Aventador SV, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Rolls-Royce Wraith, and many more. The extremely rare yellow LaFerrari produces over 900-horsepower from its hybrid-powered 6.3-Liter Naturally Aspirated V12 engine. Being one of the rarest color options for the LaFerrari, Gucci Mane’s new Ferrari is sure to appreciate in his collection as he adds more luxury supercars to it. MUST-READ: Gucci Mane’s New Custom Ferrari F8 Tributo is One of the First in USA Needless to say, we are excited to see the LaFerrari in more Gucci Mane music videos. Click the link below to view all current Ferrari LaFerrari examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and celebrity car news. View All Ferrari LaFerrari For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017) Source: @laflare1017 IG

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)

Celebrity Cars

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe