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 Edward Jones – December 12, 2023

Ed Bolian's 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso Heads To Auction On So...

Automotive enthusiasts all know Ed Bolian as a true gearhead with a passion for automobiles and the host of the ever-popular VINwiki channel on YouTube. Over the years, Ed has collected several unique vehicles, each of which carries a fantastic backstory that make for great stories to tell on his YouTube channel. Coming soon to SothebysMotorsport.com is a collection of Ed's prized vehicles that will be auctioned off through the online platform, giving fans, collectors, and enthusiasts a chance to become the next chapter in one of his stories. One such vehicle that will be auctioned off is Ed's 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso. This four-seater Ferrari packs a powerful V12 engine that holds a special place in Ed's garage. Don't believe me? Just watch the video below where he refers to it as the "best Ferrari they've ever made." "My family and I have loved the car dearly this year. It is amazingly useful. My son and his friends love riding in the back," says Ed regarding this Ferrari being offered on SoMo. "We took it on two fairly long trips - once to Indianapolis for Breakfast at the Brickyard with Travis Bell and to a speaking engagement I had in Savannah." " width="680"> Okay, so if Ed really loves this Ferrari, why is he selling it? In his own words: "I am selling it for 2 reasons, I am out of space and the car is too good. When I have it, I drive it instead of cars like the Murcielagos and the Spyker because it is more comfortable, useful, and faster. I love those cars and want to drive them even though they are worse. This car has been standing in the way of that. It is the perfect enthusiast 1 car solution but that subverts my automotive masochism and my impractical, unreliable cars have been neglected. For these reasons, it must go. You will love it, your other cars will not." Building upon the foundation that the Ferrari FF laid, the GTC4Lusso is an incredible automobile even without an incredible backstory like this one. On the outside, the GTC4Lusso is as elegant as you'd expect from Ferrari but it's the inside that really breaks the mold of what you typically see from the Italian automaker. With two seats up from and two in the back, this grand tourer gives its driver and passengers an unheard-of amount of space that's not offered in your typical exotic car. And that's not even including the trunk space. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ed Bolian (@edbolian) The GTC4Lusso's accolades don't stop with looks and comfort. Underneath the hood is a 6.3-liter V12 that pumps out 681 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. With V12s disappearing from lineups left and right these days, this is a wonderful chance to own the last of a dying breed. What's truly impressive about the GTC4Lusso's power is how it's handled. Unlike your typical grand tourer, this one has Ferrari's 4RM Evo, a four-wheel drive system that also boasts four-wheel steering. Having experienced this system for myself, I can say that no corner will be left unhugged by this car. Set to hit SoMo's online auction platform on December 14th, this 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso comes with a story, beauty, and raw power. Additionally, It comes with a warranty that remains in effect until January 23, 2024 (Ed strongly recommends continuing that coverage). Be on the lookout for more of Ed's cars being auctioned through SoMo in the coming days as there are more coming with backstories and, of course, VINwiki videos about each of them that you can show your friends. In the meantime, be sure to browse SothebysMotorsport.com for more incredible vehicles that are being auctioned off each and every day. Visit SothebysMotorsport.com

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2021

RM Sotheby's To Offer First-Ever Lewis Hamilton GP-Winnin...

Presented by RM Sotheby's - Formula 1®️ together with RM Sotheby’s have announced a very special, single lot auction of the 2010 McLaren Mercedes MP4-25 Formula 1 Race Car, (estimate: $5,000,000 - $7,000,000) to take place at the FORMULA 1 PIRELLI BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2021. The auction will take place on the Saturday afternoon of the race weekend immediately prior to F1’s first-ever Sprint Qualifying Race. In keeping with the series of firsts, this sale marks the first time any Lewis Hamilton F1 Race Car, let alone a Lewis Hamilton Grand Prix winning car has ever been offered for public sale. To mark this unique event and the return of fans to F1’s first-ever venue, Formula 1 and RM Sotheby’s have created the ground-breaking concept to sell this incredible car live while it is being driven around the historic Silverstone circuit at speeds in excess of 150 mph; a unique auction set-up at one of the most iconic tracks in motorsport. Being held on Hamilton’s home track and with a live audience planned for the Silverstone GP, race fans and registered bidders will be able to witness MP4- 25 take to the circuit at speed in all its former glory. AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE NO OTHER A man who has eclipsed all major records with no sign of slowing, Lewis Hamilton has become a Global Icon that transcends the automotive world – currently the most dominant and talked about driver in Formula 1, but yet a gentleman competitor always, showing great deference to the giants that preceded him and who’s shoulders he stands upon as the face of the world’s biggest annual sporting series. The McLaren MP4-25, powered by the Mercedes-Benz FO 108X 2.4-liter V-8 engine, proved to be a major improvement on its predecessor, in part due to the innovative "F-duct" incorporated into the design; the system’s effect being controlled by the driver covering up a small hole in the cockpit with his left leg. The design innovation along with a host of other improvements helped reduce aerodynamic drag and allowed the car as much as an extra 6 mph (9.7 km/h) on straights. In the 14 years since his F1 baptism in Melbourne in 2007, Lewis Hamilton has competed in 270 Grands Prix, winning 98 and enjoying a further 71 podium finishes, he has amassed an incredible 100 pole positions, 3,872 points and led for over 5,170 laps; each milestone reinforcing his reputation at the very pinnacle of the sport and each achieved with recognition and thanks to his team and respect to his rivals. Now a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and 2021 Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Lewis has become a global force across multiple arenas – a talented fashion designer, skilled musician, Hollywood tastemaker, social activist, champion for environmental change as well as the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time. Lewis Hamilton is a global icon whose dynamism and passion for initiating change commands as much attention and respect crossing the finish line as he does as on the red carpet of the MET Gala. The availability of this example, chassis number 25A-01, is an unrepeatable opportunity given the model’s scarcity. While client confidentiality precludes disclosing exactly how many cars exist in private ownership, it's believed to be only a scarce few. As such these examples remain highly coveted and largely in private hands, unlikely to be sold in the near future. Furthermore, the McLaren-Mercedes represents a car that can still be track-driven and supported by the original factory teams as part of individual Heritage departments. Learn more about this unique auction, set to take place 17 July, 2021 at the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix in Silverstone, United Kingdom. Contact an RM Sotheby’s representative for more details. View Listing For More Info

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 21, 2021

Paul Walker 'Fast & Furious' Toyota Supra Sells For $550,...

The Fast & Furious movie saga is known as the most influential series in the automotive industry, being the main reason for so many future car enthusiasts and collectors. One of the vehicles that caught the hearts and eyes of millions was the 1994 Toyota Supra driven by Paul Walker. The iconic streetcar features countless modifications to make it one of the fastest and best-looking vehicles in the series. This weekend at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, the 1994 Supra from 2 Fast 2 Furious took the stage to find its new home. After an exciting battle of bidding, the Mk IV Toyota Supra sold for $550,000, making it the most expensive chassis sold to date. View all of the Toyota Supras available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Toyota Supra For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CQUl8Svrpja/ For more Auction news, Check out Mac Miller’s 2012 Fisker Karma Sells At Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas For $150,000

By Andrew Nabors – April 05, 2021

Jerry Seinfeld's 2016 GT3 RS Can Be Yours!

Amelia Island is a great place to find your next Porsche 911 The Bonham's auction back in 2016 made waves around the world. It is there that Jerry Seinfeld's incredible collection was opened to the highest bidder. He has decided to make more room, and his 2016 GT3 RS can be yours. Loaded with options you never knew of, Liquid Chrome Blue Metallic interrupts every conversation. Inside you are treated to contrast stitching, leather everywhere, navigation, and the PDK transmission. Officially rated at 520 horsepower, this car carried a sticker price of $449,890 from all the "Special Wishes" requested by the original owner. The 991 series went out on top, and this example has only been outside for 1,500 miles. Estimated to bring upwards of $330,000, you need a new centerpiece for your collection. Tell us your favorite celebrity car in the comments below! View Details Images (C) Bonham's

By Andrew Nabors – January 06, 2021

David Hasselhoff's Knight Rider Trans-Am Can Be Yours

In a much simpler time, all you needed to fight crime was an autonomous Pontiac with an English accent. If your best memories are limited to VHF, David Hasselhoff's Knight Rider Trans-Am can be yours. Perhaps one of the most famous cars on the small screen, this 1982 Pontiac Trans-AM was the centerpiece of the primetime show for 4 seasons. Sir Lewis Hamilton Knighted By Queen Elizabeth As the most prominent offering of "The Hoff Auction" Diligent Auction Services is planning to showcase 4 decades of David's memorabilia on January 23rd. As noted on LiveAuctioneers.com, if the winning bid is 25% of the reserve price, Mr. Hasselhoff will deliver the car personally to the winning bidder. Click the button to place your bid and stay with us for all your celebrity news. View Details Images (C) LiveAuctioneers.com

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2020

The Original "Bullitt" Mustang Just Sold for $3.4 Million

Mecum Auctions has just auctioned off the Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT used as the hero car driven by the “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen, in the iconic 1968 film “Bullitt.” After tense bidding that went back and forth between multiple bidders for quite some time, the final hammer price was $3,400,000. Yes, the original "Bullitt Mustang" sold for hypercar money but this is a one-of-a-kind muscle car that's truly an automotive icon. "The Bullitt Mustang is a car that extends far beyond being just another top-notch collector car," said Mecum Auctions. "It’s a car that was once thought lost to the passage of time, and with its reemergence, its unparalleled cultural significance has solidified it as a bona fide piece of pop-culture art and as an undeniable remnant of an incredible moment in movie and automotive history." You can watch the auction for yourself on Mecum Auctions' YouTube Channel.

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2018

Hulk Hogan and Mecum Auctions Join Forces for a Great Cause

Pro-Wrestler Steve Chamberland started the 50 Legs Foundation to help amputees get the necessary care they need. Veterans and amputees find often themselves at the mercy of bad prosthetics or caught up in the healthcare system. 50 Legs Foundation aims to provide amputees with prosthetics and care that they could otherwise not afford. The organization is based in Tampa, so it receives a healthy dose of Vitamin H (for Hulk Hogan). The Hulkster will be joining the Mecum Kissimmee Auction along with a classic 1952 Ford truck, which was donated by the seller. Proceeds from the sale of this classic F1 will go to 50 Legs, so we hope it brings six figures. It has a flathead V8, dual carburetors, front disc brakes, and a gorgeous wood bed. Inside you will find a beautiful interior finished in grey and red. The original 3-speed manual with restored gauges and controls. Finding an unmolested F1 is getting very hard to do, so dont miss this opportunity. Click the link below for more details and be sure to tune in to Mecum on their YouTube channel starting January 3rd. View Price & Listing " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2018

John Cena's 2017 Ford GT Being Auctioned, Again

Unlike anything in their past, Ford selects who can purchase a new GT. The 647 horsepower LeMans winner has put Ford back on top, so they want to protect the image of the car. If your application was not accepted, there is only 1 pre-owned Ford GT on the market. Originally purchased by John Cena, car #77 is en route to Mecum's Dallas auction.The twin-turbo V6 is 3.5-liters and it makes 550 lb-ft of torque. Built to win races, it has a body of carbon fiber with and integrated roll cage. Multimatic's DSSV suspensions ride on spool valves for the street, and it drops 2" on to torsion bars for the ultimate track grip.We didn't believe our friend Mr. Cena would fit in the racing-inspired cockpit, but we're sure he was just making room for something new in his collection. So if you want a Ford GT and a celebrity car, be sure to register now. Mecum Dallas starts October 3rd and runs until the 6th, so be sure to tune in on their Youtube streams and stay with us for complete coverage.Click Here To View Listing

By Edward Jones – January 23, 2017

Update (Sold): Justin Bieber's Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 U...

At the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2017 event, Justin Bieber's Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Italia sold for $434,500. According to the vehicle's listing, it was put up for auction with a reserve, which seems to have been met.I don't know if you guys know this, but at one point in time I was quoted by Yahoo Celebrity for my vast knowledge of Justin Bieber's cars. I'm not exactly sure how this happened, but it did and I'm known as the "Bieber Guy" to some people. It also didn't help that my hair was a bit longer at the time.All Ferrari 458 For SaleBut, being the Bieber Guy at duPont REGISTRY (Purpose was a good album, alright?), it's my duty to report that his custom Ferrari 458 is going up for auction at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale event.The car was custom built by West Coast Customs, who wrapped the car in Frozen Blue chrome, installed a Liberty Walk wide-body kit and did much more to the car. It comes with the 458's 4.5-liter V* engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, custom 20-inch Forgiato wheels and a 10-inch subwoofer. For more information, be sure to click the link below.Learn MoreExotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2016

Wayne's World "Mirth Mobile" AMC Pacer Being Auctioned Off

Whenever Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" plays over the speaker, everyone has to sing along. No matter what. Think of it as a blessing and a curse. One of the reasons why we always have to sing along to this song is because of one special scene in "Wayne's World" when they're driving in the 1976 AMC Pacer that's known as the Mirth Mobile. See the video above if you need a refresher or want to experience some good 'ol nostalgia.For those hardcore Wayne's World fans that want to experience this scene for themselves, I have great news for you: the Mirth Mobile is going up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event.According to the lot's description, this is the original car used in the movie. It comes with all of the modifications made for the movie, including the baby blue paint with flames, steel plates for camera supports and, of course, the hole for the licorice dispenser.It's set to go under the hammer with no reserve. The auction starts on October 13 and ends on the 15th. For more information, click the button below.Learn More

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