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 – March 08, 2021

Kevin Hart Shows Off His Ferrari 488 Pista

Kevin Harts carr collection seems to have added another ride to his collection and it's a true supercar. On Instagram, Hart posted two photos of him stepping out of a Ferrari 488 Pista which may be the latest addition to his collection. This car would join his other recent additions that include a 1000 horsepower Hellraiser Charger, 488 Spider, custom Bronco and others. As for the specifics regarding this Ferrari, it's a beast. Its turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine pumps out an extraordinary 711 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for this prancing pony to run from 0 to 62 mph in 2.85 seconds and hit a top speed of 211 mph. If you want a 488 Pista for your own garage, be sure to click the button below to see all examples currently for sale. Sell My Ferrari 488 Pista: Get a Cash Offer All Ferrari 488 Pistas For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CMIDPUpLfCy/

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2020

Ian Poulter Hits Golf Ball Through a Multi-Million Dollar...

Last week, we brought you a video of Ian Poulter making a chip shot into the window of a Mercedes-Benz 4-Door GT Coupe. Now, we're here to bring you an even riskier shot made by the PGA Tour golfer. This time, he's making the chip shot into the window of a multi-million dollar Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta. What's more, he actually made the chip shot through both of the LaFerrari's windows. That's downright insane. These Italian hypercars can cost over $4.6 million, which would make the repair bill quite pricey. But, with years of practice under his belt, Poulter nailed the shot and let the ball fly through the Ferrari's cabin. Don't believe me? I don't blame you, but you can see it for yourself down below. See LaFerrari Apertas for Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CEju7o-offq/

By Andrew Nabors – August 20, 2020

NBA Superstar's 1998 Ferrari F355 Spider for Sale

Ok Basketball fans here is an opportunity of a lifetime. This particular player emblazons every car with the "Superman" logo, and he is so tall the convertible top was omitted. With only 7,300 miles, it will make a perfect centerpiece for your collection. The previous owner also has an affinity for big wheels, so it rides on 19" Giovannas with rubber that is like-new. Behind them are the largest Brembo brakes offered for the F355, so stopping is quick and consistent. It was built by our friends at West Coast Customs to have Alpine audio along with the Superman logos in several locations. Equipped with the F1 single-clutch automatic, it is begging for a weekend cruise. The leather is immaculate, and there are no signs of wear inside or out. I would submit it for the Ferrari Classiche certification due to the celebrity status. You know the man and how much he loves his cars, so this opportunity won't happen again. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Chicago Motor Cars. View Listing

By Edward Jones – July 24, 2020

Adam Levine and Ferrari Are Teaming Up for a Great Cause

Ferrari is teaming up with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo for a fantastic cause. Together, they will be auctioning off one of the earliest examples of the Ferrari Roma in North America to help benefit the 'Save the Children' organization. The car will be auctioned off this fall. Levine's involvement in this auction makes perfect sense considering he has owned quite a few Ferraris, including a 1966 330 GTC, 1969 365 GTC, 1971 365 GTB/4 "Daytona," 1963 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, 1965 375 GTB/2 and recently a Tailor Made F12tdf. "Behati and I couldn't be happier to be a part of this unique project and ultimately help a charity that we are fully supportive of," says Levine. "As so many other parents worldwide, during this time we have been focused first and foremost on taking care of our girls, and Save the Children is helping countless children and families with crucial education resources." For more information, click the button below. Learn More About This Auction About Save the Children - Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding over 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of over 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

By Dylan Orluck – April 30, 2020

Gucci Mane's New Custom Ferrari F8 Tributo is One of the ...

The Ferrari F8 Tributo is one of the latest models out of Maranello and it touts improved aerodynamics and downforce over its predecessor. Powering the sleek Ferrari is a powerful twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine that pumps out 701 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. With such impressive specs and stylish design, it's no wonder that celebrities are getting their own F8 Tributos. As Gucci Mane once said, “she asking weird questions, Why yo engine in the rear, Switchin' gears then I'm outta here”. From his early music videos to his latest Instagram posts, Gucci has always made sure he’s on top of the automotive game. He can be seen all over social media sporting the latest exotic and luxury cars. In his most recent post on Instagram, he gave his followers a sneak peek at his latest acquisition. Chances are, you haven’t seen a Ferrari F8 Tributo on the streets or even at any dealer. There are only a handful that have touched down in the country. Gucci Mane managed to get his hands on one and took things a step further by putting it on matching red wheels with “1017” written on the center caps. Contact our very own celebrity car broker, Dylan, (@racecardyl) if you want to hit the streets like Gucci. See All Ferraris for Sale https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_iMDuFjQZO/ Source: Instagram/@laflare1017

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2019

Jay Kay's Ferrari GTC4 Undergoes a Transformation

If you aren't a fan of Jamiroquai, you are truly missing out. As their Frontman, Jay Kay has made them famous the world over. With a list of hit songs, it has allowed him to purchase a bright green LaFerrari along with a grigio metallic Ferrari GTC4Lusso. He has owned the 4-seater for awhile and decided it needed a brilliant new color. He wanted to fall in love with the car again, so he turned to Topaz Detailing in London. It was there that Jay Kay's GTC4 underwent a transformation. You might consider it sacrilege to color change a Ferrari, but this is no ordinary paint shop. Their proprietary finish is TopazSkin, and it might be confused with PlastiDip. After disassembly, every panel was covered in 2 base coats and two color coats. The first base coat allows the skin to be removed should he get tired of it. The factory paint is protected by the 2nd clear coat along with 2 top coats of Rolls-Royce Purple Silk. Kudos to the team for such a perfect job, and to Jay Kay for refusing to follow the status quo. If you want to see what makes the Ferrari GTC4Lusso so spectacular, click the link below and stay with us for all your Celebrity Car news. Browse Ferrari GTC4 Lusso For Sale " width="680"> Related: Jay Kay's Green LaFerrari Caught in Pure Electric Mode Jay Kay's Green LaFerrari at Goodwood

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2019

What It's Like to Have Justin Bieber Get Arrested in Your...

All the way back in 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and careless driving. When it happened, the internet went abuzz and every celebrity gossip website was talking about the incident. It was a lot. While the event was a big deal for Bieber, it was also an ordeal for our friend John Temerian, who owns Curated. You see, John used to run LouLaVie, an exotic car rental company in Miami, Florida. It was because of this that he was involved with the Bieber situation. Speaking more specifically, it was his cars that Bieber and crew were driving: a Lamborghini LP 550-2 Gallardo Spyder and Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M. You can imagine that John had to go through quite a bit of trouble to get his cars back after being impounded but it all actually worked out in his favor. I mean, his company's name was everywhere because of Bieber's arrest. John went to VINwiki's headquarters to tell the story of how he got involved in Bieber's arrest. Check it out above and be sure to check out his inventory of cars by clicking the link below. view curated's inventory Image Via " rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">YouTube Screenshot

By Edward Jones – April 26, 2019

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Pose With LaFerrari for "Av...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwtLmnnHArw/ "Avengers: Endgame" is officially out and people around the world are rushing to the theaters to see the film before it's spoiled for them. For me, I'm writing this on a couple of hours of sleep because of my great idea to see the three-hour film at 10PM. At the showing, there were a fair amount of moviegoers dressed up as their favorite Avengers. Even some celebrities are getting into the dress-up/cosplay spirit for the new superhero, like Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwtMv6WnDqc/ She recently posted a couple of pictures with her, "Iron Man" and her daughter on her Instagram in celebration of the new Avengers movie. What's more, they posed for the pictures next to a beautiful red Ferrari LaFerrari. Kylie was dressed up as Captain Marvel, while there was someone dressed up as Iron Man next to her. You can't see who it is, but considering she's in a relationship with Travis Scott and she calls him the "Iron Flame" in the picture description, it's safe to assume. Anywho, be sure to see "Avengers: Endgame" and click the button below to pick out your own LaFerrari. find your own laferrari

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2019

Rob Dyrdek Just Got a Stunning Ferrari 488 Pista

Rob Dyrdek, the famous skateboarder and madman behind Fantasy Factory, just picked himself up a truly beautiful Ferrari 488 Pista. The Rob Dyrdek's Ferrari 488 Pista was picked up from Ferrari Beverly Hills yesterday, and he was kind enough to share pictures of the car on his Instagram account. His example of the car is finished in a black paint with two silver stripes running down the center. Inside is a black interior with red trim. As a fan of the red and black combo, this is a dream car to me. It also helps that the 488 Pista's twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 packs 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Congrats go to Rob Dyrdek on his latest purchase! view ferrari beverly hills inventory https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXwYkYn7Rr/

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2019

Gas Monkey Garage Ferrari F40 Sells Again, For More!

Over the weekend, the sale of a very unique car happened. To be specific, the Gas Monkey Garage Ferrari F40 was auctioned off. This one-of-a-kind car has changed owners multiple times, but the most recent owner had it taken from them by the U.S. Marshals Service. After being taken, it was put up for auction and now I can say that it has another new owner. This time, however, it's sold for a good chunk. Find Your Own Ferrari F40 When it was first was put up for auction in 2014, Reggie Jackson put in a final bid of $742,500. In 2015, it changed hands again for $643,500, a $99,000 loss in value. More than likely it changed owners after that sale, but now, in 2019, it's sold again for $760,000. That's more than the original price! This news comes to us via Richard Rawlings' Instagram account. Rawlings also says that we will be able to see how it all went down on their upcoming season of Fast N Loud (season 15), which starts in June on The Discovery Channel. check out all ferraris for sale

Celebrity Cars

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe