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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 duPont REGISTRY – August 23, 2024

Tom Brady's 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost That Features His Auto...

When it comes to luxury and exclusivity, few vehicles capture the essence quite like a Rolls Royce, especially when it has been personally owned by a legendary figure. Car enthusiasts and collectors are in for a treat as duPont REGISTRY Exchange proudly presents Tom Brady’s personal 2024 Rolls Royce Ghost for sale through Sotheby's Motorsport (SOMO). The 2024 Rolls Royce Ghost is truly a marvel of luxury and design. With only 124 miles on it, this car is basically brand new, offering an unmatched level of elegance and style. It features a stunning Black Diamond exterior that’s both mysterious and refined, making it impossible to ignore on the road. Inside, you’ll find a plush Grace White interior that’s all about comfort and opulence. Every detail, from the exquisite leather seats to the cutting-edge technology, is crafted to give you the best driving experience possible. The 2024 Ghost is a true blend of luxury and power. Under the hood, it boasts a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, which produces a remarkable 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine allows the Ghost to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, providing an incredibly smooth and powerful ride. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission that ensures seamless gear changes and refined handling, making it a joy to drive. The all-wheel-drive system adds to its stability and control, so you can feel confident behind the wheel in any weather. The Ghost also includes a Planar Suspension System, which uses advanced technology to adapt to the road ahead, ensuring an exceptionally comfortable and precise ride. What truly sets this Ghost apart are the custom Tom Brady Signature Tread Plates. These exclusive details add a personal touch from the NFL icon himself in the form of his signature on the treadplates, making this vehicle a true collector's item. Such customizations not only enhance the car’s uniqueness but also connect it to the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in history. Tom Brady's Signature On The Treadplates The story behind this exceptional car adds to its allure. Acquired directly from Tom Brady’s residence, this Rolls Royce Ghost was a personal vehicle for the legendary quarterback, known for his impeccable taste and love for high-performance automobiles. Having such a storied connection makes this car a perfect fit for any collector looking to add more star power to their garage. The chance to own Tom Brady’s personal Rolls Royce is a rare opportunity. SOMO, in collaboration with duPont REGISTRY Exchange, will be hosting the auction, offering car enthusiasts and collectors a chance to bid on this one-of-a-kind vehicle. This will all take place on SOMO's onliny luxury-driven auction platform. Whether you're an avid car collector, a fan of Tom Brady, or simply someone who appreciates the finest things in life, this is an opportunity not to be missed. There's also word that a jersey signed by the GOAT himself comes along with this car. View The Auction

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2020

Kris Jenner Has Been Delivered the First 2021 Rolls-Royce...

O'Gara Coach has just announced that they have delivered the very first 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost in North America to none other than Kris Jenner. This new Ghost joins the other bespoke Rolls-Royce vehicles Kris has already commissioned. The spec she ordered is absolutely stunning and will surely catch some eyes when on the road. Landing on the west coast, this 2021 Ghost was delivered the day before Thanksgiving. The delivery took place at the O'Gara Motorsport facility located inside the Thermal Club Private Track in Palm Springs. As you can see from the pictures, the new Ghost has a long list of visual updates that give it a fresh and stylish new look. But it's not just looks that make the new Ghost so exciting to customers. Rolls-Royce has added a litany of new features that make the Ghost most attractive and accessible than ever before. For example, there is the new illuminated fascia as well as the power opening/closing doors and a true focus on a silent ride. The new 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost is truly a remarkable vehicle that defines what an ultra-luxury automobile is. View Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills Inventory Source: O'Gara Coach, Images by Grubbs Photography

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2016

Conor McGregor's Custom Rolls-Royce

Early in the morning on Sunday, November 13, I watched Conor McGregor take down Eddie Alvarez in one of the most hyped up MMA matches of the year. Many were rooting against him due to his outlandish behavior, while some wanted to see him became the UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion.(Also Read - The Trump Lamborghini Aventador: Trumpventador)Before his match, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America shared images of McGregor's custom Rolls-Royce Ghost. His car has a black exterior with a lighter interior. But what's more noticeable is the massive "NOTORIOUS" graphic decal featuring McGregor himself.McGregor is no stranger to exotic cars and actually has decent car collection. In that collection, there's already a Rolls-Royce, but this one is a Phantom Drophead Coupe.Now, the question remains: what do you guys think about Conor McGregor? I know his name can bring about some hate, but I'm genuinely interested in what you think about him. Let me know in the comments below.All Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 08, 2016

Antonio Brown Sports Rolls-Royce Ghost Wrapped in Gold

If you were in and around the San Francisco area during Super Bowl 50, you might have noticed a less-than-conspicuous Rolls-Royce Ghost wrapped in gold traipsing through the streets. As it turns out, the luxury car brand created this custom wrap for Antonio Brown, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown is known for his affinity for the Rolls-Royce brand, as seen last year when he attended training camp in Steelers-inspired Rolls-Royce Phantom.The semi-gloss matte gold wrap includes the receiver's well-known catch phrase, "Business is Boomin" painted across the doors and the football player's number and initials are inked on the front fenders. On his Instagram, Brown posted a photo of him sitting on top of the Ghost seemingly in prayer. What do you think of this wrap job? Tacky or in good taste? Let us know in the comments below.Rolls-Royce Ghosts For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BBeEjJ7qfli/ SourceRelated Video

By Caitlin Duffy – August 06, 2015

Rolls-Royce Ghost & BMW i8 for Soulja Boy's 25th Birthday

With the likes of Bentley and Lamborghini in his regular posts, Soulja Boy's car-related adventures were already impressive. For the rapper's 25th birthday he spent time with two more drool-worthy cars: a BMW i8 and Rolls-Royce Ghost.In a series of Instagram and Facebook photos posted between July 28, his birthday, and Aug. 2, DeAndre Cortez Way, better known as Soulja Boy, shared photos of his two new additions, both of which are incredible cars at any age, but especially so for a 25th birthday. Of course, it's no surprise - he was just 17 when he first spent time at the number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100 with his song "Crank That." Got the 2015 #RR #Ghost for my birthday I'm 25 and came along way just want to say thank you to the fans without you i wouldn't be here or have any of this stuff. Blessed. Love. - Dre A photo posted by Soulja Boy (@souljaboy) on Jul 28, 2015 at 6:09pm PDT The day before his birthday, Soulja Boy also dropped a new mixtape, "25 The Movie," an ode to his quarter life celebration. Call it a comeback or a quarter life crisis - either way, he has great taste in cars.Check out the photos from his Facebook and Instagram pages below, and then find your own Ghost or i8 from our exclusive listings.Ghosts For Sale i8s For Sale Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the Rolls-Royce Ghost as a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The article has been adjusted to reflect the proper name.Gallery (Source: Instagram, Facebook) See More Celebrity Car News

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