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

A classic black Rolls-Royce convertible with the top up, viewed from the rear side angle against a plain white background, reminiscent of elegance and luxury fit for a Wayne Gretzky auction at RM Sotheby's.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2025

RM Sotheby's To Sell Wayne Gretzky's Rolls-Royce As His G...

Stars align with the sale of a hockey legend’s Rolls-Royce. The sports universe is alight with buzz currently surrounding ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, as his incredible record of 894 goals scored in his illustrious NHL career has finally been broken by Alex Ovechkin, a star player on the Washington Capitals who scored his 895th career goal this past Sunday in a game against the New York Islanders. The monumental moment for Ovechkin’s career and the sport of ice hockey alike coincides with an anticipated collector car auction from RM Sotheby’s, via its Sotheby’s Sealed program. That is of the 1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV owned by Wayne Gretzky, the very player whose incredible goal record was just broken. Even more serendipitously, that very car was gifted to Gretzky by the Los Angeles Kings after he scored his 802nd goal, which broke the previous record that was held by Gordie Howe. Bearing the license plate number “GOAL 802,” the timing of the sale of this hockey legend’s incredible ultra-luxury convertible is impeccable. Bidding is open now for the iconic and highly collectible 1994 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV, and bidding will end on April 17. The car was originally delivered by Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills, and it is one of just 219 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV examples built, with a black exterior and a black leather interior, which is paired with walnut wood veneers. The sale is an anticipated moment for both car enthusiasts and hockey fans alike as the opportunity to own a highly relevant symbol of hockey history and a stunning Rolls-Royce Corniche IV with only 9,100 miles on its odometer. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Image Source: RM Sotheby's

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 18, 2024

Rolls-Royce Celebrates 60 Years Of The Goldfinger Phantom

An iconic movie car celebrates its 60th anniversary. An undeniable, quintessential standard of automotive luxury, Rolls-Royce has enjoyed the status of a pop culture icon for most of its century-long history. Rolls-Royce has been featured a dozen times in the decades of James Bond films, which are known for highlighting unique luxury cars, fashion, tech, and gadgets. However, one Rolls-Royce that made a 007 cinematic appearance stands out in particular as the most iconic, and that is the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which featured in Goldfinger in 1964. 60 years have passed since the premiere of Goldfinger, one of the most iconic James Bond films, on September 17, 1964, and the 1937 Phantom plays a pivotal role in the film as the villain, Auric Goldfinger’s car. It was used in the film to smuggle two tons of gold from England to Switzerland in a unique way. The car’s body was made of gold and melted down with the original body replaced to repeat the journey. The car, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III, was up to the challenge of taking on alpine roads with its 165-horsepower, 7.3-liter engine, the first V12 engine that Rolls-Royce ever used. The car was the last Rolls-Royce to be developed by Henry Royce before he died in 1933. The car itself was originally commissioned for an American who settled in England. It was originally finished in all black with a white coach line but was then given its recognizable yellow and black color scheme for the Goldfinger film. After 60 years, the iconic Goldfinger Phantom remains one of the most iconic Rolls-Royces in pop culture and one of the most iconic cars in the James Bond franchise. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale

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 Jordan Aquistapace – June 04, 2024

Soccer Star Ronaldinho Spotted At Niketown London In A Pi...

What better way to celebrate a shoe release than with a pink Rolls-Royce Phantom! When it comes to all-star soccer legends with monumental careers, there's no discussion without mentioning the name Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho stands out as one of the greatest soccer stars of all time, with a remarkable career spanning over 25 years. The former Brazilian soccer player's influence extends to world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, inspiring the future of the sport with his skills and signature style. Ronaldinho was recently spotted in London at Niketown Oxford Street for the launch of an all-new soccer cleat. And while the debut of Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite proved to be an event in itself with thousands of fans in attendance, Ronaldinho's arrival car was the real show-stopper of the evening. Sporting a head-turning livery to commemorate Nike's eye-catching new colorway for the Nike Tiempo cleats, a bright pink Rolls-Royce Phantom arrived at Niketown wrapped with the brand's signature Swoosh on each side. The ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce escorted Ronaldinho and internet personality Clint 419 through a see of crowds as the two sat comfortably in the rear underneath the Phantom's starlit headliner. It proved to be the perfect way to arrive in style as Ronaldinho was on scene to hand-deliver the first pair of Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elites in a commemorative pink Nike briefcase. Although most of the fans at Niketown were star-struck seeing Ronaldinho in person, surely there were also some car fanatics stunned by the sight of a bright pink Rolls-Royce Phantom with Nike logos. Shop Nike x Ronaldinho's all-new Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite pink soccer cleats by clicking the link below. Shop Nike x Ronaldinho's Tiempo Legend 10 Elite Sources: @nike/@clint419/@highsnobiety

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 28, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo's Girlfriend Gifts Him A Rolls-Royce Da...

The legendary soccer star can add the newest set of wheels to his growing car collection. It's no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo is a car enthusiast, as the Portuguese soccer icon is known for collecting exclusive supercars and hypercars. Alongside his custom Bugatti Chiron, Cristiano's garage also features stunning examples that include a Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and many more. Cristiano Ronaldo will be adding one more luxury car to his fleet, as his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez recently gifted him a Rolls-Royce Dawn for Christmas. Posted to her Instagram account, Georgina and the family surprise Cristiano on Christmas morning with a bright red bow on the hood of the six-figure ultra-luxury convertible. MUST-READ: Cristiano Ronaldo Car Collection The configuration of Cristiano's Rolls-Royce Dawn presents an amazing two-tone gloss finish, accentuating its elongated body with a blend of white and silver paint. The white and brown leather interior offers enough space for the entire family to take their first joyride. The Rolls-Royce Dawn is driven by a 6.6L Twin-Turbocharged V12 that delivers an astonishing 563 horsepower, making it the perfect balance of performance and comfort. After testing out the convertible top and taking a few photos, the family happily returns home to open the rest of their gifts. View all current Rolls-Royce Dawn examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming celebrity car news. View All Rolls-Royce Dawn For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Georgina Rodríguez (@georginagio) Source: georginagio IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2021

Check Out Drake's 1/1 Rolls-Royce Cullinan By Chrome Hear...

When Canadian rapper Drake looks to get a new Rolls-Royce, you better believe it is going to be upgraded to separate itself from any other on the road. This is the case for Drake’s new Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a one-of-one example created using upgrades and custom accessories to best display Drake’s style. Along with the body upgrades by Mansory, the Cullinan received custom emblems by Chrome Hearts. The team at Los Angeles luxury brand Chrome Hearts has presented a virtual showing of the Rolls-Royce through its website in partnership with Mansory. Drake’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan by Chrome Hearts and Mansory is currently on display by appointment at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami at its new exhibition. Sign up for your appointment to see the Drake x Chrome Hearts x Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan by clicking the link below. Chrome Heart Rolls-Royce Cullinan For more Celebrity Car news, Check out Inside An Incredible Collection At IKONICK Miami

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2021

Justin Bieber's Custom Rolls-Royce Explained

West Coast Customs first unveiled Justin Bieber's custom Rolls-Royce at the beginning of February 2021. Now, just a couple of couple later, we finally get to see the story behind the insane creation. The story all started when Bieber saw the Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car and tasked Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs if he could procure it for him. Unfortunately, the 103EX is a one-off prototype so it's absolutely unattainable. This prompted Ryan to create their own version of a futuristic Rolls-Royce, a project that took three years from start to finish. The result is the creation you see Bieber rolling around in today which is named "Uriel", a name that comes from one of the archangels known as the "Light of God." You can see the entire story of Uriel by clicking play up above. See All Rolls-Royce Wraiths For Sale Source: YouTube Screenshot

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2021

Justin Bieber's New Rolls-Royce is Out-Of-This-World

West Coast Customs has just unveiled their insane build for Justin Bieber. His new ride is a Rolls-Royce Wraith that has been completely reimagined and transformed into a genuine custom automobile. With an exterior that looks as though it came out of a sci-fi movie, Bieber's new car is a true-one-of-a-kind, out-of-this-world luxury car. The interior was also redone and given touches that allow it to complement the exterior. West Coast Customs also notes that a custom audio setup was installed in the trunk and you can see in the images up above that they went with JL Audio for the equipment. While Bieber's new Rolls-Royce may be different than what you've seen before, you can't deny that it's good looking. We hope we can learn more about the creation from West Coast Customs themselves in the coming day. See Rolls-Royces For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDBB09BF1g/ Image Source: Instagram/@westcoastcustoms

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 – April 17, 2020

Meek Mill Donates His Rolls-Royce Phantom for "All-In Cha...

Fanatics is currently putting on the "All-In Challenge," meant to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This allows everyone to either enter to win fan experiences for just $10 per entry or bid on auction items and experiences. One of the items that have been added to the auction portion comes from Meek Mill, who donated his prized 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom to the cause. This all-black Phantom was actually mentioned in his debut album "Dreams and Nightmares" and it comes with just 5,041 miles clocked on its odometer. From the auction's descriptions: "When he bought it, they said it was leased. When it becomes yours? Haters rest in peace. Luxurious, exotic and elegant, Meek Mill's personal Rolls-Royce Phantom is unmatched in technology, design and style. In Meek's debut album, "Dreams and Nightmares," this baby is the dream. On the streets of Philly, seeing Allen Iverson roll past his childhood neighborhood in a Phantom offered Meek a glimpse at the portrait of success." When the winning bid is set, 100% of the money will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry. Now that's an awesome cause! Click the button below to see the auction page for yourself and maybe drop a bid. View Auction Page https://www.instagram.com/p/B-9-yFJJbwV/ Featured Image via Rolls-Royce Motorcars NA

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