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 blue sports car being unveiled indoors with a red cloth being removed by three people.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 19, 2024

Watch Rob Dyrdek Unveil His New Bespoke "Angel Lightning"...

Rob Dyrdek curates a collection of one-off Ferrari masterpieces. With a renowned career in skating and reality television, Rob Dyrdek is a celebrity and entrepreneur with an impressive and respected car collection. However, the manufacturer that holds the greatest importance in Rob Dyrdek’s garage is Ferrari. The historic Italian luxury performance car manufacturer has a lineage of artful creations that serve as the crown jewels of some of the world’s most prestigious and coveted car collections. Rob Dyrdek’s Ferrari collection will soon be one of the most unique. Nearly a decade ago, in 2015, Rob Dyrdek was introduced to the magic of Ferrari Tailor Made, the bespoke division through which enthusiasts turn Ferrari’s cars into unique statements. However, Rob Dyrdek has commissioned a stunning collection of artfully inspired Ferrari one-offs through Tailor Made and in collaboration with Ferrari of Beverly Hills. Rob Dyrdek’s Ferrari collection starts with a V12 grand touring icon of the 2000s, the 612 Scaglietti. It then evolved to include the 458 and the F12berlinetta, when he was inspired to create his “Forever Collection” of unique, Tailor Made one-offs that will serve as cherished heirlooms for years to come. The collection starts with a blue Ferrari Roma, entitled “Blue Magnetic,” and currently consists of 14 cars. Each is inspired by four things: the essence of the Ferrari itself, Dyrdek’s own life, Ferrari’s history, and a song. Each car has a special nomenclature to designate its place in the cherished collection. The ultimate car in the collection is a bespoke one-off called the SP-RD. However, as the collection begins to take shape, the second car, Angel Lightning, has been unveiled. Inspired by “Ride The Lightning” by Metallica, the SF90 Spider is finished with a color inspired by Angelite stone, a white stripe inspired by the 250 GTO, and the SF90 Spider’s electrified open-top driving thrill. As Rob Dyrdek’s Forever Collection of Ferraris continues to take shape, the creative vision and cultural inspiration behind the commissions will combine with Ferrari’s storied legacy and automotive excellence to create some of the most interesting and captivating collector-grade one-offs Ferrari has made, in an ongoing collaboration between Rob Dyrdek, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, and Ferrari’s Tailor Made department. View All Vehicles For Sale From Ferrari of Beverly Hills View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2024

Check Out Jake Paul's New Ferrari SF90 Spider Hybrid Supe...

Sporting the same vibrant finish, Jake now has a matching set of yellow Ferraris in his garage. Dominating both in and outside the professional boxing ring, it's no surprise that Jake Paul has become a household name around the world. While his passion for training and fighting competitively is known, his love for Italian supercars may be more of a well-kept secret. Shortly after purchasing and moving into his $16 million Puerto Rico mansion back in May 2023, the entrepreneur and YouTube star splurged on a head-turning yellow Ferrari 296 GTB for the new garage. The 296 GTB not only stands out as Ferrari's first-ever V6 hybrid supercar but also the most desirable and exclsuive model to get your hands on right now. Just six months later, Jake Paul is back from the dealership to take delivery of his brand new Ferrari SF90 Spider at his home. Jake took to his Instagram page to share the first few moments of the electrified supercar's arrival. Sporting the exact same Giallo Modena from Ferrari, the SF90 Spider is slowly reversed off the trailer where his 296 GTB patiently awaits to meet its new garage companion with brother Logan Paul in the front seat. Before having the chance to unleash all 986 horsepower from its hybrid-assisted 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, Jake creates some satisfying content by removing the plastic screen protectors from all the LED screens. As we wait to see and hear how Jake Paul enjoys his new Ferrari SF90 Spider, we hope that he breaks it in with some parking lot donuts like he did in the 296 GTB. View all Ferrari SF90 Spiders and Ferrari 296 GTBs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari SF90 Spiders For Sale View All Ferrari 296 GTBs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul) Source: @jakepaul Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

Artist Alec Monopoly Takes Delivery Of Two New Ferraris A...

Joining the Porsche and Ferrari families in style, Alec Monopoly picks up three of the hottest models on the market. For any passionate car collector or enthusiast, there's no better day than taking delivery of a brand-new car, whether it be an everyday driver or a million-dollar collector car. New York street artist and DJ Alec Monopoly is getting a double dose of this after recently visiting the Ferrari dealership to pick up not one but two brand-new Italian supercars. Having incorporated his artistic touch into the automotive world with works that feature icons like the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, it's no surprise that the world-renowned artist has quickly converted into a celebrity car collector. Documenting the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Alec Monopoly takes fans on the full-driven journey on his newest YouTube vlog upload. The stage is set in Puerto Rico where Alec currently resides, headed to the local dealership in his Tesla Model X to retrieve a 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 296 GTB, and a Ferrari SF90 Spider. Locking in his orders with Ferrari and Porsche more than two years ago, Alec arrives at the dealer with news that only the Ferrari models are ready for delivery. Shortly after filming the delivery of his two Italian prancing horse supercars, Alec's 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS finally arrived in a stunning white finish with vibrant red accents and wheels. Finished in matching traditional Rosso Corsa shades with brown leather interiors, the 296 GTB and SF90 Spider showcase the future of Ferrari and its status as a leader in supercar engineering. It wasn't long before Alec jumped behind the wheel of the SF90 Spider after both Ferraris were delivered by truck to the driveway of his home. An exhilarating first drive in the electrified 986 horsepower supercar proved that Alec Monopoly made the right choice when ordering two of Ferrari's most powerful models. Now with a fleet of track-focused supercars in his arsenal, Alec Monopoly is read to hit the Puerto Rican streets in style. View all Ferrari SF90 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTB, and Porsche 911 GT3 RS examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari SF90 Spider & 296 GTB For Sale View All Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale Source: Alec Monopoly YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 17, 2023

Watch Hamilton Collection Take Delivery Of A New Ferrari ...

One of the Internet’s favorite car collections continues to grow.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2022

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

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 29, 2021

Kevin Hart Receives The First Ferrari SF90 Spider In The ...

Kevin Hart is the first lucky owner to drop the top on the Ferrari SF90 Spider. As the market for luxury and exotic supercars continues to grow, affluent car collectors look for the chance to secure a first production number vehicle to add to the fleet. The community of Ferrari owners knows this feeling all too well, with a growing collection of performance-focused vehicles like the all-new SF90 Spider. The first to receive the open-top hybrid Italian supercar is none other than world-renowned comedian and actor Kevin Hart. MUST-READ: Kevin Hart’s Car Collection Is Growing at a Fast Pace Kevin took to his Instagram page to announce his appreciation for the Ferrari brand and the opportunity to own the first SF90 Spider released in the United States. The configuration on Kevin Hart’s Ferrari SF90 Spider features a modest black exterior that complements the body lines and yellow accents. The interior layout is styled to match the exterior and includes an all-black design with yellow highlights. The Ferrari SF90 Spider makes an incredible 986-horsepower from its 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8 Hybrid system and is available starting at $558,000. View all current Ferrari SF90 Stradale models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Sell My Ferrari SF90 Spider: Get a Cash Offer View All Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) Source: @kevinhart4real

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2021

Behind the Scenes With Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and ...

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc make a great team. Last month, Ferrari put Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel of an SF90 Spider and SF90 Stradale and put them against each other at Imola. In a video published by Ferrari, the pair could be seen ripping the hybrid supercars around the famous track, going toe-to-toe. Now, Ferrari has released yet another video that takes us behind the scenes of the first video. In this new video, we get a little more personal with the duo and seeing their reactions to the car. Ferrari also showed off how some of the equipment that was used to make the video. For me, the most interesting bit was seeing inside the chase car that was used to follow the SF90s around the track. Click play up above to see the video for yourself and also click the button below to see all Ferraris listed for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Ferraris For Sale

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