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 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

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 16, 2024

Luka Dončić x Forza Horizon 5 Reveal New '69 Camaro Colla...

One of the NBA’s biggest stars enters the world of Forza Horizon. At only 25 years old, Luka Dončić has become one of the most prominent players in the NBA, rising to stardom in the Dallas Mavericks as one of the most talented and formidable players in the league. However, his fame has already expanded beyond basketball, debuting a line of sneakers with Jordan and now entering the world of racing video games with his latest collaboration with Forza Horizon 5. The thrilling open-world video game allows players to experience a fantastic collection of cars, exploring on and off-road environments behind the wheels of high-performance and unique, exclusive gems of the automotive industry. The new collaboration with Luka Dončić features a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. The legendary classic muscle car is transformed into a custom, exclusive edition with a wide body kit and a special livery that echoes the Luka Jordan 3. Details like the signature Jordan print and white Jordan script on the tires make the muscle car truly special. Players of Forza Horizon 5 can download the new Jordan Luka 3-inspired Chevrolet Camaro in the game now. If you don’t have the game, it’s available now for Xbox Series X systems, and you can buy the game and get behind the wheel of this stunning exclusive collaborative Chevrolet Camaro by clicking the button below. Shop Forza Horizon 5 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Forza Horizon (@forzahorizonofficial)

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2024

Watch Guy Fieri Tour His Luxury Northern California Ranch...

From Food Network to the mountains of Northern California! Known for his role as one of Food Network's biggest star chefs, with hit TV series and restaurants around the country, Guy Fieri has established quite a reputation for finding the best food spots and discovering culinary talent. But among being a star both on the TV and in the kitchen, Guy also shares a passion for collecting classic and exotic cars, as you could probably tell with a bright red classic Camaro convertible making a cameo on his episodes of 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.' As part of the most recent episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Ben heads to Northern California to interview Guy Fieri while touring his incredible property, home, and car collection. Nestled on 42 acres with breathtaking views of mountains, Guy's home tour starts in his circular-style barn that was historically built by an old gold miner. Since then, the barn has been tastefully updated to help preserve its significance, featuring a full game room, bar, and even a basketball court. Next up is one of Guy's two garages that house some of his most prized, four-wheel possessions, including everything from an all-original Plymouth Roadrunner to the first new generation yellow Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible to roll off the production line. In addition to the 2-level garage stuffed with classics, the second garage features modern marvels like a new Rolls-Royce Wraith and custom 750HP Apocalypse 6x6 Hellfire. Guy Fieri's Car Collection: 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle C6 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 1941 Cadillac Limo C6 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Shelby Cobra 1968 Camaro SS Convertible C7 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 60s Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 70s Pontiac Firebird Dodge SRT Challenger Demon (x2) Pontiac Trans AM 'Smokey & The Bandit' 1934 Buick Phantom And so much more! Owing it over 10 years, Guy and his team have worked countless hours to have the property looking in tip-top shape, from all the farm animals and their enclosures to its pristine landscape. Being in the dry mountains of California for the past decade, the home has since been faced with its share of natural disasters like wildfires. In unfortunate circumstances like this, Guy's rolling kitchen trailer, outfitted with everything you'd need to feed an army, acts as a disaster relief post to feed those affected as well as those helping to protect and serve. With a spectacular Nor Cal property that will forever carry on the legacy of a true culinary icon, Guy Fieri's home and car collection is truly one of the most impressive on the planet. View All Exotic & Classic Cars For Sale " width="680"> Source: Graham Bensinger YouTube

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2024

Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Debuts Its Slab Race Car Ahead ...

Red Bull Racing F1 enters the Texas car scene. While the excitement for Formula 1 racing remains constant among passionate fans worldwide, each stop on the schedule invites teams and drivers to a whole new cultural experience. From luxurious coastal views at the Monaco GP to sunny South Florida vibes at the Miami GP, Formula 1 embraces the local feel by adopting some cultural characteristics of the locations hosting the weekend festivities. In preparation for the 2024 United States Grand Pix at the Circuits of the Americas, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 is getting a head start on learning Texas car culture by reimagining its 2024 RB20 race car as a classic Houston 'slab' with help from some of the best in the game. @jaythewrapspecialist IG Before we get into highlighting Red Bull's new Slab, it's probably best that we go over the basic lingo of Houston car culture and how it paved the way for a growing community of car lovers. The term 'Slab' or 'Swangas' refers to special spike-style wheels that extend far past the design of a traditional sport wheel. In contrast to Red Bull Racing's high-speed focus on the track, a slab in its simplest form means, "Slow, Low, and Bangin." To feel more at home during its stay in Texas, Red Bull hit up local Houston legend Jay The Wrap Specialist (@jaythewrapspecialist) to slab out the RB20 and catch it up to speed with a one-of-a-kind look. @jaythewrapspecialist IG Approved by Houston rap icon Paul Wall, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1's new project showcases all the must-have essentials that make a perfect modern-day slab. The multi-million F1 car comes fitted with a set of 20-inch G17 chrome swangas, white wall tires, and even front-mounted bull horns as an homage to the Big Star State. A custom LED sign that reads "RED BULL SLAB" is mounted at the rear to complete the whole look and feel of a true Houston slab. As Formula 1 preps to take on COTA at the 2024 United States Grand Prix, look out for Oracle Red Bull Racing F1's newly upgraded race car. Shop all Red Bull Racing F1 fan gear for sale by clicking the link below. Shop All Red Bull F1 Fan Gear View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paint Is Dead (@paintisdead) Source: @jaythewrapspecialist IG

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 30, 2024

Yiannimize x Divine Savages x Urban Automotive Reveal New...

This hypercar becomes even more bespoke. Koenigsegg is known for its unmatched engineering and design. Its hypercar and “megacar” lineage dates back more than 25 years. Throughout that time, the Swedish manufacturer has been at the cutting edge of high performance, breaking records and introducing unprecedented approaches to speed and power. One of the milestones in Koenigsegg’s heritage is the Agera, introduced at the beginning of the 2010s as the next chapter of Koenigsegg’s hypercar legacy. Until its discontinuation in 2018, the Koenigsegg Agera represented the pinnacle of hypercar performance with its unimaginably powerful twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine and dual-clutch transmission. One of the most unique examples of Koenigsegg Agera is Koenigsegg Agera N, a unique, ultra-rare iteration of the incredible hypercar. In a new collaboration between famous customization specialist Yiannimize, Urban Automotive, and luxury wallpaper brand Divine Savages, the Koenigsegg Agera N achieves a new level of bespoke customization. The Agera N has been unveiled with a new custom blue and white floral wrap, which is inspired by the Divine Savages signature wallpaper collection. Boasting bold patterns and eclectic aesthetics, Divine Savages brought its luxurious interior design solutions to the automotive world. The floral pattern is an unusual and head-turning way to highlight the unmistakable silhouette of the Koenigsegg Agera, and it takes one of the world’s rarest, most powerful, and most coveted hypercars, and makes it even more unique. View All Koenigseggs For Sale Image Source: Urban 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 – August 19, 2024

Mecum To Auction Steve McQueen's Hero Car From "Le Mans"

Monterey Car Week may now be over, but thanks to an announcement from Mecum Auctions during the event, we now have something to look forward to in the near future. That announcement was the fact that Mecum will be auctioning off the iconic and legendary 1970 Porsche 917K hero car from the movie Le Mans. Yes, the same one that the man himself, Steve McQueen, drove. This 917K was originally purchased by McQueen, who used it in the movie he produced. Additionally, McQueen went on to race the car for real and scored multiple victories behind the wheel. The purchase of this vehicle comes with a complete and known ownership history that is unlike any other vehicle out there. This is a true one-of-a-kind vehicle that will undoubtedly fetch a hammer price that signifies that. For this auction to happen, the 917K came out of a meticulous restoration that brought it back to the 1970 specifications featured in the Le Mans movie. It will cross the block during Mecum's Kissimmee 2025 event, January 7-19. Collectors looking for a star car that will shine brighter than just about any other vehicle out there, this is exactly what you're looking for. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Learn More Source: Mecum Auctions

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 25, 2024

Alpine F1 Sports Deadpool & Wolverine Livery For 2...

The hottest new superhero movie takes to the track. Deadpool and Wolverine are two of the most iconic characters in the expansive and incredibly popular Marvel superhero universe. With unique powers and abilities, captivating action-packed scenes, and quick wit, the new film that features both characters together is an absolute must-see for superhero flick fans, and one of its most unique promotions will be seen on the grid this Formula 1 racing weekend. Alpine, the racing team that has recently received a major investment from a group that includes Ryan Reynolds, the actor who plays Deadpool in the new movie, will be racing in this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps with a Deadpool & Wolverine-themed livery on its cars. The red and black livery features yellow claw marks, making references to both of the iconic characters in the new film. With its new custom livery, Alpine is taking to the track this weekend with two of the world’s most popular superhero characters at its side. With the popularity of the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie, Alpine is drumming up extra excitement for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. Finance A Luxury or Exotic Car For Sale Image Source: F1

By duPont REGISTRY – July 23, 2024

Tupac’s 1996 BMW 750iL Is STILL FOR SALE

This is, in fact, the car that Tupac was shot and killed in. After watching a fight at the MGM in Las Vegas, Tupac Shakur was shot in this very 1996 BMW 750iL that was leased by Death Row Records.

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 22, 2024

Watch TheStradman Capture The Delivery Of A Verde Ithaca ...

One of YouTube’s most prolific car enthusiasts adds to his Lamborghini collection. TheStradman has one of the most impressive car collections on YouTube, with supercars, hypercars, and off-roaders all calling his garage home. However, one manufacturer that has remained a mainstay throughout his YouTube channel is Lamborghini, with his Lamborghini Gallardo being one of his first and most storied supercars. TheStradman's YouTube channel has captured the delivery of a stunning modern classic Lamborghini. While it isn’t his, the beautiful Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 VT in Verde Ithaca is a true automotive gem. With a custom exhaust, its legendary V12 sounds even better than its stock engine note. As a time capsule of Lamborghini excellence, the Verde Ithaca Diablo VT features beautiful examples of many Lamborghini staples, like scissor doors, the manufacturer’s signature angular design, and more. The interior has been modernized with custom upholstery that matches the stunning Verde Ithaca exterior. With beautiful customizations throughout, a striking color, and the legacy of the Lamborghini Diablo, this is an incredible piece of Lamborghini history, appreciated by a prolific Lamborghini collector. View All Lamborghini Diablos For Sale

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