Cullinan

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

The interior of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan features white leather seats, open doors, and a hand-painted starlight headliner on the ceiling, all set against a night sky backdrop.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 17, 2025

The New Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos Has A Hand-Painted St...

This Rolls-Royce’s Starlight Headliner celebrates the real beauty of outer space. While Rolls-Royce has always been known within the automotive industry for its opulence and uncompromising luxury, its modern ultra-luxury vehicle lineup has introduced features that make Rolls-Royce vehicles some of the most sumptuously crafted and unique luxury cars ever made. With Rolls-Royce Bespoke, the possibilities for configuration are virtually limitless, with one-of-one features, unparalleled paint finishes, and other painstaking examples of Rolls-Royce’s artisan craftsmanship all coming together to create some of the most cherished vehicles to emerge from the brand’s home of Goodwood, serving as family heirlooms and treasured pieces of luxury and exotic car collections around the world. The latest one-of-one vehicle to emerge from Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the new Cullinan Cosmos, and it was commissioned through the Rolls-Royce Private Office Dubai where Rolls-Royce clients are able to commission their bespoke vehicles with an experience that parallels the luxury of commissioning a car at Goodwood at luxury hubs across the globe. The ultra-luxury SUV commission is inspired by the beauty of outer space and the celestial bodies seen across the vast expanse of the cosmos, and that inspiration comes from the family and their four-year-old son’s shared love for outer space. Arabescato Pearl is the special exterior color for the vehicle, evoking moonlight with a Charles Blue coachline and a Spirit of Ecstasy that mimics a distant star. Meanwhile, the interior features reclining seats upholstered with Charles Blue and Grace White leather, with Piano White veneers and a special Star Cluster motif. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale However, the true star of the commission is appropriately the Starlight Headliner, which is the first fully hand-painted Starlight Headliner to be fitted to a Rolls-Royce, and the result of a painstaking 160 hours of development. Painted freehand by a Rolls-Royce artist, the painting depicts an ethereal interpretation of the Milky Way, with a makeup brush creatively used to achieve the lightest layers of color. After the painting was completed, the lights were installed in the headliner to complement the details of the painting. Serving as an opulent ode to the vastness and mysterious beauty of the universe on four wheels, the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Cosmos is one of the greatest and most ambitious Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions yet. Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A light blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan is parked on a paved path in a grassy park with large trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 24, 2025

Rolls-Royce Unveils New One-Off Cullinan Daisy

This new bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan is an ode to the outdoors. Rolls-Royce is not only known for representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury automotive excellence but also for boasting one of the greatest degrees of customization and personalization in the automotive industry, with a Bespoke department that creates one-off commissions, limited-series models, and coachbuilt masterpieces that serve as collector heirlooms for generations. The latest creation from Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Daisy, a one-off variant of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge that is made specifically for its owner, who is not only an avid luxury car collector but also an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast. The client’s favorite trail is nestled in the Tatras Mountains and features a field of daisies, which served as the inspiration for this stunning bespoke commission. The new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Daisy represents resilience and perseverance, echoing the real-life qualities of a daisy that can survive various environmental conditions. The serene Powder Blue exterior is complemented by a daisy motif seen on the Coachline, with darkened trims to provide contrast. Meanwhile, the motif is extended to various portions of the interior, like the waterfall section between the rear seats in precision sandblasted wood. Fleet Blue, Selby Grey, and black leather adorn the cabin. With bespoke umbrellas and a bespoke version of Rolls-Royce’s signature Starlight Headliner, which echoes real-life constellations in the night sky, the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Daisy is an ode to the pursuit of natural beauty through experiencing the outdoors, crafted in a stunning one-off version of Rolls-Royce’s both capable and opulent SUV. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 19, 2024

2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Own The Iconic Ultra-Luxe SUV

This incredibly luxurious SUV boasts comfort, style, and craftsmanship in spades. Rolls-Royce shook the SUV world when it introduced the Cullinan: the first SUV in the century-old luxury manufacturer's lineup. Whether it was for its coach-style rear doors, its V12 engine, or its timelessly elegant signature Rolls-Royce design, the Cullinan has since been a huge hit among celebrities and luxury car enthusiasts the world over. With the introduction of a Black Badge version for greater driving enjoyment, as well as Rolls-Royce's celebrated ability to build cars according to the wishes of the world's most discerning clients, more stunning specs of the Cullinan have been revealed as the years have gone by. The 2024 model year of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has now hit the road, and like those before it and to an even greater degree, Rolls-Royce Cullinans available for sale display a range of stunning configurations and unique, head turning specs. If you're looking for a 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for sale, duPont REGISTRY is the place to look. Being the source for supercars since 1985, duPont REGISTRY's specialty is luxury and exotic cars like the Cullinan, which boasts exclusivity, high luxury, style, and usability all in one. If you're looking for an opulent addition to your car collection, it's hard to go wrong with the 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. View All 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge View Listing Buy Searching for a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of Rolls-Royce Cullinans for sale right now, including some of the rarest Rolls-Royce Cullinans ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Rolls-Royce Cullinans for sale. Shop Best Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale Sell Do you own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your Rolls-Royce Cullinan

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