Dealer News

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

Ken Grody Ford Is Hennessey’s 2025 Dealer Of The Year

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 27, 2026

Ken Grody Ford Wins Hennessey Dealer Award

Hennessey is known and celebrated for its all-American performance expertise, whether that be in the form of its groundbreaking hypercars or its radical customizations of American icons that include both a signature aesthetic and formidable performance engineering. Its creations are distributed throughout the country thanks to a number of dealer partners, and one of the most decorated of those is none other than Ken Grody Ford. 2025 was the first full year of the partnership between Hennessey and the Southern California dealership, and in that year, the team at Ken Grody Ford set an incredible precedent for Hennessey’s national dealership network by leading in Hennessey vehicle orders and in total trucks delivered. Dedicating their dealership to becoming a Hennessey vehicle specialist, Ken Grody Ford is the place to go for the brand’s wide array of captivating performance trucks. <- Gallery -> These include the Hennessey VelociRaptor 600, giving the iconic performance truck a Hennessey twist, the Hennessey VelociRaptor 1000, with an immense 1,000 horsepower on tap, the Hennessey Venom 800, a street-focused performance transformation of the Ford F-150, and also muscle cars like the Hennessey Super Venom Mustang. Coming off of incredible success in 2025 and decorated as the Hennessey Dealer Of The Year, Ken Grody Ford is now well-established as the place to go for Hennessey’s wide world of high-performance creations. View Ken Grody Ford Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2025

SoFlo Customs Redefines The Lamborghini Urus SUV With Its...

The Lamborghini Urus redefines the concept of the super-SUV, blending the Italian supercar manufacturer's racing DNA with the versatility of a daily driver. The four-door powerhouse has opened up a new realm of possibilities for personalization, allowing owners to tailor their specs with a wide range of aesthetic and performance upgrades. From bespoke interiors to exhilarating performance tweaks, the Urus invites enthusiasts to explore a world of customization, guided by the expertise of renowned industry leaders. The team of professionals at SoFlo Customs is taking things a step further with the Apocalypse Inferno, a high-tech, powerful beast showcasing a full-scale build that completely transforms the once-factory Lamborghini Urus. The Apocalypse Inferno's fully custom, handcrafted carbon widebody design sets it apart from all other Lamborghini Urus examples on the road today. The dynamic, computer-controlled suspension ensures an unrivaled in-cabin experience for both on and off-road driving. A set of 33” Nitto tires perfectly complements the stylish 22”x12” forged custom wheels, acting as the traction-grabbing source for the six-figure,supercar-inspired SUV. Each aspect of its design, from the hand-made, armored roof rack supporting KC LED spotlights to the meticulously crafted skid plates, is tailored for superior performance in challenging terrains. The 2021 model year elevates the Inferno's status, especially with its striking matte black finish and the exclusive 'Apocalyptic Widebody' trim. Under the hood, the Apocalypse Inferno is powered by Lamborghini's twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine, upgraded to deliver an astonishing 860 horsepower and a 0-60mph time of 3 seconds. Special features such as the roof rack with a spare full-size tire and a weatherproof interior in a sophisticated gray tone enhance its aggressive appeal. What truly sets this truck apart is its distinction as the first-ever build by Apocalypse, marking it as a groundbreaking achievement in automotive design and engineering. Embodying a perfect blend of style, strength, and innovation, the Apocalypse Inferno stands out as the pinnacle of luxury and off-road capability. View all Apocalypse 6x6 Infernos currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing Source: South Florida Jeeps

A yellow convertible muscle car with "Yenko SC" on the side, built by Specialty Vehicle Engineering, is parked in front of wooden double doors under outdoor lighting.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 08, 2025

Dealer Spotlight: 10 Must-See Muscle Cars , Trucks, & SUV...

Specialty Vehicle Engineering preserves true muscle car performance. The automotive industry is currently at a dramatic turning point, what with electrification transforming the landscape of the market, transforming the lineups of most manufacturers, and most prominently for enthusiasts, rewriting the rulebooks of performance excellence. Among the most affected groups of vehicles in the automotive industry is the world of American muscle cars, which has always been known for its brawny powertrains, often using V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. However, firms like Specialty Vehicle Engineering are at the forefront of preserving the integrity of true American muscle cars with its custom creations. Modifying cherished icons within the American automotive industry with its performance, customization, and tuning prowess, SVE boasts a stunning ilneup of vehicles inspired by American muscle classics with incredible performance and purist-focused driving excellence. Including powerful sports cars, SUVs, and trucks, below are the best American muscle vehicles SVE has to offer. View All SVE Invetory 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Yenko View Listing 2024 Cadillac Escalade View Listing 2024 GMC Sierra View Listing 2024 Chevrolet Corvette View Listing 2024 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko View Listing 2024 GMC Yukon View Listing 2024 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko View Listing 2024 GMC Sierra View Listing 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Yenko View Listing 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 04, 2023

Porsche South Orlando Hosts An Exclusive Singer 911 Deliv...

The best way to take delivery of a Singer 911 is at your local Porsche dealer. The Porsche 911, both in its classic and modern iterations, stands as a timeless icon in the automotive world, continuously captivating a passionate community of collectors and enthusiasts globally. This enduring appeal stems from the 911's flawless blend of distinctive design, unparalleled performance, and constant evolution while maintaining its core DNA. While Porsche's recipe for a factory sports car proves to be perfect, restoration experts like Singer Vehicle Design take a crack at enhancing classic 911s with lightweight and modern upgrades to make the ultimate performance car. The team of professionals at Porsche South Orlando is proud to be a part of a rare Singer 911 customer delivery, featuring an exclusive unveiling at the dealership for an amazing customer. Reimagined by Singer Vehicle Designs in California, the 1990 Porsche 911 presents a pristine gloss ivory finish that commemorates some of Porsche's earliest examples. The exterior adds contrast through a well-executed black and yellow livery, with the Porsche logo and stripe running down each side of the 911. A set of modern-style Porsche Fuchs wheels incorporates a sense of tradition, finishing the faces in a matching yellow finish with brushed silver barrels. The driver-centric interior takes on the same bumble bee theme, using black woven and yellow leather as the base for its sports seats, trim accents, and stitching. Packing more power than its original production powertrain, the Singer 911 comes fit with an upgraded 4.0L naturally-aspirated flat-six that generates plenty of power for the road or track. Now that the Singer 911 has been delivered to its happy new home, Porsche South Orlando hopes to get a visit from the hand-crafted 911 soon. View all Porsche South Orlando inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche South Orlando Inventory Source: Porsche South Orlando

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2023

Becker's Full-Size Escalade ESV Mobile Office Sets The St...

Becker Automotive Design has reimagined executive transportation with its custom-built Cadillac Escalade ESV, a pinnacle of luxury and efficiency in full-size GM SUV Mobile Office vehicles. These executive-style limousines are designed to enhance productivity and comfort for busy professionals on the move, combining unrivaled safety features with unmatched elegance and functionality. At the core of Becker's offering is the most capable platform in the industry today. Their full-size SUV Limousines are renowned for being the best constructed, most dependable, and versatile vehicles, perfectly tailored to the demanding lifestyles of their clientele. The focus is on adding valuable time and productivity to a busy day, all within an environment of unparalleled safety and comfort. The customization process of Becker's executive limousines is both meticulous and hands-on, starting from the ground up. One standout feature is the unique 10-inch lengthened rear doors, improving both dignified exterior presence and the ease of entry and exit. This is complemented by additional 10", 16", or 20-inch extensions at the “B” pillar, creating a spacious interior with ample legroom for up to five rear cabin passengers. Safety and comfort are even further elevated by the Becker-engineered all-steel stamped raised roof, offering increased headroom and a sense of openness not found in other custom SUV limousines. The interior is a haven of luxury, showcasing an array of amenities. Passengers can enjoy a full infotainment suite with cutting-edge internet access, enabling them to work, stay informed, and be entertained while traveling. The luxurious interiors are handcrafted in-house, from the fabrication of custom seat frames to the finest upholstery and wood veneers. Every component and material used represents the best the aftermarket automotive world has to offer, ensuring that each Becker Cadillac Escalade ESV is not just a mode of transport, but a statement of luxury and prestige. Discover all of Becker Automotive Design's inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Becker Automotive Design Inventory Source: Becker Automotive Design

Snapinsta.app 403885125 868880254743398 7895868815034066537 n 1080

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 20, 2023

Graham Rahal Performance Unveils The Project Recommission...

This is a new bespoke revival of one of the world’s greatest modern classics. The automotive industry is at a turning point, in which the rapid transition to electrification has enthusiasts simultaneously embracing the future and reflecting on the past. One of the greatest examples of a simple but excellent supercar modern classic is the Porsche Carrera GT. A manual transmission, V10 engine, targa top, and racing-inspired touches throughout cemented the Porsche Carrera GT’s status as a legend the minute it came on the scene over 20 years ago. With only 1,270 examples of the car made, the Carrera GT is a rare masterpiece, and Graham Rahal Performance, has launched the new Project Recommission for the Porsche Carrera GT, giving the legendary supercar a modern revival. Through the programs, owners can give their Carrera GT a bespoke customization down to the most minute details. Recently, Graham Rahal Performance has unveiled the third car to come out of this project, and like its predecessors, Project Recommission #3 is a stunning supercar. It features a bespoke take on a classic color combination: green and tan. Amazon Green Metallic adorns the exterior while Heritage Mahogany leather upholsters the interior. Completing the classic-inspired look are White Gold Metallic wheels. Showing off the stunning craftsmanship of this bespoke customization, Graham Rahal Performance shows off the new Project Recommission car in great detail in a new YouTube video. Experience the revitalization of this supercar legend and the continuation of the Carrera GT’s incredible legacy. View All Vehicles For Sale From Graham Rahal Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2023

Shaquille O'Neal Visits Apocalypse 6x6 In Fort Lauderdale...

Apocalypse 6x6 welcomes Shaq to Fort Lauderdale as he stops by for some quick car shopping. In addition to being an entrepreneur, TV personality, and former NBA all-star, Shaquille O'Neal is also a passionate car collector, showcasing an impressive lineup of exotic and custom vehicles in his garage. While Shaq has the taste and funds for any supercar or hypercar on the planet, his massive 7'1" stature makes everyday car buying a little more challenging. Having dealt with this his entire professional career, Shaq has become friends with a long list of custom car builders and aftermarket specialists who modify his rides to enhance style and comfort. The off-road customizers at Apocalypse 6x6 are proud to welcome Shaquille O'Neal to their Fort Lauderdale location to browse and shop their current inventory of hand-crafted Jeep, Ford, Hummer, and Rezvani builds. With a diverse taste in anything automotive, Shaq checks out everything from enormous Jeep 6x6 off-road machines to lowered performance-focused Ford F-150 trucks. Although Apocalypse 6x6's short Instagram clip doesn't show what Shaq bought that day, the captions give us a hint as it reads, "oh and did we mention he's buying an Apocalypse Super Truck." Now with an Apocalypse 6x6 in his extensive collection of cars, Shaquille O'Neal has a custom new ride to show off in Sunny South Florida. View all Apocalypse 6x6 inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Apocalypse 6x6 Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apocalypse Manufacturing (@apocalypse6x6) Source: Apocalypse 6x6 Instagram

Dealer News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe