Events

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 Jordan Aquistapace – February 14, 2026

Cars on 5th Turns Fifth Avenue Into a World-Class Car Show

Last weekend, the already-luxurious strip of Naples' notorious Fifth Avenue transformed into an escapade of exotic cars with duPont REGISTRY Group proudly hosting ‘Cars on 5th’ as part of its growing global events portfolio. The JetPort Reception on Friday set the tone for the weekend in Naples, bringing together rare supercars, luxury jets, and helicopters in one unforgettable setting. Hosted by Northern Jet as part of the Naples Automotive Experience, the evening mixed great food, cocktails, and an Automotive Hall of Fame ceremony, all in support of Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.Lining the streets with over 750 of the automotive world’s most coveted creations, including Bugattis, Ferraris, Lambroghinis, Porsches, and so much more, the one-day event attracted more than 25,000+ collectors, enthusiasts, and luxury-lifestyle insiders. Highlights of the event included automotive displays, VIP areas, Petrolicious film debuts, and even a live auction from duPont REGISTRY LIVE. Some of the most memorable moments at Cars on 5th unfolded inside the duPont REGISTRY Village, where a thoughtfully curated lineup of cars was on display, including a Maserati MC12, Ferrari 12Cilindri, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, among others. Special guests like Ed Bolian, Tavarish, Arne, and Doug were also on hand, bringing their own cars, including Cannonball record breakers, while sharing insights on the current market during a live podcast and taking part in the weekend’s fuel-driven celebrations. dR LIVE's Cars on 5th Auction Results 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (PTS Turquoise Blue) - Sold for $459,375 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (White) - Sold for $565,425 2024 Porsche 911 S/T (Ice Grey Metallic) - Sold for $651,000 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring (Black) - Sold for $296,625 1991 Porsche 911 Turbo (Maritime Blue) - Sold for $241,500 duPont REGISTRY LIVE’s auction at Cars on 5th blurred the line between online and in-person bidding in the best way possible. People packed the Village, bidding live on-site while others followed along on their devices as online lots closed in real time. Every car, whether part of the live auction or online, was on display, making it easy to walk the lineup before placing a bid. Add in casual conversation with market insiders, duPont REGISTRY specialists, and even active bidders, and it felt like a shared car-culture moment. For those who opted for Patron tickets, the Cars on 5th experience was even further elevated with all-access to another incredible VIP area, including food and beverages. Along with escaping the street crowds, the Patron section also featured vendors and a display of jaw-dropping hypercars, including the brand-new Bugatti Mistral that took home duPont REGISTRY's 'Best in Show' award. Whether you enjoyed the day with some incredible cars, or missed out but plan coming next year, Cars on 5th is a must-have event on your automotive calendar.

By duPont REGISTRY – February 06, 2026

Cars on 5th Returns This Weekend

If you’ve ever wanted to see downtown Naples transform into a rolling showcase of the world’s most desirable automobiles, this is your date to circle. Cars on 5th is set for Saturday, February 7, 2026 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), bringing supercars, exotics, classics, and high-performance icons back to the heart of the city. Hosted as part of the duPont REGISTRY Group’s growing global events portfolio, Cars on 5th blends concours-level eye candy with a true street-festival energy. It is truly an all-day experience that’s become a signature winter draw for collectors, enthusiasts, and luxury-lifestyle insiders. Just as important: Cars on 5th keeps its philanthropic roots front and center, with Naples Automotive Experience raising funds for Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, supporting the mission of making safe, affordable homeownership possible for local families in one of the most challenging housing markets in the nation. Beyond the dollars raised, the partnership helps bring greater awareness to the region’s urgent housing needs. Adding another layer to the experience, Cars on 5th will also feature an automotive film pop-up, created in collaboration with Petrolicious and Revs Institute. This will be a curated spotlight on the art of vehicle restoration, celebrating the craftsmanship, patience, and preservation work that keep historically significant cars alive for future generations. What to Expect on Fifth Avenue The official event site tees up a massive day downtown: 750+ cars spanning rare, exotic, and domestic machinery, with attendance in the tens of thousands. And while the cars are the headline, the vibe is the real hook. Fifth Avenue will be lined with curated displays, photo-worthy moments everywhere you turn, and the kind of crowd that appreciates provenance, spec sheets, and the stories behind the builds. Tickets: General Admission, VIP, and the Patron Experience Cars on 5th is built to be experienced at different levels—and if you’re doing it right, you’ll want to know the top tiers. VIP Tickets: VIP access is designed for guests who want more than a quick walk-through—think elevated viewing, premium hospitality, and a more comfortable “home base” to take the day in. (VIP is the move if you want to slow down, stay hydrated, and actually enjoy the show instead of sprinting it.) Patron Tickets: This is the all-access play. Patron tickets are positioned as the ultimate way to experience the event, with access to all show areas, including VIP, and availability that’s typically more limited than standard options. Jet Port Reception: The weekend doesn’t start on Saturday—it starts the night before. The Jet Port Reception (hosted at Naples Airport) is promoted as a key part of the Cars on 5th experience, taking place on Friday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m. Ticketing and entry options are centralized through the official ticket portal. Purchase Tickets The duPont REGISTRY Village: Live Auction Energy, Porsche-Only Heat One of the biggest “don’t miss” moments for 2026 is happening inside the duPont REGISTRY Village: duPont REGISTRY Live will be hosting a live auction of five cars on-site, and it’s a seriously focused lineup for Porsche people. Here are the five auction cars scheduled for the Village: 2025 Porsche GT3 RS (PTS Turquoise Blue) — ~25 miles, Weissach Package, Magnesium Wheels, Carbon Bucket Seats 2018 Porsche GT2 RS (White) — ~1,575 miles, Weissach Package, PCCBs, Carbon Bucket Seats, Magnesium Wheels 2024 Porsche 911 S/T (Ice Grey Metallic) — ~290 miles, 6-speed manual, Heritage Design Package, Classic Cognac interior 2024 Porsche GT3 Touring — ~1,390 miles, 6-speed manual, PCCBs, Carbon fiber roof, Carbon bucket seats 1991 Porsche 911 Turbo (Factory Maritime Blue) — ~50,000 miles, 5-speed manual, Turbocharged 3.3-liter Flat 6, Factory Limited Slip Differential Whether you’re bidding or just watching it unfold, a live auction brings a different kind of electricity, especially with modern RS halo cars, a manual S/T, and an air-cooled Turbo anchoring the mix. Why Cars on 5th Belongs on Your 2026 Calendar Cars on 5th is a one-day, downtown takeover where the venue is as iconic as the machinery. Between the VIP and Patron tiers, the Friday-night Jet Port Reception, and the live auction in the duPont REGISTRY Village, 2026 is shaping up to be the most complete Cars on 5th experience yet. If you want the full-fat version of the event, start with VIP or go straight to Patron, and build your weekend around the Reception + Concours day. Purchase Tickets

A blue Ferrari convertible and a red Ferrari coupe are parked side by side at an outdoor Cars on 5th event, surrounded by greenery and people enjoying the luxury automotive experience.

By duPont REGISTRY – January 29, 2026

Cars on 5th is Back For 2026

Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Cars on 5th Concours, a signature event of the duPont REGISTRY Group — the definitive name in luxury automotive experiences worldwide. Since 2004, Cars on 5th has captivated enthusiasts with its stunning display of over 750 exotic, vintage, and muscle cars, transforming downtown Naples into one of America’s premier automotive showcases. Each February, collectors, connoisseurs, and industry leaders from across the country gather beneath the Florida sun to celebrate craftsmanship, design, and the thrill of motoring excellence. Now, as part of the duPont REGISTRY Group’s prestigious portfolio of global events — alongside icons like Cavallino, Canossa, Supercar Owners Circle, and the upcoming Rétromobile USA — Cars on 5th enters an exciting new era. The event will benefit from duPont REGISTRY’s expansive network, world-class ticketing, and global media reach, elevating its experience for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees alike. Beyond its breathtaking display of supercars and classics, the event remains deeply rooted in philanthropy. Proceeds from Cars on 5th continue to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, reinforcing Naples Automotive Experience’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community. Event Details Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Naples, Florida Secure your spot at Cars on 5th, a once-a-year celebration of luxury, rarity, and performance — now bigger and better than ever as part of the duPont REGISTRY Group. Buy Tickets Now

A large crowd walks among rows of parked sports cars at the 2026 Concours Naples Cars on 5th, an outdoor car show lined with palm trees, vendor tents, and banners on a sunny day.

By duPont REGISTRY – August 08, 2025

Naples Automotive Experience and Cars on 5th Concours Mer...

MIAMI, August 7, 2025 (Newswire.com) - Naples Automotive Experience - including the renowned Cars on 5th Concours - has merged with duPont REGISTRY, part of the duPont REGISTRY Group, a leading force in the luxury automotive world. Through its alliance with duPont REGISTRY Group's portfolio of premier events brands, such as Canossa and Cavallino, the world's most exclusive car club Supercar Owners Circle, the upcoming Retromobile USA classic car show in New York, and the Miami Concours, this will elevate and expand the reach and prestige of the event. First held in 2004, the Naples Automotive Experience is an extraordinary multi-day event that blends the elegance of the high-end Cars on 5th Concours, the Jetport Reception and related activities with the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Naples, Florida - creating a one-of-a-kind experience for car lovers and collectors alike. This event will now benefit from its alliance with duPont REGISTRY Group's ecosystem, which offers an unparalleled suite of benefits tailored for luxury automotive enthusiasts, collectors and brands looking to engage with the most affluent and passionate audience in the space, including ticketing expertise and a vast audience through its global media platforms. Naples consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest cities per capita in America. The combination of year-round warm weather, affluent residents and a concentration of car enthusiasts drives a strong demand for luxury and exotic vehicles. The various events within the Naples Automotive Experience have continued to expand over the past few years, which has allowed them to raise millions of dollars for local charities. The 21st Annual Cars on 5th Concours in 2025 featured more than 750 exotic, vintage and muscle cars. The event, the largest event of its kind in Naples, was attended by over 25,000 car enthusiasts from throughout the country. "This relationship will allow us to provide an even better experience for attendees in future years," said Tom O'Riordan, President of the Naples Automotive Experience. "duPont REGISTRY Group runs many great automotive events around the world and our shared passion and vision in all things automotive will propel us in the future." Mike Sheehan, duPont REGISTRY Group's Chief Legal Officer and Naples resident, added, "The Cars on 5th Concours has become one of America's premier luxury car events. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to bring our global expertise in luxury automotive events, media and community to further elevate the Naples Automotive Experience." Cars on 5th continues its tradition of giving back to the local community, and has forged a new alliance with non-profit partner Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. Learn More " width="680"> About duPont REGISTRY GroupThe heart of the Driven Lifestyle division, the duPont REGISTRY Group is the world's leading luxury ecosystem, encapsulating the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. Built by some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space, duPont REGISTRY Group represents a vibrant community of members worldwide nurtured over nearly four decades. Its portfolio includes duPont Registry, Canossa Events, Cavallino, Supercar Owners Circle, Retromobile USA, Petrolicious, FerrariChat and Sotheby's Motorsport. Source: duPont REGISTRY Group

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