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

A white convertible sports car gleams on the red carpet amidst other luxury vehicles at the Miami Concours. Elegantly dressed attendees linger in the background beside Moore Private Members’ Club, creating an air of exclusivity and allure.

By duPont REGISTRY – February 13, 2025

Experience The Miami Concours Like Never Before, With An ...

Get ready to experience automotive excellence like never before as the eighth annual Miami Concours, led by visionary Craig Robins and duPont REGISTRY, transforms Miami’s Design District into a luxurious showcase of motoring perfection. For the first time, this year’s event introduces a groundbreaking VIP experience—both on and off the red carpet—in partnership with The Moore Miami private members’ club, located in the heart of this iconic neighborhood. The Miami Concours is a celebration of the world’s most significant automobiles, showcasing exceptional modern design and engineering throughout the Miami Design District. This hallmark event in Miami seamlessly blends high design, luxury fashion, and architecture, all viewed through the lens of the automotive industry. Exclusive VIP ExperiencesMiami Concours VIP ticket holders will enjoy a Private Red Carpet Club on NE 40th Street, which includes: Access to an exclusive lounge at The Moore Miami An elevated culinary experience and signature bar by Elastika Private in-store shopping experiences and guided art tours at The Moore Miami and the Craig Robins Art Collection A complimentary one-year subscription to duPont REGISTRY Magazine and Design District Magazine Reserved seating at the District Sounds concert on Monday, February 17, along with live entertainment Complimentary VIP parking Access to the "Concours Talks: Design Driven" panel discussion and an exclusive car reveal To secure your VIP tickets, please visit the link HERE. A Spectacular ShowcaseSet against the vibrant backdrop of Miami’s most luxurious neighborhood, the Miami Concours features a hand-picked selection of the world’s rarest and most iconic automobiles. Expect masterpieces from legendary automakers such as Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Pagani, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce. The Perfect SettingThe Miami Design District is a groundbreaking neighborhood known for its world-class shopping, dining, art, and design, making it the ultimate destination for culture and creativity. This innovative space provides the ideal setting for the Miami Concours, where visitors can immerse themselves in a masterfully curated car showcase. Mark Your CalendarJoin us on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., as this premier event becomes a highlight of President’s Day weekend festivities. Walk the red-carpeted streets of Miami’s design hub and witness automotive history unfold. In addition, Jungle Plaza will transform into ‘The Enclave,’ offering a vibrant atmosphere with automotive installations, DJ performances, pop-ups, culinary vendors, and more—all free and open to the public. Then, on Monday, February 17, 2025 the celebration culminates with District Sounds, a public open-air concert, produced by Emilio Estefan, by the acclaimed Miami Symphony Orchestra, alongside other special performances. Beyond the cars and culture, this year’s event will support Ride2Revive, a nonprofit dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. In support of this cause, Miami Concours will feature family-friendly activations creating an engaging experience for all attendees while raising awareness for Ride2Revive. Become An Event SponsorInterested in becoming a sponsor for the event? Elevate your brand by becoming a sponsor of this exceptional event and be a part of an exhibition that aims to immerse, educate, inspire, and celebrate the rich history, art, and design of all kinds. You can learn more about sponsoring this event by clicking the button below. Become A Sponsor

By Mike Guy – February 21, 2024

2024 Miami Concours Recap: Thousands Gather For Lavish Mi...

The 2024 Miami Concours, held in the beating heart of Miami’s Design District, drew nearly 30,000 car enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe and secured its spot as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury car shows. This is the seventh Miami Concours, and the first with duPont REGISTRY Group as a co-owner, and nearly 30,000 people walked the red carpet that covered three city blocks lined with luxury stores from Dior and Cartier to Rolex and Prada to Burberry and Tom Ford—and many more. This prestigious event, known for showcasing some of the world's most exquisite and rare automobiles, did not disappoint, with herds of one-of-one unicorns and a historical overview of the top supercars ever made. There was a hive of Paganis parked in row, including the one-off Vlu Tricolore Exposed Carbon-Fiber Pagani Zonda MD, a stunning one-of-seven Lamborghini Diablo VVVT, Porsche 991.1 GT3 RS, a pair of exquisite RUF 911s, and Ferraris in abundance, from the F40 and F50 to a couple Dino GTs, and dozens more. Admission to the Concours was free, though hundreds of VIP ticket holders enjoyed access to exclusive restaurant seating, shopping experiences, and entry to the Friday night drive-in movie and Monday’s Symphony concert. Notably, a portion of the VIP ticket sales went to benefit Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, adding a philanthropic element to the festivities. Sponsors such as CURATED, Prestige Imports, Macallan, and Ralph Lauren contributed to the event’s success, underscoring the industry-wide support for this prestigious showcase. The Concours attracted a constellation of notable guests, who’ve learned to mark the weekend on their social calendar. Miami Design District founder and Dacra CEO Craig Robins was there alongside fellow Miami Concours Founders John Temerian Jr., Ronnie Vogel, Brett David, and duPont REGISTRY Group CEO Antoine Tessier. There were also influencers such as Paola Alberdi, Georges Coupet, and Ria Michelle, as well as Groot Hospitality Founder Dave Grutman and his wife, model and influencer Isabela Rangel Grutman. Photos provided by the Miami Design District.

By duPont REGISTRY – January 26, 2024

duPont REGISTRY Group Acquires Part of the Miami Concours...

MIAMI, January 26, 2024 – duPont REGISTRY Group (DRG) is excited to announce it is joining the Miami Design District as part of the ownership of the Miami Concours, a three-day exhibition of the most significant luxury cars shown in one of the world’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Led by the Co-Founders of The Concours Group and Miami Design District, the Miami Concours has created a new breed of automotive show at the intersection of design, automotive excellence, and luxury lifestyle. This alliance with duPont REGISTRY Group precedes the Miami Concours’ seventh show in the Design District, titled “Design Driven: The Intersection of Auto, Art and Fashion,” which runs from February 16-18, 2024. The Miami Design District has grown into one of the most lauded neighborhoods in the United States, combining luxury retail, art galleries, museums, design stores, and restaurants, all within an architecturally rich context. It is home to more than 200 luxury brands’ flagship stores, including Bulgari, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Balenciaga; more Michelin-starred restaurants that any other neighborhood in the city; and two internationally significant museums, the ICA Miami and the de la Cruz Collection. The Miami Design District was founded by Craig Robins and is owned by Robins’ company, Dacra in partnership with L Catterton and Brookfield Properties. “We are excited to join forces with duPont REGISTRY, which has been an essential presence in the lives of luxury car lovers for almost four decades,” says Robins. “And the Miami Concours is an incredible platform for presenting some of the most coveted rarities in automobile history. Each year, this weekend unites the community and devout car enthusiasts worldwide to appreciate remarkable craftsmanship. I can’t imagine a more fitting destination than the Miami Design District to host this spectacular weekend.” The duPont REGISTRY Group is an ecosystem tailored to the luxury car lifestyle, housing Canossa as one of its portfolio companies, which already produces more than 250 luxury car events worldwide and owns the most prestigious classic Ferrari event, Cavallino. DuPont REGISTRY Group offers unique experiences and products to car enthusiasts across every stage of their journey – as they grow from dreamers to collectors. Founded in 1985, the duPont REGISTRY brand has long been the prime marketplace for exotic cars. Together, the Miami Concours and duPont REGISTRY Group make a formidable impact among high-end consumers. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event. “During my tenure at LVMH and Louis Vuitton as Chief Technology Officer, I witnessed the rise of Miami Design District and its ability to attract the most sophisticated fashion and luxury brands in the world and their exclusive clientele. I am extremely proud to come back to Miami Design District as a partner to the Miami Concours and showcase the excellence of DRG brands and products” says duPont REGISTRY Group CEO Antoine Tessier. For media inquiries, please contact:media@dupontregistrygroup.com About duPont REGISTRY Group:The 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 hundreds of thousands of members nurtured over nearly four decades. Its portfolio includes duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino, and FerrariChat. About The Concours Group:Led by automotive visionaries John Temerian Jr. of CURATED, Ronnie Vogel, and Brett David of Prestige Imports, The Concours Group has been at the forefront of shaping the automotive landscape since its inception in 2014. Spearheading the renowned Miami Concours, the group has swiftly transformed this event into a hallmark of automotive excellence. Recognized as one of the country's premier motorized events, the Miami Concours seamlessly integrates the worlds of post-war automobiles, modern design, and engineering brilliance within the vibrant Miami Design District. More than a mere car showcase, the Miami Concours has evolved into an annual cultural celebration, standing as a beacon at the intersection of automotive excellence, high design, luxury, fashion, and architecture.

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