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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 Edward Jones – April 16, 2018

Gentlemen's Best 2018

Every year, the duPont REGISTRY puts out the Gentlemen’s Best, a collection of items that create a distinctive luxury lifestyle guide. Found in the pages of this guide are items such as the supercars you dream about, some of the world’s finest watches and even some luxury accessories that are perfect for the gentleman’s lifestyle. Check out the selections below to taste just a sample of what this year’s Gentlemen’s Best has to offer.

By Edward Jones – April 02, 2018

Supercar and Hypercar Rev Off: Which Sounds the Best?

One of the most important aspect of a supercar is its sound. In fact, most companies put a ton of money into the development of their cars' sound. For example, the Yamaha's musical instrument division helped develop the Lexus LFA's exhaust note.(Related - Top 5 Car Apps on the iTunes App Store)But, there is always the argument as to which car sounds the best. To try and give everyone an idea of how some of the world's most extreme supercars sound, I've compiled some revving video below, starting with the LFA. Check each of them out and vote in the poll below to see which one sounds the best. Or, if you want to suggest another car to add, be sure to comment below!Lexus LFAAll Lexus LFA For SaleAston Martin VulcanAll Aston Martin Vulcan For SaleBugatti ChironAll Bugatti Chiron For SaleLaFerrariAll LaFerrari For SaleKoenigsegg Agera RAll Koenigsegg For SaleMcLaren P1All McLaren P1 For SalePagani Zonda Cinque RoadsterAll Pagani For SalePorsche 918 SpyderAll Porsche 918 Spyder For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2018

How To Decode Any Car's VIN

If you are reading this, you are probably aware that all street-legal cars have a VIN, Vehicle Identification Number. The Vehicle Identification Number is unique to each car, much like DNA or a fingerprint. After being in the industry for years, many of us can look at a VIN and instantly react with humor or sadness. This might make your significant other question your mental health, so let break down a VIN so everyone can understand.VINwiki: How To Import Your Dream CarInstead of 23 chromosomes, all modern cars have a VIN consisting of 17 characters, and it is located at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. They are also located in other locations of the car to prevent chop shops from selling stolen parts. The first character is the country of origin. The US is, of course, #1, but we've built so many cars that 4 and 5 are also USA VINs. Canada is 2, Germany is W, and England is S. The most shocking is that Japanese cars all begin with J... just kidding.First Number/Letter Examples: A-H = Africa J-R = Asia S-Z = Europe 1,4,5 = United States 2 = Canada 3A-37 = Mexico 6/7 = New Zealand or Australia 8/9 = South America Japan’s Nissan R34 GT-R Highway Patrol Car is RealHere is where it gets intense. The next two spots are the manufacturer. I've owned a dozen Camaros over the past 2 decades and I have 1G1FP87 burned into my mind. This is the beginning of any Camaro hard top performance model. V6 cars and the Camaro Berlinetta were 1G1FS87. Let's break that down. 1 is USA. G1 is GM. F is for GM's F-body (either Camaro or Firebird), and P87 was a V8 powered hardtop. The next digit would either be N or L, designating Norwood, Ohio or Los Angeles assembly plant. After that is a digit assigned by GM's Fisher Body division, a story for another day. Next comes information on the interior color, body color, and finally the car's year and its build number among all Camaros of that model year. This car is for sale downstairs, tell us what you think it is in the comments belowIf you are looking for a Range Rover, every VIN in recent history begins with SALME1548. No, it's not a reference to salami. just unfortunate luck on the part of Land Rover. SAL is the United Kingdom, Austin Leyland (which were the owners of Land Rover in the old days). ME154 denotes a 4 door, full-size Range Rover HSE, and 8 is the number of cylinders. If the next digit is a 6, it was built in 2006, and the remaining digits are color codes and the build number. If you really want to have fun with learning the language of the VIN, our friends at VINwiki have a database that will blow your mind. Don't say we didn't warn you because you will fall down a rabbit hole of automotive intrigue.Model Year Vin References: A: 1980 or 2010 B: 1981 or 2011 C: 1982 or 2012 D: 1983 or 2013 E: 1984 or 2014 F: 1985 or 2015 G: 1986 or 2016 H: 1987 or 2017 J: 1988 K: 1989 L: 1990 M: 1991 N: 1992 P: 1993 R: 1994 S: 1995 T: 1996 V: 1997 W: 1998 X: 1999 Y: 2000 1: 2001 2: 2002 3: 2003 4: 2004 5: 2005 6: 2006 7: 2007 8: 2008 9: 2009 Learn More About VINs

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Shop Shoes On Sale At Todd Snyder New York

If you are reading this, you are a savvy automotive enthusiast. We bring you the best deals on exotic cars for sale, but this also translates into the world of fashion. If you enjoy car shows as much as we do, you deserve a new pair of shoes. Todd Snyder has great deals in time for summer, so check out these slashed prices below and stay with us for all your gear.Todd Snyder Shoes On Sale Our Favorites: GRENSON DECLAN CHELSEA IN SNUFF SUEDE Normally $400 Sale Price: $299 NEW BALANCE M997 RE-ENGINEERED IN BLACK Normally: $179 Sale Price: $99 View Details GRENSON FLOYD LOAFER IN LAVAGNE SUEDE Normally: $355 Sale Price: $265 View Details GRENSON DECLAN LEATHER CHELSEA BOOT IN BLACK Normally: $400Sale Price: $299 View Details Tell us your favorite pair in the comments below, and stay with us for more great deals.

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2018

Most Searched for Exotic Cars in February 2018

Every month on duPontREGISTRY.com, we see people browse through the pages of cars to find their next dream purchase. One of the most interesting things that we take away from each month is the trends of which cars that are seeing the most traffic and being sought after the most.Top Celebrity Cars of February 2018Instead of keeping all of that data to ourselves, we've decided to inform our readers of which cars were the most popular for the past month. For February, we've collected the numbers and have the top 10 most searched for exotic cars right down below. Scroll down to see what was popular in February 2018 and check out our inventory for each model. 10. Audi R8 View R8s for Sale 9. Lamborghini Huracan View Huracans for Sale 8. Bentley Continental GT View Continental GTs for Sale 7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class View S-Class for Sale 6. Chevrolet Corvette View Corvettes for Sale 5. Lamborghini Gallardo View Gallardos for Sale 4. Ferrari F430 View F430s for Sale 3. Lamborghini Aventador View Aventadors for Sale 2. Ferrari 458 View 458s for Sale 1. Porsche 911 View 911s for Sale

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2018

duPont REGISTRY 2018 Aviation Guide

Aviation Programs That Take You To New HeightsTime and money are the dimensions of the business world. One is just as important as the other, so allow us to help you travel without the headaches and compromises of flying commercial. If you are reading this, chances are you have considered flying private. In this issue, we’ll look at Jet Cards, which are a popular alternative to owning an aircraft. They are perfect for those who travel less than 100 hours annually. In these Aviation pages to follow you'll see various Charter options from Light Jets, Turbo Props, Mid-sized Jets, Heavy Jets and Jumbo Jets that are sure to meet everyone's budget.If a Jet is too flashy, the turboprop is an efficient alternative. Companies like King Air and Pilatus Aircraft offer the amenities of a Jet at a price that won’t break the bank. This is where Fractional Ownership really takes off. It is more than just a time-share in the air. It is your way to own a piece of the sky without having to deal with storage, maintenance & other issues.As you browse these pages take a few minutes to reflect on delays, damaged luggage and a lack of personal space for hours on end. Then, allow our clients to show you how flying was intended to be. Wholesale Jet ClubWholesale Jet Club is the first truly wholesale private jet membership, with 100% transparency, we’ve saved our members millions in our first year alone. Our business model has disrupted the industry and changed the price of charters for the direct consumer forever. With over 20 years of experience in the marketplace, alongside our real time aircraft technology, we are not only able to deliver you the perfect aircraft for your mission, but also the perfect price.855.WJCLUB1 (855.952.5821) | www.wholesalejetclub.com JetSet GroupJetSet Group has been one of the best keep secrets over the last decade. Athletes, celebrities, and heads of business all flock to use this service. What sets JetSet apart is their white glove service and attention to detail. They pamper their clients and respond to their ever-changing needs. JetSet is the leader in private jet cards, with the invention of the Diamond Club, the most innovative, cost-effective card that’s ever been created. JetSet Group continues to innovate and be an industry leader in jet cards and on demand charters.855.5JETSET (855.553.8738) | www.jetsetgrp.com NICHOLAS AIRNICHOLAS AIR offers private jet membership programs delivering exceptional reliability, flexibility, and convenience to our Members. Our commitment to personal service begins when we assist you in choosing the best membership program and aircraft for your travel needs, while providing an honest assessment of NICHOLAS AIR programs versus your current solutions. NICHOLAS AIR has proven to be the perfect choice for personal and business travelers alike, all of whom are seeking the highest standards in aircraft quality and customer service.With guaranteed availability and an average aircraft age under five years, NICHOLAS AIR takes pride in offering luxurious and modern cabin amenities our Members appreciate. As owner and operator of our fleet, we maintain all aircraft to the highest standards. Our fleet is chosen for safety, versatility, and efficiency to suit all your travel needs. Choose from our Pilatus PC-12, Phenom 100, Citation CJ3, Phenom 300, and Citation Latitude aircraft. As a Member, you will quickly discover that our staff is your staff. Join the club and fly on your schedule.866.935.7771 | www.NicholasAir.com ONEflightONEflight International is now offering Members access to the revolutionary “Book A Jet” Technology (BAJ), allowing you to charter a luxury private jet with the touch of a finger. Members gain access to 12,000 private jets worldwide where they simply Search and Select their aircraft, view true Point-to-Point pricing, and then securely book their travel. This exciting new and intuitive technology allows Members to effortlessly book travel with confidence and ease on ARG/US or WYVERN-rated aircraft. Access BAJ Technology now and start booking your private jet within minutes. ONEflight, ONE Choice, the Only Choice.877.874.0646 | www.ONEflightinternational.com Buy This Issue Now or Subscribe Now

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2018

Top 10 Car Commercials From The Big Game

No matter what your plans are for the weekend, you will be affected by football in one way or another. The big game has been the perfect advertising program for exotic cars for sale, and there's no doubt we'll see some great ads on Sunday night. So we thought it would be neat to look back at some of the better car commercials from games of the past.10. Dodge: WisdomWe all should be so lucky to see 100 candles on the cake.9. Audi R8 V10 PlusA salute to NASA's brave pioneers, the Audi R8 V10 Plus has almost enough power to reach orbit.8. Volkswagen: Darth VaderA youngling unleashes the power of his costume on an unsuspecting VW.7. Jerry Seinfeld & George CostanzaIf you haven't seen Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, it is Jerry's show based on classic cars. Check it out on Netflix.6. BMW: A Close CallHow to avoid a crisis: Allowing your BMW 5 Series to read your texts will help you steer clear of in-laws.5. Chevrolet: RocketsThe new Corvette ZR1 is a 755 horsepower beast. But the C6 version was a mean machine also.4. Mercedes-Benz: SoulThe CLA is an impressive ride, but we advise against signing your soul over to Willem Dafoe.3. Ford GT: The OneBill Ford wanted to set a precedent. The return of the Ford GT was a shock to the industry, just like the new version is today.2. Fiat 500 AbarthSelf Explanatory1. Jaguar: VillainsThis commercial cost a boatload of money, but it was worth it. Jaguar has come a long way in a short time. The F-Type SVR is just as impressive on screen as it is in person.There you have it, some of the best automotive advertisements in recent history. Tell us which one is your favorite in the comments below, and have a safe & responsible weekend.Fair Use Act Disclaimer. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2018

Why You Should Buy A Porsche 911R

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. President Jefferson was making a point that your style should always go with the flow, but you shouldn't sacrifice what you believe in. We believe in Porsche's abilities to stay on top of automotive design without altering the formula for a true 911. Give it a powerful flat-six and a manual transmission, what more could you ask for? The Porsche GT3 RS is a great car, and in most aspects it is the state of the art. But like every other modern car, it is loaded with computers, communications, and entertainment systems. Many publications and customers made it known that offering the top-level 911 without a manual transmission was a travesty. So in a bold move, Porsche took and old page from their playbook and went back to basics. The 2016 Porsche 911 R is a mic drop to every other car in recent history. It has two seats, a steering wheel, and three pedals. Spartan yet elegant is the Porsche 911 R interior. Dual-clutch automatics can shift faster than any human, but they are heavy and expensive. Even manual transmissions have become too complex, with dual mass flywheels that kill performance. So Porsche went back to basics with a traditional flywheel and pressure plate. Seventh gear was deleted to make room for six stronger gears with ratios close to what is found in the automatic of the GT3 RS.The pedal is stiff, but very consistent and predictable-- it has to be in order to survive being coupled to a 500 hp engine. Even the base model Carrera is now turbocharged, so the 911R is one of the last naturally aspirated supercars. The Porsche 911 R engine is the 4.0 liter flat six from the GT3 RS, with the ability to rev to 8,600 rpm. Most of the other 911 R specs are close to the GT3 RS. Porsche 911 For Sale By Owner Every non-essential system was omitted to save weight. The roof is magnesium and carbon fiber was used for the hood and fenders. Even the famous die-cast hood emblem was replaced with vinyl. With front axle lift and rear wheel steering, the curb weight is a svelte 3,021 lbs. Being six hundred pounds lighter than the 911 Turbo makes it a blast to drive, I just wish I could have kept it for the weekend. You hear everything. You feel everything. And you do it without the outrageous aerodynamics. A full-length belly pan and rear diffuser keep the car glued to the road. Only 991 cars were built, and they are among the last non-turbo stick shift cars we will encounter. If you do not enjoy driving, this is not the car for you. Ferdinand would be proud to see such a machine bearing his name, so don't hide it away in fear of the odometer. The Porsche 911R is as solid as titanium with the precision of a scalpel. Without any options the suggested Porsche 911 R price was considerably less than a convertible Turbo S, a relative bargain for a piece of history. Here are our top 5 listings: View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing View Price & Listing

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2018

Then & Now: 1998 Hummer H1

Twenty years ago, Hummer was at the top of their game. The H1 was the civilian version of the military's Humvee. It was introduced to the armed forces in 1984 to give the Jeep a well-deserved retirement. Still in production today, it was never meant to be sold to the public. After experiencing the rugged vehicle in person, the Terminator was able to convince AM General to build a street-legal version.First offered to the public in 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger's endorsement made it the ultimate accessory for athletes, movie stars, and the private industry. Priced above many luxury 4WDs, dealers sprang up in affluent areas across the country. Hummer was an independent brand until they were purchased by GM in 1999. So looking back through old copies of the magazine, it is funny to see them sold at German and Japanese dealerships. In 1998, a dealer could purchase a 2 door hardtop for $50,958, and the 4 door convertible was $61,279. Adjusted for inflation, this puts the modern equivalent for their most expensive model at $92,733. It is still a value for what you get. The Detroit Diesel engine and TH400 transmission are indestructible. The going rate for a high-mileage '98 seems to be $45,000: View Price & ListingIf you need something a little newer, this one-owner example can be yours for $99,888 View Price & ListingProduction of the H1 ended on a high note. The new Duramax engine was much more powerful, so AM General revised the chassis and suspension to build the H1 Alpha. Only 700 were produced before GM abruptly ended the program, and Hummer1 restores them to showroom condition. Click on the link below to find one that's right for you, and rest assured you will have the baddest 4x4 on the block.Browse Hummer For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2018

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