From The Magazine

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 – September 07, 2022

Hennessey Mammoth 1000 TRX: Absolute Power and Mammoth Speed

Sponsored by Hennessey Performance. Hennessey Performance Engineering, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle builder known for “making fast cars go faster,” has developed the world’s most powerful pickup truck — the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 TRX. Using the factory 702-horsepower Dodge RAM 1500 TRX pickup as a base, Hennessey upgrades the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat-sourced V8 to a fearsome 1,012 horsepower and 969 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the benchmark 0 to 60 mph sprint falls to just 3.2 seconds, making the colossal Hennessey Mammoth 1000 TRX the quickest pickup in the world. The supertruck features modifications that have been engineered and tested by Hennessey, including a high-flow 2.65-liter supercharger, high-flow fuel injectors, and a high-flow induction system complementing Hennessey’s performance-boosting engine calibration — the supercharged V8-powered truck can achieve an 11.4- second quarter mile at over 120 mph. John Hennessey, founder and CEO, is understandably proud of his company’s work. “The Mammoth 1000 TRX is the most powerful pickup truck Hennessey Performance has ever offered,” he says. “The stock RAM TRX already boasts the highest horsepower of any pickup you can find in a showroom, so our performance, styling, and off-road enhancements make this the most formidable new truck you can buy. We’ve already sold well over 100 trucks, with each answering one big question: ‘Why have a 1,000-horsepower pickup truck?’ It’s because we can!” Owners opting for the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 TRX upgrade typically supply a well-optioned stock truck and add the Mammoth 1000 TRX package and the Stage 2 off-road enhancements (this popular kit adds custom bumpers, LED lights, a front leveling kit, 37-inch off-road tires, and upgraded electronic foldout steps). For owner’s peace of mind, the Mammoth 1000 TRX complete turnkey package comes with a two-year / 24,000-mile warranty. Hennessey ensures exclusivity for its customers by limiting production volumes; each truck is fitted with a unique chassis plate designating its build number. View Hennessey Cars & Trucks For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2022

An Adventure In Botswana

Discover the magic of Africa through a luxury safari experience curated exclusively for duPont REGISTRY readers. For most, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list adventure. With Lost & Found, that dream excursion can become a reality. The high-end safari company, founded by husband-and-wife team Jay and Jan Roode, organizes an insider experience that’s only possible thanks to the couple’s knowledge as ninth-generation Africans. Having grown up exploring the picturesque continent, they are equipped to create bespoke experiences thatmatch the needs of their clientele. Natural Selection Lost & Found is a leader when it comes to curated getaways that allow guests to indulge in the very best that Africa has to offer. Regardless of whether guests set off on a private or group safari, the Roodes or one of their professional guides lead the way to provide a seamless and uncomplicated travel experience through some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. A perfect example of Lost & Found’s transformative safaris takes place in Botswana, a country renowned for its wildlife and nature preserves. This particular tour takes adventurers through the idyllic Okavango Delta and the magical Kalahari Desert. Guests can expect to get up close to Africa’s most revered animals, such as lions, cheetah, leopards, buffalo, and some of the largest herds of elephant on earth. Lost & Found is currently offering a nine-day safari through Botswana called “Timeless Africa.” Designed specifically for duPont REGISTRY readers, this completely customizable safari package serves up a sublime combination of Botswana wilderness as well as the beautiful beaches, award-winning vineyards, unparalleled culinary offerings, and magnificent mountain ranges of the southernmost tip of Africa. Jay Roode Jay Roode Readers who partake in this safari will also experience a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, a private wilderness picnic, and a personally signed limited-edition copy of Aerial Art, a coffee table book by the Roodes documenting the most awe-inspiring wilderness spaces of southern Africa from above. This safari may be extended to include a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world: the mind-altering Victoria Falls. Lost & Found specializes in combining luxury experiences with adventure on highly curated trips designed by a couple that lives and breathes Africa, creating memories of discovery and wonder that guests will cherish and share for generations to come. To book a trip, visit www.lostandfound.travel.

By Roberta Naas – August 29, 2022

On Your Own Time: The Art Of Personalized Watches

While some watch brands and die-hard collectors argue that aftermarket customization of watches is blasphemy, certain brands are trying their hands at creating their own personalization projects. For years, the watchmaking world has frowned on aftermarket customization. You know, buyers who take their Rolex or Audemars Piguet, for example, to third-party artisans to have them decked out in diamonds, gemstones, or even blackened and engraved with tattoo-like designs. Most of those watches, though, could not hold their value on the secondhand or auction market because the modifications are a personal preference. However, strong demand on the part of watch lovers for an individualized look has prompted some brands to start their own personalization processes. Porsche Design Watch brands at ultra-high echelons such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe have been known to create one-of-a-kind highly complicated watches for special customers over the years. (Consider the fabled 1900s battle between these two brands and business magnates James Ward Packard and Henry Graves Jr. to see who could build, and own, the most complicated watch in the world.) Today, these companies continue to quietly produce one-offs for preferred customers, but sometimes those watches take years to complete. So, for the purposes of real watch lovers who want something personalized at a level they can afford — and not wait years for — some brands have developed programs to let consumers customize certain elements of a watch, from selecting the dial color, to the strap, the engraving, the metal for the case, and more. These varying degrees of customization are beginning to garner a lot of attention and, depending on the provenance of the watch, some even hold their value on the auction market. Bamford In the realm of artistic customization, Jaeger-LeCoultre has long offered personalization of its Reverso design (rectangular watches whose case swivels open and can be reversed to show a second side); they can be hand-painted with scenes or portraits that customers provide. The brand also offers hand-engraving on the Reverso. In similar fashion, Corum offers customization of its Golden Bridge Dragon watch. The dragon that curls around the caliber is available in special Pantone colors. Each color is exclusive, meaning the brand will never issue the same color to any other customer. Certain independent watch brands like Kari Voutilainen and H. Moser & Cie. also offer personalized dial colors and hand-guilloché finishes in very limited amounts. The independent brands have it a little easier when it comes to making customized pieces simply because their production levels are not as large as the mainstays — meaning they don’t necessarily have to stop creating a particular watch to retool the machinery and create a one-off. Their master watchmakers and artisans are equipped for one-of-a-kind finishing, for instance, without shutting down production like a larger brand would have to do. Jaeger-LeCoultre On a more commercialized level, some brands are offering online configurators for customization. Watch buyers can select a host of different details to personalize, including dials, straps, stitching accents, colors of bezels or chapter rings, and in some cases, even movement parts. For instance, IWC Schaffhausen, a Richemont brand, introduced an online customization configurator where buyers could pick the aspects they wanted to customize for their Ingenieur timepieces. Porsche Design recently joined the configurator pack. The Porsche Design Chronotimer Chronograph chronometer is fully customizable; customers can pick PVD (physical vapor deposit) case coatings, bezel colors, bezel functions, dial colors, hands, straps, and stitching. They can even pick the paint color for the winding rotor inside the Caliber WERK 01.100, which matches the options available for the Porsche 911 car. With so many elements to customize, Porsche Design says there are 6 million possible combinations. Jaeger-LeCoultre Another of the most successful providers of custom watches is London- based Bamford Watch Department, known for issuing small collaboration series. The company has worked with LVMH brands including Zenith, TAG Heuer, Bulgari, and Hublot as well as with Girard-Perregaux and others. Additionally, Bamford’s eponymous brand provides more than a billion different combinations for its sport and lifestyle lines. With so many companies offering these services, and more on the horizon, the new question is: Why not customize your time?

By Gabriel Vega – August 24, 2022

Like New: Why PPF Is So Important

Military-spec protection ensures your vehicle’s paint condition stays pristine. Paint-protection film, commonly known as PPF, or “clear bra,” stands as one of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle from stone chips, scratches, and overall road grime. The thermoplastic urethane film can trace its roots back to the Vietnam War. During the war, the U.S. military noticed vital aircraft parts, such as helicopter rotor blades, were heavily damaged by airborne shrapnel and other debris. At military request, 3M developed a protective film known then as “helicopter tape” — it was virtually invisible, lightweight, and easy to replace. Thanks to clever racing drivers, that military film made its way onto the track, eventually birthing PPF’s automotive sector as we know it today. In its early stages, car owners would cover high-impact zones, like wheel arches or their front bumper with PPF. However, modern PPF is so flexible that it can be applied to virtually any surface on a vehicle, regardless of angle or size. Since it comes in sections, owners can select to cover specific areas of their car or the entire body. Joey Logano’s Custom Built ’71 Mach 1 Mustang Gets The Full XPEL STEALTH Treatment. Source: XPEL 3D-scanning technology advances the application possibilities of PPF by studying a vehicle’s surface to determine the exact size and shape of the material needed. This results in a custom fit that reduces additional cost of wasted material. Depending on the vehicle, full-body protection can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. While there is a sizable upfront cost, these films can pay for themselves by protecting the value of your vehicle. Now I’m no stranger to scuffs and scratches. My ride, a 1987 Porsche 911, sports three decades’ worth of wear and tear, pushing it into “driver” condition. This is less of a problem when you’re planning to retire alongside your fossil fuel burner, but it makes a big difference when it comes time to sell. Whether browsing classic or modern listings, high-end vehicle buyers look for paint condition as a vital determination of value. Repainting surfaces or reconditioning significant portions of your vehicle has preliminary costs as well as potential long-term value loss. This is especially true on low-volume vehicles with unique paint jobs such as a Porsche’s paint to sample or Ferrari’s tailor-made. Even if your car’s PPF becomes partially damaged, it has self-healing properties that work to eliminate light scratches. Other advances in the film’s tech mean that a well-protected layer of PPF should last between five to seven years, giving its owners plenty of worry-free miles.

By Gabriel Vega – July 06, 2022

Into The Badlands With the Hennessey Velociraptor 400 Bronco

Hennessey’s VelociRaptor 400 Bronco gives a capable off-roader a welcomed boost of power and speed. Texas-based tuner turned manufacturer Hennessey has made a name for itself developing some of the most powerful road-going vehicles ever backed by a full warranty. Whether through a four-figure horsepower output or six-wheel drive, Hennessey has proved that the only limit to how fast you can go is how much you’re willing to spend. Now it’s taking those talents and applying them to one of the most sought-after off-roaders of the moment. The new Ford Bronco is the latest model to receive the Texas treatment. Christened the Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco, it features a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. While its stock counterpart puts out only 315 horsepower and 410 foot-pounds of torque, vital upgrades such as a new air intake, an exhaust system, a front intercooler, and engine management software give this Bronco a significant boost. A new heat exchanger and improved air filtration system help regulate operating temperatures. Developing 411 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 603 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm, the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Thanks to extensive research and development, it retains full functionality of stock driving modes and off-road systems. Hennessey also developed various visual upgrades to match this Bronco’s added grunt. Starting with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch off-road tires and a suspension leveling kit, its stance is undoubtedly aggressive despite lacking any added height. Steel front and rear bumpers wear the VelociRator nameplate and match other darkened elements such as the wheels and grille, contrasting nicely against the body color. Buyers can add a bit of flair with optional Heritage Edition livery and an upgraded leather interior with embroidered headrests. According to Hennessey, it plans to produce only 200 units of the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco for 2022. However, more build slots may be available next year. The upgraded package is available for both the two- and four-door versions regardless of roof choice. Each SUV comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and can be ordered through authorized Ford dealerships or directly from Hennessey. Including the price of a Bronco Badlands, the package should cost around $80,000. However, pricing will vary due to the high level of customization available. If history is anything to go by, Hennessey is far from finished developing this off-roader. With the Bronco Raptor slated to arrive sometime this year, the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco is likely one of many powerful off-roaders still to come. For now, Hennessey offers a variety of fast Ford’s ranging from the VelociRaptor 600, based on the F-150 Raptor, to a 1,000-horsepower variation of the Mustang GT 500 known as the Venom 1000.

By Gabriel Vega – June 28, 2022

Lamborghini America CEO Andrea Baldi Talks About the Urus...

In 2021, the Urus accounted for roughly 60 percent of Lamborghini’s auto deliveries — 5,021 out of a total 8,405 units. That’s up from 3,815 Uruses sold during the 2018 model’s debut year. From purely a monetary perspective, the large SUV has become the Italian automaker’s most important and profitable release. To find out why, we sat down with Lamborghini America CEO Andrea Baldi. Andrea Baldi (Lamborghini) duPont REGISTRY: Why do you think the Urus has been such a success for Lamborghini?Andrea Baldi: When it came to market at the end of 2017, the timing could not have been better due to the rise in demand for SUVs. You get a Lamborghini that’s a super sports car in the body of a versatile car. By allowing you to host more than two people and take multiple weekend bags instead of one, it starts to have a lot of advantages. The success has been so incredible that we’re in 2022, and we haven’t released any derivatives. The more customers drive the car, the more they talk about it, the more they realize that when you drive a Urus, you don’t have that kind of handling that you would expect from an SUV. dR: Since it was such a massive shift from the cars Lamborghini made at the time of release, did shareholders push back?AB: Yeah, I remember very well in 2012 when the concept car debuted at the Beijing Auto Show. I was lucky enough to be there. There was lots of excitement surrounding it, and the market for it was there. But it wasn’t a real car. It was a styling exercise that was anticipating what could be. The car still had to be approved and engineered. But the reaction of the media and the public was so strong that our shareholders began to support and discuss the idea further. At the time, the Bentley Bentayga was also part of the conversation, and of course, we’re coming from a group that makes the Porsche Cayenne. There were already competitors in that arena, so we needed to prove that we would have something different that sold volumes to have a sustainable business case. It had to sell in high volumes to offset the considerable investment needed to develop it. One of the best parts of this process was seeing everyone gradually come on board and become enthusiastic about it. We did a secret study with journalists and customers, and we got a clear confirmation that we should build it. But the best part of all this process was when our red competitor, led by Mr. Marchionne, issued a very clear statement saying that it was the wrong decision and they were not going to do it. That gave us the opportunity to make a product without competitors in its super-specific niche space. dR: How does it feel knowing that even your red competitor is now following that formula?AB: I think everyone has concluded that it’s a great idea for a super sports car brand to be present in this segment. It’s what is most desired at the moment, and it’s allowing everyone to get into a segment that is still expanding. Clearly, it’s the segment to be in, and competitors have realized that it’s obvious that this type of product is consistent with the DNA of a super sports car brand. dR: Will the Urus always remain focused on road performance, or will we get to see an off-roading version?AB: Lamborghini stands for performance, so we will always work to deliver that kind of experience. But we also want to be brave while staying authentic to what we represent. It may be a bit unexpected. So, while there are things I cannot tell you yet, we will always follow our values and make sure that we stand out as the different animals in the competitive arena. dR: Is the upcoming electrified variant of the Urus a higher-performance vehicle? AB: In 2024, we will present the first hybrid Urus, which will be part of the hybridization program that Lamborghini approved last year. The mid-to-long-term strategy is not just to electrify the existing model range and the successors of Aventador and Huracán but also to plan for another model within the decade that is entirely electric. It’s not going to be the Urus. It’s going to be a fourth model. I cannot spoil anything at the moment, but yes, we are working on derivatives. In 2024, you’ll see a big change in performance thanks to the car’s hybrid powertrain. This will give the car extra power, but we need to contain the increase in weight. I won’t say more, but you will see, we have surprises to come. 2022 Lamborghini Urus Horsepower, Price & Specs See All Lamborghini Urus For Sale Related Video:

By Basem Wasef – May 23, 2022

Ultra-Luxury, Electrified: How High-End Automakers Are Ad...

As high-end automakers adapt to a new world order, the rules of luxury are being redefined. Luxury is rarely logical. Across the first century of automotive history, car connoisseurs revered the finery of leather, wood, and intricate 12-cylinder engines in the same way they regarded mechanical watches: with a healthy respect for handmade complication. Traditional car building followed the same principles as the horological world, placing a premium on painstaking craftsmanship. But when a changing world forced new demands on vehicle emissions, the next revolution trickled down from the top. Formula 1 racing introduced gas/electric hybrid powertrains, and the so-called “holy trinity of hypercars” — the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder — followed. If million-dollar ultra-exotics can gain an edge through electrification, surely change isn’t all bad. Pinnifarina Batista (Photo by Sandy Huffaker via Automobili Pininfarina) We’re now five years into that paradigm shift, and top carmakers are at fever pitch, ready to write the second act of the luxury automobile. Trailblazing EVs helped make a certain South African the richest man in the world, and hot on the heels of that first wave came electrified efforts from a passel of forward-thinking upstarts taken a strong swing at the genre, grabbing headlines with all-electric models boasting boggling stats. Think: 1,900 horsepower (Pininfarina Battista), 520 miles of range (Lucid Air), and 0 to 60 mph in 1.85 seconds (Rimac Nevera). But luxury was never about numbers alone, especially in a space where enthusiasm is defined not only by hardware, but through intangibles. Those who were imprinted at an early age by a certain leather smell or a carmaker’s peculiar identities can relate; fans are quick to point out a brand’s lovable quirks, which make each model as distinct as fingerprints, despite a common goal of getting from A to B. Bentley Flying Spur (Bentley Motors) As high-end marques delve deeper into electrification, they are forced to focus on every touchpoint along the way. Bentley sales and marketing board member Alain Favey cites the charging experience as one of many elements that must be on-brand in order for its hybrids and EVs to succeed. “Our customer expects a luxury charging experience,” he explains, “and it needs to be different from what you get when you drive a premium brand like Mercedes or a volume brand; it cannot be the same as a ID-4.” Bentley PR head Wayne Bruce points out that the brand leverages its owner-only app to gauge customer preferences. One survey revealed that when Bentley’s first hybrid was released (in 2019), only 30 percent of respondents indicated they wanted an electric model. As of five months ago, that number has doubled. Addressing an electrified future means branding efforts must extend beyond conventional styling and performance and go deep into the realms of software and user interface design: everything from charging portals to onboard route planners and multimedia systems must live up to the expectations of the car’s respective nameplate. With the dream of self-driving cars deferred, manufacturers are also channeling more effort into making their EVs drive the way consumers expect them to, even if propulsion is coming from electrons, not internal combustion. Aggressively leading the electrification charge are performance-oriented and legacy brands alike. The newbies have brands. Ferrari’s first serially produced plug-in hybrid was the nearly 1,000-horsepower SF90 Stradale, marking the first time the prancing horse flagship has swapped fewer cylinders (12 for 8) for a three-motor, battery-assisted drivetrain. The brand doubled down on the upmarket/downsizing theme with the 296 GTB, an 818-horsepower plug-in hybrid that marks the first time a V6 has been packed into a road-going Ferrari-branded model. Maranello’s toe-dip into hybrids prefigures the debut of their first full EV in 2025, which should present their greatest challenge yet in delivering that inimitable Ferrari feeling without the benefit of a screaming internal combustion engine. Given the criticality of satisfying a core audience whose preferences are quite particular, to say the least, performance-focused carmakers are relying on key brand pillars to ensure the models are as engaging to drive as they ought to be. While Ferrari’s hybrids are already gaining critical acclaim, several other manufacturers are still in the process of R&D’ing their electrified sports cars. Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW’s performance-focused M brand, views the future through the prism of the past. He says the shift from 4- to 6- to 8-cylinder M car engines caused a stir among enthusiasts because the bigger engines were heavier; the advent of turbocharging introduced similar concerns about sound quality and throttle response. As for the first electrified M car, van Meel notes, power and acceleration are less of an issue than the intangibles that make a driver feel at one with the machine. “The real task is to have that M smile, that M emotion,” he says, describing a certain something that each brand can lean on as a unique feeling associated with the drive. Mercedes-AMG boss Philipp Schiemer recently launched the brand’s first fully electric car, the 751-horsepower AMG EQS, which was based on the tamer, S Class-like EQS sedan. Schiemer reveals that not only will other segments receive the AMG treatment (to be expected), but that their efforts will extend to a standalone AMG electric vehicle in the “not too distant future. Using hybrid powertrains as a bridge to full electrification is a common tactic, especially among carmakers whose foundations were built on signature powerplants. Lamborghini’s snarling V10 and V12 engines have been the protagonist in their raging bull persona since the brand’s inception. The Sant’Agata carmaker is anticipating a full transition to hybrids by 2024 — a move that should enable them to retain their massive gas engines. Bentley’s Beyond 100 business strategy promises plug-in hybrid versions of all models by 2024, their first full EV in 2025, and an entirely EV-only lineup by 2030. Over a period of 7 years, the tactic will take them from being the world’s top producer of 12-cylinder engines to offering none. Aston Martin is also on board with the hybrid-first approach, having started delivery of their $3 million, 1,160-horsepower Valkyrie last year. While Aston intends to deliver its first battery-electric vehicle in 2025 and electrified options across the lineup by 2026, it is also building a China-only variant of the DBX utilizing a mild-hybrid 6-cylinder. The brand expects 90 percent of the cars sold by 2030 to be plug-in hybrids or pure electrics, and their recent partnership with battery tech firm Britishvolt should complement their technological link to Mercedes-Benz and enable them to move forward in this burgeoning arena. If the road to electrified luxury can be summed up in one idea, it might be that carmakers are challenged with myriad obstacles as they intend to move toward a common goal, the least of which is preserving and maintaining their core characteristics while they proceed to change nearly everything about their cars. Each road is individual, and Rolls-Royce’s is no different. Rather than using plug-in hybrids to ease their customers into electrification, the Goodwood brand is leveraging its past to take a quantum leap into the future. In 1900, company co-founder Charles Rolls experienced an early EV and raved about the experience with a qualification, saying, “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean, there is no smell or vibration … But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable — at least for many years to come.” That time is now, with the Sceptre, Rolls-Royce’s first electric vehicle, expected to start delivery in the fourth quarter of 2023. “The brand will become fully electric step by step, but only if it is uncompromised,” CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös says in a full-circle statement that could only come by sticking to the carmaker’s original ethos. “Now is the time to change the course of the future of luxury.” Shop Electric Cars For Sale This article appeared in our May 2022 issue. Subscribe Buy This Issue

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2022

Customer Race Cars: Realizing A Dream

Dedicated motorsport divisions and client racing programs let drivers get a taste of life as a racer. As automotive and motorsport enthusiasts, we all dream of the day we can get behind the wheel of a factory race car and push it to the limits on a legendary circuit. While the reality of becoming a professional racing driver is a challenging task in itself, automotive brands are making the goal of owning a factory race car more attainable by establishing dedicated motorsport divisions. These client factory race programs allow individuals the opportunity to purchase, service, and race vehicles that sport the badging of the world-renowned brands that compete in professional settings. Manufacturers that participate in these programs include Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW, Toyota, and Mazda, among others. Starting as a blank canvas, each chassis comes fit with identical performance and technology features that level the playing field for aspiring drivers with any amount of experience. With performance and technical settings in order, all that’s left for the owner and/or team to do is design a livery that embodies the personality of the participants. Through organized race series and events that bring together like-minded owners, each program presents a safe and educational environment celebrating the true spirit of competition. The stress of sourcing parts and repairing a race car after a grueling track day is alleviated with quick-response service departments that help to maximize your time on track during the season. Along with offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, customer racing also opens the door to starting a professional career in the growing world of automotive motorsports. Discover the available factory race vehicles and customer race programs by contacting your preferred automotive manufacturer. Shop Race Cars For Sale This article appeared in our May 2022 issue. Subscribe Buy This Issue

By Roberta Naas – April 29, 2022

Vintage Revisited: Re-Edition Watches Worth Your Time

It’s no secret re-edition watches and timepieces that recall the classics from the past are making a huge impact on the watch collecting world. Wrists everywhere are beginning to make statements of yesteryear — but with a decidedly modern flair. With all of the noise being made on the watch auction market and with second-hand watches flying out the doors of online sellers in droves, it’s hard to ignore the fact that nostalgia is back in style in a very big way. And that definitely goes for watches. Just a few years ago, Omega made a huge splash by unveiling vintage re-editions that were exact replicas of original 1950s watches they mimed. The movements, though, were totally new – offering modern-day accuracy to fractions of a second. Following that successful launch, other brands jumped on board and the concept of re-imagining the past has moved full steam ahead. Today, watch brands are deftly making their marks with capsule collections that utilize new colors and materials, yet are inspired by yesteryear, or with updated versions that celebrate an important anniversary. As watch brands – from the affordable to the luxury companies – scour their archives for inspiration, they also vow to keep their back stories and legends in the forefront. It is part of the narrative that makes these watches so desirable. The key to the success of these re-editions is that each is somehow a faithful reinterpretation of golden eras. They are all true in some way to the originals and capture the look and feel of retro chic. However, they are often made using modern materials that are more rugged and durable, and, the best part of all: they house modern-day movements that can go the distance with today’s active lifestyles. The new calibers are often more water-resistant, more precise, and easier to care for than their 40-to-70-year-old muses. Breitling Breitling Top Time Triumph In a new partnership with 120-year-old British Triumph motorcycles, Breitling and Triumph unveiled the Top Time Triumph inspired by the café’ racer culture of the 1960s and the Top Time watch released then by Willy Breitling. The watch boasts a brushed finish and the beloved “Zorro” (slashed) dial in pale blue and with cushion-cornered subsidiary dials indicative of the time. The color is derived from the 1951 blue Triumph Thunderbird 6T and the 1970s Breitling Top Time Ref. 815. A COSC-certified chronometer movement powers the 41mm watch. $5,500. Zenith Zenith Defy Revival A3642 Zenith has a rich and storied past that even includes a time when the top watchmaker hid the plans for the now-famed El Primero movement in an attic (adding a brick wall for added security) so they couldn’t be destroyed during the quartz revolution. Now, Zenith releases the Defy Revival A3642 watch that recalls the first Defy watch launched in 1969. The mechanical watch is almost 99% true to that original in case shape, design, and dial color. It does boast an updated high-tech El Primero movement, sapphire crystals, and modern-day luminous materials. $7,000. Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding 37mm In tribute to the 50th anniversary of the classic Royal Oak watch designed originally in 1972 by the famed Gerald Genta, Audemars Piguet unveils new 37mm version in stainless with a light blue dial color (Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50) that is almost an exact replica of the original but made with updated PVD processes. Slight details on the case, bracelet, and dial are evolutions of the original that allow for better ergonomics, thinner profiles, and stronger aesthetics. The oscillating weight of the self-winding movement is rhodium-plated 22-karat pink gold and bears the “50 years” insignia. $24,100. OMEGA Omega Heritage Speedmaster Caliber 321 Canopus Gold Chronograph The first Omega Speedmaster watch unveiled in 1957 was designed for professional race car drivers. An immediate success, it went on to enjoy many iterations, including the now-famed Moon watch. Now, in honor of the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster, Omega unveils the 18-karat Canopus Gold™ Caliber 321 Chronograph inspired by that first model. The 38.6mm watch, made in the brand’s proprietary brilliant-white gold, is powered by a column-wheel chronograph movement and boasts broad arrow hands and three classic subdials like the original. The crown bears the NAIAD symbol like the original CK2915 models did, as well. $81,000. IWC Shaffhausen IWC Big Pilot’s Spitfire IWC Schaffhausen regularly recalls its impressive past in the world of aviation and the recently released Pilot’s Spitfire watch is a prime example. Crafted in the age-old material of bronze, this 43mm watch is inspired by the brand’s pocket watches of yesterday and by its historic “mil-spec” watches of the 1940’s made for the British Air force. This new bronze watch features a hypo-allergenic titanium case back and is equipped with an in-house-made mechanical movement and a soft-iron inner case to protect against magnetic fields – an invention created by IWC in the 1930’s. $9,350.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2022

Timeless Gear Pieces for a Classic Sunday Drive

Driving a classic car or even just having a classy drive is always a greater experience when you're equipped for the drive. By that, we mean having a classy attire and functional gear to match. Below are some great pieces from brands that will definitely finish your classic Sunday drive attire. If you click their respective buttons, you can visit each brand's website to see even more of their offerings. Piloti Blending luxury design with automotive inspiration, Piloti aims to provide the highest quality footwear line for driving enthusiasts. With an array of styles that cater to any lifestyle, Piloti incorporates its love for cars and shoes into each design. The Avenue takes shape as a casual low-cut leather sneaker that features rounded panels and colorways that are inspired by classic car liveries. Visit Website The Outlierman The Outlierman comes from a genuine passion for the driving world and the elegance of the Gentlemen of the past. All their collections of driving gloves, travel bags, ties, bow ties, pocket squares, scarves and suspenders result from a study on car models that have marked the tradition becoming timeless icons. Each creation is a small 100% Made in Italy masterpiece, infused with pure driving passion, and designed to celebrate the automotive myths while driving or showing a distinctive style. Visit Website Grandprix Originals The early years of automotive racing helped to shape the sport into the phenomenon that it is today. The team at Grand Prix Originals USA is celebrating those eras through its collection of premium apparel, footwear, and accessories. With designs that incorporate the style of racing icons like Steve McQueen and Gulf Oil Racing, the true spirit of endurance racing is encapsulated into its line of products for all automotive fans to enjoy. Shop the collection and add the discount code “DUPONT” at checkout for a 10% savings on all orders. Visit Website Porsche Design Porsche Design is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a commemorative collection of apparel and accessories inspired by the iconic Porsche 911 model. As part of the extensive line of luxury products, the all-new Porsche Design 50Y P’8478 Sunglasses feature a classic aviator style with a state-of-the-art interchangeable lens system. The 50Y sunglasses P‘8478 are limited worldwide to 1,972 units. Visit Website Jordan Bespoke With a focus and dedication for design & engineering, Simon Jordan started Jordan Bespoke in 2005 to create custom motorsport-inspired leather goods for race legends and enthusiasts. The E60 Heritage GTO Holdall derives inspiration from the iconic history of the Jaguar E-type and features a high-quality racing red design crafted in ‘Bridge of Weir’ Scottish leather. Visit Website

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