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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

Perfect Father’s Day Gifts For Porsche Fans From Elferspot

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 16, 2026

Perfect Father’s Day Gifts From Elferspot

Elferspot, part of the growing duPont REGISTRY Group portfolio of luxury automotive services, events, and experiences, is known as a hub for Porsche enthusiasts, listing some of the marque’s most desirable and iconic cars for sale. However, Elferspot also features a diverse selection of products that are perfect for any Porsche fan. With Father’s Day coming up quickly, time is running out to find a gift for the dad in your life, and especially if he happens to be a Porsche fan, Elferspot is the easiest place to find something special. Below are some of our favorite Father’s Day gifts, which are available now on Elferspot, to help you hit the ground running with your search. From books to accessories and apparel, Elferspot is the perfect gifting destination for any Porsche enthusiast. Shop Elferspot My First 911 A sentimental book that explores the breadth of stories in which the Porsche 911 has been a character, My First 911 is the result of photographer Kai Hartmann asking 36 Porsche 911 owners from across the globe about their first 911. The elegant, bilingal, cloth-spine hardcover coffee table book features dozens of personal stories and 338 photographs. Shop Now LUFTGEKÜHLT 3 – Porsche 964 – The Book 1989-1994 Exploring the iconic third generation of the Porsche 911, this book features 448 pages dedicated to the cherished sports car. Texts are available in German and English, with detailed buyer’s guides, rare sales brochures, original prices, and an exploration of the prices of 964 cars in the used market between 2018 and today. Adding exclusivity to the mix, only 964 copies will be printed. Shop Now Bart Kuyken’s 10th Anniversary This book is the end of Belgian photographer Bart Kuyken’s analog photography series of Porsches. It features 352 pages of stunning black-and-white photographs captured on film, and it’s limited to only 911 units globally. Shop Now Artifacts: Porsche Motorsport 550 pages full of motorsport legacy immerse readers deeply into the world of Porsche motorsport. The book features features hundreds of photographs of artifacts shot at Weissach, and interviews with some of the msot important figures in Porsche’s motorsport history. Shop Now Loop Key Ring “Key on the left” Referencing one of the most iconic “if you know, you know” aspects of Porsche ownership, this keychain serves as a reminder of Porsche’s iconic design touch of puttin the ignition to the left of the steering wheel. Shop Now “Key on the left” cap There’s an undeniable charm to receiving a cap as a gift, and if the dad in your life is a Porsche fan, this “Key on the left” cap is a subtle nod to one of the lovely details of Porsche design. Shop Now Turbo enamel mug A mug with personality can often be just as important as the warm beverage it contains. This one features the classic “Turbo” motif printed on its surface, nodding to the five-decade legacy of Porsche Turbo models that have upped the ante of Porsche performance. Shop Now

A rose gold Hublot wristwatch with a metallic bracelet, exposed movement on the dial, black accents, and a date window at 6 o'clock—an exquisite choice among the best luxury watches.

By duPont REGISTRY – November 17, 2025

Luxury Watches For Sale: Style, Sophistication & Investme...

A great timepiece is one of the best investments you can make, and these 10 are some of the best available for sale right now. Luxury watches stand as symbols of prestige, craftsmanship, and history, offering a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and investment value. These high-end timepieces are meticulously designed by master horologists, known for their incredible attention to detail, precision, and innovation. Often encased in precious metals such as gold or platinum, or utilizing resilient materials like high-grade stainless steel and ceramics, they often feature intricate embellishments like diamonds or precious gemstones and complex mechanical movements like date displays, tourbillons, and more that testify to the skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of their creators. Luxury watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin offer a range of models, each possessing a distinct personality and value. Vintage watches, especially those that have historical significance or rarity, often command high prices and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Similarly, contemporary luxury watches that push the boundaries of design and engineering also present an attractive offering for buyers looking for something unique. The best luxury watches for sale can make for a conversation starter, timeless symbol of sophistication, a great investment, and even an heirloom in the future. However, their exclusivity can make them difficult to get your hands on. Luckily, duPont REGISTRY specializes in luxury, and duPont REGISTRY Discovery is a great place to search for luxury watches for sale. Keep reading, and you'll see just some of the amazing timepieces available on duPont REGISTRY Discovery. View All Watches For Sale Bell & Ross BR 03-92 DIVER BLUE View Listing Purnell X PSG Escape Limited Edition Watch View Listing Pre-Owned Ressence Type 1²N “Night Blue” Watch View Listing Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only King Gold View Listing Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier EON Pink Gold Watch View Listing Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon Obsidian Dial View Listing Cyrus Klepcys GTM Retrograde Titanium Watch View Listing Arnold & Son Ultrathin Tourbillon Gold Watch View Listing Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Platinum Watch View Listing Pre-Owned Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Pangaea Depth Gauge Watch View Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – November 14, 2025

Upgrade Your Style With These Luxury Accessories For Sale

Luxury is in the details, which is why accessories matter. Check out some of the best luxury accessories for sale here. When it comes to living a luxury lifestyle, accessories can be the most underappreciated but simultaneously crucial category when it comes to leveling up in sophistication and style. Whether it's a great fragrance, cufflink, bag, coat, or even a small piece of home decor, accessories have the potential to start conversations, foster connections, and leave you remembered as cultured and admired. However, in the wide world of various product categories and brands, it's a challenge to figure out what to get, who to get it from, and where to find it. That's where duPont REGISTRY comes in. Since 1985, duPont REGISTRY has specialized in luxury, and if you're looking for a place to start when it comes to sophistication and elegance, duPont REGISTRY Discovery is the place to look for accessories that will set you apart from just about any crowd. Keep reading, and you'll be able to have a look at just a few of the incredible accessories you can find on duPont REGISTRY Discovery. If you're ready to see more, just click below. View All Luxury Accessories For Sale T10 Bespoke Vintage Ferrari View Listing MG20 BUGATTI Wireless Gaming Headphones View Listing T10 Bespoke Lemon Viper View Listing Bennett Winch Leather S.C Holdall, Black View Listing Bennett Winch Weekender, Olive View Listing Huntsman Jo Malone Assam & Grapefruit Cologne View Listing Huntsman Sea Green Ticking Check Wool Baker Boy Cap View Listing Bennett Winch Leather Backpack, Black View Listing Bennett Winch Triple Watch Roll, Brown View Listing MW08 BUGATTI Active Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2022

Explore Bejeti Wallets And The Exclusive $29,500 Meteorit...

Presented by Bejeti Explore the world of luxury wallets by entering Bejeti's website. While the world of luxury accessories continues to grow with advancements in design and technology, artistic visions become the main focus behind some of the most commonly used everyday products. Fashion has evolved. Why haven't wallets? The Bejeti brand was sparked into existence by that very question. The luxury specialists at Bejeti challenge the idea of mainstream wallet design by incorporating some of the world’s most precious and rare materials. Along with providing an ultra-luxury collection of otherworldly wallets, Bejeti operates under the mantra of originality, sustainability, ingenuity, and integrity. Discover Bejeti Wallets The Bejeti brand is led by trailblazer Eduardo Sande, a first-generation Uruguayan American with a background in Chemical Engineering and a keen, artistic eye for design. Calling ‘The Steel City’ of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home, Eduardo is forging a new possibility for metal craftsmanship into the centuries-old manufacturing haven. Eduardo takes inspiration from the early years of watching his father and grandfather work with metal, which is the reason for categorizing Bejeti wallets as works of art meant to be admired and treasured well into future generations. Bejeti pushes the boundaries of engineering and metalworking with hand-forged ultra-luxe designs crafted from Damascus steel and Titanium Damascus. Bejeti also debuted two equally impressive sustainable product lines using materials that would otherwise pollute the planet and choke its waterways. The Bejeti PLANETESIMAL wallet stands out as the masterpiece of the Celestial Collection, crafted completely from one of the most exotic substances on the planet: 4.6 Billion-year-old meteorite. The extreme rarity of meteorite continues to increase as its finite quantity has captured the imagination of a new generation of luxury producers. Along with providing a visually arresting finish, meteorite also represents balance and support, physical healing, and spiritual growth. After traveling through unspeakable fires and light-years of space, the meteorite is forged by Bejeti's master craftsmen into a timeless work of art. Its characteristic patterning resulted from slow-cooling in the vacuums of space, just 1 degree Celcius every 1,000 years, as it traveled toward planet Earth for its destiny. The Bejeti PLANETESIMAL series is extremely rare and currently limited to only 8-wallets with a price tag of $29,500. Bejeti incorporates a list of precious materials into a vast collection of wallets that display the true beauty of what the universe has to offer. Lavishing functional art for those who appreciate rarity, each Bejeti wallet acts as the perfect conversation piece. Along with the coveted PLANETESIMAL model, Bejeti is proud to also feature The ARTIFICER, NUMBER22, HEPHAESTUS, CASPIAN, and ENDURVINA as part of its luxury accessory line. Each wallet pays homage to both the heavens and enduring human innovation and individuality. Included in the packaging of every Bejeti wallet is a certificate of authenticity, just as any piece of original art. Learn more and shop the luxury wallet collection from Bejeti by clicking the link below for exclusive access. Discover Bejeti Wallets

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 24, 2021

Montblanc Releases The New UltraBlack Accessories Collection

The UltraBlack Collection by Montblanc is the perfect compliment to any style. The new UltraBlack Collection from Montblanc embodies the simplicity of its design while highlighting the premium materials used to provide the ultimate luxury experience. The collection explains itself with its lineup of accessories, but Montblanc enlisted the help of Irish actor Cillian Murphy to market the bold new line. Compiled with small leather goods, writing instruments, and timepieces, the all-new Montblanc UltraBlack Collection is sure to be the perfect accessory addition to any outfit. Discover and shop the UltraBlack accessory line by clicking the link below. Shop Montblanc UltraBlack Collection Media/Information Source: Montblanc

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Sonos Unveils the Arc Smart Soundbar

Before the virus, we could find entertainment at pubs, taverns, clubs and bars. However, since they have been closed it has made many reevaluate their life choices. Being quarantined and binge-watching new series has made me realize how inferior my home audio system truly is. So if you really want to make a change for the better, stay away from the bars and upgrade to the new Sonos Arc Smart Soundbar. It is the first soundbar to be compatible with Dolby Atmos, the new standard for HD audio. Potent processors run proprietary software that was written for Sonos by leading Hollywood Sound Engineers. That is how it can transform 2-channel stereo inputs like Bluetooth or even a record player into room-filling 3D sound. What's more, it has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, along with voice control of all functions. Multiple woofers, mids, and tweeters have a 270-degree arc of fire. Having nearly every input available, it can play anything at any time, regardless of the TV being on or off. It has modes for night, action, vocals, instrumental, and many others. Most TVs made after '09 have an ARC-compatible HDMI port, and it will allow the Sonos Arc to replace your receiver, pre-amp, sub, and every other part of your 7.1 system. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your home theater news. Learn More

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