Lifestyle

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 23, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez's $15M Snapshot

As one of the most successful soccer stars and the most followed person on Instagram, with over 672 million followers, Cristiano Ronaldo has built an undeniably luxurious life for himself and his family. An avid collector of hypercars from Bugatti and a watch lover with direct ties to Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co. himself, you can most definitely assume that Ronaldo has a specific taste for the finer things that life has to offer. Today, Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, may have taken things to another level, sharing what could be one of the most expensive snapshots ever posted on her Instagram, and their faces aren’t even in the photo. The setting takes place inside Cristiano’s $9 million Bugatti Centodieci, an exclusive hypercar limited to 10 examples commemorating Bugatti’s 110th anniversary. For the record, the only way we knew it was his Bugatti Centodieci is that neither of his other two Bugattis, a Veyron and a Chiron, features red leather interiors. The next show-stopping piece of the photo is Georgina’s massive $5 million engagement ring, which measures somewhere between 15 and 37 carats and is set in platinum. Then come the watches. For Cristiano, the most elevated version of the Patek Philippe Nautilus proved to be the perfect choice for an intimate date night out on the town. The Nautilus (ref. 5811/1460G-001) features a full white gold case and bracelet, and comes set with 1,285 brilliant-cut diamonds (6.43 cts) and 195 baguette-cut diamonds (13.27 cts), priced at $721,986. Georgina’s watch follows suit, a $788,066 full pavé Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5980/1400G-010), totaling 893 brilliant-cut diamonds (4.44 cts) and 191 baguette-cut diamonds (15.64 cts). While it may not actually be the most expensive photo ever taken, basic quick math puts the candid shot at well over $15 million. All Bugatti Chiron Inventory Source: @georginagio Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 23, 2026

Magnus Walker’s Porsche Collection Is Officially Up for Grabs

Inside the world of Porsche sports cars, there are owners and enthusiasts, and then there are true purists, the ones who form a lifelong connection with the brand and the cars that define it. It extends far further than the person who orders a brand-new 911 Turbo S every year, into the depths and archives of Porsche's most beloved, and not so beloved models, finding the beauty behind every badge. This short rant perfectly embodies British-American fashion designer and car collector, Magnus Walker, who eats, sleeps, and breathes Porsches. As Magnus has built quite the global reputation for his Porsche craze, he’s also built a pretty incredible collection of cars, parts, memorabilia, and art that now fills his warehouse in the heart of the downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Now looking to lessen the load and share his passion with other collectors around the world, Magnus has partnered with RM Sotheby’s to curate his very own auction titled Magnus Walker: The Outlaw Collection. And before diving into the listings, no—Magnus’ iconic 1971 Porsche 911T “277” isn’t part of the sale, and neither is his daily-driven 206,000-mile 991 911 Turbo S. What bidders can find is a carefully curated collection of cars that follow Porsche’s timeline, from the early short-wheelbase cars that made his name to the brawling Turbo of the following decade and the front-engined Porsches of the 1980s and 1990s. This 159-lot collection spans nearly 50 years of automotive history and highlights the incredible career of one of the Los Angeles car scene’s most celebrated modifiers. In addition to the road-worthy warriors ready to drive, check out some of the parts that may help you finish a Porsche project, or even some memorabilia to style up your garage space. RM Sotheby’s Magnus Walker: The Outlaw Collection is now live until Wednesday, March 25th at 1:00PM. Magnus Walker: The Outlaw Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 20, 2026

LeBron James Gets a One-of-One Mercedes-Maybach S 680

For years, Mercedes-Maybach has defined a higher level of class and comfort, standing as a true symbol of automotive luxury. In many ways, it mirrors the legacy of LeBron James, who continues to set the standard both on and off the court, exuding excellence and success while cementing his place among basketball’s all-time greats. It makes the pairing feel natural, as Mercedes-Maybach recently delivered a one-of-one Maybach S 680 to LeBron James as part of their latest creative collaboration.Designed by LeBron and the team at Mercedes-Maybach’s MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program, the S 680 showcases a stunning Light Ivory non-metallic finish with tons of chrome accents. Adding an extra personal touch for King James himself, the Maybach’s exterior features subtle, tasteful badging mirroring LeBron’s logo on the front fenders. Inside, that one-of-one feel continues with an interior layered in rich dark blue diamond-stitched leather with more LeBron logos stitched on the headrest and rear seat pillows. Even the dashboard's front fascia has his logo laser-etched, along with a plaque on the center console that signifies its true one-of-one configuration by Mercedes-Maybach MANUFAKTUR.Debuting on Mercedes-Maybach’s Instagram, the S 680 is one of two S-Class models personally configured by LeBron James. This one will join his private collection, while the second is expected to be revealed soon. All Mercedes-Maybach Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2026

24-Year-Old PGA Pro's Perfect Three Car Solution

You might assume the most impressive car collections belong to the stars of Formula One, but professional golfers have quietly built garages that rival just about anyone in motorsport. It’s something we’ve witnessed before with players like Ian Poulter, whose fleet of Ferraris, including the one-off Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, once went viral after he casually chipped a golf ball through both the windows. Shifting the spotlight to another golfer, the PGA Tour recently caught up with Akshay Bhatia to take a look at some of the dream cars he’s been fortunate enough to acquire since launching his pro career at the age of 17 in 2019. Now 24 years old, Akshay has three PGA Tour wins since his start, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational this past weekend, which has contributed to the caliber of cars that now take up his garage space. The most practical of the three is a Cadillac Escalade V, which he calls the “dad dog” mobile, perfect for getting around to tournaments and occasional trips to Disney World. With plenty of performance and a loud exhaust thanks to GM’s 682-horsepower 6.2L supercharged V8, a set of custom wheels is all it needs to make it personal for Akshay. Inside the garage is where the “fun stuff” lives: two dream cars that Akshay says he’s incredibly fortunate to own, after putting in the hours and dedication to get to where he is today. A modified G80 BMW M3 Competition offers fun, yet still practical, space as a four-door with more than 500 horsepower from the factory, a choice he thanks Rickie Fowler, who owns one himself. Akshay’s is most definitely pushing much more horsepower as it's been upgraded with downpipes and a full exhaust. Last, but certainly not least, is his “favorite of the favorites”, a bright white 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS that he just bought and is starting to enjoy. Still somewhat in shock that he owns all of his dream cars, they continue to motivate Akshay on and off the course to grow the collection even further. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 02, 2026

F1 Star Charles Leclerc Drives $40 Million Ferrari on Wedding Day

As the 2026 Formula One season gears up, teams and drivers are pushing every limit—fine-tuning cars, strategies, and every detail to chase victory on the world’s fastest circuits. And while the main objective is to secure the number one spot and celebrate with champagne showers, Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc is already doing some pre-season celebrating after announcing his marriage to Alexandra Saint Mleux. Set in the picturesque city of Monaco, where the two call home, Charles and Alexandra Leclerc revealed their most special day with the world through Instagram posts captioned, “28/02/2026 - Civil Wedding 🤍” and “A day we’ll forever remember. 🤍 Part one is done and part 2 will be next year with all of our close ones.” In perfect fashion, it’s the send-off that took the automotive world by storm, as the happy newlyweds drove off along the French Riviera in one of the rarest and most expensive Ferraris ever. The car in question was a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, an icon not just for its timeless design and astronomical value but also for its racing pedigree. With its sleek, curvaceous body and distinctive pontoon fenders, the 250 Testa Rossa is a symbol of Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing during the late 1950s, securing multiple victories at Le Mans and Sebring. Beyond its track record, the 250 Testa Rossa remains one of the most collectible Ferraris in existence, with examples fetching between $12.4 million (2009) and $16.39 million (2011) at auction and nearly $40 million in a private sale (2014). For Leclerc, piloting this legendary car on such a personal milestone connected motorsport heritage with life’s celebrations, turning a ceremonial drive through Monaco into a rolling tribute to Ferrari’s history and the thrill that has defined the Maranello marque for decades. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charles Leclerc (@charles_leclerc)

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2023

PUMA Names A$AP Rocky As Creative Director For The New PU...

In a move that's set to turbocharge the world of fashion and motorsports, PUMA has entered into a long-term creative partnership with music artist and fashion mogul A$AP Rocky. Known for his influence in both music and streetwear, Rocky now sets his sights on PUMA's newly formed alliance with Formula 1 racing, serving as the Creative Director. The collaboration aims to fuse streetwear aesthetics with the adrenaline-pumping world of Formula 1, crafting bespoke capsules that'll steer PUMA’s seasonal designs. PUMA, already the exclusive licensee and trackside retailer at all F1 races, is on a mission to explore the synergy between motorsport and fashion. Enter A$AP Rocky, whose fashion-forward approach is expected to resonate with F1's burgeoning audience. Initially, the partnership will kick off "in the lab," an incubator-style approach to experiment with the untapped potential of combining F1 with streetwear. Rocky is also scheduled to drive the brand's visuals and video content, starting with a campaign focused on America's car culture. Later this year, keep your eyes peeled for an ultra-exclusive PUMA x F1 collection designed by A$AP Rocky, a teaser for more expansive capsule collections set to debut in 2024. And by 2025, expect Rocky to dive deep into everything from racewear to fanwear. This trifecta of Rocky, PUMA, and F1 aims to disrupt the traditional boundaries of sport, streetwear, and fashion, paving the way for an audacious blend of style and speed. Shop all the automotive-inspired apparel, footwear, and accessories from PUMA Motorsports by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x A$AP Rocky View this post on Instagram A post shared by PUMA Motorsport (@pumamotorsport) Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 10, 2023

Daniel Arsham Builds A Classic 1987 Porsche 911 As Part O...

Daniel Arsham is back with yet another jaw-dropping Porsche build. Alongside his role as a world-renowned New York Artist, Daniel Arsham also holds classic Porsche sports cars near and dear to his heart. Known for incorporating the iconic silhouette of the Porsche 911 into all areas of his art, Daniel even features collector-grade examples like the Porsche 964 911 'RWBA', Porsche 928 'Nebula', Porsche 911 RSA Project, and many more in his portfolio. As part of his newest fuel-driven project, Daniel Arsham is teaming up with Snap-on Tools and Perrotin Gallery to showcase his new "20 Years" exhibition in the heart of New York City. The modern art installment welcomes guests to observe the assembly of Daniel's "Sculpture 3" Porsche 911 Carrera by Greg Anagnostopoulos. The Porsche showcases a finish similar to Gulf Blue, with paint-matched Fuchs wheels to complete the period-correct look. Being a creative collaboration with Snap-on Tools, it's only right that the art exhibit comes with a full set of tools styled in Daniel Arsham's famous shade of blue. The project highlights the process of building a Porsche from the ground up, from body and interior assembly to installing its high-revving naturally-aspirated flat-six engine. As the project nears completion, Daniel Arsham welcomes fans to the closing of his exhibition on Friday, October 13th, 4-6 pm at the Perrotin Gallery in NYC. The festivities will include a custom Snap-on Tools truck selling special edition t-shirts outside the gallery. Wrapping up his latest Porsche-inspired art release, we can't wait to see Daniel Arsham's next automotive masterpiece. View all Porsche models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Porsche For Sale Source: @danielarsham Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2022

Architectural Digest Visits Travis Barker's Modern Calaba...

The rockstar who sees beauty in exotic cars and luxury home design. When it comes to the modern luxury homes of celebrities, each takes on creative design characteristics that define the lifestyle, profession, and values of that individual. The team at Architectural Digest pride themselves on taking its audience inside some of the most incredible homes owned by athletes, musicians, artists, and many other influential individuals. In the newest episode of Open Door, Architectural Digest visits Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker’s tranquil home and impressive car collection in Calabasas, California. Baker recently made music headlines as his ‘Mainstream Sellout’ collaboration album with Machine Gun Kelly hit #1 on the Billboard charts. MUST-READ: Ken Block Debuts His 1,400HP Porsche SVRSR ‘Hoonipigasus’ For Pikes Peak 2022 Starting as his home of over 16-years, Travis explains the importance of his home and it being the space where his family share key memories throughout their time there. The space took on a complete modern redesign at the hands of AD100 Interior Designer and Celebrity Decorator Waldo Fernandez. The visionary came at the suggestion of Travis’ mother-in-law Kris Jenner for his artistic focus on subtly accentuating a home with minimal design aspects. Along with a spacious mansion filled with tasteful furnishings, Travis Baker’s home comes fit with an impressive car collection acquired over his successful career in the music industry. The garage spaces of the magnificent California home are taken up by Travis’ 600-mile Buick Grand National GNX, Mercedes-Benz G550 4X4 Squared, Cadillac Escalade, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Aside from his role as a professional musician, Travis Barker’s taste in automobiles definitely certifies him as a true car enthusiast. Watch Travis Barker’s home tour on Architectural Digest’s Open Door by clicking the video link above. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury lifestyle releases and celebrity car news. Source: Architectural Digest YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 12, 2022

Justin Bieber Teams Up With Vespa On A Limited-Edition Sp...

Justin Bieber hits the streets with his own Vespa model. Alongside being a world-renowned musician and influential figure, Justin Bieber shares a passion for luxury automobiles and motorcycles. With an extensive collection that features unique custom builds like his Rolls-Royce Wraith by West Coast Customs, Justin can appreciate the beauty behind anything with a motor. The Italian scooter specialists at Vespa are proud to announce its newest collaboration with Justin Bieber, featuring a limited-edition Sprint model that showcases a one-of-a-kind design. The collaboration is much more than just a publicity project, as Bieber told the Vespa team: “The first time I rode a Vespa was somewhere in Europe, probably either London or Paris. I just remember seeing a Vespa and being like ‘I want to ride one of those’. And I had such a great time, just the wind flying through my hair, the freedom. It was fun”, - Justin Bieber. MUST-READ: Justin Bieber’s Custom Rolls-Royce Explained The scooter presents itself in an all-white finish with contrasting flame and ‘Justin Bieber’ decals. A set of matching white 12-inch alloy 7-spoke sport wheels deliver stability, safety, and outstanding grip on all surfaces. Each model in the Vespa Sprint family boasts an i-get (Italian Green Experience Technology) 4-stroke air-cooled engine with electronic injection. The Justin Bieber x Vespa will be available to the public in 50, 125, and 150cc variations. Along with the scooter itself, the collaboration release also highlights an irresistible accessories collection that includes a pair of gloves, a travel bag, and a total white helmet with commemorative designs. The new limited-edition Justin Bieber x Vespa Sprint collection is set to launch on April 20th with a starting price of $4,999. Click on the link below for more information on the collaboration between Justin Bieber and Vespa. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming lifestyle news and release information on the Justin Bieber x Vespa Sprint Collection. Learn More Source: Vespa

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