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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By duPont REGISTRY – July 23, 2026

Learning How To Race With Skip Barber

Located directly in the middle of the Sunshine State, Sebring, Florida, is a charming town on a lake, but to the automotive world, Sebring is home to one of the world’s most respected and historic racing venues. Originally an airfield, Sebring International Raceway is known for its bumpy concrete surface that still uses World War II-era landing strips, which is why Sebring has been, for decades, a challenging and renowned venue for racers of all calibers. Its most well-known event is the 12 Hours of Sebring, which is a staple on the annual sports car racing calendar. We had to be at Sebring early on a Monday morning, arriving at the circuit just after sunrise, with dew still on the grass. We were there for a one-day Skip Barber Racing School, one of many that the school hosts across the country. While we were there for only one day, many of our classmates were only at the beginning of their racing journeys, as the Monday we were there was only the start of a three-day program that dives even deeper into motorsport driving technique. Our day started with a classroom session, and our instructor was a legend with decades of experience in racing and educating drivers: Terry Earwood. His own motorsport career is full of accolades, including being inducted into multiple halls of fame and having several endurance and drag racing titles.Teaching a curriculum that has been perfected across decades and was originally taught for the Georgia State Police, Earwood’s instruction breaks driving down to its most basic physical principles. We learned how weight distribution, grip limits, contact patches, and throttle/brake application each affected the car. The goal was for us to translate those concepts into confidently maneuvering our cars around the track. The cars we would be driving on-track are modified fifth-generation Ford Mustang GT coupes, but first, we got behind the wheel of road-legal sedans. While not nearly as brawny as a sports car, or the Formula 4 cars some of the other students would be driving, our midsize sedans were meant for a cone course. Helping us test the limits of grip, throttle, and braking for corners, one cone, located at the inside of a turn, was affectionately nicknamed “Muffy” by Earwood. Our goal was to make sure we carried as much speed as we could through the turn, while getting the car as close to Muffy as possible. Another exercise saw us driving a Toyota Camry with one odd wheel around a drift circle. That wheel had a plastic disc around the tire, which helped the tail loosen to simulate sudden oversteer. In case it happened on the track, this experience would help us mitigate the situation.Once everyone became more comfortable with the fundamentals, using their eyes to look through the corner, smoothly applying throttle at the apex, and knowing how to safely recover from understeer, it was time to suit up and head out to the track. A quick walkthrough on the fifth-generation Mustang gave everyone a small taste of what to expect when taking off from pit lane, including a full breakdown of all the performance and safety upgrades and a hands-on demonstration of the four-point harness system. The Mustangs have been retrofitted and upgraded by Skip Barber’s team to now include suspension components from Eibach, a Kooks Headers and Exhaust system, an engine tune courtesy of HP Tuners, an upgraded transmission from TREMEC, and the latest BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A tires fitted underneath it all.Our group included everyone from complete beginners to experienced weekend track drivers, but the instructors made patience and safety the priority, ensuring everyone felt confident and comfortable before firing up the engines. As the first groups headed out, we climbed into the pace cars with our instructors, who guided us through the circuit corner by corner, explaining the ideal racing line and where to brake, turn in, and get back on the throttle. It not only served as a demonstration, but also a testament to the skills of our instructors as they outpaced lightweight open-wheel cars and larger V8s with expert cornering and pedal management alone. Finally, it was our turn to climb into the driver's seat, and to be honest, I felt a little overwhelmed trying to remember everything we'd learned throughout the day. As we started our inaugural lap of the already-legendary Sebring International Raceway, everything became calmer and clearer, following the pace car at a manageable speed and distance, talking myself through each turn with the confidence instilled by Terry’s classroom talk and the exercises earlier that morning. Before we knew it, Tyler and I were lapping Sebring like pros, downshifting through the corners, racing down the straights, and passing by each other like it was a 12-hour endurance race.With some time to decompress and debrief before our second session, we caught up with Terry to talk through our experiences so far and where we could improve behind the wheel. By the time we headed back out, everything felt much more natural. The second 30-minute session gave us the confidence to focus on cleaning up our mistakes, carrying more speed through corners, and gradually shaving time off each lap. Only spending the day with the group, Skip Barber Racing surprised us with an extra third track session while the rest of the class was being briefed on their upcoming days. Needless to say, it was the perfect ending to the day, spending our final moments at Sebring International Raceway chasing the sunset and shifting gears. Before setting off on our drive back to Saint Petersburg, FL, Terry presented the two of us with our official Skip Barber Racing School Certificate of Graduation, along with a gift bag from the school sponsors. It also gave us the time to really thank Terry and the entire team for their hospitality, knowledge, and patience throughout the day. Having started as two students with little to no track time experience, Skip Barber Racing School gave us the tools and confidence to take to any track. Discover Skip Barber Racing School

By Charles Bradley – July 22, 2026

Willow Springs Launches Summit + Speed to Redefine Luxury Automotive Experiences

Luxury automotive experiences continue to evolve beyond the concours lawn and race circuit, becoming immersive celebrations of travel, hospitality, gastronomy and collector culture. Now, one of America's most historic racetracks is embracing that evolution. Willow Springs International Raceway and CrossHarbor Capital Partners have announced the launch of Summit + Speed, a new experiential events division dedicated to creating premier automotive and luxury lifestyle experiences across a growing portfolio of iconic destinations and enthusiast brands. Designed to bring together automotive collectors, luxury travelers, culinary leaders and premium brand partners, Summit + Speed will oversee the development and execution of destination-driven events that blend motorsport heritage with elevated hospitality and exclusive experiences. "Summit + Speed represents the next evolution of experiential programming across our portfolio," said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. "We have an incredible opportunity to create meaningful experiences at iconic destinations while connecting passionate communities through automotive culture, hospitality, food, wine and adventure." Among the cornerstone events are Willow Springs Reimagined, a celebration of automotive culture and innovation at the legendary California circuit; the Goodwood Road Racing Club of America, which launches in 2027 before staging its inaugural headline event at Willow Springs in 2028; FAT International Ice Race Big Sky, an immersive winter motorsports and luxury lifestyle gathering inspired by the celebrated Austrian event; and the Big Sky Food & Wine Festival, bringing acclaimed chefs, winemakers, distillers and culinary enthusiasts together in Montana. The new division also plans to create additional experiences designed to connect enthusiasts with luxury hospitality, exclusive destinations and year-round programming across CrossHarbor's expanding portfolio. Leading the initiative is industry veteran Kai Lermen, who has been appointed vice president of special events & partnerships. Lermen brings decades of experience producing some of the world's most respected luxury hospitality and automotive events, having previously held leadership roles with The Peninsula Hotels, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. "I'm excited to join CrossHarbor and launch Summit + Speed at a time when experiential events have never been more important," said Lermen. "From automotive festivals to concours-style gatherings, we're creating opportunities for enthusiasts and guests to connect through unforgettable experiences in remarkable settings." The appointment reflects Summit + Speed's ambition to position itself at the intersection of luxury travel, automotive culture and experiential hospitality. By collaborating with partners across the automotive, luxury and hospitality sectors, the division aims to create programming tailored to the unique character of each destination while expanding opportunities for members, guests and brand partners throughout the year. The launch also reinforces CrossHarbor Capital Partners' broader vision of building distinctive experiences across its growing collection of hospitality, lifestyle and enthusiast-focused properties. In addition to supporting marquee events, Summit + Speed will collaborate with CrossHarbor's expanding ecosystem of enthusiast communities, hospitality experiences and private clubs, creating new ways for collectors and luxury travelers to engage beyond traditional automotive events. At the center of the initiative is Willow Springs International Raceway, America's oldest permanent road course. Its original 2.5-mile, nine-turn configuration remains unchanged, preserving one of the country's most challenging and historic circuits while entering a new era through the transformative partnership between CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Singer Vehicle Design. As automotive events increasingly become lifestyle destinations rather than simply gatherings of machinery, Summit + Speed signals a growing emphasis on curated experiences where collector cars, exceptional hospitality, fine dining and unforgettable destinations are as integral to the occasion as the drive itself. For enthusiasts seeking more than a traditional concours or race weekend, the new platform promises to elevate automotive culture into a year-round luxury experience. Images by CrossHarbor Capital Partners

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 21, 2026

HWA AG Delivers EVO Chassis #001 to The Loh Collection

Modern performance cars are faster than ever, but many have traded some of their analog character for tech and electrification, leaving the job of engineering true driver’s cars to independent minds with a passion for preserving the best eras of motoring. The team at HWA AG took initiative in late December 2023, with the announcement of the HWA EVO, a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. Limited to just 100 bespoke chassis worldwide, HWA has been hard at work over the past two years, perfecting its formula and finding new ways to retain the spirit of the past with the technology of today and tomorrow. Today, HWA AG is celebrating a monumental milestone for the brand as it recently delivered Chassis #001, officially kicking off customer EVO deliveries around the globe. The inaugural production HWA EVO was delivered to Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh at the Nationales Automuseum in Germany, where the rest of the already-impressive Loh Collection resides. Joining a collection of over 160 historic vehicles dating from 1885 to the present day, HWA EVO #001 features an iconic 199 Blue-Black Metallic finish as a tribute to its predecessor. “Delivering the HWA EVO marks a milestone that the entire team looks back on with great pride. In just over two years, we have transformed an initial design study into a fully developed and homologated high-performance vehicle. Now the HWA EVO begins the next chapter of its story – on the road and with our customers.” - Martin Marx, CEO of HWA AGThe car will be on display at the Nationales Automuseum ‘The Loh Collection’ exhibit, where it will live alongside the collection’s existing Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 EVO II Chassis #001 and #500. HWA also showcased prototype PT01, a key development car now owned by Simon-Markus Loh that played a major role in the EVO's testing program, made demonstration runs at the 2025 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, and will now become part of the collection's permanent display. And adding even more of a motorsport tie-in to the occasion, the museum will also be displaying Klaus Ludwig’s 1992 DTM championship-winning race car with the lineup. Looking ahead, HWA EVO chassis #002 has also been handed over to its new owner, Willibald Dörflinger, principal shareholder of HWA AG. As more HWA EVO builds reach their final destination to anticipated new owners, we can’t wait to see all 100 configurations. Source: HWA AG

By duPont REGISTRY – July 21, 2026

duPont REGISTRY Group Signs Letter of Intent to Bring Earth Motorcars Into Its Ecosystem

MIAMI, FL – July 21, 2026 – duPont REGISTRY Group ("dRG"), the world's premier luxury automotive platform, today announced it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (the “LOI”) to acquire a controlling ownership interest in Earth Motorcars, a luxury and exotic vehicle dealership group with more than 20 years of history and one of the country's largest independent dealerships based in Dallas, Texas. Upon closing, Earth Motorcars would join the dRG ecosystem, further expanding the company's presence in key luxury automotive markets. Today’s announcement builds on dRG's continued expansion of its locations, following its recent acquisition of West Coast Exotic Cars. dRG's current footprint spans Southern California and Naples, Florida, in addition to dRG's locations in Miami and Nashville. duPont REGISTRY’s expanding locations are designed to complement dRG's trusted dealer network by serving as community gathering places where collectors and enthusiasts can experience the brand, attend automotive events, connect with fellow enthusiasts and engage with the broader duPont REGISTRY ecosystem. The planned addition of Earth Motorcars reflects dRG's long-term strategy of thoughtfully expanding its physical presence in key luxury markets, while continuing to support its dealer partners across North America. "Texas is one of the most important luxury and exotic vehicle markets in the country, and Earth Motorcars has built an outstanding reputation serving collectors throughout the region," said Chad Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer, duPont REGISTRY Live. "Fulfilling our plans to bring Earth Motorcars into the duPont REGISTRY ecosystem will strengthen our presence in Texas, while creating another destination where collectors can connect with our brand, our community and the broader luxury automotive lifestyle that we uniquely offer." Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Earth Motorcars will be rebranded as duPont REGISTRY Dallas, joining the company's growing network of branded locations. "As we continue to grow the duPont REGISTRY ecosystem, we're focused on adding new locations that bring enthusiasts together and strengthen the overall experience for our community," said Eric Curran, President of Sales, duPont REGISTRY Group. "Earth Motorcars is a natural fit because of its reputation, its team and its deep relationships within the Texas collector market. We're excited about what we'll build together." Earth Motorcars was founded by Brad Hansing and Frank Cortese, who will continue leading the dealership's day-to-day operations while remaining business partners as the company joins the duPont REGISTRY ecosystem. "As a luxury independent dealer, it's a dream to become part of the duPont REGISTRY ecosystem," said Frank Cortese, Co-Founder of Earth Motorcars. "The brand has earned the trust of collectors around the world, and we're excited to bring that legacy to our customers throughout Texas." "This partnership will allow us to continue operating the business we've built, while giving our clients access to a broader marketplace, stronger technology, meaningful events and the trust and integrity of one of the most respected brands in the luxury automotive world," said Brad Hansing, Co-Founder of Earth Motorcars. "We're excited about the opportunities this will create for our customers, our team and the enthusiast community." While the LOI contains certain indicative terms, it is non-binding and provides a framework for the parties to conduct due diligence and negotiate potential definitive written agreements. Closing will be subject to satisfaction of customary and other closing conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be executed or that any of the transactions contemplated by the non-binding LOI will be completed. About duPont REGISTRY Group duPont REGISTRY Group (dRG) is the world’s premier luxury automotive ecosystem, encapsulating the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. For more than 40 years, dRG has served as a trusted source for the vibrant global community of collectors and enthusiasts looking to buy and sell luxury vehicles. Using data insights and advanced technology to build a seamless and scalable digital marketplace, dRG facilitates billions of dollars in transactions and redefines how enthusiasts and collectors engage within the luxury automotive world. About Earth Motorcars Earth Motorcars is one of America's premier luxury and exotic automobile dealerships, specializing in exceptional collector vehicles, modern supercars, luxury automobiles and high-performance classics. Renowned for its commitment to quality, transparency and customer service, Earth Motorcars has earned the trust of enthusiasts and collectors throughout Texas and beyond. With a full suite of sales, financing, acquisition, consignment and service offerings, Earth Motorcars delivers a seamless ownership experience at every stage of the journey. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Earth Motorcars is expected to become part of the duPont REGISTRY Group ecosystem, connecting clients to an even broader network of trusted services, automotive experiences, enthusiast events and one of the world's most recognized luxury automotive brands. Media Contacts duPont REGISTRY GroupCristina Cheever, Chief Marketing Officercristina.cheever@dupontregistrygroup.com ICRduPont@icrinc.com

By Michael Van Runkle – July 17, 2026

Dispatches from Goodwood Festival of Speed: Part II

The Goodwood Festival of Speed returned to southern England last weekend for another gathering of the world’s greatest cars from every era of motorsport. Despite scalding weather that bordered on torturously hot, the scene and setting on the property of the 11th Duke of Richmond still drew dense crowds eager to take in an unbelievable show featuring everything from the earliest horseless carriages to 1960s racing legends, Group B rally cars, Group C sports cars (below), modern EVs, and even motorcycles from every era. Without a doubt, Goodwood FOS has transformed into one of – if not the – best motoring events in the world, highlighted by a hillclimb held right on site that keeps the paddock abuzz all weekend long. A timed shootout dictates that so much rolling automotive art needs to actually run well enough to race, all surrounded by centuries-old castle grounds dotted by displays and hospitality stands chock full of familiar and novel makes and models, many of which will never even reach the United States. ICYMI, you can read Part I of our story here. But let’s continue with… HWA EVO.R While historic race cars made for most of the interesting cars at Goodwood, the HWA Evo.R combined the retro-styled theme with true racing success in the modern era. What originally started as a ground-up tube frame homage to the sensational Mercedes 190E Cosworth eventually led to a true track star that arrived to Goodwood fresh off combat at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours race. For those in the know, the fact that the “A” in HWA stands for Aufrecht means a lot, as in Hans Werner Aufrecht whose surname provided the first letter in AMG. While developing the road-going Evo as a road car, HWA realized that the manual transmission wouldn’t work for N24 competition. Then, safety considerations like a roll cage and fire suppression system, as well as race tires and aerodynamics, led down a slippery slope toward building a closed-deck V6 engine and a sequential shift mechanism to replace the H-pattern and manually actuated clutch. Despite the similarities, HWA built the R not as a road car being used to race, and built the road car not as a race car for the road. Both occupy unique positions internally, but the similarities nonetheless made this project unique at Goodwood, too. Kimera K39 Pikes Peak The Italian restomod firm Kimera, which specializes in wild Lancia 037-based creations, also brought a vision for serious competition to Goodwood in the form of the 039 Pikes Peak. As the name suggests, Kimera plans to race up a hillclimb that absolutely dwarfs anything in the entire United Kingdom. Alongside a couple of other cars, the 039 appeared far larger and more focused, even if a closer look revealed just how much of a concept car it remains – with a faux steering wheel and no powerplant on the pedestal. Still, the idea of a hybrid all-wheel-drive restomod conquering Pikes Peak with a Koenigsegg engine proved quite intriguing for fans. And, in fairness, it’s a bit hard to fathom the idea of a Kimera beating Romain Dumas in the Ford Super Mustang Mach-E, which once again set the fastest time for a third consecutive year this time around at the Goodwood hillclimb timed shoot-out. But the fire of competition only breeds better and better cars, so hopefully rising to the challenge inspires Kimera to continue work on the company’s awesome offerings. Ending With an Epic Ride Up the Hill Kimera’s Lancia-inspired rally car also served as a reminder of a trio of legit Lancia rally cars on site, and checking out the vintage scene required almost the full three days at Goodwood. But almost the best possible capstone for a perfect visit to the event came courtesy of Gordon Murray Automotive and Dario Franchitti, who offered duPont REGISTRY a ride in the passenger seat of the new Le Mans GTR prototype for a lap up the hill. “This is the Ferrari F40 if the T.50 is the 288 GTO,” Franchitti explained while strapping into the Le Mans GTR’s central seat. “It’s Gordon’s sort of love letter to Longtails. It's got bits of T.50, it's the SV [Special Vehicles] tub, so it's a hybrid of T.50 and T.50s. It's just a wonderful thing to drive. The old race cars are really the bedrock of Goodwood and everything's sort of tied round that, but we also love the supercars and demonstrations and being able to show off what we do.” As Franchitti revved up the screaming V12 engine and launched off the line in the shade beneath a row of tree canopies, seemingly accelerating straight at a perpendicular hay bale a few hundred yards ahead, the concept of showing off all of a sudden became very real. That old rollercoaster stomach sensation gripped hard, until Franchitti whipped right into the sunshine with a quick hit of countersteering playing up for the cheering crowds. A series of high-speed left-right-left transitions past grandstands and the main Goodwood House followed, before the bales tightened up quickly. Precision became more important here, especially once back under tree cover where a tall and very sturdy rock wall impinged on the course from the lefthand side. Try not to target fixate, then hammer full throttle as the road flattens out toward the finish line, and finally round about again amid quite possibly the greatest parking lot car show in the world up top, before a parade down at lower speeds once more. Though GMA declined to enter the Le Mans GTR prototype in the timed shoot-out, hillclimb events like this are traditional fare across England typically held on sprawling estates – even if Goodwood itself has become something of an institution by now. “The company, Gordon, myself separately, we all have a very close connection with Goodwood,” Franchitti said back in the paddock. “It’s such a dynamic motorshow. It's one thing to look at a car, but then here you see it, you hear it, you watch it, you listen to it. All the senses are there and so it's really important for all the manufacturers to be here.” Drawing everything from vintage Bentley Blowers to modern EVs from China, Korea, and the UK to racing legends Mario Andretti, Damon Hill, both Dario and Marino Franchitti, Jenson Button, Valentino Rossi, current F1 stars Lando Norris, Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, Goodwood has simply become the automotive world’s primary focus in mid-July. And amazingly, concurrent with this year’s Festival of Speed, Singer and Goodwood announced plans to bring the event to the United States with a similar program set for the revamped track at Willow Springs upon completion of planned improvements by fall 2028. Images by Michael Van Runkle, RUF Automobile

By duPont REGISTRY – July 16, 2026

Luxury Rally Club to Join the duPont REGISTRY Group Ecosystem

July 16, 2026 – MIAMI, FL – duPont REGISTRY Group ("dRG"), the world's premier luxury automotive platform, today announced that it has executed definitive agreements to add Luxury Rally Club ("LRC") to its growing luxury automotive ecosystem. The move will further strengthen dRG’s integrated platform spanning commerce, content, community, and technology while expanding its experiential offerings alongside brands including Canossa Events, Cavallino, and Supercar Owners Circle. Luxury Rally Club has established itself as a leading presence during Monterey Car Week, hosting the exclusive Santa Lucia Preserve Concours & Cocktails and curating bespoke programming throughout the week. Throughout the year, LRC produces exclusive rallies and collector experiences that complement dRG’s portfolio of more than 120 automotive events, which welcomed over 120,000 attendees in 2025. Together, dRG and LRC will continue creating curated collector experiences, luxury hospitality, rallies, and brand activations that bring together enthusiasts, collectors, luxury partners, and industry leaders through a shared passion for the automotive lifestyle. Founded by Trevor Johnson in 2018, LRC has become known for producing some of the automotive community's most celebrated enthusiast experiences, including the Pre-War Motoring Classic, 50 Years of Lamborghini Countach Rally, Bentley 100 Years Celebration Rally, Porsche Carrera GT Rally, and a collection of collector-focused experiences during Monterey Car Week. These events have brought together collectors, industry leaders, luxury brands, family offices, and enthusiasts from around the world. "This represents a natural evolution for Luxury Rally Club," said Trevor Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Luxury Rally Club. "By joining the duPont REGISTRY Group ecosystem, we will have an opportunity to elevate the collector experience, while creating new ways for our members, partners, and brands to engage across the broader luxury automotive landscape. Together, we can continue building the curated experiences our community values while giving them access to an even broader collection of events, services, and opportunities." "At duPont REGISTRY Group, our mission is to be the ultimate platform for the luxury automotive lifestyle, transforming ordinary transactions into memorable experiences," said Cristina Cheever, Chief Marketing Officer of duPont REGISTRY Group. "Luxury Rally Club has earned an exceptional reputation for bringing collectors together through thoughtfully curated experiences built around access, relationships, and shared passion. Bringing LRC into our ecosystem will expand the ways our clients, partners, and brands connect, while strengthening our ability to serve enthusiasts throughout every stage of the ownership journey." During Monterey Car Week 2026 (August 7–16), dRG will have an expanded presence across many of the week's leading gatherings, including Luxury Rally Club's Rally to Car Week, Supercar Owners Circle Get Together Monterey, the invitation-only Santa Lucia Preserve Concours & Cocktails, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Exotics on Broadway, Concorso Italiano, and the Monterey Motorsports Festival. Together, these experiences demonstrate the breadth of dRG’s growing ecosystem while creating meaningful opportunities for collectors, enthusiasts, dealers, OEMs, and luxury brands to connect throughout Monterey Car Week. dRG’s growing portfolio of trusted brands, marketplaces, financial services, technology, content, and events continues to create new opportunities for collectors, enthusiasts, dealers, OEMs, and luxury partners to buy, sell, connect, and experience the luxury automotive lifestyle through a single integrated ecosystem. The transaction’s closing is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement will be completed. About duPont REGISTRY Group duPont REGISTRY Group (dRG) is the world’s premier luxury automotive ecosystem, encapsulating the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. For more than 40 years, dRG has served as a trusted source for the vibrant global community of collectors and enthusiasts looking to buy and sell luxury vehicles. Using data insights and advanced technology to build a seamless and scalable digital marketplace, dRG facilitates billions of dollars in transactions and redefines how enthusiasts and collectors engage within the luxury automotive world. Its portfolio includes Canossa Events, Cars on 5th, Cavallino, duPont REGISTRY, Elferspot, FerrariChat, LLP Exotic Auto Finance, Petrolicious, Retromobile USA, Sotheby's Motorsport and Supercar Owners Circle. For more information, visit www.duPontREGISTRYGroup.com. About Luxury Rally Club Luxury Rally Club (“LRC”) is a premier luxury automotive experiential platform serving ultra-high-net-worth collectors and enthusiasts across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Founded by Trevor Johnson in 2018, LRC produces curated rallies, concours experiences, and hospitality-driven automotive events that bring together collectors, luxury brands, family offices, and enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond automotive, LRC develops bespoke experiences for family offices, wealth management firms, luxury partners, and private organizations globally. As a founder-led experiential platform within the duPont REGISTRY Group ecosystem, Luxury Rally Club will continue to create extraordinary experiences rooted in access, community, and shared passion. Media Contact: ICR duPont@icrinc.com

By Charles Bradley – July 12, 2026

Is Chevy’s 1,064-HP Corvette Really a Supercar You Can Drive Every Day?

As a child of the 1970s, one of my very favorite shows growing up was Battlestar Galactica, one of those Glen A. Larson series that felt like catnip for an under-10 would-be space adventurer. The human heroes battled their robotic enemy, the Cylons, in surely the coolest spaceship on television – the Viper. While it’s ironic that name was adopted by another American marque for its supercar, what stuck in my mind was the launch sequence – where the Vipers would accelerate at fantastic speed from stationary on the Galactica’s launch pad, rocking back the pilot’s head as the scenery became a blur. It’s exactly how I felt when flooring the loud pedal of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. To truly appreciate this, on its centrally mounted, customizable 12-inch color digital gauge cluster you can pull up real-time numbers that show dynamic horsepower and torque. I’ll be honest here, I never made it all the way to the C8 ZR1’s 1,064 horsepower available from its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged, flat-plane crank LT7 V8 engine. Thanks to the traction control, the most I saw was 850 hp before prudence – and the desire to retain my clean driver’s license – forced me to back off. But the feeling of that head-rocking 828 lb-ft of torque was quite incredible. Its 0-to-60 mph time of 2.3 seconds is amazing, given that this isn’t a four-wheel drive machine. If you’d like to read an undiluted review of this car’s performance, my colleague Michael Van Runkle got to enjoy it around the Circuit of the Americas, the home of Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix, where he could top 180 mph without fear of spending a night in a jail cell. And, of course, Chevrolet has since topped that with the insane ZR1X, which adds all-wheel drive and electrical hybrid power, and you can read a review of that car here. But, due to my schedule when I had the ZR1 in my possession, it was a regular work week. So, my review is very much about what it’s like to live with this car on a day-to-day basis, and being based in Miami, my choice of decent roads to drive is pretty limited. However, my commute does involve the causeways, from Miami Beach to the mainland, made famous by another of my favorite TV shows as a child, Miami Vice. The first thing you notice is the startup – my neighbors didn’t appreciate the howl with which the ZR1 fires up. But ensuring it was in Touring mode soon quietened down the noise, and one of the most remarkable aspects of this machine is that, despite its hypercar-rivaling performance, it disguises that capability during everyday driving. Beneath its aggressive styling lies a machine that feels surprisingly approachable, rewarding restraint just as comfortably as it unleashes ferocity. Around town, the ZR1 is remarkably civilized. The power delivery is linear and predictable, never feeling like it wants to overwhelm the rear tires during casual driving – unless you dip your right foot suddenly. Especially in Touring mode, the dual-clutch transmission settles into smooth, unobtrusive shifts while the active exhaust quiets to a subdued murmur. In traffic, the experience is similar to a standard C8 Stingray rather than a 1,000-plus-horsepower flagship. Its dual personality extends to the chassis. The standard adaptive suspension strikes an impressive balance between precision and comfort, absorbing speed bumps, broken pavement and highway expansion joints with a level of compliance that seems at odds with the car’s extraordinary capabilities. For buyers intending to spend meaningful time on public roads, the standard suspension is arguably its sweet spot. Braking performance is, of course, equally impressive. Massive carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 16.5 inches up front, clamped by enormous 10-piston calipers, deliver staggering stopping power with complete confidence. Yet they remain surprisingly easy to modulate in everyday driving, avoiding the grabby behavior and the annoying squeal often associated with high-performance carbon-ceramic systems. Chevrolet has also addressed one of the C8’s most divisive interior design elements for 2026. The long row of climate-control buttons that once bisected the cabin has been removed, replaced by a cleaner layout featuring a passenger grab handle. A redesigned three-screen digital cockpit modernizes the user experience, while revised cupholders accommodate a handily broad range of beverage sizes. These changes make an already driver-focused cabin feel more intuitive and refined. Practicality is another string to the Corvette’s bow. Like every mid-engine C8, the ZR1 retains enough luggage space to swallow a set of golf clubs or two midsize travel cases, reinforcing its credentials as a grand tourer rather than a weekend-only exotic or track-day car. But you can forget about the frunk, as a huge radiator takes that space. The only notable compromise is rearward visibility, which remains limited even without the optional high-mounted rear wing – but I found I got used to it, and the side mirrors are enormous. And it’s that balance between everyday usability and extraordinary capability is what ultimately defines the Corvette ZR1. It is an engineering marvel that successfully blends hypercar performance with genuine grand-touring livability, proving that one of the fastest American sports cars doesn't require constant sacrifice. I found it could commute through traffic in the morning and evening, then deliver breathtaking performance whenever an opportunity arose away from the lights during a lunch run. It’s a hypercar-adjacent all-rounder; perhaps the most complete Corvette ever built. Images by Charles Bradley

By duPont REGISTRY – July 11, 2026

Women on Leadership: FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Executive, Cash & Rocket CEO at Miami Concours

What defines a world-class city? According to Janelle Prieto, it's not simply the caliber of its events, but the lasting impression they leave on the people who experience them. That theme was central to a conversation at this year’s Miami Concours, where Prieto, Chief Marketing and Community Officer for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, joined Cash & Rocket founder and CEO Julie Brangstrup for a discussion exploring leadership, luxury and the growing influence of women across automotive, sport and lifestyle. Moderated by Estefania Lacayo, the panel examined how major cultural events are reshaping both industries and destinations. For Prieto, whose role places Miami on one of the world's biggest sporting stages ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26, that included the official FIFA Fan Festival in Miami, which took place at Bayfront Park. This free, family-friendly event serves as a central hub for matches, featuring giant screens, food vendors, cultural activities, interactive games, and live entertainment for tens of thousands of fans. But successful events are about far more than attendance figures: They become an extension of a city's identity, showcasing its culture, hospitality and global ambitions to audiences that extend well beyond those physically present. That philosophy aligns naturally with the Miami Concours, where automobiles serve as the catalyst for conversations that reach into fashion, design, philanthropy and luxury living. The discussion also explored how influence has evolved in today's luxury landscape. Rather than being measured solely by scale or exclusivity, the panel emphasized the importance of authenticity, trust and thoughtful curation – qualities increasingly valued by discerning audiences. As luxury experiences continue to merge with sport, entertainment and automotive culture, creating meaningful connections has become just as important as creating memorable moments. As a successful female entrepreneur and mother of six, Brangstrup recognised the security, love, and encouragement that she was able to receive and give and wondered how things might be different without the resources and support that she had. This led to the creation of Cash & Rocket in 2011 to bring women together as a catalyst for good through a unique lifestyle experience. Looking ahead, Prieto also reflected on the opportunities for the next generation of women leaders. Progress, the panel suggested, won't simply be measured by representation, but by creating environments where authenticity and expertise are recognized without compromise. As Miami continues to cement its reputation as a global destination for world-class events, conversations like these demonstrate that the future of luxury is shaped as much by visionary leadership as it is by extraordinary experiences.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 10, 2026

Lanzante Reveals The $1.3M 3-Seater 95-59 Supercar at Goodwood

On June 18, 1995, Lanzante made history with a first-place victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the McLaren F1 GTR. For a small UK-based company, it was the kickoff that defined its ongoing legacy. Thirty years later, that same racing spirit continues to shape everything Lanzante does, from road-going conversions of track-only McLaren models to completely bespoke creations built for collectors. The newest example of that is the 95-59, a three-seater supercar unveiled at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed that celebrates where Lanzante came from while showing where the company is headed next.The name 95-59 tells the story behind the car, combining the year of Lanzante's famous Le Mans victory with the race number of the winning McLaren F1 GTR. Based around a McLaren 750S platform, the 95-59 takes the familiar supercar formula and completely reworks it into something much more focused around the driver. The launch-spec revealed at Goodwood features a full carbon-fiber body finished in Ueno Grey, matching the color of the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing McLaren F1 GTR that crossed the finish line first at Le Mans three decades ago.While the 95-59 shares its foundations with the McLaren 750S, almost everything visible has been redesigned. Created by automotive designer Paul Howse, the body features smooth carbon-fiber surfaces, carefully shaped aerodynamic channels, and a design that’s purposeful from every angle. Details like the floating active rear wing, titanium exhaust, and lightweight forged wheels give it an entirely new vision, but the overall look is subtle and stealthy compared to most modern supercars and hypercars.The biggest change is found inside the cabin, where Lanzante brings back one of the most memorable layouts in automotive history. The driver sits in the center, with two passenger seats positioned on either side and integrated directly into the carbon-fiber chassis. Much like the original McLaren F1, the idea is to put the driver behind the wheel in the best possible position. The interior follows the same design approach as the exterior, with minimal distractions, essential controls, and a focus on the driving experience. At the same time, Lanzante wanted the 95-59 to be something owners could actually use, adding luggage space and a larger fuel tank for longer journeys.Power comes from a reworked 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 producing more than 850 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed transmission. With the optional LM30 Pack, Lanzante brings the weight down to 2,755lbs with titanium parts, lightweight wheels, and other secret weight-saving measures. That results in an impressive 700 horsepower-per-ton power-to-weight ratio. Limited to just 59 examples worldwide with pricing starting at $1.3 million, the 95-59 represents everything Lanzante has learned over the past 30 years. Source: Lanzante Limited

By duPont REGISTRY – July 10, 2026

FTC Pricing Update: Staying Ahead of Industry Changes

At duPont REGISTRY, we’re continuing to monitor developments surrounding the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed Vehicle Shopping Rule and what it could mean for dealers. While portions of the rule were recently set aside by the courts, we believe transparency remains the right long-term approach. Rather than waiting for future regulatory changes, we’re taking practical steps today that help provide additional context for consumers while supporting our dealer partners. As part of this effort, we’ve added the following disclosure to every Vehicle Details Page (VDP): Prices are dealer-provided and may exclude additional fees or taxes. Contact the dealer directly to confirm final out-the-door pricing. Additional fees and charges may apply when using dealer financing. You can view an example of this in the image below, highlighted in the red square. The disclosure is available through an informational hover on pricing and is designed to give shoppers additional clarity without changing how vehicle pricing is displayed. We’re also continuing to monitor regulatory developments, dealer feedback, and broader marketplace trends. If additional requirements emerge in the future, we’ll continue working closely with our partners to ensure the platform evolves alongside the industry. Our goal is simple. Stay informed, remain proactive, and make updates that benefit both dealers and consumers.

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