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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 Charles Bradley – February 24, 2026

HWA EVO.R Revealed for 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours as DTM Icon Returns to the Green Hell

The rebirth of a touring car legend is heading back to the Green Hell. Germany’s HWA AG has unveiled the HWA EVO.R, the competition-spec evolution of its road-going super sedan, set to contest the 2026 running of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. And in a move that underscores both collector interest and motorsport credibility, the program has already expanded from two cars to three. For enthusiasts of modern heritage builds and track-focused luxury performance cars, the HWA EVO.R represents more than a racing entry. It is the latest chapter in the reinterpretation of one of touring car racing’s most revered silhouettes: the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II. A Heritage-Led Return to the Nordschleife The road-going HWA EVO – based on the Mercedes-Benz W201 platform – was conceived as a state-of-the-art tribute to the early-’90s DTM icon. Now, the EVO.R transforms that homage into a fully realized endurance racing machine, designed to compete in the SP-X special vehicle class at the Nürburgring. First images reveal a dramatically track-focused design. Aerodynamics are heightened, stance widened, and visual aggression amplified, yet the lineage is unmistakable. Each of the three race cars will wear an updated homage livery inspired by beloved period designs, reconnecting the modern project to its golden-era roots. Heritage sponsors are returning as well. Kärcher and SONAX – names synonymous with the 1990s DTM grid – are confirmed partners, reinforcing the project’s authenticity and appeal to collectors and connoisseurs of motorsport history. The addition of a third entrant creates space for further partners to align with what is already shaping up to be one of the most compelling privateer programs of 2026. A Driver Line-Up Steeped in DTM Legacy The heritage theme extends beyond paintwork. Sebastian Asch and Luca Ludwig – respectively sons of Roland Asch (pictured above) and Klaus Ludwig, both legendary 190E Evo II DTM racers – are confirmed as part of the Pro/Am driver line-up. They will be joined by three-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Markus Winkelhock, adding modern endurance pedigree to a grid infused with family legacy. “Having been involved in top-level motorsport at the Nürburgring for over 25 years, the circuit is like a second home to us,” said Martin Marx, CEO of HWA. “We are naturally incredibly excited to finally be competing in a car of our own, but to see that excitement matched by so many drivers, fans, customers, and sponsors makes it all the more special.” For a company formed in 1998 by Hans Werner Aufrecht in Affalterbach, Germany, the 2026 Nürburgring effort carries particular resonance. HWA has long been associated with elite touring car and OEM development programs, fielding one of the most successful teams in DTM history and serving as a technical partner for high-performance automotive and sustainability projects worldwide. Yet the EVO.R marks something more personal: a car of its own, built under its own banner, returning to the circuit that helped define its legacy. Luxury Performance Meets Endurance Engineering While full performance and technical specifications will be announced in due course, all three EVO.R race cars are currently in build. An intensive testing program begins this week, with the first session scheduled at Portimão in Portugal. For collectors following the ultra-limited HWA EVO road car, the competition program elevates the model’s desirability. Motorsport participation – especially at the Nürburgring 24 Hours – adds an invaluable layer of provenance to any modern performance vehicle, particularly one so closely tied to a homologation-era icon. In an era when luxury super sedans and heritage restomods increasingly blur the line between nostalgia and next-generation engineering, the HWA EVO.R stands apart. It is not merely a styling exercise or branding exercise. It is a fully committed endurance racing program rooted in history, supported by period-correct partners, and driven by the next generation of names synonymous with DTM glory. For HWA, the return to the Nordschleife is both a homecoming and a statement. And for collectors watching the intersection of luxury performance cars and authentic motorsport programs, the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours just became significantly more compelling. View All Exotics and Supercars For Sale Images: HWA

By duPont REGISTRY – February 20, 2026

duPont REGISTRY Group Acquires Majority Stake in Elferspot, Expanding Global Footprint in the Porsche Enthusiast Market

duPont REGISTRY Group (dRG) has acquired a majority stake in Elferspot, the leading marketplace for pre-owned and classic Porsche sports cars. Each year, more than 13,000 Porsche sports cars are listed on Elferspot, generating over $400 million in annual seller-reported sales value originating from buyer leads on the platform—a figure that continues to grow, with 35% share of activity driven by the United States market. Founded in Austria in 2017 by Porsche enthusiast Markus Klimesch, Elferspot has built a loyal global audience as a trusted destination for buying and selling quality Porsches. Built by a team of Porsche enthusiasts and focused entirely on the Porsche niche, the platform is known for curation, authenticity, and community. Alongside the marketplace, Elferspot operates a web shop offering apparel and accessories for sports car enthusiasts, including products from its "Key on the Left" collection. The acquisition strengthens dRG's position within the marque-specific luxury segment, adding a specialized marketplace that complements its portfolio across media, events and digital commerce, including the world's largest Ferrari enthusiast communities FerrariChat and Cavallino. The deal will enable Elferspot to accelerate international growth while preserving the authenticity and specialist voice that defines the brand. Elferspot will continue to operate from Austria with the same team and day-to-day setup. dRG will support Elferspot through enhanced marketing capabilities, expanded dealer relationships, cross-platform editorial visibility, and new commerce opportunities across Porsche lifestyle and collectibles. These include its automotive media and lifestyle brand Petrolicious—dedicated to celebrating the art, culture, and craftsmanship of driving—and exclusive events such as Retromobile New York. “Elferspot has always been built by Porsche enthusiasts for Porsche enthusiasts — and I’m proud of what our team has created over the years, based in Austria,” said Markus Klimesch, Founder and CEO of Elferspot, who will remain a significant shareholder and continue to lead the company. “What many people don’t know is that the earliest Porsche 356 sports cars were built in Austria before Porsche returned to Stuttgart. The U.S. then played an important role early on in Porsche’s global success. In a way, Elferspot follows a similar path: we started in Austria, built a global enthusiast community, and now we’re joining forces with duPont REGISTRY Group in the U.S. to take the next step — while staying Porsche-focused, Austria-based, and run by the same team.” "Over the years, we repeatedly received inbound interest from potential buyers and investors, but we decided to take this step only with duPont REGISTRY Group. We share a long-term vision and see strong strategic fit and real synergies. For all our customers and partners, our core promise remains unchanged: we stay Porsche-focused, Austria-based, and run by the same team, with more opportunities to grow together." With Elferspot joining its portfolio, duPont REGISTRY Group continues to build one of the most comprehensive luxury automotive networks in the world—connecting collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts through trusted platforms that define each marque's culture. Elferspot's global community will also benefit from access to dRG's curated portfolio of car financing, leasing, insurance, and vehicle protection offerings tailored to the high-end automotive market. "Elferspot represents exactly the type of focused, enthusiast-led platform we seek to bring into the duPont REGISTRY Group ecosystem," said Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group. "Porsche enthusiasts and collectors are among the most passionate and discerning in the automotive world, and Elferspot's engaged community mirrors the sophistication, loyalty and scale of our existing Ferrari audience. This investment allows us to deepen our presence in one of the strongest segments of the global collector market." About duPont REGISTRY Group: duPont REGISTRY Group (DRG) is the world’s leading 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 members looking to buy and sell luxury vehicles. Using data insights and advanced technology to build a seamless and scalable digital marketplace, duPont REGISTRY Group facilitates billions of dollars in transactions and redefines how enthusiasts and collectors engage within the luxury automotive world. Its portfolio includes duPont REGISTRY, Canossa Events, Cavallino, Supercar Owners Circle, Petrolicious, Retromobile USA, FerrariChat, and Sotheby's Motorsport. For more information, visit www.duPontREGISTRYGroup.com.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2026

How McMurtry Automotive's Spéirling Achieves 1000HP

There’s a lot of eyes on electric hypercars right now, but the McMurtry Automotive Spéirling earns attention for a different reason: it’s small, track-focused, and brutally honest about how it makes its power. No massive cylinder counts or exaggerated numbers, just a compact single-seater that somehow produces 1,000 horsepower and uses it all. The secret isn’t just batteries. It’s motors. Very serious motors.Those motors come from Helix, a UK company that has quietly spent the last two decades perfecting high-performance EV solutions. For the Spéirling, Helix developed a totally bespoke system using two SPX242-94 electric motors mounted at the rear, directly paired with McMurtry’s custom gearbox. Together, they deliver a combined 1,000 horsepower, but the real story is how efficiently and consistently that power is produced.Each SPX242-94 motor weighs in at just 72 pounds yet delivers 368 lb-ft of torque. Instead of building a big, heavy EV and masking mass with brute force, McMurtry went the opposite direction: shrink everything, save weight everywhere, and rely on motors that punch far above their size. The result is an electric drivetrain that fits neatly inside a compact, single-seat chassis with hypercar performance.Of course, power is only useful if you can put it down. That’s where McMurtry’s now-famous Downforce-on-Demand fan system comes into play. By actively pulling the car into the ground, the Spéirling allows Helix’s motors to unleash their torque immediately, without waiting for speed or aero buildup. That is how the car hits 0–60 mph in 1.5 seconds and why it’s rewritten record books at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Laguna Seca, and the Top Gear test track.Helix’s motors are confirmed for the production Spéirling PURE, with customer deliveries planned for 2026. And through McMurtry Technology, the lessons learned here, fan downforce, compact e-axles, and high-performance battery systems, are being introduced to other manufacturers. In a world chasing bigger numbers, the Spéirling proves that smarter engineering still wins.

By Charles Bradley – February 12, 2026

Bugatti Mistral Wins Inaugural duPont REGISTRY ‘Best In Show’ Award At Cars On 5th

A Bugatti Mistral, owned by Dr. Gordon Vanscoy, has been awarded the first-ever duPont REGISTRY Best in Show Award at the Cars on Fifth event in Naples, Florida – now part of the duPont REGISTRY Group – an honor befitting what is not merely a hypercar, but a historic milestone in the Bugatti lineage. The duPont REGISTRY Award is a sculptural masterpiece born from the hands of Pininfarina, embodying the perfect blend of Italian elegance and American luxury. This prestigious accolade will be presented to the standout vehicles deemed the “Best of the Best” across duPont REGISTRY Group's multiple exotic and luxury car shows throughout the United States. The Mistral was never a car one could simply order. Acquisition came strictly by invitation from Bugatti. From specification to delivery, the process took three years, culminating in March 2025 with the arrival of the first Mistral delivered to North America. Just 99 examples exist worldwide, and production is entirely sold out. Named after the powerful, cold northwest wind that sweeps from France’s Rhône Valley into the Mediterranean, the Mistral symbolizes speed, freedom, and raw natural force. In Dr. Vanscoy’s case, that force takes on a uniquely personal identity. This bespoke specification—finished in Blanc, French Racing Blue, and Nocturne – has been christened “Angele.” It serves as a luminous counterpart to the owner’s black and ruby Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, aptly named “Diable.” Together, the pair represent duality: light and shadow, elegance and menace. A Rolling Sculpture Inside, the Mistral’s cabin elevates automotive design into haute craftsmanship. The centerpiece is an intricately machined aluminum gear shifter housing Rembrandt Bugatti’s famed “dancing elephant” sculpture, encased in crystal glass. It is not merely a design flourish, but a continuation of Bugatti heritage dating back to the marque’s earliest masterpieces. Even the delivery reflected the car’s stature. The Mistral was shipped via jet in a custom wooden crate – an arrival befitting a mechanical crown jewel. The Final W16 Roadster Beyond its elegance lies staggering performance. The Bugatti Mistral is powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque, sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to an all-wheel-drive system. Its capabilities border on the surreal: 0–60 mph: 2.4 seconds 0–100 mph: 4.0 seconds 0–124 mph: 5.6 seconds 0–186 mph: 12.1 seconds Top speed: 282 mph, making it the world’s fastest roadster At full throttle, the quad-turbo system consumes 1,000 liters of air per second. A full tank of fuel would last just nine minutes under maximum attack. These are numbers that redefine the upper limits of internal combustion performance – and the Mistral stands as the final roadster to carry Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine. A Defining Moment at Cars on 5th Cars on 5th has quickly become one of Florida’s premier luxury automotive showcases, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from across the country. To debut the duPont REGISTRY Best in Show Award at this event was intentional: it recognizes not simply beauty, but significance. The Mistral embodies both. It represents the end of an era for Bugatti’s W16 platform, the pinnacle of bespoke hypercar craftsmanship, and the type of invitation-only exclusivity that defines the highest echelon of the collector market. For Dr. Vanscoy, the award marks a celebration of patience, vision, and passion. For Cars on 5th, it ensured that the first-ever duPont REGISTRY Best in Show winner would be nothing short of extraordinary. The next duPont REGISTRY Group event is the Miami Concours, and you can buy tickets here. View All Bugattis For Sale Images: Cars on 5th

McMurtry Opens New Factory For Spéirling Production

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 09, 2026

McMurtry Automotive Opens A New Factory

McMurtry shook up the automotive industry in recent years with the Spéirling, which broke records with its fan car design and ultra-lightweight construction to make the most of massive amounts of electric power. Now, the McMurtry Spéirling PURE, the track-only hypercar that has already generated the buzz that the brand is enjoying thanks to feats like driving upside down and shattering the Goodwood Hill Climb record, is going into production, and McMurtry has is opening a new factory where customer cars will be built. The first customer delivery of the McMurtry Spéirling PURE will take place in summer 2026. In addition to the new factory, McMurtry is also celebrating the creation of its new applied technology arm, McMurtry Technology. Through this new division, McMurtry plans to commercialize the level of engineering and ingenuity involved in the Spéirling to benefit other OEMs, evolving the automotive and BEV industry, especially in the performance realm. McMurtry Technology has already acquired high-profile clients with 7-figure revenues. Having been founded in 2016, McMurtry Automotive makes both of these milestone strides in its 10th anniversary year, as Ben and Richard McMurtry carry the torch first lit by Sir David McMurtry and his visionary engineering. Starting at roughly under $1.4 million, the new production McMurtry Spéirling PURE hypercar is a demonstration of unfathomable EV performance engineering for the track. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: McMurtry Automotive

By Charles Bradley – February 03, 2026

Palm Beach Cavallino Classic To Host Exclusive RM Sotheby’s Ferrari Boutique Auction

Photo courtesy of RM Sotheby's. The Palm Beach Cavallino Classic has long stood as one of North America’s most rarefied celebrations of Ferrari, a blue-riband concours where historically significant cars from Maranello gather each winter amid palm trees and ocean air. This year, the 35th edition of the storied event expands its luxury footprint with a highly anticipated live boutique auction, further cementing its status as an essential moment on the global collector-car calendar. Cavallino, which is part of duPont REGISTRY Group, continues to elevate the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic as a destination experience for owners, collectors and enthusiasts alike. The event’s Concorso d’Eleganza will unfold on the 18th fairway of The Boca Raton’s golf course, offering a picturesque setting for a carefully selected field of Ferraris. This year’s concours introduces a completely new show field layout, an enhanced check-in process and a reimagined awards ceremony. The day will conclude with the Cavallino Auction by RM Sotheby’s, followed by the traditional Cavallino Night – an elegant finale that blends concours culture, high-end hospitality and world-class collecting. Together, the concours and auction reaffirm the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic’s position at the intersection of luxury lifestyle and automotive heritage, where Ferrari’s past and present continue to command center stage. Presented in partnership with RM Sotheby’s, the one-day sale will take place Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8:30 pm, bringing a tightly curated selection of Ferrari Classiche-certified and Cavallino Platinum Award-winning automobiles to the block. Drawn from across the marque’s illustrious history, the 16 lots reflect the highest standards of provenance, originality and concours pedigree – precisely the attributes prized by the Cavallino Classic’s deeply knowledgeable audience. Leading the sale is a 2015 LaFerrari, Ferrari’s hybrid hypercar halo model, which carries an estimate of $4.45 million to $4.75 million. Close behind is a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti, one of the most coveted front-engine V-12 berlinettas of the era, estimated at $3.4 million to $3.6 million. Rounding out the headline cars are two elegant grand tourers from Ferrari’s golden age: a 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe by Pinin Farina and a 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series I by Pininfarina, each expected to achieve between $1.3 million and $1.6 million. Beyond the automobiles, the auction embraces the broader mythology of the Prancing Horse. Among the more esoteric offerings is a bespoke two-piece suit made for Enzo Ferrari, accompanied by dress shoes. Offered without reserve, the ensemble is expected to bring $100,000 to $200,000. Also crossing the block are signed helmets worn by Ferrari Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Gerhard Berger, further underscoring the sale’s appeal to collectors of Ferrari automobilia and motorsports history.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 30, 2026

Bentley Reveals The Bentayga X Concept

High in the Austrian Alps, the FAT Ice Race has become one of the most interesting automotive events in the world, with snow crunching underneath tires and engines echoing across the frozen lake. Heritage classics, modern super and hypercars, and concept cars are all displayed on the same icy stage. Bentley chose this year’s event to reveal the Bentayga X Concept. Unveiling a more adventurous Bentayga on a frozen lake at Zell am See makes far more sense than a reveal under studio lights. The standard Bentayga is already known for doing a little bit of everything, while the Speed focuses on pure performance, and the Extended Wheelbase caters to those who live in the back seat. The Bentayga X Concept explores a different side of the SUV entirely. Built on the Bentayga Speed platform, it keeps the twin-turbo 4.0L V8, eight-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive, along with air suspension and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system. Forged 22-inch Brixton wheels wrapped in off-road tires fit perfectly under its widebody, with the track stretched by 4.7 inches and the ride height lifted just over 2 inches. Functional upgrades include roof-mounted storage, auxiliary lighting for the exposed towing eyes, and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust at the rear. Even the roof rack serves a purpose, carrying a small electric go-kart as a nod to FAT Karting culture. Alongside the Bentayga X Concept sat Travis Pastrana’s boldly liveried Supersports, the newly announced Continental GTC S, and the Continental GT S, which made its global “road” debut sliding across the ice. A Bentayga Speed and Mulliner’s Speed Six Continuation Series Car Zero rounded out the lineup. All Bentley Bentayga Inventory

By Charles Bradley – January 30, 2026

Capricorn 01 Zagato Accelerates Toward Production With SOC Partnership Debut at Rétromobile

In the rarefied world of ultra-limited hypercars, progress is measured not by promises, but by metal, carbon fiber and leather. At Salon Rétromobile in Paris, capricorn Group underscored that philosophy with the presentation of its second fully functional capricorn 01 Zagato prototype – while simultaneously launching a new partnership with the Supercar Owners Circle, the world’s most exclusive network of car collectors and part of the duPont REGISTRY Group. Displayed on the Supercar Owners Circle (SOC) booth within the Ultimate Supercar Garage at Rétromobile, the latest capricorn 01 Zagato marks a pivotal moment for the German-based automotive and motorsport lightweight technology leader. The unveiling not only highlights the rapid pace of development behind the $3.5 million hypercar, but also formally aligns capricorn with a global community defined by discretion, rarity, and access to the most significant automobiles on the planet. The appearance in Paris follows just three months after the global debut of the first capricorn 01 Zagato at Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium, where the Verde Knokke-finished prototype with Brown Connolly leather interior made its public bow. That earlier car was shown in collaboration with design partner Zagato on the booth of luxury Swiss watchmaker Chopard, reinforcing capricorn’s positioning at the intersection of high horology, bespoke design, and collector-grade engineering. At Rétromobile, capricorn presented two fully drivable prototypes, both of which form part of an accelerated test and calibration program rooted in the brand’s extensive motorsport experience. A third example is currently under construction at capricorn’s production facility in Mönchengladbach, Germany. All three vehicles will play a central role as the brand moves toward a strictly limited production run of just 19 handbuilt coupes, with first customer deliveries planned for 2026. Featuring a body designed by Zagato, the capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive hypercar built around an uncompromising, analog driving ethos. Power comes from a 900PS 5.2-liter supercharged V8, paired with a five-speed manual transmission – an increasingly rare configuration in today’s hypercar landscape. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and manually selectable Comfort, Sport, and Track driving modes complete a mechanical package designed to prioritize driver engagement over digital intervention. “For capricorn, progress is measured not in announcements, but in the quality of the cars we put on the road,” said Robertino Wild, CEO of capricorn. “Each prototype of the capricorn 01 Zagato allows us to deepen the relationship between design, engineering and driver – and to validate our decisions under real conditions before production begins later this year. Creating prototypes in rapid succession, with another already taking shape in Germany, underlines the clarity of vision behind this project and the dedication of the team bringing the capricorn 01 Zagato to the road.” Underpinning the car is an LMP1-inspired, all-carbon-fiber monocoque body and chassis, paired with a double-wishbone, pushrod suspension system featuring Bilstein EVO R weight-optimized dampers. Developed at the Nürburgring, the suspension has demonstrated exceptional performance on Bilstein’s seven-post test rig, combining enhanced rigidity with ultra-responsive damping tailored specifically for the capricorn 01 Zagato. The partnership with Supercar Owners Circle further elevates the model’s standing among elite collectors. SOC’s global membership is known for its curated access to the most exclusive automobiles and private experiences, making the collaboration a natural fit for a hypercar limited to fewer than two dozen examples worldwide. Sales of the entire series will be handled exclusively through the Louyet Group, a prominent premium and luxury automotive retailer. With only a minimal number of build slots remaining, the capricorn 01 Zagato is already emerging as one of the most closely watched collector hypercars of 2026 – defined not just by its numbers, but by the company it keeps.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2026

BOTTEGAFUORISERIE at Paris Shows Why Bespoke Still Matters

Set inside Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and overlapping with the 50th anniversary of Rétromobile, Ultimate Supercar Garage, in partnership with duPont RESITRY Group's Supercar Owners Circle, offers visitors a slower pace, more about taking things in than being wowed. You see plenty of carbon fiber, sure, but what stands out most are the cars that deserve a second look. That’s where the Alfa Romeo and Maserati came together under the BOTTEGAFUORISERIE banner. It’s the first time the two brands have shown up together under a shared idea. Four cars on display: the New 33 Stradale, Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa, MCXtrema, and GT2 Stradale. They’re wildly different, but they share the common thread that none of them feel mass-produced, even by supercar standards. All Maserati Inventory All Alfa Romeo Inventory Alfa Romeo New 33 Stradale Finished in a deep green livery that references Alfa Romeo icons like the GTA, GTAm, and the Bertone Carabo. A modern reinterpretation of the original 1960s 33 Stradale, carrying on its focus on proportion, beauty, and motorsport-derived DNA. Extremely limited production of just 33 cars, all sold, with each example built as an individual, one-of-one piece. Powered by a 630 horsepower twin-turbo V6, capable of 0–60 mph in under three seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa Ultra-limited production of just 10 cars worldwide, all sold, marking the first collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Luna Rossa ahead of the 38th America’s Cup. Developed within the BOTTEGAFUORISERIE program. Most aerodynamically efficient Giulia Quadrifoglio to date, featuring a low-drag carbon-fiber aero kit that delivers up to five times more downforce. Exterior finished in an iridescent paint inspired by Luna Rossa’s racing yacht, paired with a black-and-gray two-tone contrast and red Alfa Romeo badging. Interior details draw directly from sailing, including Sparco seats inspired by crew flotation gear and dashboard materials sourced from racing sails. Maserati MCXtrema Track-only and limited to 62 examples worldwide. Powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 derived from the Nettuno engine, producing 740 horsepower. Bespoke “Corse” livery designed with the owner through the MCXlusiva program. Two-tone matte blue-and-white exterior with a contrasting Trident and the owner’s number, 77, on the door, referencing the MC12. Maserati GT2 Stradale Road-going and derived from the GT2 race car. Powered by the 640 horsepower Nettuno V6, capable of 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds, and a top speed over 198 mph. 132-pounds lighter than the MC20. Highly customizable through Fuoriserie.

RM Sotheby's Totals $63M At Arizona Car Week

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2026

RM Sotheby's Totals $63M In Sales At Arizona Car Week

RM Sotheby’s wasted no time setting the pace for 2026, kicking off the auction season at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa with a single-day sale that pulled in a healthy $63 million. As a staple of Arizona Car Week, the 28th annual Arizona auction felt exciting from the start, with a 94% sell-through rate and bidders tuning in from 23 different countries. The atmosphere was less about spectacle and more about momentum—collectors clearly showed up ready to buy, reinforcing that the market, at least at the top, remains very much awake. What stood out was the range of interest across all sorts of eras and marques. From pre-war icons like Duesenbergs to modern-day Ferrari halo cars, the room reflected a broad confidence in blue-chip collectibles. Ferrari’s top-tier models continue to command serious attention, while the Porsche market, led by cars like the Carrera GT, keeps pushing into new territory with prices setting fresh benchmarks. Hitting $63 million in a single day marks RM Sotheby’s strongest Arizona showing in a decade, and if this sale is any indication, the 2026 collector car calendar is already shaping up to be a wild one. Highlights (Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's) 2003 Ferrari Enzo sold for $9,300,000. One of 111 examples specified for the US market and one of 498 built overall, this low-mileage Enzo shows just 746 miles from new and has had only three private caretakers, including 17 years with its most recent owner. (ted7.com/RM Sothebys) 1995 Ferrari F50 sold for $8,805,000. One of 349 built, this highly original F50 in Rosso Corsa over Nero shows 8,195 miles and has received extensive six-figure servicing by Ferrari of Newport Beach. Powered by a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V-12 derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 program. (ted7.com/RM Sothebys) 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari sold for $5,477,500. Limited to 499 examples, LaFerrari pairs a 6.3-liter V-12 with Ferrari’s hybrid system for 949 horsepower. Finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero and Rosso, this example shows 1,938 miles. (Patrick Ernzen/RM Sotheby's) 2005 Porsche Carrera GT sold for $3,085,000. One of approximately 644 examples delivered new to the US market and one of 1,270 built overall, this low-mileage Carrera GT shows just 2,147 miles and is finished in Seal Grey Metallic over Dark Grey leather. Offered with desirable factory options and the rarely seen factory Dark Grey luggage, it also benefits from a recent $45,000 service completed by Porsche Sugar Land in March 2025. (Mackeydesigns/RM Sotheby's) 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy sold for $1,572,500. Retaining its original short-wheelbase chassis, engine, and Murphy coachwork, this iconic Model J has been upgraded to supercharged SJ specification using original components. A well-documented example with notable provenance, it is a CCCA Full Classic and was featured in Beverly Rae Kimes’ The Classic Car. Top 10 Lots Sold 2003 Ferrari Enzo – $9,300,000 1995 Ferrari F50 – $8,805,000 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari – $5,477,500 2005 Porsche Carrera GT – $3,085,000 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort – $2,535,000 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight – $2,480,000 2012 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype P2 – $2,425,000 1929 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by Murphy – $1,572,500 2020 McLaren Senna GTR - $1,270,000 1994 RUF RCT Evo Widebody - $1,242,500 Significant Records Broken 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Previous record: $2,200,000Record-breaking price: $3,085,000 1988 Porsche 959 KomfortPrevious record: $2,135,815Record-breaking price: $2,535,000 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Club Coupe Previous record: $231,784 Record-breaking price: $318,500 2010 Porsche 911 Sport ClassicPrevious record: $764,000Record-breaking price: $775,000 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS 'Ispirazioni'Previous record: $770,000 Record-breaking price: $995,000

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