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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 – August 27, 2026

duPont REGISTRY Group Announces Strategic Investment from the Family Office of Technology Executive Sureel Choksi

MIAMI, FL – August 26, 2026 – duPont REGISTRY Group (“dRG”), the premier, AI-powered, digitally-enabled platform for the high-end automotive lifestyle, today announced a significant strategic investment from the family office of technology executive Sureel Choksi, President and CEO of Vantage Data Centers and passionate race car driver and car collector. This strategic investment reinforces dRG's standing as the premier entity in the luxury automotive sector. It underscores the group’s commitment to cultivating a seamless and reliable ecosystem where enthusiasts and collectors can effortlessly buy, sell and immerse themselves in their passion for automobiles. This move is a testament to the exceptional value of dRG’s global client and collector car database and the robust appeal of the group’s renowned brands whose reputation as a trusted source for luxury and exotic vehicles spans over 40 years. “I am very impressed with how Antoine and his team utilize technology, proprietary data and AI to transform how clients transact and engage with luxury and exotic cars,” said Mr. Choksi. “dRG has a strong foundation and market position, with exciting growth opportunities ahead.” “Sureel’s investment continues to validate that we’ve built a durable business with significant runway ahead,” said Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group (dRG). “His experience operating at scale, managing complex global platforms and thinking strategically about data and capital deployment brings a perspective that will sharpen our focus as we continue to scale the technology and infrastructure that enables us to continue expanding dRG’s reach.” About duPont REGISTRY Group duPont REGISTRY Group (dRG) is the world’s premier luxury automotive platform, encapsulating the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle, with an ecosystem uniting premium content, an integrated platform and immersive experiences, including more than 120 events globally that gather close to 120,000 attendees. By combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled vehicle access, dRG is redefining how enthusiasts connect and transact. 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. Media Contact ICR for duPont REGISTRY Group: duPont@icrinc.com

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 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 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.

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