News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 06, 2026

Steven Victor's Love for Cars Inspires His Newest Nike AF1 Collaboration

Best known for his work as a record executive, talent manager, and A&R representative, Steven Victor has turned his success in music into opportunities to explore other passions, from cars to fashion. While he's worked with artists like Pusha-T and Pop Smoke, Steven is just as recognizable in the automotive world for owning one of the most impressive Ferrari collections on the planet. From exclusive Ferrari Icona series cars like the Daytona SP3 and Monza SP2 to full-blown factory 488 Challenge and GT3 race cars, his connection to cars often inspires projects beyond the interior, like his brand and record label, Victor Victor Worldwide. Fresh off launching a race-inspired campaign for his latest collaboration with Nike, Steven Victor recently stopped by DJ Khaled's home to gift him a friends-and-family pack of the new sneaker release.Already teased with LeBron James sporting yellow and purple pairs before announcing his departure from the Lakers, the Victor Victor Worldwide x Nike Air Force 1s have taken the internet by storm, spotted on A-list artists, celebs, and athletes. With DJ Khaled being a close friend and one of the biggest sneaker collectors ever, Steven not only presented him with the first red pair, but every color in the collection. The automotive inspiration carries over to the outsole, where a multicolored tread pattern resembles the colored stripes found on brand-new tires. And to give it even more of a motorsport feel, the six pairs came enclosed inside an actual Ferrari Challenge Pirelli P-Zero tire from Steven’s race car. This also isn’t the first time that Steven Victor incorporated his love for cars into his sneaker collaborations, debuting a Japan-exclusive Victor Victor x Air Max DN8 with ties to the Nissan Skyline, as well as a second colorway that pays homage to the Ferrari 488 Pista. With the University Red and Yellow Zest colorways already completely sold out, you’ll have to try your luck later this fall to secure a green, black, blue, or purple pair of the new Victor Victor Worldwide x Nike Air Force 1. Source: DJ Khaled Instagram

Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari's 2026 Lifestyle Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 05, 2026

Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari 2026 Lifestyle Collection

Motorsport has always somewhat influenced what we wear long after the engines cool down, and some of the most interesting design work happens far from the pit lane. The new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP lifestyle collection supports that idea, focusing on what racing culture looks like once the helmets are off and the weekend is over. Instead of loud graphics and overbranding, the collection takes a quieter, more minimal approach, drawing on decades of motorsport heritage for a modern, street-ready look for everyday life. Designed to feel natural away from the circuit, the collection is all about relaxed fits and premium materials. Oversized comfort, whether worn while traveling, walking a city block, or just lounging. Worn by Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, the collection reflects how drivers actually dress off duty, preferring comfort, versatility, and pieces that don't feel like team-issued gear. At the center of it all are reimagined T7 track jackets and pants, a familiar PUMA icon reshaped with motorsport inspiration. A premium hoodie rounds out the lineup and works just as well for travel days as for casual city wear. Footwear plays a key role in tying everything together, with sneakers like the Suede XL, Mostro, and Speedcat anchoring the range. These street-ready shoes mirror PUMA’s deep motorsport DNA while fitting naturally into Leclerc’s own off-track style. Taken as a whole, the PUMA Scuderia Ferrari lifestyle collection feels less like merch and more like an extension of racing culture, designed for fans and real life, well beyond race weekend. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Our Top Picks Scuderia Ferrari Hooded Jacket Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Shield Hoodie Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari 2025 Drivers T7 Oversized Pants Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Tonal Shield Tee Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Style Ultimate NITRO™ Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 29, 2024

Supreme x Ducati Reveal Its Ultra-Limited Streetfighter V...

From Honda to Ducati, Supreme flexes its talents on two-wheels. What first began as an early 90s skateboard brand with an urban edge, Supreme has quickly transformed into one of the most successful luxury streetwear brands. Famous for its simplistic red box logo, the NYC-based team is world-renowned for its creative collaboration with other industry leaders, which results in instant sellouts when launched. Having tried a hand at big-ticket items like the Supreme x Honda CRF dirtbike collection, priced at $90,000, Supreme is back to add another high-dollar mode of transportation to its portfolio of miscellaneous collabs. The two-wheel specialists at Ducati are teaming up with Supreme to release an ultra-limited line of Streetfighter V4 S motorcycles, featuring a custom Supreme livery that perfectly aligns with the Italian motorcycle manufacturer's historic colors. The Supreme x Ducati Streetfighter V4 S is presented as part of the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection release, which features everything from an ICEE machine to a Roland TR-08 Rythm Composer. Along with a fresh paint job that shows off the Supreme logo on the gas tank, the Streetfighter V4 S also includes other hidden logos that commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S is powered by a 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine, generating an impressive 208 horsepower and 90.4 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the motorcycle, Supreme and Ducati are also releasing a matching, limited-edition Corsair-X helmet in collaboration with Arai and Dainese Racing Jacket. In addition to the riding gear, which will be on sale exclusively through Supreme, the lifestyle collection consists of a Track Jacket, Hooded Work Jacket, Soccer Jersey, Track Pants, two T-shirts, and a 6-panel Hat. While pricing has yet to be revealed, it's safe to say that the new Supreme x Ducati Streetfighter V4 S will definitely cost more than its $27,595 MSRP. Shop All Supreme Source: Ducati

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 11, 2023

Porsche Museum Honors 75 Years Of Porsche In Frankfurt Wi...

Discover and shop some of Porsche most celebrated publications! 2023 holds a special place for Porsche as they commemorate 75 years since the debut of the groundbreaking Porsche 356 ‘No. 1’ Roadster. It was on 8 June 1948 that Porsche's iconic sports car secured its operating permit, marking the birth of the Porsche brand. Coincidentally, the Frankfurt Book Fair is also observing its 75th edition this year. From October 18th-21st, Porsche takes center stage to showcase releases from the 'Edition Porsche Museum'. At the Fair, enthusiasts and visitors will be treated to titles such as ‘Driven by Dreams – 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars’. This hardcover masterpiece explores 75 inspirational stories over 400 pages, capturing the passion and innovation that have shaped the brand into what it has become today. Notable mentions include insights from Porsche CEO, Oliver Blume, and Head of Design, Michael Mauer, as they celebrate Porsche’s journey and envision its future in the luxury automotive market. The museum's dedication is also apparent in their collaboration with Type 7 and ERG Media to produce the 'Artifacts' illustrated book. This unique book dives deep into Porsche’s roots to reveal its brand DNA through thousands of historical artifacts and insights. Further explaining Porsche's history, the ‘Porsche Chronik’ presents a chronological journey of the brand, from its modest 1931 beginnings to the vibrant 2023 celebrations. For those intrigued by the story behind the 911, the ‘Destination 901’ book uncovers the developmental stages leading up to this iconic model. Additionally, ‘The Story of the Porsche 356 No. 1 Roadster’ embodies the aspirations and realization of Ferry Porsche's dream car. Porsche also honors its association with the 24 Hours of Le Mans through ‘Porsche at Le Mans’, enclosing 72 years of racing history. As Porsche continues to celebrate 75 years of automotive excellence, owners and fans can discover the untold stories through any of these incredible publications. Pick up your own copy of Porsche's ‘Driven by Dreams – 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars’ book by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche's 'Driven by Dreams' Book Source: Porsche

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 19, 2023

Ferrari Renews And Strengthens Its Partnership With PUMA

Ferrari and PUMA are excited to continue their fuel-driven partnership. Ferrari and PUMA have announced the renewal of their long-term partnership, with PUMA set to become Ferrari's Premium Partner starting next year. Cementing this relationship marks yet another chapter in motorsports between the two fuel-driven giants, which first originated back in 2005. In addition to becoming the Premium Partner, PUMA will continue as the licensing partner for Ferrari-branded products and remain the supplier for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team and race wear. From limited edition Carlos Sainz Jr. sneakers to Charles Leclerc team t-shirts, PUMA's DNA and values perfectly line up with the winning attitude of Scuderia Ferrari F1. As Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari's CEO, put it, this partnership represents a trust and a desire to succeed through new opportunities together. Similarly, PUMA CEO Arne Freundt emphasized the brand's ambition to be the best partner for Scuderia Ferrari, celebrating the passion for Ferrari with millions worldwide. The multi-year renewal promises to deliver engaging experiences for fans. Ferrari and PUMA have set a high bar for partnerships, focusing on crossing the finish line in front of the pack. Shop all PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 apparel, footwear, and accessories by clicking on the link below. Shop All PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 Source: Ferrari

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe