Real Estate

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 – June 07, 2021

Mansion Monday: Top 5 Mansions of the Week

By Edward Jones – May 18, 2021

Home of the Day: Unique French Country Estate in Longwood...

Presented by Jamie DiSalvatore of DiSalvatore & Associates, Inc. Location: Longwood, Florida Address: 2878 Markham Woods Roads Price: $6,700,000 Bedrooms: 10 Bathrooms: 13 Full, 4 Half Square Feet: 20,066 total square feet View Listing Authentic French Country Estate is sited on 7.61 acres of rolling lawns. Boasting 2 sparkling pools, a guest house, cottage, pavilion, gazebo, park, and every man’s dream a 9-bay garage. Includes an office/media, kitchen, workshop, also a bus garage. With space to land a helicopter. Privately gated and accessed by its own brick and extensively paved streets. As you drive down the long driveway and over the stone bridge, you will find this Unique Custom Compound unparalleled by any other Affluent property in the Orlando area. It will take your breath away. This magnificent 12,000-square-foot mansion accommodates work from home and distance learning needs as well as fitness, recreation, and outdoor enjoyment. Exquisite detail with the highest level of craftsmanship. Boasting 6 bedrooms, 5 is en suite, 8 full and 3 half baths, a library, 5 fireplaces and a 5-car garage. A grand entry welcomes you and is just the beginning of the striking architectural design features you will find in this one-of-a-kind home. Also present is an elevator, library, display wine cellar, bar, hobby room, chef’s kitchen, formal living, and formal dining room. Opens out onto the front lanai viewing the park setting and lush landscape. The amazing owners wing, nanny’s wing and centered recreation spaces are well positioned for privacy. You will enjoy the private covered balcony from which you can admire the views of the flagstone saltwater pool, featuring stone diving, fountains, and views beyond. The main residence also includes an indoor resistance pool, spa and steam bath all opening to a large private terrace. An expansive exterior lanai, screened enclosed pool, a summer kitchen, are all perfectly designed for entertaining and relaxation. Additionally, included is a 3 bedroom 3- and one-half bath full guest house with a private garage, a cottage, 1,740 square foot pavilion and every Gentleman’s dream this 5,040 -square foot garage. Stereo, surround sound, state of the art security & lighting system throughout this family compound. The most Unique Estate in Seminole County & maybe all of Orlando. View Listing

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Derek Jeter's Tampa Mansion Just Sold for $22.5 Million

The area's most expensive sale of a home. The lavish Tampa mansion owned by Derek Jeter and previously lived in by Tom Brady has been sold by the Stephen Gay Group of Smith & Associates Real Estate, and it's set a record for the area. Selling for $22.5 million, it's the most expensive house sold in Tampa Bay and that price tag makes sense when you see it for yourself. Spanning 22,000-square-feet, this estate includes seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, eight half-bathrooms, a wine cellar, in-home movie theater, professional gym, in-law suite, six-car garage and so much more. Stepping outside, the estate known as "St. Jetersburg" has 9.000-square-feet of outdoor covered porches and balconies, as well as a dock with two boat lifts, an 80-foot saltwater lap pool, and a heated spa. There's not a single place within the grounds of this estate that doesn't offer some kind of lavish amenity or breathtaking view and because of that, it's most definitely worth being known as the most expensive house sold in Tampa. If you'd like to see Jeter's Tampa mansion with your own eyes, check out the video up above of the gallery down below. Luxury Homes For Sale Photography Source: Smith & Associates Real Estate | Stephen Gay Group, Uneek ImageVideography Source: " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Edward Jones – May 03, 2021

Mansion Monday: Top 5 Mansions of the Week

Every day, duPont REGISTRY features the finest luxury real estate and showcases Homes of the Day across all of our social media platforms, including our Instagram: @dupontregistry_homes. Mansions from around the globe are highlighted through our partnerships with luxury real estate experts, both domestically and internationally. Our top properties are the most highly-engaged posts from the week - these are the most-liked listings our followers have selected. Be sure to follow, like and comment to see your favorite listing here next week!Luxury real estate experts: if your listing deserves to be showcased, submit it here! https://www.instagram.com/p/COaqmhrsVpA/ Situated Right on the Tip & Most Prime Location on Star Island, this Legendary Venetian Villa was Built By Carl Fisher in 1924 on a Massive Pie-Shaped Parcel that is Just Under 1 Acre & a Half With Breathtaking Open Bay Views. With Over 255 FT of Waterfront, it Was Originally Developed as the Immense Grand Yacht Club Ideal for Yachts on the 1st Miami Beach Island Completely Built from Scratch By Mr. Fisher as well. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/COX4fX0nfvc/ A rich blend of brick, stone & stucco defines the rustic elegance & timeless architecture of this European- styled residence from Steve Williams Custom Homes. Impressive covered porch entrance & 9? double doors lead to travertine marble foyer with arched entryways, private study with stone fireplace & custom built-ins and elegant dining room. Hand hewn beams & floor-to-ceiling fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases set the tone for the stunning great room. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/COVTtUhFYqE/ Exquisite Custom Brick Home, situated on over an acre, boasts soaring ceilings which enhance entry foyer with custom designed stained glass doors. Formal living and dining rooms flank the oval shaped entryway followed by an Office/library with wet bar and great room with custom marble encased fireplace Large picture window overlooks private rear yard, patio, free form pool, and Hot Tub. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/CONlRHELBmu/ This stately courtyard home in Quail West is perfect for entertaining and family and sits on nearly an acre of lushly landscaped grounds. With 5 plus Bedrooms, 5 and 1 half Bathrooms, home office, stunning courtyard, gourmet chefs kitchen and more this home is sure to please even the most discriminating buyer View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/COLAe9rLY0L/ VINEYARD with a VIEW! Unique opportunity to own one of the most magnificent estates on the Navesink River comprised of a boutique vineyard, 8 bedrooms/7.1 baths & custom 40×50 outdoor heated swimming pool. This exquisite estate home offers incomparable privacy on over 10.5 acres. View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 23, 2021

The Best View-Inspired Luxury Homes You Can Buy Today

Waterfront, mountain peaks and golf course greens; luxury homeowners seek a lifestyle accompanied by breathtaking views. An amenity-rich home coupled with outdoor spaces from which to enjoy the surroundings is unmatched in the luxury real estate marketplace. From the sandy shores of California's coast to Colorado's mountaintops, each of these offerings showcases exquisite views. Presenting the market's best view-inspired luxury homes; peruse the listings below to find your next home. 31118 Broad Beach Rd.Malibu, California 90265$100,000,000 View Listing 610 Los Trancos Rd.Palo Alto, California 94304$53,888,000 View Listing 1000 S Starwood Dr.Aspen, Colorado 81611$48,000,000 View Listing 46 Star Island Dr. Miami Beach, Florida 33139$42,000,000 View Listing 9675 Fairview Point Ln.Easton, Maryland 21601$40,000,000 View Listing 27500 La Vida RealLos Altos Hills, California 94022$39,998,000 View Listing Lionheart, Oil Nut BayTortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands$39,500,000 View Listing Krystal House, Old Fort BayNassau/New Providence, Bahamas$32,000,000 View Listing 1940 South A1AVero Beach, Florida 32963$29,900,000 View Listing 58 Bahama Cir.Tampa, Florida 33606$29,000,000 View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 22, 2021

Home of the Day: Absolutely Stunning Condominium in Tibur...

Presented by William Pegg and Mark DuBois - Keller Williams Realty - Location: Tiburon, California Address: 312 Paradise Drive Price: $3,080,000 Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 3 total bathrooms Square Feet: 2,261 total square feet View Listing Absolutely stunning! This glamorous must-have condominium is located in the illustrious Belvedere Tiburon on the coast of the bay. Phenomenal Golden Gate and Marin shoreline views through floor-to-ceiling windows right in front of the living room, dining and the luxurious primary bedroom and bathroom suite highlight this wonderfully updated luxury condo. Imagine yourself waking up facing this gorgeous view, kicking off your day the right way. With no front neighbors, you enjoy viewing and visiting the beautiful Shoreline Park with a walking and biking trail just across the street, which leads to the Tiburon Marina, shops and restaurants only a stone’s throw away. Built in 1985 of approximately 2,261 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this unit can be a getaway or a great place to entertain. The main level has an open floor plan and all the bedrooms are secluded upstairs. Features include a spacious stall shower, three fireplaces, walk-in closet, skylights, ample storage, laundry area and more. Plus, you can also enjoy outdoor space at your community pool or spa overlooking the bay, or on one of your two decks. With no public hallway to navigate you have direct, safe access to the unit and the two assigned parking spaces, one is a garage. The area has top-rated schools, is an easy commute to San Francisco and a hop and skip to the wine country! This low-maintenance lifestyle is a must-visit. Make it yours today! View Listing Mark DuBoisKeller Williams RealtyDuBoisRealEstate@gmail.com510-915-1193 William PeggKeller Williams RealtyBillPeggRealty@gmail.com510-912-1259 Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 21, 2021

Dave Portnoy Rents Miami Mansion Formerly Owned by Floyd ...

Dave Portnoy is taking up residence in south Florida at a Miami Beach pad formerly owned by boxing champion, Floyd Mayweather. Portnoy is reportedly shelling out $200,000 per month for the waterfront modern design until he finds a permanent place of his own. Mayweather initially purchased the home in 2016 for $7.7 million and sold it in the fall of 2020 for $6.25 million - at a $1.5 million loss. Portnoy moved into the Miami mansion in March and has been living lavishly in the 5,200-square-foot space with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The home was newly constructed in 2015. The design features floor-to-ceiling walls of glass looking out onto the Intracoastal, natural wood floors, a Cameo white lacquer kitchen inside and a rooftop summer kitchen. There's also a dock and 80 feet of water frontage. View Listing Photography/video via Realtor.com

By Alyssa Mammano – April 20, 2021

Ultra-Wealthy Flock to Four Seasons Private Residences in...

It was recently announced that the Dubai-based brokerage Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty completely sold out the new Four Seasons Private Residences in Dubai in just three months. The ultra-luxury development is a VIP branded residence, which includes five-star service and access to hotel amenities. The residences were quickly snapped up by elite international royals and celebrities, according to CEO of Luxhabitat Sotheby's, George Azar. Dubai has continued to see increasing market growth throughout the pandemic, with ultra-wealthy buyers seeking to plant roots for its reputation of a high-end lifestyle, design and convenience. The Four Seasons residences allow its buyers to reside along the Dubai Canal in two, three or four-bedroom units starting at $3 million. There are only 28 units within the development. View Luxury Listings Photography/video via Four Seasons

By Alyssa Mammano – April 19, 2021

Mansion Monday: Top 5 Mansions of the Week

Every day, duPont REGISTRY features the finest luxury real estate and showcases Homes of the Day across all of our social media platforms, including our Instagram: @dupontregistry_homes. Mansions from around the globe are highlighted through our partnerships with luxury real estate experts, both domestically and internationally. Our top properties are the most highly-engaged posts from the week - these are the most-liked listings our followers have selected. Be sure to follow, like and comment to see your favorite listing here next week!Luxury real estate experts: if your listing deserves to be showcased, submit it here! https://www.instagram.com/p/CNpk8VLg5u4/ Resort-style living on the edge of the Bay with private boat dock! Live on your own private resort in this enchanting Santa Barbara-style custom gated estate. This four-bedroom, three full, three half bathroom stately residence offers exceptional curb appeal and an inviting floor plan sure to appeal to every lifestyle, featuring grand-scale entertaining spaces, phenomenal kitchen/family room, oversized office/den, private bedroom retreats, spa-like bathrooms and unparalleled views across the bay. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/CNk9PIzgoVk/ A majestic Tudor-style estate with picture perfect views of the lake and Trump National Golf Club Charlotte! This gorgeous five-bedroom home will take your breath away with pristine grounds and three levels of luxurious living and entertaining space. Peaceful covered terraces, screened-in porch, outdoor kitchen and pool with hot tub allow you to truly appreciate lake living. The thoughtful floor plan allows open and light-filled spaces with water views at every turn. Other features include four fireplaces, incredible chef’s kitchen, lovely master suite, spacious secondary bedrooms each with en-suite bath, two laundry rooms and elevator. No detail has been overlooked in this impeccably maintained home! View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/CNsHEFFgd5X/ Captivating, luxurious view estate located in one of the Tiburon’s most prestigious locations. This stately one-of-a-kind residence features seven bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and a studio one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, approximately 7,930+/- square feet, situated on almost a half acre of land. This architectural masterpiece showcases the epitome of luxury with a contemporary design flair, designer features and finishes throughout and captures world-class views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Belvedere Island, Sausalito to Richardson Bay and Mount Tamalpais. View Listing https://www.instagram.com/p/CNxQgIGL7lw/ Refresh your new year with a fresh fog-free shower mirror. ShowerLite by ClearMirror has bright LEDs to shed some light on your grooming routine. The heated mirror defogger never lets fog ruin your shave. Bring new energy to your shower with our patented technology. ClearMirror.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CNz1YtMAB7H/ “Catesby Farm:” gracious Georgian manor home, 11,000 square feet, built in 1930, completely updated and suitable for large scale entertaining. Seven bedrooms, seven full baths and one half bath, seven fireplaces, high ceilings, formal gardens and private setting. Improvements include Belmont-style stable with 30 stalls and two apartments. Four-bedroom guest house/entertainment complex, four-car garage with office, four recently restored tenant houses, skeet range, pool and tennis court. 241 acres recorded in three parcels. Land mostly open and rolling with bold mountain views, numerous ponds and vineyard. View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 15, 2021

Home of the Day: Exquisite Award-Winning Estate Home

Presented by Cathy Stubbs - Keller Williams Southwest - Location: Sugar Land, Texas Address: 1306 Horseshoe Drive Price: $4,950,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 14,376 total square feet View Listing "Normandy on the Lake" is an award-winning French Country-style waterfront estate tucked away in tranquil Sugar Land, TX, minutes from downtown Houston. Every detail has been carefully designed in this meticulously built private estate, grand and stately with classic European charm and elegance. Launch a kayak in the lake, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawn. Expansive property includes an observation tower, a multi-use sports court, and your own opera house. Two-story circular library and separate children's library. Sparkling Schonbek chandeliers and inspiring domed ceilings. Warm and welcoming natural stone and wood are used throughout. Epicurean kitchen with professional-grade appliances. Spacious two-bedroom guest suite. Outdoor living space is equally as spectacular and includes a kitchen, handsome stone fireplace, luxurious pool with spa and waterfall, and views of Lake Alkire. Expansive three-acre gated property with mature trees provides maximum privacy. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

Real Estate

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe