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 Jordan Aquistapace – July 06, 2026

Daniel Arsham's $9 Million Converted SoHo Firehouse Hits the Market

Known for transforming everyday things into surreal experiences, Daniel Arsham’s vision as a contemporary artist has built him quite the portfolio, including world-renowned sculptures, installations, paintings, and countless creative collaborations. And while you’ve seen his name in headlines alongside massive brands like Porsche and Tiffany & Co. for limited-release drops, Arsham is now making waves in the real estate world after listing his residence in New York’s SoHo with the team at Compass Real Estate for $8,995,000.Finding the beauty and opportunity in older things, just like his passion for classic Porsches, Daniel Arsham’s Manhattan home began life as the firehouse for FDNY Engine Company No. 55. Originally constructed in 1887 by the famed Napoleon LeBrun, 185 Lafayette Street has preserved the intricate brickwork, terra cotta rosettes, and detailed stone cornice, standing as a piece of living history on the streets of NYC. It remained a functioning firehouse until 1982, when the city retained possession as sleeping quarters for a Deputy Fire Chief. Today, the residence is now completely renovated as a single-family home, with 13- to 15-foot beamed ceilings on every floor and a stunning roof terrace. The ground level operates as Arsham’s studio, garage, and entertaining area, perfect for housing some incredible works of art, as well as his 1991 Porsche 911 (964). A circular staircase, painted in his signature mint-green hue, replaces the original fire pole and connects each level of the home. GALLERY-EMBED The primary floor, which encloses the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathrooms with 14-foot cielings, remains modern and minimal, allowing natural light to shine over wide-plank oak floors through 10-foot windows. A mix of concrete and light oak wood gives the space a contemporary, industrial feel while still maintaining the historic factor from the outside. GALLERY-EMBED While a garage space is something almost unheard of, so is a private roof terrace, which this property proudly highlights. Perfect for sunny summer days, the space comes complete with a lounge area, cabana, and water line. Now ready for its next new owners, 185 Lafayette Street is now available through Nick Gavin and Compass Real Estate for $8,995,000. Source: Compass Real Estate

Pierre Gasly Finds a $4.9M Miami Home Base at Jean-Georges Tropic

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2026

Pierre Gasly Finds a Miami Home Base at Jean-Georges Tropic

Formula 1 drivers live out of carry-ons and carbon fiber, bouncing from one time zone to the next with little room for routine. Home, for many of them, becomes a flexible idea rather than a fixed address. Still, the drivers who spend serious time in the sport tend to build places around the world where life slows down just enough to feel normal again. These homes aren’t about excess as much as balance, offering familiarity and comfort in a career defined by speed. For Pierre Gasly, that work-life balance now includes a sunlit corner of Miami, far away from pit lanes and podiums. The French Formula 1 driver recently signed on at Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences,brokered by Hans Baumgartner and Tara Ramos, sitting right between the Miami Design District and Midtown. Gasly’s sky home spans 3,712 square feet with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and it’s easy to see why the space works for someone who spends half the year on the road. A private elevator opens directly into the residence, while a 1,163-square-foot terrace stretches toward Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami. The building itself was designed by Arquitectonica, with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, and it feels calmer than flashy. Natural materials, soft textures, and layers of greenery style the interiors, drawing inspiration from Miami’s tropical environment. The 49-story tower will include 338 residences, ground-level retail, and a selection of shared spaces designed for everyday luxury living. Food, unsurprisingly, plays a central role. Jean-Georges’ culinary influence shines throughout the residence, from casual grab-and-go spots to more intimate dining spaces, all tied together by a relaxed, residential approach. Downstairs, the abc kitchens will serve the ground floor, while upstairs, pools, lounges, and quiet corners offer places to unwind. With Wynwood, the Design District, and several bayfront parks just a short walk away, Gasly’s Miami home is a thoughtful base centered around it all. For a driver always chasing the next destination, that sense of ease might be the real luxury. Discover on dR Realty Source: DADA

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2023

Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie's Historic New Orleans Mansi...

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's former New Orleans mansion, rich in history and modern luxury, is up for auction starting at $1 million. The former New Orleans home of celebrity power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is back on the market, this time set for auction with a starting bid of $1 million. The couple, who captured global attention during their twelve-year relationship, purchased this historic mansion in the French Quarter as part of their commitment to the Make It Right Foundation, aimed at rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina. Their separation in 2016 led to the sale of the property, which is now again seeking a new owner. Constructed in 1828, the 7,703-square-foot mansion boasts a storied past, including serving as the recording studio for Cosimo Matassa. Here, legends like Fats Domino and Ray Charles laid down tracks that shaped the music industry. The residence was also owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. A careful restoration in 2017 preserved the 19th-century Parisian elegance while updating it to modern standards. The property features a gated driveway, a stylish foyer with harlequin tile floors, and a formal living room with a marble fireplace. The dining room, adorned with Venetian plaster walls, opens to a balcony through French doors. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and marble finishes, and the owner’s suite offers luxury with a white marble fireplace and a spacious marble bathroom. This mansion, spanning over 36 feet of sidewalk in the French Quarter, includes a three-story guest house, multiple balconies with views of the skyline, and a serene courtyard with a fountain and pool. The neighborhood's historic significance, vibrant culture, and proximity to iconic locations like the French Market and Bourbon Street add to the allure of this property. Other celebrities with homes in New Orleans include Lil Wayne, Emeril Lagasse, Nick Cage, John Goodman, and Sandra Bullock. Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com / Interluxe Auctions (Photos)

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 07, 2023

Robin Williams' Beloved San Francisco Estate Listed On Th...

Nestled in the prestigious Sea Cliff neighborhood, the former residence of the late Robin Williams commands attention with its $25 million price tag and breathtaking vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay. The legendary comedian was known for his dynamic talents and an illustrious career spanning decades, lived in this Italian Renaissance-style villa with his family until 2010. This luxurious home, built in 1926, has seen a meticulous renovation by Williams and his second wife, Marsha Garces Williams. While maintaining the historical integrity of the estate, the couple modernized it, infusing it with luxury and ensuring the preservation of the original materials that bestow its unique character. The craftsmanship of the property is evident through its marble exterior, terra-cotta roofing, and classic wrought-iron accents. Inside, the 10,598-square-foot space showcases high-beam ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, and a cascade of natural light. The home's structure features a central staircase that links three levels and includes a 20-room layout, complete with a primary suite that offers a sanctuary-like ambiance with sea views, a Japanese-style bathroom, and a hidden safe room. Unique attributes such as a Prohibition-era bar concealed behind a secret panel and a clandestine passage add a touch of mystery and nostalgia to the residence. A state-of-the-art movie theater, a gourmet kitchen with premium appliances, a wine cellar, and a separate guest apartment embody the blend of elegance and function. Surrounding the estate are manicured gardens, a tiled patio, and an outdoor BBQ area, perfect for soaking in the iconic San Francisco scenery. The locale boasts proximity to landmarks like the Presidio, Lincoln Park Golf Course, and neighbors including Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. This listing not only offers a piece of high-end real estate but a chance to partake in the legacy of one of Hollywood's most beloved figures. Source: Top Ten Real Estate Deals

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