Rolls-Royce 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

A white Rolls-Royce SUV with green police markings and emblems is displayed indoors, featuring a Dubai police license plate.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 30, 2025

Mansory Unveils 1-of-1 Custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Du...

A police fleet known for its exotics gets a custom masterpiece. Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting luxury capitals, with the pinnacle of fashion, architecture, and of course, luxury cars all combining in a playground for lovers of opulence. However, one of the most iconic parts of Dubai’s luxury scene is the fact that it even includes the city’s police force, with a fleet of incredible exotic cars as part of the city’s police, all sporting the instantly recognizable Dubai police livery. However, the newest addition to the group is certainly one of the most unique and rare, as it’s a custom one-off creation that turns one of the world’s most desirable ultra-luxury SUV models into an absolute masterpiece, thanks to the talents of an iconic customization specialist: Mansory. Known for its signature over-the-top style of body kits and aftermarket wheels, as well as its ambitious reimaginations of some of the world’s most expensive and powerful vehicles, Mansory created a one-of-one customization of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan for the Dubai Police exotic car fleet. The new Rolls-Royce Cullinan marks the second collaboration between Mansory and Dubai Police, and the vehicle features a striking Mansory body kit, complete with exposed carbon fiber aerodynamic components, as well as other custom tweaks to make it stand out as a bespoke creation. With yet another custom Mansory masterpiece in its fleet, the exotic car collection of the Dubai Police continues to grow. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by MANSORY (@mansory)

Two luxury cars side by side in a showroom setting, showcasing sleek body designs, tinted windows, and distinctive front grills. One is a stunning Rolls-Royce Cullinan with Mansory customization, enhancing its already magnificent presence.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 19, 2024

Mansory Reveals New Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Custom...

The new Rolls-Royce ultra-luxe SUV gets the Mansory treatment. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan quickly rose to icon status as a favored ultra-luxe SUV among celebrities and Rolls-Royce owners, combining Rolls-Royce’s classic, timeless opulence with the practicality and everyday usability of an SUV. However, Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new version of the Cullinan: the Cullinan Series II. With an updated design and new features, the Cullinan has evolved to be even more luxurious and innovative for the 2025 model year. However, Mansory, a brand known for its over-the-top customizations of the world’s most desirable vehicles, got its hands on the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II model. Imparting its signature aesthetic on the redesigned Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, Mansory’s customization of the iconic ultra-luxe SUV model adds a new degree of luxury, exclusivity, craftsmanship and performance to the iconic Cullinan. The first aspect of the Mansory Rolls-Royce Cullinan customization that is noticeable is the body kit, which is crafted in forged carbon fiber. The enhancements extend to the front fascia, a carbon fiber hood, spoilers, custom wheels, and more. Two different custom exhausts are available, with a sports exhaust system that adds performance and transforms the exhaust note of the Cullinan’s enviable 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Regarding performance, Mansory also enhanced the performance of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, with an engine upgrade that brings the total power to 720 horsepower and 774 lb/ft of torque, a significant increase from the stock vehicle’s numbers. As a result, the 0-60 time is decreased to less than 4.8 seconds. The interior is also transformed by Mansory, with stunning reupholstery, carbon fiber accents, and other touches throughout with beautiful craftsmanship. Going even further than Rolls-Royce’s incredible luxury craftsmanship, the new Mansory-customized Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II is a unique automotive statement. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale Image Source: Mansory

A black Rolls-Royce Cullinan is elegantly parked on a reflective surface in front of a modern architectural structure, enveloped by mist and dramatic lighting.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 29, 2024

BRABUS Unveils New 700 Blue Sky Custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan

BRABUS takes on the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. BRABUS has become one of the most iconic names in the aftermarket automotive world with its unmistakable style and over-the-top customizations featuring incredible craftsmanship and heightened performance. Recently, BRABUS had its incredible Signature Night event, showing off its latest creations on a runway fit for fashion, cars, and everything else that BRABUS has become known for creating. One of those creations was the new BRABUS 700 Blue Sky, which is BRABUS’s take on none other than one of the ultimate luxury SUVs: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Visually, BRABUS completely transformed the ultra-luxury British SUV, giving it a BRABUS WIDESTAR body kit with a widened stance, transformed fascias, and carbon fiber accents throughout. In addition, the custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan boasts custom-developed 24-inch wheels made specifically for the BRABUS 700 Blue Sky, further enhancing its unique look. The interior is where the Blue Sky name comes from. It has sky blue leather upholstery throughout paired with BRABUS signature carbon fiber accents. The BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior is complete with a beautiful shell quilting pattern and a custom BRABUS design reinterpreting the Rolls-Royce Starlight headliner. BRABUS’s performance enhancements, however, complete the customization. The twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 engine produces 691 horsepower and 701 lb/ft of torque, complete with a custom exhaust system that enhances the vehicle's visual, sound, and performance aspects. Getting from 0-60 takes less than 5 seconds, and the ultra-luxe custom SUV will reach a limited top speed of 155 mph. With BRABUS customization, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is transformed into a truly opulent, one-of-a-kind custom luxury SUV masterpiece. View All Vehicles for Sale From BRABUS Image Source: BRABUS

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 05, 2024

Marshmello's New Custom Rolls-Royce Phantom Features Mans...

A custom Rolls-Royce Phantom brings music and automotive luxury together. Known for his popular repertoire of electronic music and mystique thanks to a faceless marshmallow disguise, Marshmello is one of the biggest names in today’s music and pop culture worlds, and his latest show of Hollywood glitz is a new custom Rolls-Royce Phantom, created with the help of some of the most respected names in luxury car customization: Mansory. With a bodykit including exposed carbon fiber customizations from Mansory, as well as wheels, the all-black exterior of the custom Rolls-Royce Phantom boasts a low ride height, wide stance, and impressive footprints. Inside, the the ultra-luxe sedan features a red interior, which serves as a striking contrast to the all-black exterior. The red interior is hinted at with red accents throughout the exterior. With sumptuous luxury, bespoke customization from Mansory, and the cachet of being owned by one of music’s biggest names today, Marshmello’s new custom Rolls-Royce Phantom is a true celebrity luxury machine, turning heads wherever it goes with its unique modifications and unmistakable look. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by RDB LA (@rdbla)

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 15, 2023

This Italian Coachbuilder Created A Rolls-Royce Ghost Hearse

This coachbuilder created a sendoff with luxury and style. People often talk about the idea of “going out with a bang,” and a Rolls-Royce is a great way to do that, and through this coachbuilder’s new creation, you can go out in a Rolls-Royce in the most literal sense imaginable. This new hearse, created by Biemme Special Cars in Italy, is based on the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and it uses the existing elegance and luxury of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and transforms it into an opulent hearse. In the passenger compartment of the hearse, all the typical comforts that Rolls-Royce cars are celebrated for are present, like leather upholstery, wood trim, folding tables, and even the iconic Starlight headliner. The wheelbase of the luxury sedan is extended to fit a coffin compartment, which features a high ceiling and an elegantly-trimmed housing for the coffin that complements the typical interior of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. With its cars’ globally admired elegance, style, and luxury, there are few better ways to make an exit than in a Rolls-Royce, and with the new Rolls-Royce Ghost-based hearse from Biemme Special Cars, named the “Ghoster,” you can now make a Rolls-Royce your vehicle of choice for your final exit. View All Rolls-Royce Ghosts For Sale Image Source: Biemme Special Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2021

The All-New Mansory Softkit For The Rolls-Royce Dawn & Wr...

The luxury styling of Rolls-Royce gets aggressive with help from the team at Mansory. When it comes to upgrading the world’s most exclusive and desirable supercars, Mansory is one of the leaders in the automotive industry. Mansory took to its Instagram page to launch the all-new Softkit for the Rolls-Royce Dawn and Wraith. Traditionally viewed as a luxury-focused brand, the Softkit reimagines the chassis with a more aggressive look and feel. The exterior of each vehicle features a lowered suspension and carbon fiber ground effects to eliminate wheel gaps while maintaining the premium ride quality that Rolls-Royce is known for. Mansory The configuration allows owners of the Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn the option to upgrade the wheels to a larger and more sporty option. The most noticeable aspects of the new kit from Mansory are the exposed gloss carbon fiber hood and trunk, transforming the look while improving weight savings. While aesthetics prove to be the main focus, Mansory also includes an available performance upgrade to the already high-horsepower output from the factory 624-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12. The all-new Mansory Softkit for the Rolls-Royce Dawn and Wraith is currently available for owners. View all Rolls-Royce examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Media Source: Mansory

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

Novitec Unveils Spofec Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge O...

Lower and faster is what all production cars should be. That's why Novitec has unveiled the Spofec Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge Overdose. Spofec is their brand that caters to Roll-Royce owners. After revere-engineering the finest English SUV, the team started by dropping it 1.5 inches. A body kit is the product of countless wind tunnel sessions. Downforce is up because the rocker panels keep the floors glued to the road, while the spoilers and diffusers are detachable for the daily driver. At your command is 707 horsepower, which easily spins all four tires. The square rolling stock is comprised of their forged 24" wheels wrapped in 295/30 tires. Having 782 lb-ft of torque at only 1,800 rpm is a recipe for smiles as the stainless exhaust sings a twelve-cylinder salute. This package is available a la carte or complete from Novitec, so click the button to find your Cullinan. Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale Images (C) Novitec Group

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2019

2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom by SPOFEC is Classy & Fast

As we approach the Holliday Season, don't forget about your car. The 8th generation of their flagship sedan has not been considered by the aftermarket because most companies assume the owners prefer not to alter their cars. It took a team of engineers and stylists to improve on perfection, and that is why the 2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom by SPOFEC is classy & Fast. Starting with 24" forged wheels, it took extensive computer time to ensure they were strong enough to handle the ample weight and increased power. They are available in 72 colors and wrapped in 295/30/24 tires of your choice. Suspension upgrades keep the car lowered for the perfect look up to 87 mph. When you hit 88, it rises to normal height to reduce drag & increase comfort. Browse Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Developed by NOVITEC, a new N-TRONIC engine tuning delivers 685 horsepower and 745 lb-ft of torque. That enables a 0-60 time under 5 seconds. Click the button above to find your Phantom, then allow SPOFEC to unlock its true potential! " width="680"> Related: Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Specs, Price, Photos & Review

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