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

Rolls-Royce News

Rolls-Royce news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Phantom, the Ghost, the Cullinan and the electric Spectre, alongside the Coachbuild commissions built in single figures. Our reporting takes in reveals, bespoke builds, first drives and the auction results that set values for the earlier cars. Rolls-Royce builds to order more than it builds to a model year, so each commission tells you where the brand is going. This is where our marketplace becomes useful. Many of the Rolls-Royces covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Rolls-Royce news today, and the luxury car market news around it, begin below.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 25, 2022

The New Rolls Royce Phantom Series II Will Make Its UK De...

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II makes its anticipated debut on its home turf. The revised Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II has captivated the world with its introduction. Rolls-Royce has managed to further improve what has already been the ultimate luxury sedan with subtle design touches and additions to increase the luxury, style, and personalization potential of the Phantom. In Rolls-Royce’s home country of the UK, the Phantom Series II needed to impress with its debut, which is why the venue chosen for the debut was Salon Prive, which is one of the most prestigious automotive events in the United Kingdom and one of the most luxurious Concours d’Elegance events in the world. MUST READ: Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Debuted in North America For First Time The new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II will be showcased along with a highly bespoke Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge at the event, starting August 31 at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, which serves to show not only how luxurious Rolls-Royce’s cars are but also how personal and customizable they can be, with the design process being a collaborative effort between Rolls-Royce and the client from start to finish. Changes in the Phantom Series II include an updated grille, new wheels, and other added options. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce

By Edward Jones – August 22, 2022

Rolls-Royce Unveils The Pebble Beach Collection For 2022

A fine way to celebrate one of the most exciting weeks in the automotive industry. While thousands of automotive enthusiasts descended upon Pebble Beach for the Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars took the opportunity to display two never before seen color finishes from Goodwood. These included a Black Badge Cullinan and a Ghost, both of which were joined by the Phantom Series II that was making its North American debut. First up is the Black Badge Cullinan that's finished in Forbidden Pink. Rolls-Royce notes that this specific SUV is a perfect example that Black Badge vehicles do not have to be Black. This Cullinan also features Grace White leather with Cashmere Grey highlights and Lime Green details. In the rear is the Bespoke Viewing Suite in Peony Pink leather. The next Rolls-Royce being shown was a Ghost in the bespoke Crystal over Sagano Green. Rolls-Royce created this finish through six layers that were each delicately hand polished before the next was applied. For the final two clear coatings, the Crystal finish was applied to give the Ghost a deep shimmer. "We have matched colors from flower petals to shades of lipstick and incorporated gold, silver and even diamonds into Bespoke finishes," said Jonathan Simms, Head of Bespoke, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in a press release. "We welcome creative and technological challenges from our patrons as it drives us to redefine our own creative and technical limits. The inspiration for Rolls-Royce color and finish is limited only by one’s imagination." You can view the collection down below, and you can shop for Rolls-Royces for sale by clicking the button. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 19, 2022

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Debuted in North America Fo...

The designers at Rolls-Royce created Phantom to provide the ultimate ‘blank canvas’. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operates as a brand that embodies ultimate luxury throughout its fleet of coach-built-inspired automobiles. With a rich heritage as a pioneer, each new release incorporates characteristics from the generational models that came before it. The Phantom Series stands out as a pinnacle model in the lineup, showcasing a state-of-the-art design, luxurious interior amenities, and industry-leading performance. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is proud to debut the Phantom Series II on North American soil at Monterey Car Week 2022. Introducing the new Phantom Series II and the vast custom design capabilities of its Bespoke program in perfect fashion, Rolls-Royce commissioned a bespoke build unveiled by CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The most noticeable aspect of the new Phantom’s appearance is the newly illuminated Pantheon Grille, which extends the impact of the Starlight Headliner to the exterior of the vehicle. The ultra-bright headlights are lined with 580 laser-cut bezel starlights to further enhance the nighttime presence of the Rolls-Royce Phantom II. The exterior is finished in a classic Rolls-Royce two-tone colorway with Black over Monteverde green highlighting a bold, hand-applied Peony Pink coachline. Rolls-Rpyce Motor Cars Second ParagraphWhen stepping into the Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II through its coach-style doors, the interior presents a stunning Scivaro Grey and Peony Pink cabin design. The Obsydian Ayous open-pore wood and canadel showcase a natural touch while creating a warm feel. Pulling together the design with a vibrant touch, the interior features a world-first unique embroidery design finished in Scivaro Grey and Peony Pink thread. The Phantom Series II ‘Maverick’ commission is part of the 2022 Pebble Beach Collection and features a personalized tread plate that reads, ‘Pebble Beach 2022’ Special Commission. On scene complementing the Bespoke Phantom Series II is the first ever Black Badge Cullinan in Forbidden Pink and Ghost in Crystal over Sagano Green. These commissions are offered exclusively through authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailers and will be on display throughout the weekend of Monterey Car Week 2022. View all current Rolls-Royce Phantom inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and Monterey Car Week releases. VIEW ALL ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOMS FOR SALE Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 06, 2022

Rolls-Royce Opens Its First Private Office For Bespoke Co...

A new Private Office in Dubai brings the Goodwood Rolls-Royce experience to the UAE. The first of many facilities that will bring the luxury experience of Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood, England home has opened, and it is the Rolls-Royce Private Office in Dubai. Planning to expand to the luxury capitals of the world, Rolls-Royce chose to start this new endeavor at one of the world’s most famous in the UAE, and in the new facility, customers will be able to consult with Rolls-Royce experts to guide them through the process of creating their dream Rolls-Royce, bringing a taste of the Goodwood experience to a more convenient location. MUST READ: Check Out The Amazing Detail On This Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II’s Coachline Being the first Rolls-Royce Private Office outside the UK, it is also the first time a Bespoke Lead Designer and Bespoke Client Experience Manager have been appointed outside Goodwood, where they will be able to create unique and captivating Rolls-Royce cars and incredible luxury experiences. Michelle Lusby, the Dubai Private Office’s Bespoke Lead Designer, worked on the 1-of-1 Phantom Serenity, and with this experience, the Private Office in Dubai plans to transcend the traditional dealership experience by using conversations and a deep understanding of each client to curate color palettes and moods for Rolls-Royces that are more personal than ever, complete with a Bespoke Build Book that documents the process. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2022

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London Hosts Its Exclusive Summer ...

A special Rolls-Royce event to celebrate the kick off of summer. With the warm touch of summer finally upon us, it's time to get outside and drop the top for an afternoon cruise in your favorite car. As family BBQs and summer activities fill weekend schedules, the team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is planning their very own summer kick-off event at the famous Hurlingham Club in London, UK. The exclusive invitation-only event is open to clientele, friends of the brand, and media. Since its opening in 1869, The Hurlingham Club, with its croquet and tennis lawns, and beautiful gardens, has been a sought-after destination for sporting and social activities. MUST-READ: Rolls-Royce Will Show A Selection Of Black Badge Models At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed Rolls-Royce chose to host at the Hurlingham Club as resides only a few miles from their flagship residence, making it the perfect location to offer a truly unique Rolls-Royce experience. On-scene during the celebration is the newly redesigned Rolls-Royce Ghost, featuring a stunning dark purple finish that shifts with changes in light. Guest in attendance will also enjoy an exquisite collection of bespoke motorcars and lifestyle accouterments, along with a special strawberry and champagne cocktail created especially for the event. View all of the current Rolls-Royce models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury gear releases and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars lifestyle news. VIEW ALL ROLLS-ROYCE FOR SALE

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 20, 2022

Check Out The Amazing Detail On This Rolls-Royce Phantom ...

There’s no end to the painstaking craftsmanship of a Rolls-Royce. Luxury is in the details, and Rolls-Royce takes that fact very seriously. Every single car that comes from the brand is luxurious in absolutely every aspect, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to making the experience for the driver, passenger, and even the onlooker as refined, elegant, and sumptuous as possible. This careful and deliberate nature even applies to the small Coachline that runs the length of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, and even that tiny Coachline is a point of pride for the Rolls-Royce brand. MUST READ: The Top Rolls-Royce Cullinan Specs You Can Buy Today Finished in a Monteverde exterior, this Phantom Series II has a beautiful and contrasting Coachline done in Peony Pink, creating a juxtaposition that like the Rolls-Royce Phantom itself is both bold and serene. The incredible precision of the Coachline is accomplished by Rolls-Royce’s one and only coachline painter, someone who is completely dedicated to making even the smallest detail on this car as beautiful as it possibly can be so that it speaks to the owner’s vision. Small as they may be, things like the Coachline are what owning a Rolls-Royce is all about: the luxury that exists in the details. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (@rollsroycecars) Source: Rolls-Royce

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 16, 2022

Rolls-Royce Will Show A Selection Of Black Badge Models A...

If Rolls-Royce is going to be the main event anywhere, it’s going to be at Goodwood. Goodwood Estate is a hallowed place in the automotive world. It’s the home of Rolls-Royce, and also the home of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. When it comes time for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Rolls-Royce is sure to put on a show, and the brand plans on doing this year, with a showcase of the brand’s Black Badge product portfolio. On the Laundry Green near Goodwood House, four bespoke Rolls-Royce Black Badge creations will be on display, a Black Badge Wraith, a Black Badge Dawn, a Black Badge Cullinan and finally, the latest edition to the Black Badge group of models, a Black Badge Ghost. MUST READ: The New Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Visits The French Riviera Since 2016, the Black Badge range of Rolls-Royce cars has represented an edgier, driver-focused side to the Rolls-Royce brand, with cars that are made with darker colors and trim, and possess a bolder presence than traditional Rolls-Royces do. They also boast higher torque, handling, and power capability than their traditional counterparts, and pare purpose-built for the Rolls-Royce driver that wants to combine peerless luxury with an active driving experience and a bold personality. These stunning and unique Rolls-Royces are sure to make Goodwood an even more spectacular event than it is already. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 06, 2022

The New Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Visits The French R...

Invited guests enjoy an exclusive showing and test drive of the new Phantom II series. Being the pinnacle of the brand’s fleet of luxurious models, the Rolls-Royce Phantom holds significance as an industry leader since the rebirth of the Series II redesign. Providing aesthetic and performance upgrades to the automotive icon, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is proud to showcase the Phantom Series II at an exclusive event on the magnificent landscape of the French Riviera. Starting today June 6th, Phantom Rendezvous will set off as a global press drive for guests to experience time in the new Phantom throughout the Mediterranean coast. MUST-READ: Rolls-Royce Motorcars Adds Updates To The All-New Phantom Series II The event takes place at the Maybourne Riviera Hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, which stunningly presents the Rolls-Royce chassis, overlooking breathtaking views of Monaco. Guests that attend the Phantom Rendezvous will also be able to view a pair of Bespoke Phantom models that showcase the talents and craftsmanship of the British automotive manufacturer. The Phantom Platino features a silver-white finish that mimics the world’s precious metal Platinum, while The Great British Phantom highlights a striking Magma Reg finish with bespoke artwork inspired by the Union Flag. View all of the current Rolls-Royce Phantom examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars news. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 23, 2022

The New Coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Makes Its Concor...

See automotive elegance at its absolute finest. The new Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is one of just three that will ever be made, and it personifies the pinnacle of automotive luxury as a stunning grand tourer with a yacht-inspired look and feel. With a wood trunk lid that opens up like the wings of a butterfly to reveal everything you’d need for an incredible luxury picnic and a parasol umbrella that emerges from behind the car to provide shade, the Boat Tail is a peerless car when it comes to the summertime’s luxurious nautical adventures. MUST-READ: The New Pearl-Inspired Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Will Be Unveiled At Villa d’Este 2022 YouTube Channel Automotive Mike got a close look at the Boat Tail at its public unveiling at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the perfect venue for a car like this on Italy’s stunning Lake Como. The design of the car is inspired by the owner’s family legacy in the pearling industry, which is why the oyster and soft rose paintwork, and mother of pearl accents in the interior are reminiscent of an oceanic treasure. While it can’t travel by sea, the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is a yacht on wheels if there ever was one. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale Source: Youtube/Automotive Mike Related Video: " width="680">

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 20, 2022

The New Pearl-Inspired Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Will Be Unve...

The next coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Boat Tail inspired by pearls is emerging on the shores of Lake Como. The Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este is one of the world’s most elegant automotive events, located on the incredible backdrop of Italy’s Lake Como, and featuring some of the most opulent, classic, and iconic cars ever made. One of those cars will be the next Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, one of just three coachbuilt cars that will ever be made, with its stunning shape being inspired by vintage yachts and every aspect of the car speaking to classic luxury and peerless opulence. MUST READ: Rolls-Royce Motorcars Adds Updates To The All-New Phantom Series II The car was commissioned by a Rolls-Royce client who has a legacy in the pearling industry, which served as an inspiration for the bespoke design of the car, with the paint color, one of the most complex finishes ever developed by Rolls-Royce, was inspired by a pearl shell the client had. The Boat Tail is finished in a blend of oyster and soft rose, which comes together with white and bronze flakes to create a dynamic pearlescent finish. The interior is decorated with oyster and cognac-colored leather and Royal Walnut wood trim, with mother-of-pearl and rose gold accents continuing the pearl-inspired theme. The car will be publicly unveiled at Villa d’Este, which is the perfect place for a car like the Boat Tail that simply belongs on the waterfront, and the perfect event to celebrate the car’s ultimate beauty, luxury, sophistication, and exclusivity. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce

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