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

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 12, 2023

This New Rolls-Royce Private Collection Is Inspired By Th...

The ultra-luxury automotive experience is limited to just 25 masterpieces. Rolls-Royce has always been synonymous with unparalleled luxury and sophistication. But their latest reveal, the Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection, takes this concept to a cosmic level. Limited to just 25 examples, this highly Bespoke collection draws its inspiration from the celestial event of a solar eclipse. In doing so, Rolls-Royce engineers and artisans have woven the drama, spectacle, and mystery of this astronomical marvel into every inch of these vehicles. The exterior of each Ghost Ékleipsis is an artwork in itself. Its Lyrical Copper color contains a powdered copper pigment that shifts from darkness to iridescent brilliance, depending on how the light catches it. Details like Mandarin inserts beneath the iconic Pantheon Grille and hand-painted coachlines serve as a tribute to the solar eclipse's awe-inspiring phases. Once inside, the cabin shows off a bespoke, detailed, and expertly crafted finish. The animated Starlight Headliner offers a sense of theater, darkening and lighting up in a mesmerizing sequence that replicates the solar eclipse. An impressive 940 'stars' represent the corona during totality, surrounded by an additional 192 stars that emulate the otherworldly phenomenon of seeing stars during the day. Engineered to precision, this extraordinary feature took over a year and three prototypes to perfect. But the celestial narrative doesn't end there. The fascia, illuminated and adorned with 1,846 laser-etched ‘stars,’ is a showpiece timeline of a solar eclipse, painstakingly designed over 100 hours. To crown it all, the fascia also holds a Bespoke timepiece inset with a half-carat diamond, evoking the rare 'Diamond Ring' effect seen during an eclipse. It's the first time Rolls-Royce has integrated a gemstone into a clock’s bezel, and it passed rigorous tests to ensure its secure placement. The pièce de résistance? The Panoramic Sunset bi-colored and perforated leather seats that encapsulate the 360-degree twilight effect experienced during the eclipse’s totality. Over 200,000 individual perforations create a visually staggering effect, achieved through computational design tools and refined manually over seven iterations. Every one of these 25 masterpieces has already been allocated to some of the marque’s most esteemed clients worldwide. With the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Ékleipsis Private Collection, Rolls-Royce has eclipsed conventional definitions of luxury, delivering an automotive experience that is truly out of this world. View All Rolls-Royce Ghosts For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 05, 2023

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös Announces Retirement

He will be succeeded by Chris Brownridge, currently CEO of BMW UK. In an era where the automotive industry's giants and legends constantly shift and evolve, few changes come as momentous as the retirement of Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Having helmed the company since 2010, Torsten has stood as the marque's longest-serving CEO since the iconic Claude Johnson, who connected the destinies of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904. Under Torsten's stewardship, Rolls-Royce transformed. It transcended being a luxury car manufacturer alone and became an aspirational name and cultural force internationally, celebrated for its unrivaled motor cars, unparalleled bespoke capabilities, and a keen understanding of its global clientele's distinct tastes and desires. This evolution wasn't just in identity but also in numbers. Sales ballooned from around 1,000 motor cars in 2009 to a staggering 6,000-plus in 2022. This growth was coupled with the personalization of each car, reflecting the specific desires and artistry of the clients commissioning them. Beyond just numbers, Torsten's era as CEO saw Rolls-Royce break new grounds. The brand ventured into producing its most historic one-of-one motor cars, collaborating with global leaders in art, fashion, and luxury. This embrace of bespoke craftsmanship reached its zenith with the reinvigorated Coachbuild department, giving birth to marvels like the latest Droptail. The variety in the marque’s portfolio also expanded under Torsten. From having just the Phantom and Ghost at the start of his tenure, Rolls-Royce introduced the Wraith, Dawn, and the groundbreaking Cullinan, its first SUV. However, perhaps the most future-forward initiative was the announcement of the Spectre, heralding Rolls-Royce's transition into the electric domain. By the close of 2030, the brand aims to be fully electric, a visionary path set in motion by Torsten. In more than just production, Torsten redefined luxury's very essence. Under his watch, Rolls-Royce solidified its place in the reimagined luxury landscape of the past decade. Be it the physical presence through Private Office boutiques or the virtual experience via the Whispers app, Torsten ensured that Rolls-Royce maintained a unique connection with its clientele. The success was evident. Not only did the brand's contribution to the UK economy exceed half a billion pounds annually, but the team at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood also swelled from around 300 to over 2,500, representing over 50 nationalities. As Torsten departs, the mantle passes to Chris Brownridge, who steps into this role from his position as the CEO of BMW UK. With nearly 30 years at the BMW Group and a wealth of experience in sales and marketing, Chris is poised to take forward the legacy and vision set by Torsten, guiding Rolls-Royce into its electric future and further solidifying its place in the pantheon of luxury. As the baton passes in this iconic brand's journey, the automotive world anticipates the next chapter in Rolls-Royce's illustrious saga. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 26, 2023

Rolls-Royce Unveils The New 1-of-1 Phantom "Inspired by C...

This one-of-one marvel celebrates the region’s scenic beauty. When luxury automaker Rolls-Royce decides to pay tribute to a region as beautiful as Italy's Cinque Terre, you can bet it’s going to be nothing short of extraordinary. Known for sparing no expense and refusing to cut corners when it comes to luxury, opulence, craftsmanship, and design, the company has recently unveiled its Phantom ‘Inspired by Cinque Terre,’ a one-of-one bespoke creation that celebrates the scenic beauty and viticultural charm of the Italian Riviera. What sets this car apart from others in the opulent Rolls-Royce lineup is its meticulous attention to detail—every stitch, every paint stroke, and every inlay tells a story, making it one of the many bespoke masterpieces Rolls-Royce has earned a reputation for creating. Cinque Terre, or 'Five Lands' in Italian, is a coastal region located in northern Italy’s Liguria. It’s a series of five picturesque fishing villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—that are renowned for their steep terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean. These charming terrains have been intricately captured and celebrated through bespoke features sprinkled throughout the Phantom. The vehicle's exterior is dressed in a mesmerizing Ligurian blue, complemented by a double Coachline in Navy Blue and Jasmine, and sealed with a delicate motif depicting a bunch of grapes—a nod to the region’s winemaking culture. The plush interior is a blend of Grace White and Navy Blue leather, further elevated by Jasmine accents. A unique grape-branch embroidery graces the rear doors, stitched using two distinct techniques to bring the design to life. It's an artisanal accomplishment involving more than 9,000 meticulously placed stitches. This bespoke Phantom's opulence goes deeper than the surface. The car's picnic tables offer an intricate inlay, featuring a combination of stainless steel and gold plating. Each table is first painted in Milori blue, given a clear lacquer seal, and then hand-polished to perfection. The laborious process ensures a smooth, seamless finish, radiating the luster and depth that one would expect from a Rolls-Royce. And let’s not forget about the Bespoke Starlight Headliner, a feature that has become synonymous with Rolls-Royce luxury. This masterpiece is adorned with an embroidered map of Italy and illuminated by five gently glowing stars that mark the Cinque Terre villages. Achieving this required more than 14,000 individual stitches and a month’s worth of design iterations to ensure perfection. Within the car's expansive fascia lies a specially commissioned artwork encapsulating the vivid colors and unique architecture of Cinque Terre. Crafted using a combination of digital sketching and hand-applied water-based acrylic paint, the piece brings together elements from each of the five cliffside villages that comprise the iconic Cinque Terre region. As a cherry on top, a silver debossing depicting the five villages is carefully tucked inside the glove compartment. It's yet another layer of storytelling, emblematic of Rolls-Royce's commitment to bespoke luxury. This Rolls-Royce Phantom 'Inspired by Cinque Terre' is a lavish tribute to one of Italy’s most iconic regions. It’s a masterpiece that melds automotive artistry with cultural heritage—demonstrating that in the world of luxury cars, the most marvelous elements are truly in the details. With this one-of-a-kind vehicle, which will never be replicated, already nestled in its commissioning client’s collection, it serves as a timeless representation of what Rolls-Royce can achieve in the realm of custom luxury. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce