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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 24, 2023

Rolls-Royce Debuts ‘The Pearl Cullinan,’ a One-of-One Bes...

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars brand is world-renowned for incorporating exceptional luxury and craftsmanship throughout its lineup, and its latest offering, 'The Pearl Cullinan,' embodies these core values. Crafted as a one-of-one Bespoke car to celebrate a customer's father's 90th birthday, this masterpiece is the brainchild of the Private Office Dubai, an extension of Rolls-Royce that brings the Goodwood experience to clients in the Middle East and Africa. The Cullinan's exterior showcases a unique Pearl Rose finish, born from the owner's prized pearl and specially crafted by paint specialists at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. This one-of-a-kind paint underwent 30 different iterations and rigorous UV testing to ensure its long-lasting shine. Complementing the finish is a hand-applied Rose Gold coachline and a matching Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside the luxurious interior of the Cullinan, Rolls-Royce's artistry continues with a dual-color leather scheme, Cashmere Grey for the front seats and Ardent Red for the rear, each chosen to reflect the family's preferences and heritage. Fine details like Rose Gold-threaded 'RR' monograms and rear seat inserts in Grace White add an extra layer of extravagance. The burr walnut veneer resonates with the family’s tradition of presenting pearls on wooden boxes. A standout feature is Rolls-Royce’s lavish use of mother-of-pearl, appearing on intricately designed Picnic Tables, dashboard clock surround, and even the rotary dial. Over 1,300 individual pieces of mother-of-pearl are painstakingly hand-placed, creating an irreplaceable work of art in each tabletop. Michelle Lusby, Bespoke Lead Designer at the Private Office Dubai, emphasized the emotional depth of this Bespoke project, stating that it was a “truly special commission in so many ways” and a testament to the owner’s family story. ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ is an emotionally charged, finely crafted tribute to a family’s legacy, highlighting Rolls-Royce's position as the pinnacle of luxury automotive craftsmanship. View all Rolls-Royce Cullinans currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2022

Rolls-Royce Unveils 'Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion' For ...

While fashion trends continuously change to keep up with runway standards, luxury car brands follow by incorporating inspiration from the year’s hottest and most popular styles. The House of Rolls-Royce is proud to showcase its ‘Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion’ campaign, featuring two prêt-à-porter collections that include the bold Re‑Belle and striking Fu-Shion. Presented by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, high fashion plays a crucial role in the fine line of Cullinan examples that reflect vibrant hues and textures. The works of art are set to be unveiled to guests and clientele of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars during Art Basel in Miami. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale The Cullinan Re-Belle is the ultimate statement piece by introducing head-turning exterior finishes such as Lime Green and Wildberry. Each interior offers pristine white leather as the base, while Lime Green and Peony Pink accents enhance the cabin with a splash of color. The fascia is finished with extraordinarily detailed handwoven stainless-steel fabric as a nod to the styles seen on the catwalk this year. The Cullinan Re-Belle also comes available in Gunmetal or Arctic White colors, depending on the selected interior. On the more aggressive Black Badge end, Rolls-Royce Cullinan Fu-Shion takes on an appearance reminiscent of evocative streetwear and its functional elements. Starting with the interior, designers at Rolls-Royce created two astonishing configurations, using combinations of Military Green, Navy Blue, and Mandarin or a blend of Arctic White and Cashmere Grey leather with Forge Yellow accents. Depending on the choice of interior, each Cullinan’s exterior can be commissioned in Military Green, Burnout grey, Forge Yellow, or Tempest Grey. The ‘Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion’ also introduces a new Starlight Tailgate, which takes over 22 hours and 192 softly illuminated starts to manufacture. Clients interested in the once-of-a-lifetime opportunity will also be invited to purchase matching luggage sets, compromised of the 24hr Weekender, 48hr Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag, and Organiser Pouch. View all current Rolls-Royce Cullinan examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 22, 2021

Spider-Man Tom Holland Swings Into a Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Not to burst any bubbles, but while Tom Holland does a wonderful job portraying Spider-Man, he can’t actually shoot webs from his hands and swing between buildings, so the Homecoming actor has to figure out another way of getting around. It would seem that he’s decided on a Rolls-Royce Cullinan for the task from Wires Only, a specialized luxury automotive and aviation dealer with a bevy of VIP celebrity clients like Kim Kardashian, Drake, and Floyd Mayweather, and we approve of his choice. What the Far From Home star gets to enjoy with his new ride is all the comforts and features of a Rolls-Royce, with an SUV that is confident and capable to drive him to places where he probably wouldn’t have been able to shoot webs and swing around anyway. The devil is in the details with custom colors for just about everything in his car, an 18-speaker Bespoke audio system, umbrellas hidden in the doors, and an ocean of leather and wood in the cockpit. We think No Way Home’s Tom Holland made a great choice; the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a vehicle fit for a superhero. Sell My Rolls-Royce: Get a Cash Offer All Cullinans For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by RD (@wiresonly) It looks like this was the exact Rolls-Royce Cullinan he was cruising around in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RD (@wiresonly)

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 03, 2021

Drake's New 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan By Chrome Hearts Ex...

Recently, we covered the virtual launch of Canadian rapper Drake’s newest Roll-Royce design featuring a collaboration with Los Angeles luxury brand Chrome Hearts. Although build information is limited, Chrome Hearts shared a galley of photos to its @EndTheChromeWars Instagram to highlight some of the detailed work that went into the customization of Drakes 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Throughout the exterior and interior of the six-figure luxury SUV, hints of Chrome Hearts are incorporated using premium materials just as Rolls-Royce would have done from its factory. Inside, the interior makes a statement with a completely customized leather diamond-stitched seat pattern, featuring Chrome Hearts logos and silver accents. The attention to detail is highlighted as it seems that no area of the Rolls-Rolls Cullinan was left untouched, from the key holder to the spirit of ecstasy, every piece is meant to separate it from all others on the road. Drake’s luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan build by Chrome Hearts is currently available to see on exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, as well as in a virtual setting through its dedicated webpage. Check out Drake’s 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan in collaboration with Chrome Hearts by clicking the link below. Drake x Chrome Hearts Rolls-Royce Image Source: @endthechromewars

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2021

Rolls-Royce Unveils Three Wild Builds in Shanghai

Creativity is the spice of life To give potential customers a starting point for their imagination, Rolls-Royce has unveiled three wild builds in Shanghai. Starting with a Black Badge Cullinan, the others are a new Ghost Extended, and a Wraith Black Badge, all wearing snazzy colors. The Wraith was named "Pop Explosion". Finished in Muscari Blue and Arctic White, the Koi Red pinstripes were painted by hand. Mid-Century Modern takes inspiration from the Fender Stratocaster and the Eames Rocking Chair, it shows how bright a Black Badge can be. The long-wheelbase Ghost Extended is the "Urban Sanctuary" it is loaded with intricate woodwork inspired by wooden window shutters are the Yu Yuan Gardens. They dug into Chinese culture big time to pull this off, so tell us which one you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Shop Rolls-Royce Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2021

See How The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Recreation Module Accent...

How the world's most comfortable SUV is now the most capable Enjoying a perfect beverage with friends is a great way to make memories. Hosting them with cocktails in a remote location takes that experience to the next level. Doing this in style is how the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Recreation module accents your lifestyle. Behind the 2nd row is a cabinet that offers 12.6 gallons of space. In it are elegant glassware, flatware, and bartending apparatus. Should you need to tailgate the next game in style, the Viewing Suite contains two chairs and a cocktail table that easily foldaway into the tailgate. Designed for the Cullinan Black Badge, our dealers have all the specs and pricing. Click the link below for all the details! Shop Rolls-Royce Cullinan Images (C) Rolls-Royce

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 – February 17, 2021

Rolls-Royce Colors Of Cullinan Explores New Paint Options

Expanding their color palette allows us to look forward to warmer weather, so we're thankful that the Rolls-Royce Colors of Cullinan series explores new paint options. Eight new Cullinans were built in enticing finishes, and the first four have made the journey across the Atlantic. Their artists have the ability to paint your new Rolls-Royce to a sample you provide, and their current palette has over 44,000 hues. No two cars are alike, as options for wood, leather, and embroidery truly make it your own. Each Cullinan arrives with 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque at all wheels, so check out the price and specs here and tell us your favorite color in the comments below. Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2020

Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Cullinan Capella - One-of...

Rolls-Royce took inspiration from a star for their new Black Badge Cullinan Capella, a one-of-one creation. The name 'Capella' comes from a yellow star that's actually the biggest and bright of its kind in our sky. 'Iced Forge' is the name of the striking paint that gives this Cullinan a luminous appearance. Inside, there's the Starlight Headliner that includes a display of shooting stars. And because this is a Black Badge Cullinan, it includes the special wheels with onyx brake calipers and more. Inside, Rolls-Royce matched the exterior with yellowing piping and embroidery that contrasts against the grey and black leather. Our favorite feature of this SUV has to be the two seats that fold out from the tailgate that's called the Viewing Suite. Now that would be an awesome place to watch the stars. To learn more, click here. See All Cullinans for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2020

Rolls-Royce Unveils 1:8 Scale Cullinan

You will have to look closely to believe your eyes. Consisting of over 1,000 parts and 450 hours to complete, Rolls-Royce has unveiled a 1:8 scale Cullinan for sale. It looks big even at this size, which is a testament to the bold lines and features bestowed by the design team. The doors open to reveal illuminated sill plates, and the LED headlights are operated by a full-size Cullinan key fob. Each body panel is painted, color sanded and buffed by hand using the same processes as the assembly line. Customers can choose from over 40,000 colors, or it can be painted to sample. It is presented in a polycarbonate display case against a gloss black background. There is only one place you can buy it, and that is at one of our Rolls-Royce dealers. So click the button below to find one near you. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

Rolls-Royce News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe