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 Edward Jones – January 13, 2022

See Rolls-Royce's Incredible Bespoke Highlights of 2021

Rolls-Royce created a record amount of bespoke vehicles in 2021 and these are some of the highlights. Automakers around the globe broke records in terms of sales and deliveries in 2021 and for Rolls-Royce, they not only broke sales records but also handled a record amount of bespoke commissions. The team at Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective ensures that every vehicle they touch is precisely what the customer is looking for in terms of personalization and they nail it every single time. Just look at Rolls-Royce bespoke highlights from 2021 down below and see what I mean. Each one is insanely unique and loaded with features you won't find on just any Rolls-Royce automobile. Read Now: 2021 Was Rolls-Royce’s Best Year Ever BESPOKE WRAITH IN PEBBLE PARADISO WRAITH KRYPTOS KENGO KUMA DAWN GHOST EXTENDED URBAN SANCTUARY DREAM GHOST CULLINAN 50TH CULLINAN IN PIKES PEAK BLUE PHANTOM ORIBE PHANTOM TEMPUS COLLECTION PHANTOM KOA LANDSPEED COLLECTION CULLINAN 'BLACK AND BRIGHT' COACHBUILD: BOAT TAIL

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 Gabriel Vega – October 28, 2021

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Revealed: Big Power, Carbo...

Since its introduction in 2009, the Rolls-Royce Ghost has been one of the British carmaker's best-selling models. 2020 saw the introduction of the Ghost's highly-anticipated second generation, boasting significant power, tech, and luxury improvements. However, Rolls-Royce has just announced the latest version of its most sinister-looking model, the Ghost Black Badge. The new Rolls-Royce Black Badge receives significant updates to both its chassis and drivetrain. For starters, the 6.75-liter V12 under the hood now develops 591 hp and 665 lb-ft of torque, a modest increase from the standard model's 563 hp and 627 lb-ft output. The ZF eight-speed transmission also receives a unique tune to sharpen up the Ghost's performance. Additionally, the Black Badge also gets a unique exhaust system that will allow it to stand out compared to the "standard" model. The Black Badge gets larger air springs to eliminate body roll when driving quickly to ensure greater performance. As a result, the Ghost Black Badge may be one of the best-driving models the brand has produced. From an aesthetics perspective, the Black Badge wears a unique shade of black paint. According to Rolls-Royce, it applies over 100 lb of paint onto the car to achieve its deep finish. It then receives two layers of clear coat before a team of four polishes it by hand. As if that wasn't complex enough, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge also gets a unique set of 21-inch wheels, which sports carbon-fiber barrels with up to 22 layers of carbon fiber folded onto itself to create a total of 44 layers. As of writing, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is available to order at your local dealership. However, we don't have exact pricing for the U.S. Please make sure to check out all of the latest Rolls-Royce models available for sale below. All Rolls-Royces For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2021

Rolls-Royce Teases New Black Badge Model

And we think we know what it is. Rolls-Royce recently published a press release that details the origin of the Black Badge line. The gist of the release is that Black Badge is Rolls-Royce's alter ego and was designed for a "new class of disruptors and visionaries." Currently, the Black Badge line includes the Cullinan, Dawn, and Wraith. That means that the only models missing from the lineup are the Ghost and Phantom, but that could be changing soon. Within the press release, Rolls-Royce included an image that can be found in this article (cropped version above and full version down below). If you notice, that illustrated car in the bottom left appears to be a Ghost and a Black Badge one at that. There has been no confirmation about a Ghost Black Badge but we will surely find out in October 28th when Rolls-Royce makes their Black Badge announcement. Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2021

Check The Spec: 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Finished In Indy Red

A chance to own a true one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Ghost with help from Indigo Auto Group. The Rolls-Royce brand continues to display automotive excellence through its fleet of luxury-focused vehicles. The Rolls-Royce Ghost recently received a body style update for 2021, leaving collectors and enthusiasts running to dealers to secure a chassis. While most Rolls-Royce Ghost configurations boast modest designs to accentuate comfort, the supercar professionals at Indigo Auto Group are here to display an example that is looking to turn heads on the road. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: A Ferrari SF90 Stradale Finished in Giallo Triplo Strato Indigo Auto Group is proud to offer this 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost in a one-of-a-kind configuration, perfect for customers with a vibrant personality to match the car. The luxury sedan is finished in a factory Indy Red paint scheme that helps to highlight the elongated body lines, while a set of black sport style wheels adds contrasts to the exterior. Powered by a 563-horsepower 6.7L Twin-Turbocharged V12, the Rolls-Royce Ghost combines the perfect blend of performance and luxury. Opening the coach-style doors, the Ghost debuts its custom Cashmere Grey interior layout that also features hints of Indy Red and Black to pull together the vision of the configuration. This 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost is now available with only 28-miles at Desert European Motorcars in Rancho Mirage, CA. View the listing for this 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost by clicking the link below. View This 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 06, 2021

The House of Rolls-Royce Unveils The $55,000 Bespoke Whis...

The Cellarette derives from the marque’s rich heritage of providing clients with effortless and affable hosting opportunities. When it comes to providing a luxury lifestyle experience, Rolls-Royce stands tall as a leader in the automotive industry. Although the brand's presence is focused on exclusive luxury vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Dawn and Cullinan, it’s also incorporated into lifestyle products for owners and enthusiasts. The House of Rolls-Royce is proud to announce the newest addition to its line of collectibles, the Bespoke Cellarette. The Rolls-Royce Cellarette is a whiskey and cigar chest accompanied by an array of design features to help entertain guests during an elegant event. The exterior of the Cellarette is crafted from polished aluminum and features overlays of genuine Rolls-Royce Havana leather. MUST-READ: Rolls-Royce Announces The New Boat Tail Display At The Concours d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Along with its elegant design, the exterior also includes a functional serving tray finished in Obsidian Ayous Open Pore veneer with Spirit of Ecstasy inlay. The exterior opens to a warm ambient glow of Armagnac leather, where an array of luxury accessories are revealed. The Rolls-Royce Cellarette includes a set of hand-blow lowball glasses finished with the iconic ‘RR’ monogram. At the opposing end is a humidor which, when opened, offers the user a cigar tray. Cigars are nestled in Spanish Cedarwood at the chosen humidity level for optimum enjoyment, a measure that is precisely monitored by a hygrometer. The humidor includes a detailed cigar cutter and lighter made by S. T. Dupont, Paris, engraved with the Spirit of Ecstasy Expression, and a commemorative ashtray. The Rolls-Royce Cellarette is available to acquire through Rolls-Royce dealerships, with prices starting from £40,570 (Est. $54,990). Click the link below to view all the current Rolls-Royce examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Media/Information Source: BMW Group

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2021

Rolls-Royce Announces The New Boat Tail Display At The Co...

Unique coachbuilt Rolls-Royce 'Boat Tail' makes its first-ever public appearance. Since its debut, the new Rolls-Royce Boat Tail shocked the automotive industry with its state-of-the-art design and meticulous attention to detail. The chassis is a creative masterpiece from the professionals at the Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt division, alongside the lucky new owners of the ultra-exclusive model. As the spec continues to draw attention from automotive enthusiasts through media releases, Rolls-Royce is proud to announce that the Boat Tail will be on display for the first time ever at the prestigious Concours d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on October 2nd, 2021. MUST-READ: Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Revealed With Surprises Aplenty Boat Tail marks a seminal moment in the annals of Rolls-Royce, demonstrating the marque's commitment to coachbuilding as a central part of its future direction and portfolio. It continues and accelerates a contemporary coachbuilding movement that began with Sweptail, the first coachbuilt Rolls-Royce of the modern era, which also made its first public appearance at Villa d'Este back in 2017. Check out the magnificent Rolls-Royce Boat Tail on the Mosaic Lawn within the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. View all the current Rolls-Royce examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Media/Information Source: BMW Group

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2021

All-Electric Rolls-Royce Spectre Announced

All Rolls-Royces will be electric by 2030. Having experimented with electric powertrain for years, Rolls-Royce is finally ready to announce the Spectre, the brand's first all-electric model. This announcement keeps a promise made by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. He answered all who asked about an electric Rolls-Royce by saying it would be here this decade. Now, he's keeping that promise with the Spectre which is planned to start being delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023. As for the name, Rolls-Royce has been saving for this very car. What's more, it fits in perfectly with the Ghost, Phantom, and Wraith. Being a British brand, it makes sense that they went with the British spelling of the word. Regarding the specifications of the Spectre, that is all unknown as of right now, but keep an eye out for more information that will inevitably be released. Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2021

Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Hood Features a Bee-autiful H...

This hood is the bees-knees. Rolls-Royce's capabilities in the bespoke category are truly phenomenal. When a customer comes to them with an idea, they always execute wonderfully. Their recent reveal is a perfect example of just how good they are at creating bespoke masterpieces. This reveal was of a Rolls-Royce Phantom that features a beautiful bee scene on its hood. Everything you see on the hood was handpainted by Allie Knight, one of Rolls-Royce's artisans in their Exterior Surface Finish Centre. The inspiration for this piece of art comes from Rolls-Royce's own experience with bees. Across their headquarters, there are six colonies of bees that total out to about 300,000 English honeybees. While having their own bee colonies is pretty neat, the fact that they create Rolls-Royce honey is even better. Another interesting fact about the bespoke hood is the Phantom Rose, which is a flower that can only be found at the Rolls-Royce headquarters. If you'd like to see this Phantom and its bee-autiful hood for yourself, it will be on display at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, London, during London Craft Week. See All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor 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

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