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 – September 16, 2026

Rolls-Royce Opens A New Testing Facility

Besides its elegant design, sumptuous materials, and bespoke artisan craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce is known for creating vehicles with impressive engineering and quality. As the ultra-luxury automotive manufacturer continues to improve its Goodwood home, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has strengthened its commitment to quality with the inauguration of its new Eric Platford Testway. The new dedicated facility has been made for on-site final validation of completed cars, with a controlled environment that precisely measures the integrity of a finished car. Especially focusing on the chassis, suspension, body structure, and interior components of the car, the testway offers repeatable conditions for the cars to be subjected to. The surfaces include cobblestone sections, ‘Random Concrete Waves’ for vertical elevation, ‘Twist Humps’ for torsional load, ‘Railway Tracks’ that are paired for sequential front and rear axle inputs, alternating circular iron covers, small ‘Sine Waves’ that offer high-frequency resonance, and smooth tarmac. Either end of the testway features turning areas that help test the stability of loose items in the cabin in a roundabout, for example. The testing facility was named after Eric Platford, Sir Henry Royce’s first chief tester. Alongside his vehicle development role, Platford also used his skill and judgement to help Don Carlos de Salamanca, one of the most important early clients of Rolls-Royce, win the 1913 Spanish Grand Prix. Platford is one of the most influential names in Rolls-Royce’s early history, and his legacy inspires the purpose of the testway today. <- Gallery -> Before taking on the new Eric Platford Testway, Rolls-Royce vehicles are subject to an aero-acoustic chamber to test wind noise, and engineers will continue to test vehicles on a traditional 13-mile route on the local roads surrounding the Goodwood Home of Rolls-Royce. The official opening of the testway was done by The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Mr Gary Shipton, DL, who commented, “It was an enormous privilege to officially open the new Eric Platford Testway at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood where more than 2,500 people are employed. The Testway is testament to the expertise of Rolls-Royce engineers and it was a pleasure to meet them and to understand the considerable research and technical innovation that has made it possible.” With a historic commitment to quality and sound engineering, the new Eric Platford Testway is an important step in the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 15, 2026

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Phantom Hummingbird

Rolls-Royce undoubtedly represents the highest echelon of automotive luxury, with a lineup that combines stately silhouettes with artisan craftsmanship, robust power, and the most sumptuous materials. However, Private Commissions, especially since the advent of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Offices across the globe, add an extra layer of exclusivity and bespoke personalization to the already ultra-luxurious vehicles that Rolls-Royce offers. The latest, emerging through the Rolls-Royce Private Office Dubai, is the new Phantom Hummingbird, a Private Commission based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended that represents a first in Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. For several owners, Rolls-Royce Private Commissions can be inspired by family history, loved ones, or personal stories, and the new Phantom Hummingbird is an homage to the client’s wife. It’s named after the hummingbird, which is known as a symbol of levity, resilience, and beauty, and its bespoke design aims to capture natural beauty with its stunning curation of materials and techniques. For the first time in a Rolls-Royce, the new Phantom Hummingbird uses abalone shell in its marquetry. Abalone is prized for its dazzling iridescence, and in the Phantom Hummingbird, it’s combined with mother-of-pearl to capture the shiny, colorful feathers of a hummingbird. Each Picnic Table in the car features hummingbird marquetry, while the rear Waterfall features a botanical motif. The marquetry was developed over nine months, with six iterations made before finding the perfect technique. The three panels were completed after a total of 45 hours of work. <- Gallery -> Alongside the abalone and mother-of-pearl details, Ash Burr veneer, Creme Light, Moccasin, and Tan leathers, Seashell carpets, and a Starlight Headliner complete the incredible interior configuration. A two-tone exterior was chosen for the car, with the lower half in Wildberry and the upper half in White Sands, while a White Sands Coachline adorns the length of the car, with a hummingbird painted delicately at the end. Another incredible example of Rolls-Royce’s virtually limitless craftsmanship potential, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Hummingbird raises the bar of automotive ultra-luxury even higher. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 22, 2026

Rolls-Royce Debuts At Noosa Concours d’Elegance

One of the biggest household names in ultra-luxury motoring, Rolls-Royce is known for opulence, bespoke artisan craftsmanship, and uncompromising engineering. In Australia, cars of the caliber of the Rolls-Royce lineup recently gathered at the Noosa Concours d’Elegance, which took place in the stunning Queensland Sunshine Coast town. Known for beautiful beaches and for being a luxury hub, the Noosa Concours d’Elegance was held along the iconic Hastings Street, gathering over 100 of the world’s most desirable and coveted automobiles. This year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane made its inaugural appearance at the concours event. At the event, a new Rolls-Royce Bespoke commission made its debut and is the precursor to a future collection. A Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended, the newly debuted commission is the Noosa Collection Series #1. Developed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane, the car is the first in an ongoing series of Bespoke commissions from the dealership. Inspired by the coastal beauty of Noosa, the Noosa Collection Series #1 features a two-tone exterior in Silver and Midnight Sapphire with a coachline in Grace White. The trio of colors is inspired by the colors of the ocean, sky, and shoreline of Noosa. The interior features Serenity Seats and a rear theater configuration, along with massaging seats and picnic tables for superior comfort from Noosa’s coastal roads to city streets. <- Gallery -> The new Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Noosa Collection Series #1 led the concours event’s procession on Hastings Street, after which Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Brisbane brought clients and friends of the brand to the Noosa Concours Long Lunch. Highlighting the culinary excellence of the resort destination, the luxurious, open-air gastronomical experience added to the luxury and prestige of the event. An ode to Australia’s stunning coastal destination, the new Ghost Extended Noosa Collection Series #1 is the beginning of a stunning portfolio of ultra-luxury bespoke commissions. View All Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 13, 2026

Rolls-Royce Returns To St. Tropez For The Summer

The French Riviera is home to some of the world’s most beautiful, desirable, and luxurious coastal destinations, and St. Tropez is well known as a place to be in the summer, with some of the world’s favorite beaches and nightlife. This summer, Rolls-Royce is bringing its ultra-luxury vehicle lineup to St. Tropez for the summer season, with what the brand says is its most extensive summer program yet. Rolls-Royce’s presence in St. Tropez seeks to bring Rolls-Royce’s vehicles to the places where its owners and customers already spend their time. Other seasonal experiences from the ultra-luxury manufacturer include one in Courchevel 1850 in the winter, and a presence in Egypt later this summer. Building on the success of previous St. Tropez summer programs, sixteen bespoke Rolls-Royce, including the Black Badge Spectre Series II, will be at some of the most distinguished addresses in St. Tropez: La Réserve Ramatuelle, Airelles Château de la Messardière, Airelles Pan Deï Palais and Nikki Beach. Guests at each destination can choose from Rolls-Royce’s entire portfolio of ultra-luxury vehicles, including the new Black Badge Spectre Series II, which is the most powerful Rolls-Royce yet. Clients can take the new Rolls-Royce lineup for self-driven journeys or chauffeur-driven transport among the Riviera’s beauty. Rolls-Royce St. Tropez presence also includes private events at venues like Airelles Château de la Messardière, Place des Lices, and Airelles Pan Deï Palais. <- Gallery -> The continued presence in St. Tropez during the summer reflects an ongoing history between the manufacturer and the location. A historic icon of luxury and a source of inspiration for any luxury brand, St. Tropez’s neighboring Le Canadel was a favorite destination for Sir Henry Royce, and Le Rossignol served as the inspiration for the recently unveiled Project Nightingale. This summer, Rolls-Royce boasts a bigger presence in St. Tropez than ever before, with its stunning lineup of ultra-luxury vehicles being showcased in Riviera splendor. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 24, 2026

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America Has A New President

Effective July 1, 2026, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America will have a new president, and that is Nick Keen. Home to the Rolls-Royce Private Office in New York, the Americas are the largest region for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, where some of the most ambitious bespoke commissions and opulent ultra-luxury vehicles are commissioned, driven, and collected. While his role as President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America is set to begin in July, Keen’s time with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been much longer than that, as Keen has been with the manufacturer for over ten years. His time there, starting in 2015, began with his role as a Brand Communications and Marketing Services Manager. After that, Keen was appointed as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Head of Marketing for Europe, before becoming Head of Global Brand Strategy, Communications and Governance. In 2022, Keen was appointed General Manager of Client and Brand for the manufacturer. Before joining Rolls-Royce, Keen worked at BMW Group Australia. About the appointment, Julian Jenkins, Director of Sales & Brand at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “I am delighted to welcome Nick Keen to his new role as President of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America. Nick has more than ten years of experience with the marque and has held several leading positions in the company during that time. Most recently, Nick has played a pivotal role in developing and strengthening Rolls-Royce’s position as a true House of Luxury. I wish Nick continued success in his new role in The Americas.” His most recent role at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sees Keen overseeing the brand’s global client experience strategy and helping steer its contemporary brand positioning, including leading the international expansion of Rolls-Royce’s Private Offices, locations that bring the highest level of bespoke configuration to luxury hubs across the globe, bringing Goodwood craftsmanship and design excellence worldwide. Relocating to the United States for his new role, Nick Keen’s appointment as the new president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America will be the beginning of a new era for a titanic name in the ultra-luxury world. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 17, 2026

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Black Badge Ghost Tourist Trophy

While Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated manufacturers in the entire automotive industry, motorsport isn’t typically discussed as one of the brand’s fortes. However, Rolls-Royce does have a racing feat to its name: a victory at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, achieved by The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls in 1906. Today, Rolls-Royce is celebrating the 120th anniversary of that achievement with a new bespoke commission of the Black Badge Ghost, called the Black Badge Ghost Tourist Trophy. In 1906, Charles Rolls and his riding mechanic, Eric Platford, drove a Light 20 H.P. Rolls-Royce in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, which consisted of four laps of the Isle of Man course. The route was the Highroads course, shortened to 40.38 miles, and with four laps of racing, speed and precise driving had to be combined with strategic fuel use, endurance, and mechanical reliability. Rolls started the race in fourth and was leading by the end of the first lap. For the final lap, Rolls was ten minutes ahead of the competition and finished the race in four hours and six minutes with an average speed of 39.4 mph. Just over a pint of fuel was left in the car at the end of the race, and the victory was a defining moment in the trajectory of Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer, resulting in the ultra-luxurious and prestigious brand we know today. <- Gallery -> Now, the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Tourist Trophy has been commissioned to honor that car, and as such, it features a Dark Emerald exterior color, with a single Tan Coachline, and a hand-painted number 4 in Arctic White, a reference to the number of laps and Rolls’ starting position. The interior features black leather and Black Badge technical fiber, which is contrasted by tan leather accents and Moccasin lambswool carpeting. The outline of the Isle of Man Short Highroads Course can be seen on the rear waterfall, and other details include engravings of the registration number AX157, the chassis number 26350B, the date of the race, 27.09.1906, and the coordinates of the start/finish line, 54˚09’27.1” N 4°29’ 54.7” W. Illuminated treadplates with the chassis number of the winning car complete the stunning bespoke commission. Created as a private archive, the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Tourist Trophy is a stunning celebration of a historic motorsport victory for Rolls-Royce, showing the impressive diversity of excellence seen within the heritage of one of the world’s most desirable automotive luxury manufacturers. View All Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Michael Van Runkle – May 09, 2026

Setting Rolls-Royce Speed Records

Undisclosed location, Nev. – On a bright November morning, two hours north of Las Vegas in the central Nevada desert – not far from Area 51 – a fleet of six Rolls-Royces lines up across a dry lakebed. It’s early the morning after the Wynn Concours, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dramatic World Series win in an overtime Game 7 finish, but luckily, I restrained my celebrations, knowing that two Ghosts, three Cullinans, and a Spectre awaited me for top-speed runs on the flat expanse of tan sand, where speed limits did not apply. The lakebed surface actually ripples more than expected, with silty and smooth pads split into almost hexagonal patterns of expansion cracks from water pooling, then drying, then pooling, then drying… All the way to the horizon. And then, as if some sort of mirage under the blistering sun, the Rolls-Royces appear, every Spirit of Ecstacy hood ornament gleaming. Rather than wearing racing or off-road tires, though, each arrived with regular street-legal rubber mounted on the 22 and 23-inch wheels. So naturally, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas CEO Jon Colbeth gave a quick safety briefing to the handful of adventurous drivers in attendance: The Ghosts and Spectres would be allowed to do hard launches on about a quarter-mile delineated by cones, but afterward the Cullinans thanks to slightly higher tire sidewalls eventually might hit their electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour – going off-road needn’t mean slow speeds! Colbeth advised warming up to the handling, applying brakes with even pressure, and adjusting to the radical environment. But sure, go ahead and do some donuts by turning off traction control. Which, it turns out, isn’t particularly easy in a Rolls and takes diving deep into menu options via the central touchscreen. Sure wish I knew how to do this while trying to ice drift a Cullinan earlier this year! Clearly, Rolls-Royce knows how to have fun. But the practicalities of running half- million dollar cruisers to top speed with street tires fully inflated to the advised 42 psi kept cropping up in the back of my head. I started out in a Ghost, with traction control fully activated, not really sure what to expect. I’ve driven at high speed off-road, in lifted trucks and side-by-sides, and even prepped rally cars, but all featured heavily upgraded suspension and legit knobby tires. No supercar launch control nor anti-lag in this stately sedan, either! Alright then, deep breath. I put my left foot on the brake, right foot nudging into the gas pedal to help the Ghost squat a bit. Done the old-fashioned way, traction control kicked in immediately, dialing back power as the tires scrabbled for grip over the first 25 yards or so. Those Goodyears simply lacked the traction necessary to blast off in such a slippery environment. The SUV launched slightly slower, tail end dipping more due to a more upright posture. Between about 40 and 80 miles an hour on the sand, the floatiness bordered on a legitimate speedboating sensation. But passing the cones at full throttle, pushing up to about 125 miles per hour on this first run, the Cullinan settled down. Now I felt wind effects battling the complete lack of aerodynamic efficiency from this beefy SUV hustling along the wide-open lakebed. Past the pinch of the shoreline, the terrain opened up a bit. Time to keep upping the numbers, then. I braked harder, felt the nose dive, and kicked into a donut or two on the way back to the start line. But even with traction control off, the weight of a twin-turbo V12 over the front axles definitely contributed to more understeering, and I wanted to avoid popping a tire off the bead and ruining my shot at a top speed run. Still, I built up steadily, hitting 135 then 145, the acceleration starting to peter off despite unleashing all 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. I hit the electronically limited limit of 155 mph anyway, after an interminable crawl that probably took 30 seconds or more to get from 135 to 155 miles per hour. By my mental math, that probably translated to about another mile of imaginary runway – and this lake must end somewhere… Even as a southwest breeze pushed the Cullinan further and further to the left. I lifted at 155 mph and coasted for a bit, beginning to use the brakes. Slowing down let the pungent smell of toasting rubber creep in from the tires, so I took a quick break to let everything cool down before going again. What if the wind helps? With a little more confidence in the distance required, for my next run, I determined to hold full throttle up to the limit. This time, the chip kicked in and cut power, but I still crested to 156. The next run, I spied 157, then 158. Trying, trying, but despite keeping the pedal matted, fuel cutoff brought me back down to 155 again. And now the end of the lakebed approached, slightly uphill, the surface getting rougher with less silt and cushion. Back at base camp, the rest of the crew threw out their top speeds. Another duPont Registry contributor, Basem Wasef, claimed 157 mph – in a Ghost, no less. Better aero but also even less ideal tires. Everybody else typically dialed back around 135 mph or so. Then I climbed back into my Cullinan for the most comfortable six-hour drive possible back to Los Angeles. <- Gallery -> Not the most typical road trip day of my life, to say the least! And a few days later, Rolls-Royce reached out with some news: I might now hold the United States land speed record for a production Rolly Polly! That’s hard to verify, but three ticks past the ECU’s official restriction, thanks to wind and slick conditions and traction control, sounds pretty reasonable to claim. Of course, from a historical perspective, Rolls-Royce in 2021 launched a limited run of 25 Black Badge Dawn and Wraith models dubbed the Landspeed Collection to honor Captain George Eyston, who set a Bonneville Salt Flats speed of 357.497 mph in 1938 driving the “Thunderbolt” car, an eight-wheeler powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce V12 aero engines. I might have hit just under half that pace, but I still begged for some sort of commemorative certification or official plaque. Instead, I just get bragging rights and the gratification of memory. And awe, at the fact that Rolls-Royce today feels confident enough in the cars to allow this kind of entirely unnecessary hooligan behavior on a lakebed, even if, just like Area 51, the exact location must remain confidential. View All Rolls-Royce Motor Cars For Sale Images: Michael Van Runkle, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Charles Bradley – April 14, 2026

Rolls-Royce Reveals Project Nightingale, a Stunning Open-Top, Two-Seater EV

In the rarified world of ultra-luxury motoring, true exclusivity is hard to find. Responding to the demands of the world’s most discerning patrons, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled Project Nightingale, the inaugural entry in its new Coachbuild Collection. This production concept is a dramatic, all-electric open-top car that marries the complete design freedom of coachbuilding with a near-silent powertrain – a combination never before realized in the British marque’s storied history. Inspired by phenomenal one-off commissions such as the eight-figure Sweptail, Boat Tail, and Droptail of recent years, the marque is returning to those roots as the starting point for its Coachbuild Collection anthology – an ultra-exclusive program that pairs its automotive creations with a multi-year journey of curated experiences. “Some of the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients in the world asked us for our most ambitious work,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring — an experience that only this technology makes possible. “Achieving this required the same audacious mindset that drove our co-founder, Sir Henry Royce, to create his radically different experimental ‘EX’ motor cars of the 1920s. Project Nightingale shares the spirit of those landmark projects and is the most extravagant expression of what Rolls-Royce is capable of today.” A Lineage of Audacity The name ‘Project Nightingale’ finds its soul in heritage: It is derived from Le Rossignol (French for “the Nightingale”), the name of the designers’ residence at Sir Henry Royce’s winter estate on the Côte d'Azur. This connection to the French Riviera is more than nominal; it signals a return to the “audacious mindset” that drove Royce to create his radically different experimental ‘EX’ motor cars a century ago. Specifically, Project Nightingale draws inspiration from 16EX and 17EX, the torpedo-shaped prototypes of 1928. These red-badged legends were cloaked in lightweight aluminum to chase new top speeds during the Jazz Age. Today, Project Nightingale adopts that same red-badge status to denote its position as a contemporary production concept – its design is 95% complete, with the final specification to be confirmed in 2027. Monolithic Beauty: The Streamline Moderne Aesthetic Measuring 18.9 feet – the same length as a Phantom sedan, almost exactly – Project Nightingale utilizes its immense proportions to celebrate a two-seat convertible form. Underpinned by the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ aluminum spaceframe, the design is a masterclass in Streamline Moderne discipline. Domagoj Dukec, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce, said: “Project Nightingale is built on the design principles that define this marque at its most compelling — grand proportions, absolute surface discipline, and a clarity of line that rewards the closest attention. And yet, it takes them somewhere entirely new. For me, this landmark motor car feels both inevitable and completely unexpected, and it will shape everything that follows.” Twenty-four-inch wheels – the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce – feature a directional design draws from the propellers of a yacht seen beneath the waterline, with forms that suggest constant motion even when the car is stationary. The “sheer, monolithic” volumes prioritize uninterrupted forms over ornament. Key design principles include: · “Upright to Flowing”: The commanding Pantheon Grille transitions into a graceful, tapering rear. · “Central Fuselage”: A single unbroken hull line inspired by yacht design runs from front to tail. · “Flying Wings”: Sculptural volumes create tension, pulling the eye toward a low trailing edge. The Pantheon Grille itself is almost a meter wide, carved from a solid block of aluminum with 24 deep veins. In a progressive move, the Spirit of Ecstasy is integrated directly into the grille, her lines dissolving into the bonnet as if moving through water. The Starlight Breeze: Translating Birdsong into Light The transition to a fully electric drivetrain has unlocked a level of open-air serenity that was previously unattainable. Acoustic engineers noted that early prototypes were so silent that the sound of birdsong became a primary part of the driving experience. In tribute, Rolls-Royce designers analyzed the sound-wave patterns of a Nightingale’s song to create the Starlight Breeze suite. This interior masterpiece features 10,500 individual ‘stars’ of varied sizes that wrap around the occupants in a ‘Horseshoe’ architectural gesture, transforming melody into ambient illumination. The interior further evokes the Côte d'Azur with a palette of soft Charles Blue and Grace White, contrasted by Navy seat inserts and Peony Pink flashes inspired by Riviera blooms. Invitational Exclusivity Project Nightingale is not merely a motor car; it is a ‘production concept’ entering a rigorous global testing and validation program this summer. It is available by invitation only to a select group of aesthetes with a deep affinity for Rolls-Royce design. Production is strictly limited to 100 client motor cars worldwide. These patrons are already participating in a multi-year program of curated gatherings, immersing themselves in the technical and creative formation of their vehicles. As Rolls-Royce looks toward the future, Project Nightingale stands as a most extravagant expression of the marque’s capabilities. Deliveries for this 100-car collection are scheduled to commence in 2028; pricing is confidential but expected to be north of $3 million per vehicle. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 26, 2026

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Cullinan “Yachting” Collection

Rolls-Royce is not only known for opulent ultra-luxury vehicles, but also for the bespoke design and artisan craftsmanship behind them. Some of the most exciting vehicles from Rolls-Royce are those that are designed with a story or a cultural reference in mind, and painstakingly crafted to achieve their vision. The latest is a new collection that consists of four Rolls-Royce Cullinans, called the Cullinan “Yachting,” and each of the four Private Commissions is inspired by the beauty of yachts and the spirit of maritime adventure. Setting each apart, however, is the inspiration of each of the four cardinal directions. North, South, East, and West each serve as inspirations for one of the cars. All of them have teak detailing, hand-painted fascias with a nautical theme, and Starlight Headliners with a “Mediterranean Wind” pattern. The hand-painted finish on the picnic tables and fascias of each car evokes the wake that forms behind a tender that’s headed for an anchored yacht. Each finish is painted so that the wake matches the direction of the car’s inspiration: North, South, East, and West. Two months of development were required for the composition, and details like a Piano Milori Sparkle finish and Open-Pore Teak wood complement it, along with a compass motif on the rear waterfall. The interiors feature Arctic White and Navy Blue leathers, with Navy contrast stitching, piping, and embroidery, along with a bespoke pattern that is hand-stitched in the seat centers. For the North commission, the exterior finish is Crystal over Light Blue, while South has Crystal over Arabian Blue IV, East has Dark Silk Teal, and West has Sapphire Gunmetal. Each color finish echoes the oceans of their respective parts of the world. Beyond the simple association of both relating to ultra-luxury opulence, Rolls-Royce and yachting have been connected for over a century, as many models have taken design inspiration from the sailing world, and Charles Rolls’ family owned a yacht named the Santa Maria, which cruised throughout Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s. With this new collection, Rolls-Royce is showcasing the opulence of its Cullinan with a maritime twist. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Khris Bharath – March 11, 2026

Rolls-Royce Transforms Handcrafted Sapele Model Into Rare Charity Artwork

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has transformed a handcrafted wooden model car into an exclusive artwork series that will support the Aldingbourne Trust, a charity that provides services and opportunities for people with learning disabilities, including autism and Down’s syndrome. The project began with a small but meaningful gesture. When Rolls-Royce presented its final 2024 donation to the charity, members of the Wood@Aldingbourne team handed over a carefully carved model car made from Sapele hardwood. From dash boards, and interior trim on a Ghost or Phantom, to the rear decklids on models like the Arcadia Droptail, wood ofcourse has long played a defining role in bespoke Rolls-Royce interiors for decades, where carefully selected veneer slices are matched and finished by hand to create seamless grain patterns across the cabin and the piece, now displayed at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, immediately captured the attention of the brand’s design studio. Using the same digital rendering tools normally reserved for bespoke client commissions, one Rolls-Royce designer created a detailed visualization inspired by the wooden model. The result is a limited series of just three framed prints with what appears to be Art Deco-inspired lines, each individually signed and numbered to verify authenticity. “It was a privilege to work with Aldingbourne Trust as our House Charity in 2024. It’s a pleasure to extend our support for this wonderful organisation beyond 2024.” - Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Two of the prints will remain closely connected to the charity that inspired them. One will hang inside the Aldingbourne Trust café, while another has been presented directly to the Wood@Aldingbourne team that built the original Sapele model. The third will serve a fundraising role when it appears as a raffle prize during the Goodwood Members’ Meeting this April. “We were so appreciative of the fundraising efforts by Rolls-Royce staff, and the tremendous awareness we were able to generate through being their House Charity. It’s wonderful that the relationship has continued through this collaboration, which meant so much to the client who created the original wooden model, and will help raise further money for us.” - Abigail Rowe, Aldingbourne Trust Founded in 1978, Aldingbourne Trust now supports more than 1,500 people through training programs, employment opportunities, and social enterprises such as Wood@Aldingbourne, located about 10 minutes from the Rolls-Royce headquarters at Goodwood. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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