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 Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2019

2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Honors Tran...

The world became smaller 100 years ago. John Alcock and Arthur Brown climbed into a bomber from WWI and took off from Newfoundland. Their goal was to complete the first non-stop transatlantic flight. The pair encountered almost every type of failure, from instruments, the intercom, and freezing rain. Their only saving grace was a pair of 360 HP Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines. To celebrate 100 years of building amazing engines the 2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection honors their transatlantic flight. It took them 15 hours and 57 minutes to make the crossing, at an average speed of 115 mph. To put that into perspective, an SR-71 Blackbird did the same run 55 years later in 1 hour 54 minutes. “I do not know what we should most admire - their audacity, determination, skill, science, their aeroplane, their Rolls-Royce engines - or their good fortune”, commented Sir Winston Churchill. This quote is on a gold plaque just below the inner door handles. The grilles for the speakers are engraved with 1,880 miles, and the dash is a view of the Earth along their flight path. The House of Rolls-Royce is capable of building the car of your dreams, so click the link below to find a Wraith near you and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates. Browse Rolls-Royce Wraith For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2019

Breathtaking Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Rev...

Unbeknownst to many, Rolls-Royce does more than just make some of the most luxurious cars on the road today. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has been around for 104 years and was the 16th largest defense contractor in 2018. This is because Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is the second-largest manufacturer of aircraft engines. I mention this because Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first non-stop transatlantic flight with the new Wraith Eagle VIII Collection. Why? Because it was powered by two Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines, hence the special edition car's name. It was in June 1919 that Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown took to the skies for the historic flight. Their vehicle was a World War I Vickers Vimy bomber, fitted with the twin Rolls-Royce engines. The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection that was unveiled today celebrates both the flight and the aircraft itself. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Side On its exterior, the special edition Rolls-Royce Wraith is finished in a two-tone paint scheme that consists of Gunmetal with Selby Grey. In between the two paint choices is a brass line. Rolls-Royce notes that this exterior is meant to pay homage to "Alcock and Brown’s compelling nighttime adventure." Even the black grille veins mirror the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine cowling. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Dashboard Inside, a Selby Grey and black leather color scheme mimics the exterior. Brass accents are also quite abundant in the cabin. In front of the driver and front passenger is a very unique dash comprised of Smoked Eucalyptus wood that has been vacuum metalized in gold and inlaid with silver and copper. The result is a unique design that imitates what pilots would see looking down to Earth from the night sky. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Clock Being Rolls-Royce, they went above and beyond for this special edition and even had a unique clock crafted by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective for the cabin. Rolls-Royce notes that Alcock and Brown encountered a frozen instrument panel during their flight, which was the inspiration for the clock. The result is a clock with an "icy" background effect that has a faint green glow to it during the night time. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Starlight Headliner One feature that's synonymous with Rolls-Royce is the starlight headliner. The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII not only has one of these headliners, but the 1,183 starlight fibers are laid out in a very particular manner. Each of the fibers glow to represent the exact pattern of the stars that the pilots saw the night of their flight in 1919. Rolls-Royce even embroidered clouds among the stars on the headliner. Only 50 examples of the extraordinary Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII special edition are planned for creation. See All Rolls-Royce Wraiths For Sale Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Door Handle

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2018

Rolls-Royce Pebble Paradiso Heading to Pebble Beach

If you are heading west for Monterey Car Week, get ready for something new from Rolls-Royce. They are bringing a trifecta of their latest Black Badge models, all with custom touches. The Black Badge appeals to a younger audience thanks to carbon fiber wheels, black chrome exterior trim, and a unique interior. Uploaded to Instagram earlier today, we see the Pebble Paradiso or Paradise.Rolls-Royce Wraith For SaleThis trio consists of a Dawn, Wraith, and a Ghost wearing the same exterior finish. Inside we are treated to 2-tone leather along with the composite dash. Aerospace aluminum is woven into the carbon fiber to give it a silver gloss.Rolls-Royce Dawn For SaleIt looks like the Dawn has received a locking tonneau cover, a perfect accessory for a quick trip. We will see them in person at The Quail, so stay with us for complete coverage of Monterey 2018.Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2018

Rolls-Royce Unveils The Adamas Collection

The House of Rolls-Royce has been responsible for many stunning models over the past few years. By far the most popular have been the Black Badge editions, so now they have taken that theme even darker. A press release this morning says "Adamas" in Latin means an imaginary stone of incredible hardness. Something untameable and with the physical traits of a diamond.CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: "Adamas is a Collection that fuses the extraordinary competence of our Bespoke craftspeople from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, with the rebellious spirit of Black Badge. The result is a motor car for those who seek more than the definitive of engineered luxury conveyance. This is a motor car for the risk-taker who is not afraid to embrace a bold and progressive statement of true and modern luxury, in its darkest form.” Rolls-Royce Black Badge Dawn & WraithStarting at the most prominent feature, the Spirit of Ecstasy has lost her Sterling silver attire. She now rises from the black chrome grille as 294 layers of aerospace carbon fiber. Not just any hand-laid process would suffice, so she takes 68 hours to be woven at precisely 25 degrees. She stands on a titanium base that has been vapor-blasted to a dark motif. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Dawn & WraithOn the inside, you will instantly be drawn to the clock. It features 88 black diamonds to form the infinity symbol, machined aluminum accents and it is mounted in a carbon fiber back plate. Look up and you will see 1,340 fiber optic lights, configured as the molecular structure of carbon as it is arranged inside a pure diamond. For the first time, the starlight headliner is color-coordinated to the interior.Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV Shown in Action for First TimeThe first black-badge cars to have color choices, the two versions are Aphrodite Red over Black and Morpheus Blue over Black two-tone. Only 40 examples of the Wraith and 30 of the Dawn will be produced, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you and they will have all the details. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news.Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2018

New Rolls-Royce 'Wraith Luminary Collection' with Shootin...

Rolls-Royce's new 'Wraith Luminary Collection' was designed for "those who lead where others follow." In fact, the word "luminary" means "a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere." If you take one look at this new collection you'll see what Rolls-Royce is talking about. New Rolls-Royce Collection Painted With Real SilverInside is a cabin that features Tudor Oak wood, which was selected specifically for its depth of color and density of grain. But it doesn't stop with just the wood's beautiful looks, as Rolls-Royce has illuminated this wood with 176 LEDs. These lights form what looks like the trailing light of a shooting star, which can be activated by the touch of a button.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 31, 2016

Rolls-Royce Introduces Bespoke Wraith in One-of-a-Kind Go...

One of the most appealing characteristics of luxury brands is their ability to evoke immediate recognition while still providing their customers with the ultimate customization opportunities. In this way, luxury brands, and car makers specifically, offer their esteemed clientele the best of both worlds--- belonging to an exclusive group while still maintaining their originality. With Rolls-Royce Bespoke, anything is possible. Collectors of the luxury brand have options as varied as their imaginations, and the Bespoke division is more than happy to abide.One of their latest creations is a Bespoke Wraith with a customized two-tone paint job, which includes gray and a one-of-a-kind golden yellow. But the customization doesn't stop there. The interior features complimenting black leather seats with yellow accents and stitching and the "spellbinding" Starlight Headliner. The dash and doors carry the exclusive yellow color throughout as well.Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 29, 2016

Antonio Brown's Custom Steelers Wraith... Better than his...

Last year, Antonio Brown stepped out in a Steelers customized Rolls-Royce Phantom. In fact, he drove his new Phantom to training camp. That's what we call an entrance.Then, he rolled around San Francisco in a custom Rolls-Royce Ghost wrapped in gold during Super Bowl 50.Not to be outdone by himself, Brown stepped used social media platform, Instagram to introduce his fan base to his newest Rolls-Royce edition--- the Wraith. This decked out luxury car features a galactic style Steelers inspired wrap, instantly setting it apart from the other models in Brown's Rolls-Royce collection.Little is known about the new addition, but photos show the car is not only decked out in Steelers colors and logo, but has also been personalized with Brown's number, '84.'The Wraith has been dubbed the luxury car maker's, "fastest and most dramatic Rolls-Royce to date," making it the perfect addition to Brown's already extensive collection.View All Wraiths For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 17, 2015

Rare Rolls-Royce Wraith Carbon Fiber Edition Announced

At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Geneva, the new Wraith Carbon Fiber Edition was shown off. This new model was featured on their Facebook page in all of its glory.This customized two-door ultra-luxury car steals the show with an all-black exterior that is only interrupted by chrome and lights. Inside is where this car gets its name from, as it has special carbon fiber inserts that compliment the black leather and red accents. Of course, there is the Starlight Headliner that sheds a sparkling light on the dark tones of the interior.To me, it looks just like the kind of car Darth Vader would drive.Powering the car is a massive 6.6-liter V12 engine that generates 624 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. While it won't hit warp speed, it will run from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.The Sith Lord would have to act quick because only 25 examples of the Wraith Carbon Fiber will be produced.Wraiths For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Geneva)

By Edward Jones – September 25, 2015

Dark Indigo 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith

There is no questioning that the Rolls-Royce Wraith is one of the world's most luxurious two-door performance automobiles. It achieves this through an interior that you could live in and performance that could wake the dead. And if this is the kind of car you're looking for, Fields Motorcars Orlando has a very special Wraith for sale.Finished in a spectacular Dark Indigo paint, this 2015 Wraith is one of the most unique and finest examples of the car we have ever seen. When light hits its finish, the car comes to life in a way you wouldn't believe. Inside is an equally stunning cabin that contrasts light Seashell leather against Black trimming and wooden door panels.Also included with this car is The Wraith Package. This consists of many exclusive features, such as a the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Audio system, 21-inch 7-spoke forged alloy wheels, a camera system, Rolls-Royce embroidery, the Comfort Entry System, a glass roof and much more. This example also comes with the famous Starlight Headliner.Under its hood is a twin-turbo 6.3-liter V12 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. This engine provides the Wraith with 624 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds.This car is currently for sale at Fields Motorcars Orlando, located in Longwood, Florida. To see the price and more info, be sure to click the link below.View Price and ListingGallery

By Caitlin Duffy – September 22, 2015

Rolls-Royce "Wraith - History of Rugby" Celebrates Britis...

In 1823, at a private school founded in 1567, a young man by the name of William Webb Ellis broke the rules while playing a game of football. And it is this rule breaker that Rolls-Royce is honoring in their newest one-off creation.The Rolls-Royce "Wraith - History of Rugby" is a stunning coupe in English White, with details throughout that pay tribute to one of England's most popular sports. As a press release issued by the manufacturer today tells us, the Wraith's individuality is a perfect reflection of Ellis' on the day he picked up the football (or soccer ball, for us Americans) and began running. He was a student at Warwickshire's Rugby School, where a plaque on their field commemorates the beginning of a new sport.The English White exterior is an homage to the white rugby shirt worn at the Rugby School, while the red rose of Queen Elizabeth I is embroidered in the headrests and featured on the door sill."Folklore has it that the rose originates from Rugby School and Queen Elizabeth I, her red rose emblem placed with her permission on the school crest by its founder," describes the release.The red rose motif is continued with Hotspur Red on the dashboard's accent panel, as well as the piping on the seats and doors. The dashboard itself is Piano Black, with an English rose inlaid in the center panel, while the main colors are Seashell and Navy Blue.The Seashell and Hotspur Red colors also extend past the car itself in the form of specially crafted rugby balls from Gilbert, an iconic creator of rugby balls and the creator of the soccer ball that Ellis broke the rules with. A limited number of rugby balls that match this bespoke Wraith have been created to accompany the car.(See Also: Rolls-Royce Dawn Officially Unveiled)Take a look at this stunning creation in the gallery below, then find your own Wraith from our exclusive listings.Wraiths For SaleGallery (Source: Rolls-Royce) See More Rolls-Royce News

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