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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 – August 27, 2020

2021 Aston Martin DB5 Junior is fun for Kids & Parents

Nobody believed they would resurrect their most iconic model, but never underestimate Aston Martin. The DB5 Goldfinger Continuation was a smashing success, but it left out a major part of their audience: those who are too young to drive full-size cars. That is why the 2021 Aston Martin DB5 Junior is fun for kids & parents. Built by The Little Car Company, it is a 66% scale electric roadster. It offers 6.7 horsepower at the rear wheels. The chassis, gauges, suspension parts and even the wire wheels have been perfectly scaled down. Finished in the iconic Silver Birch, the leather and carpets are exact matches to the original. Four-wheel disc brakes and a 20 mile range make it the perfect daily driver, and it it has three driving modes. Novice offers 1.3 horsepower, expert full power and 30 mph, and Race unlocks the Balance Of Performance restrictions to race against other little cars. https://www.facebook.com/astonmartin/videos/722643515259471 Stepping up to the DB5 Vantage Junior, a hidden missile switch unlocks nearly 14 horsepower. It will go much faster than 30 mph, and the limited-slip differential provides epic launches. The standard DB5 Junior starts at $46,000 while the Vantage will set you back $59,399. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

James Bond: "No Time To Die" Slot Car Track is fun for al...

Nothing hurts worse than Daniel Craig's impending retirement. His last film as Agent 007 will premiere this Thanksgiving, so Micro Scalextric licensed incredible 1:64 scale versions of the DB5 and Jaguar XF. The system is battery-powered with 9 track configurations and its under $50. Both cars have neodymium magnets for the ultimate downforce, and that is why the "No Time To Die" slot car track is fun for all ages. To give you a preview of the action, the video below is from their James Bond; SPECTRE set that has become valuable to collectors and movie buffs. Click the button below to learn more about their latest track and stay with us for all your James Bond news. Shop Now " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2020

McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio ...

Every 2005 Ford GT for sale has a supercharged 5.4-liter, perfect six-speed transmission, and the first McIntosh Audio system I had experienced. Aside from the exhaust, that sound system was incredible. Now it looks like history will be repeated, as they have joined forces with Alps Alpine to build bespoke systems for the world's best cars. Alps Electric is the parent company of Alpine Audio, leaders in high-end automotive sound for 53 years. Jeff Poggi, McIntosh Group Co-CEO and CEO of the Sonus faber said: "We expect simply the very best out of every product we bring to market. It’s the reason we joined forces with Alps Alpine to ensure our exacting standard of excellence will never be compromised. And now, consumers can enjoy our luxury audio experience in their cars, everywhere they go." Expect to see their collaborations appear later in 2021. Home Audio enthusiasts like me are happy that he recently unveiled the MC1502, the ultimate 2-channel tube amplifier that offers 150 watts of pure analog enjoyment. It is powered by eight KT88 output vacuum tubes, with four assigned to each stereo channel. It also has eight small signal tubes, consisting of four 12AX7A and four 12AT7 vacuum tubes; two of each of these vacuum tubes are dedicated to each audio channel. The 12AX7A vacuum tubes are for the Balanced and Input amps, while the 12AT7 tubes are for the Voltage and Driver amps. Learn More

By Alyssa Mammano – July 17, 2020

Boxing at Home Intensified with Lights, Music and Pro Ins...

Subsequent to the immense successes of Peloton and MIRROR, comes Liteboxer, the next iteration of intense community workouts from the comfort of your own home. Like its predecessors, Liteboxer is an interactive at-home workout led by professional trainers with the option to connect with other at-home athletes. The equipment comes with an exercise plan, accompanying app for your smart phone or tablet and trainers to help you reach your fitness goals. Lights and music stream through the Liteboxer with varying tempos and genres of music to choose from. With a light-up zone on each of the two pads, which represent the face and body, boxers will follow along with the music and punch out the lights - similar to the format of "Dance Dance Revolution." Classes and challenges can be streamed through the app, led by certified trainers. Though less expensive than the Peloton and MIRROR, this high-tech piece of equipment is designed for the high-end athlete with a price tag of $1,495 for the device and a $29 per month subscription after the initial three-month trial period expires. However, if your home workout has been lacking, this may just be the incentive you need to stay motivated. Purchase for $1,495

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Bowers & Wilkins Debuts the 700 Series Signature

While power is a major factor when comparing cars, efficiency and clarity are what drives the home theater market. Bowers & Wilkins launched the 700 Series back in 2017 as a medium-priced alternative to their flagship 800 Series. With over 50 years of audio engineering behind them, the 705 is pedestal mounted while the 702 is a more conventional floor-standing model. Due to their popularity, the 700 spawned six variants in three colors, and they remain the backbone of their lineup. But for those of us who demand something more, the 700 Signature Series retains its outer shape, but the internals are all new. The body is made of Datuk Ebony with several coats of lacquer before being sanded to a mirror shine. Best Ford Mustangs Of All Time Stating at the top, their iconic tweeters are machined from a solid block of aluminum alloy. This propreitary shape cancels out any resonances to deliver high frequency response unlike anything you have experienced before. Next we have the midrange. It must offer incredible response at frequencies that overlap the tweeter and the woofers. As such, it is another unique & brilliant design. The Continuum Cone is an improved version of what's found in the 800 Series Diamond. Mounted on a forged bracket to the back of the cabinet, the cone and driver are free-floating (Decoupled). This prevents harmonic interference between the tweeter and the woofers. Finally, it is time to get low. For perfect bass, the cone has a unique cross-section. The "Aerofoil Profile" uses the same aerodynamic principles found in supersonic aircraft wings to project low-frequency sound accurately. The supports are sand cast as one-piece to insure their 2nd and 3rd order harmonics are far above any signal the speakers will ever receive. The best part about these, you have three of them in each cabinet! Rated to handle 300 watts at 8 ohms, you will have a frequency range of 28 to 33 kHz. They also state the frequency response is only +/- 3dB between 46 and 28 kHz. A rear-firing band pass is tuned to maximize the low-frequency power, so now it is time to retire your amplifier to unleash Bowers & Wilkins latest achievement. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your home audio news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – November 01, 2019

Richard Mille Unveils RM 52-06 Tourbillon Mask

Nothing is as enigmatic as a performer behind a mask. Something subliminal makes us question why the face is obscured. Taking inspiration from their Skull of 2012, Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 52-06 Tourbillon Mask. Disguises have been worn by heroes and villains, kings and peasants. They can be soothing or apprehensive, so it is up to you to determine how it will be used. Adding this timepiece to your collection will give you that ability. The case is Grade 5 anodized Titanium that has been micro-blasted from a solid billet. Your mask is visible from both sides, and it offers hints at the movement inside. Eight arms extend from the case to the mask, each one cut with precision not found outside of the Space Industry. Learn More This mask will allow you to be whoever you want, and that is why it is limited to 18 examples of all four case materials. Choose from Carbon TPT, All Quartz TPT, Blue/White Quartz TPT, and Red/White Quartz TPT. They are only available at Richard Mille boutiques, so click the button above for more info. Related: New Richard Mille RM 62-01 Has Vibrating Alarm New $1 Million Alfa Romeo Racing Team-Inspired Richard Mille RM 50-04

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

TAG Heuer Unveils Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition

Time flies when you begin to study the details of this masterpiece. It has been 50 years since this iconic design was released. Five watches were styled to commemorate half a century of Swiss precision, and now the collection is complete. Tag Heuer has unveiled the Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition. Each of its four predecessors were styled to celebrate each decade since it was introduced in 1969. Many of us have been waiting for this one to see how the Monaco has evolved into its current form. The world's first square, automatic chronograph, it has been worn by celebrities and commoners alike. It is named for the famous race through the streets of Monte Carlo, and production is limited to 169 examples. It is still 39x39 millimeters with 100m water resistance. View Price & Specs Sapphire and blasted stainless make it sturdy for the ages, an heirloom that will outlast us. Click the button above for details and pricing, and stay with us for more TAG Herer news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2019

McLaren Unveils Stylish new Eyewear

A brand as distinctive as McLaren should offer accessories for all drivers. The only thing better than being seen in a McLaren is seeing the road ahead of you. That's why McLaren has unveiled stylish new eyewear. To make sure they introduced frames in contemporary styles, they partnered with French optical designers at L’Amy Group. Prices range from $323 to $2008, with several colors of Leica sunglass lenses. Also available are clear lenses that your local Optometrist can machine to your prescription. The upper-end models invoke the first use of 3D printed titanium temples and a few examples of drill-mounts lenses. The latter gives the lens a floating look and prevents driving distraction. The press release didn't mention which U.S. retailers will offer them, so take a look at these great deals on the 570S Spider & stay with us for all your McLaren news. Browse McLaren 570S Spider For Sale Related: McLarens, Assemble: $60+ Million Lineup of McLarens Together For The First Time

By Edward Jones – April 11, 2019

New Bugatti Couch and Chairs For Supreme and Luxurious Re...

You may know Bugatti because of their hypercars like the Veyron and Chiron, but now they're branching out into a new direction with the new Bugatti Home Collection. Unveiled at the Salone del Mobile 2019, the Bugatti Home Collection was created in collaboration with the Living Luxury Group. Inspiration for the collection came from Carlo Bugatti, the father of Ettore Bugatti (founder of Bugatti Automobiles) who was actually an interior designer. 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review Highlights of this collection include the Bugatti Home Cobra Chair, which was directly inspired by a piece of work from Carlo Bugatti back in 1902. The curves and lines of this chair are reminiscent of the Chiron's, and it even features a carbon fiber backing. They really did a great job translating the essence of their hypercars into furniture. Bugatti Home has limited this chair to just 110 pieces in the blue and white version, which celebrated Bugatti's 110th anniversary. There are plenty of other pieces in this collection as well, including sofas, a coffee table, chairs and more. see all bugattis for sale now

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

G-CODE Eclipse: The Ultimate Concealed Holster

Would you put a generic car cover on your prized ride? If only the best will do, choose the one that fits like a glove. G-Code has been in the holster business for 20 years, which is how they have developed the ultimate in concealed carry. They began as a supplier to the Armed Forces & Law Enforcement, but now we can experience their innovations for everyday carry. The latest in the INCOG holster lineup is the Eclipse. As a revolution in the world of IWB (In Waist Band) holsters, it arrives with several adjustable & customizable features.First off, the clip mounting point is offered in 3 or 4-hole designs for different depth. The adapter has six holes that offer a variety of bolt patterns to the clip. Not only does it have 3 vertical alignments, the slotted holes on the clip allow for canted angles.Shirt guards are offered in full, half, and RMR cut for high-mounted optics. The top screw controls the tension of the holster to your weapon, and it allows you to set it to your liking.The Super MoJo adapter is patent-pending, and it holds the clip in a correct orientation in a straight draw, or reverse it for cross-draw. The mounting clip itself is angled a few degrees inward to keep the holster close to your body. This allows for lightning fast presentations, even from deep cover.My usual carry piece is an officer's model 1911. Most holster manufacturers build generic 1911 examples, but this one-size-fits-all mentality is the result of mass-production, and they are nothing but dangerous. In my case, a normal 1911 holster won't be secure because of the small frame, and that's why G-Code has molds for over 55 weapons. Almost every possible version of Glock, Sig, Springfield, and 1911 are guaranteed to hold securely in place- No Rattles!The inner lining is Kydex, which will not scratch or mar the finish of your piece. Lefty shooters are just as welcomed, as the entire design can be mirror imaged for southpaws. The holster itself is offered in 6 colors, with 15 choices of powder-coated colors for the adapter. The Eclipse will last you for years, so why not order it exactly to your liking? G-Code also has a full line of mag carriers & CC accessories. Their stack belts and chest rigs offer convenience and durability, plus they make a fashion statement at the range. Your safety is worth more than $75, so contact G-Code for an Eclipse of your own. G-Code holsters are made to order in Jacksonville, North Carolina. They carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty, so if it fails for ANY reason, a replacement will be free of charge. If you want the ultimate in concealed carry, click the link below for more details.Learn More

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