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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 31, 2020

Pershing to Unveil All-Aluminum 140 in Monaco

Reaching 140 feet is a milestone for any Naval Architect and a skilled shipyard. While their first 140 was an exercise in several metals, Pershing is set to unveil their first all-aluminum 140 in Monaco this weekend. This gorgeous yacht has an ingenious cathodic protection for years of oceangoing pleasure. While the prototype had a movie theater, the owner commissioned this ship to have a full-width bedroom accessed by a private lounge. Piero Ferrari, head of the Ferretti Group worked with architect Fulvio De Simoni for over a year to finalize the details. Here is what it takes to build an aluminum yacht: " width="680"> Three fold-out sides make a nice beach for tanning and an easy way to moor tenders and PWC's. It is the first-all aluminum ship by Ferretti's Super Yacht Yard at Ancona. The Ferretti Group Private Preview is by invitation only from Sunday to Tuesday in Monaco. Literally making waves around the world, their third keel is already laid, with the shipyard planning to launch next spring. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your luxury yachting news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2020

G-Shock Unveils the GM110 Digital & Analog

Even the best mechanical movements can't compete with digital processors. That's why G-Shock has combined the best of both in the new GM110. It is a tough stainless case that is offered in 3 anodized finishes. It measures 51.9×48.8×16.9mm. It is impervious g-forces, magnetic fields, and it is rated to a depth of 200 meters. This rugged timepiece can be yours for only $230, so click the button below for all the details. Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – August 27, 2020

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Celebrates Their 95th Anniversary

After nearly a century building the world's best audio equipment, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 celebrates their 95th anniversary. The Danish duo of Peter Bang & Svend Olufsen began making radios, headphones and loudspeakers before the Nazis burned down the factory. Nevertheless, they rebuilt and expanded their lineup to include electric razors, art-deco TV sets, and audio with unmatched style and Scandinavian design. https://www.facebook.com/bangolufsen/videos/257119015252808 Their latest achievement is the H95, the world's most advanced Active Noise Canceling headphones. Only 95 examples will be available when they debut on September 10th. Each pair offers 38 hours of playback time with noise cancelation or 50 hours without. Other outstanding features include titanium drivers, Amazon Alexa, Google Voice, and they are certified for Google Fast Pair, Made for iPhone, and Microsoft Swift Pair. Bluetooth 5.1 is standard, as is a USB-C charging port and a normal 1/8" cord input. Click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for the latest in luxury audio. Shop Now

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 – 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 – June 17, 2020

Take The Ultimate Road Trip In Your Multi-Million Dollar ...

Between the Atlantic and Pacific, the Lower 48 states offer 47 National Parks. The first President Roosevelt began saving these wild and majestic places for future generations to enjoy, and the best way to get there is in a Marathon Coach. No other full-size RV offers a one-piece stainless steel unibody. The Prevost chassis is stronger and lighter than any other coach, and it is impervious to corrosion. Before we dive into the details, allow us to offer an ideal scenario. 2020 Marathon H3-45 Double Slide Under Floor Heating System (Salon, Galley & Bath) Parquet Tile throughout coach Touch panel Monitor for TechLink Information at Waterbay D/S Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator with built-in bottle storage above Apple TV System Installation with Crestron Digital Media HDMI Input Card 32" LED Monitor Curio Cabinet Slide out 49" 4K LED TV in Underbelly Entertainment Center Adjustable Reclining Bed for TV Viewing and Pathway when Slide is in Convertible Wardrobe to Bunk Beds with the Touch of a Button View Listing Ten days from now, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the Summer Solstice. At 5:43 PM (Eastern), we will be farther north than any other day of the year. To fully experience ample sunlight, you could arrive at Glacier National Park for a drive of your life. "Going To The Sun Road" is exactly what it sounds like. Head up the scenic highway at 3 PM to reach a perfect viewpoint. From 3:43 to sunset you will experience colors of the sky that can't be recreated by a documentary. 2020 Marathon H3-45 Double Slide Under Floor Heating System (Salon, Galley & Bath) Two Station Aiphone Intercom w/ Camera at the Entrance Door Fisher Paykel Refrigerator with built-in bottle storage above 49? Samsung 4K LED TV in Bedroom (in lieu of Standard 32? TV) Expanding Dinette with Stowable Seat Cushions 32? LED Monitor Curio Cabinet Slideout 49? 4K LED TV in Underbelly Entertainment Center Adjustable Reclining Bed for TV Viewing and Pathway when Slide is in View Listing This is just one of a thousand trips you and your family can experience in a Marathon Coach. Starting with your choice of two or four slide-outs, standard equipment includes heated floors, LED lighting, LED flat screens, and touch panel controls. Under the well-insulated cabin is a Volvo D13. The six-cylinder diesel uses compound turbos to offer 500 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. It exceeds all EPA clean-air regulations while offering years of worry-free adventure. 2021 Marathon H3-45 Double Slide 20-kW Diesel Generator with Auto-Gen Crestron Controls w/Smart Graphics & Surround Sound Under Floor Heating System Throughout Coach Touchpanel Monitor for TechLink Information at Waterbay D/S Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator with built-in bottle storage 49? Samsung 4K LED TV in Bedroom (in lieu of Standard 32? TV) Air Powered Glass Pocket Shower Door with Accent Panel in Shower 49? 4K LED TV in Underbelly Entertainment Center Adjustable Reclining Bed for TV Viewing and Pathway when Slide is in View Listing Because the Prevost chassis is one-piece, you will have a smooth ride along with incredible safety. Traditional body-on-frame coaches bend and flex, especially when equipped with slide-outs. Marathon and Prevost designed this coach out of 304 Series stainless to handle 4 slide outs while being torsion tested beyond a million miles. 2018 Marathon H3-45 Quad Slide 6-Month Pre-Own Limited Warranty Solid Wood Planking Throughout Salon (Marble in Galley, Bath and Cockpit) Touchpanel Monitor for TechLink Information at Waterbay D/S Valid Manufacturing Leveling System Electric Operated Cargo Roll Out in Bay 2 Two Joey Beds in the Underbelly Bay 1 Adjustable Reclining Bed for TV Viewing and Pathway when Slide is in Apple TV System Installation with Crestron Digital Media HDMI Input View Listing Driving is a breeze thanks to active cruise control, stability control, an independent transmission brake, and the Prevost Liason. It displays all engine parameters along with fluid levels, the TPMS system. Each tire has a pressure and heat transducer that will alert the Liason system if anything is above or below the safe zone. 2019 Marathon H3-45 Double Slide Four Roof Air Conditioners 20-kW Generator Electric Bay Door Locks Amtico Vinyl Bay Floors 4K TV with Speaker Bar Plumbing Bay with Wash Two 4000W Inverters Freedom Plus Sewer System View Listing No detail has been overlooked, as even the bathroom door is a work of art. It opens and closes silently, operated by the onboard air compressor. Flush-mounted floor-to-ceiling windows offer amazing panoramas along with insulation from the elements. Once you are done in Montana, head south to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, a trifecta of Rocky Mountain experiences. You have worked hard to get where you are, so reward yourself by taking your next adventure in style. Click the button to view our Marathon Coach lineup and stay with us for the ultimate in luxury recreational vehicles. Browse Marathon Coach For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Gulfstream G280 Sets Another Steep Approach Record

Airports are not always easy to reach. Short fields at high altitudes and old runways surrounded by urban sprawl require a veteran pilot to keep passengers comfortable while coming in hot. It is a delicate balance of speed, sink rate, and g-forces that demand the very best from the crew and their equipment. Places like Telluride, Colorado, and John Wayne in Orange County are nerve-racking for rookies, and they place incredible stress on the tires, brakes, and landing gear. That is why our friends at Gulfstream have set another steep approach record. In a press release last night, they outlined the details of the event. On February 16th, a G280 left Burlington, Vermont en route to London City Airport. Because this field has strict noise regulations, pilots are forced to basically glide in with engines at idle. To stay above stall speed, a normal airliner is forced to aim for the earth before leveling out at the last minute. Thanks to saving weight and an efficient profile, the G280 can accomplish this with a more conventional angle of attack. Cruising across the pond at Mach 0.83, it made the trip in a record 6 hours & 10 minutes. President of Gulfstream Mark Burns said: The Gulfstream G280’s combination of range, fuel-efficiency and performance, particularly on short runways, reinforces its place atop the super-midsize class. These latest city-pair speed records are further proof of the aircraft’s superior performance capabilities bolstered by its advanced wing, robust airframe and powerful engines." Click the button below to learn more about the abilities of the G280, and stay with us for all your Gulfstream news. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Verge Motorcycles Unveils the TS Electric Roadster

When Nikola Tesla said he could build electric motors as large as needed, Thomas Edison probably laughed at his young apprentice. But history has proven that AC motors can be big and efficient. That is literally the motivation behind the TS Electric Roadster from Verge Motorcycles. A team of Finnish engineers and enthusiasts are about to shock the world. Instead of using off-the-shelf EV parts, the rear wheel is an electric motor built inside out. Thanks to the incredible diameter of the rotor and stator, this hubless rear wheel offers 737 lb-ft of torque to the ground. If you are looking for rear brakes, the motor becomes a generator and stops the bike while recharging the battery. You will have a city range of 186 miles or 124 on the highway. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Kid's Game

Summer break came early for most kids this year, so parents have been spending more time keeping young minds active despite the adversity. Coloring books from our favorite automakers were a big hit, so now its time for the next level. In an Instagram post this morning, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new kid's game. The Kids Car Designer is a free app that allows little ones to design their own A-Class or G-Class. After choosing the car, paint with various brushes and personalize it with pens. Print it out along with the included template, use some safety scissors and your favorite Kids Glue to help their designs become a reality. As for now it is only for Apple devices, so click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2020

Indian Unveils FTR Carbon

When you think of American V-twins, does carbon fiber come to mind? Indian has always dared to be different. Pushing the boundaries of style and power have kept them on the cutting edge, so get ready for the 2020 FTR Carbon. As the new flagship of the FTR series, it arrives with: • Carbon fiber front fender• Carbon fiber headlight nacelle• Carbon fiber tank/airbox covers• Carbon fiber passenger seat cowl• Titanium Akrapovič low-mount exhaust in black• ‘FTR Carbon’ branded center console plate Fully loaded, it comes with a 4.3" touch screen USB fast charge ports, cruise control, dual-disc Brembo ABS, bluetooth and LED lighting. While it might look like the FTR750, you will be sitting on 1,203 cc of liquid-cooled goodness. You will have 125 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque with a comfortable, upright riding position. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Indian news. Learn More

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