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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 Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2024

How To Buy: The Magnus Walker Collection By Santo Gallery

Style your home or office with art from Porsche purists. Magnus Walker is considered to be one of the most iconic Porsche figures in the automotive world, owning a large collection of vintage models and continuing to support the brand as new vehicles release. Recently, Santo Gallery was proud to release the Magnus Walker Collection, a series of photos featuring his personal collection captured by Daniel Malikyar. The setting of the project takes place in infamous locations of California like Angela’s Crest, using familiar Porsches like Mangus’ famous 277 (1971 Porsche 911). In total, six examples are available from Santos Gallery in your choice of size and frame color. Shop any of the examples featured in Santo Gallery’s Magnus Walker Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Magnus Walker x Santo Gallery Source: Santo Gallery

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 08, 2024

Unleash the Ultimate M Experience: Gear Essentials for Ev...

Celebrate BMW M's historic involvement in motorsports with an array of luxury gear and accessories.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 25, 2023

Shop These Must-Have Essentials For Every Mercedes-AMG Ow...

Whether you're off-road in a G63 or tracking an AMG ONE, these luxury Mercedes-inspired products will fuel your performance lifestyle.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2023

These Are The Best Luxury Essentials For Aston Martin Own...

Whether you're watching from home or trackside, support AMR F1 with some of these stylish offerings.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2023

F.P. Journe Opens Its New "F.P. Journe Le Restaurant" In ...

In the heart of Geneva, at 49 Rue du Rhône, a culinary chapter unfolds with the grand opening of "F.P.Journe Le Restaurant." This restuarant is an offshoot of an luxurious partnership between renowned chef Dominique Gauthier and horologist François-Paul Journe, bringing together the essence of Geneva's rich history and culture. Formerly known as "La Bavaria" and frequented by the League of Nations' elite since 1912, the restaurant has been a hub for politicians, journalists, and international stars. Listed as a heritage site in 2012, the restaurant's interior, featuring furniture and woodwork dating back to 1942, remains untouched. Where time meets taste, François-Paul Journe contributes a strong horological essence to the space. Technical drawings of watch movements cover the walls, tables bear the names of legendary watchmakers like Jost Bürgi and Christiaan Huygens, and menus pay homage to Journe's timepiece models. A 17th-century astronomical clock, signed "Giovanni Brugell Venetia," stands as a centerpiece in the retaurant. Dominique Gauthier, whose culinary journey began at 14 and soared to the peak of Swiss gastronomy, defines the restaurant's menu. His cuisine is an exotic blend of Mediterranean influences, sprinkled with bursts of Thai spices and citrus. Signature dishes like scampis in kadaïf and hare ravioli with truffles highlight the menu, complemented by a well-curated selection of fine wines. Gauthier's commitment to local producers ensures that only the finest regional ingredients are used. Led by assistant Morgane Quétineau-Demay and restaurant manager Pascal Brault, the 15-member staff includes chefs Maxime Mühlemann and Théo Cesarini, as well as head sommelier Bogdan Tand. Together, they contribute to the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, making every guest feel like a host. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale Source: F.P. Journe

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2023

Azimut's Grande 36M Superyacht Wins Best Of Show At Fort ...

Azimut's Grande 36M superyacht earns the Best of Show award at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for its revolutionary design and eco-friendly features. Azimut Yachts has once again grabbed luxury marine headlines, this time at the 64th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Italian shipyard walked away with the coveted Best of Show award, organized in collaboration with Fox Sports. This award is given to the most innovative boats at the show, and this year, the honor went to Azimut's Grande 36M superyacht. The vessel was applauded for its ground-breaking design, performance, architecture, and cutting-edge technology. The Grande 36M is a game changer in the world of superyachts, primarily due to its unique semi-walkaround Upper Deck. This design, outstanding in boats of its size, offers a seamless experience from stern to bow on a single level. The innovative layout is complemented by disappearing Skylounge windows, transforming the deck into an expansive terrace with unparalleled views of the horizon. Internationally acclaimed designers Alberto Mancini and Achille Salvagni were behind the yacht's exterior and interior aesthetics. But what truly sets the Grande 36M apart is its commitment to sustainability. Fitting into Azimut’s Low Emission Yacht family, the yacht features a high-efficiency D2P Displacement-to-Planing hull and extensive use of carbon fiber, which together reduce consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 30% at various cruising speeds. “We're honored to win Best of Show for the Grande 36M. It underlines Azimut's global reputation for design and innovation,” said Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut Benetti Americas. According to Ferrante, the award-winning yacht, which made its debut at the show, has already generated significant interest, marking a triumphant entry into the U.S. market. View all luxury yachts currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Yachts For Sale Source: Azimut Yachts

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2023

Glashütte Original Expands Its Senator Excellence Collect...

Glashütte Original adds four new exquisite watch models to its Senator Excellence collection, melding classic style with modern design and exceptional craftsmanship. The German luxury watchmakers at Glashütte Original are elevating the already iconic Senator Excellence line by unveiling four new timepiece variations. The Senator Excellence collection, renowned for its impeccable quality and innovative craftsmanship, just got even more irresistible for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Originating in 2016, the Senator Excellence range has earned its stellar reputation by setting the bar high for stability, precision, and aesthetic appeal. These handcrafted marvels are lifelong wrist companions that feature the perfect blend of performance and sophistication. Two of the new releases feature a Perpetual Calendar, a horological feat that only the industry’s best dare to tackle. The other two showcase a Panorama Date and Moon phase displays, embodying the pinnacle of horological luxury. Whether you opt for the satin-brushed/polished red gold or the stainless steel case, each variant is an example of exquisite design and engineering. Speaking of design, the new dials sport fine-grained surfaces, balancing perfectly with clearly arranged displays. The red gold versions boast a galvanic silver dial with ivory-colored accents, while the stainless steel ones capture attention with a galvanic grey dial and blue elements. The dials are further improved by applied indexes made of solid gold. Ticking inside these masterpieces are state-of-the-art versions of the renowned Calibre 36, offering at least 100 hours of power reserve and featuring an antimagnetic silicon balance spring. To top it off, these new models come with redesigned skeletonized rotors, showcasing the brand's signature Double-G logo and an oscillating mass in 21-carat gold. Available starting October 2023, these additions to the Senator Excellence family confirm that Glashütte Original continues to set the standard for high-end timepieces. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Glashütte Original

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2023

Yamaha's MOTOROiD Concept: The AI-Powered Electric Motorc...

As the world continues to adapt to the electrification taking place in the transportation sector, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) technology is also now being adopted by motorcycle manufacturers. Yamaha's latest venture, the MOTOROiD electric motorcycle, is a technological marvel designed to transform the way we travel on a daily basis. As a proof-of-concept experimental vehicle, it showcases Yamaha's cutting-edge development ideal of Jin-Ki-Kanno. MOTOROiD aims to create new experiences of "Kando." the Japanese term for deep satisfaction and excitement when facing exceptional value. MOTOROiD incorporates groundbreaking features including high-precision balance control using artificial intelligence and autonomous technology. This advanced two-wheeler can sense its position, adjust its center of gravity, and stand upright on its own without any assistance. The motorcycle can even recognize its owner and move forward to greet them, thanks to its human-machine interface (HMI). One of the standout features is AMCES, Yamaha's exclusive technology for electronically controlling and stabilizing the chassis of electric motorcycles. By constantly maintaining rotating parts like the battery, swingarm, and rear wheel around the AMCES axis, MOTOROiD can keep itself balanced whether stationary or moving. This high-tech motorcycle also includes a Control Unit that integrates and manages all its functions, from image recognition AI and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to other various vehicle information. Thanks to high-speed processing, the unit can relay instructions for the steer-by-wire system, kickstand, powertrain, and more. The lean angle is sensed by a gyro sensor and a G-sensor, and this data is sent to the control unit faster than once every 0.0005 seconds. With MOTOROiD, Yamaha is challenging the norms of traditional motorcycle engineering, while also redefining what personal mobility can be in the future. By incorporating advanced technologies like AI, autonomous functionality, and haptic feedback, this motorcycle goes beyond being a simple tool for movement. Stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY for more updates and release information on Yamaha's all-new MOTOROiD electric motorcycle concept. Source: Yamaha

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2023

Victor Victor Worldwide's New Campaign Features An Incred...

The record label founder brought out his best Ferraris for the occasion. While multi-million dollar supercars and hypercars stand out as the driving force behind performance and luxury, they also act as inspiration and future goals for success-seeking individuals with a passion. This understanding is accurately portrayed in Victor Victor Worldwide's new campaign, featuring a short skit that resembles the uplifting motivational scene from the classic 1998 movie 'He Got Game' starring actors Denzel Washington and NBA star Ray Allen. The short skit stars professional skateboarder Tyshawn Jones, who recently went viral worldwide for ollieing over Victor Victor Worldwide founder Steven Victor's $5 million Ferrari Monza SP2 supercar on his skateboard. Steven Victor's car collection is making yet another cameo appearance, as the modernized movie scene showcases his jaw-dropping lineup of Ferraris that all present the same shimmering silver finish. Inspiring Tyshawn's character with the fleet of highly desirable Italian prancing horses, the two do a full walk-around of Ferrari's most expensive and exclusive models ever released. Steven Victor's carefully curated Ferrari lineup includes a Daytona SP3, LaFerrari, F12tdf, 812 GTS, and 458 Speciale. Configured from Ferrari in the same shade to assemble the ultimate garage, it's safe to say that Steven Victor's all-silver Ferrari collection will go down in history as one of the greatest. View all Ferrari models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by WOCKOOOO!!! (@stevenvictor) Source: @stevenvictor IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2023

How To Buy: PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1's Football Jersey ...

Root on Scuderia Ferrari F1 with this limited edition jersey, just in time for the Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. As Formula 1 race fans prep for the United States Grand Prix, PUMA has teamed up with Scuderia Ferrari to launch an American Football Jersey that seamlessly combines the thrill of motorsport and the gridiron into a single piece of sportswear. The fuel-driven PUMA collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both brands, proving that Scuderia Ferrari's influence is not limited to the racetrack but has the potential to electrify audiences all around the world. Unveiled just before the race at the Circuits of The Americas in Austin, TX, the jersey pays homage to Texas' deep-seated football culture. And by doing so, PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 connects with a broader spectrum of sports enthusiasts and style-savvy customers. At the heart of this collaboration is the Scuderia Ferrari American Football Jersey, a marvel that weaves the classic American football design with the unmistakable, high-octane vibe of Ferrari's racing heritage. Donned in Ferrari's iconic racing Rosso Corsa red, the jersey features Scuderia Ferrari emblems, sponsor logos, and driver numbers, staying true to its motorsport origins. The jersey stands out as a storytelling canvas that captures the soul of two colossal worlds, embodying the excitement of motorsport and the unbeatable spirit of American football. The introduction of this jersey underscores Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA’s commitment to engaging with fans globally, transcending traditional sports barriers. Whether you're a racing purist or a gridiron enthusiast, this jersey offers a slice of two worlds you love, rolled into one. Shop the new Scuderia Ferrari American Football Jersey as well as the entire PUMA x Ferrari Collection, by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 Source: PUMA

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