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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 – September 27, 2023

Ferrari Takes The Fashion Runway To Debut Its All-New Spr...

With a strong handle on supercar manufacturing, Ferrari applies its know-how to the fashion industry. Born in an area of the world where craftsmanship and fashion come second nature, the Ferrari brand has long instilled a luxury lifestyle built around its historic lineage of Italian supercars. In line with powerful combustion engines and finely crafted leather interiors, Ferrari has incorporated characteristics from its cars into a luxurious fashion line. The fashion professionals at Ferrari Style are pleased to have unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 Collection on the runway in front of a crowd of celebrities, clients, and fans of the brand. The upcoming season features a wardrobe and accessory line that focuses solely on three categories: Color, Form, and Material. Showcased in both men's and women's styles, each piece contains some aspect of Ferrari, whether it be premium Italian leather or the manufacturer's legendary Rosso Corsa shade of red. Along with stunning head-to-toe high-fashion looks, Ferrari Style also proudly presented its successful eyewear and baggage collection as part of the runway event. With an upcoming clothing and accessory release that beautifully complements its high-performance supercars, the Ferrari Style Spring/Summer 2023 Collection is sure to find itself in the closet of a passionate owner or fan. View all Ferrari supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari For Sale Source: Ferrari Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2023

Automobili Lamborghini x Razer Debut Its New Blade 16 Gam...

Razer collaborates with Automobili Lamborghini to launch the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition gaming laptop. When two titans from different industries collaborate, it's no surprise that the result is often groundbreaking. Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, is teaming up with Automobili Lamborghini to launch a revolutionary automotive-inspired gaming laptop. Limited to just 150 individually numbered units available exclusively in the U.S., the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is the epitome of luxury, performance, and raw power. Showcased in Lamborghini’s signature Arancio Apodis orange and matte black paint, the laptop's base is CNC-milled from a single block of aluminum. The Blade 16's core is equally powerful, with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 HX processor boasting a max clock speed of 5.5 GHz. Paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, it redefines gaming capabilities and creative potential. A dual-mode Mini-LED Display ensures absolute visual clarity whether you're designing or gaming. The laptop comes pre-loaded with exclusive perks like a 30-day Game Pass trial and the official GT World Race Challenge video game, Assetto Corsa Competizione. With exceptional performance and luxury, the Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is sure to become a collector's item for tech aficionados and Lamborghini enthusiasts alike. The all-new Razer Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition is currently available for $4,999 by clicking the link below. Shop Razer x Automobili Lamborghini Source: Razer

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2023

Dynamiq Unveils The $28M Global 550: The Future of Eco-Fr...

Designed by ZROBIM architects, this innovative vessel is set to revolutionize the high-end yachting world. Built as a luxurious home away from home while exploring oceans around the world, superyachts have grown in popularity amongst ultra-affluent buyers with a taste for the finer things in life. Helping to accommodate the needs of its clientele, the marine specialists at Dynamiq have pulled the curtain back on its latest creation, the new Global 550. Designed as a 180-foot superyacht, the Dynamiq Global 550 fits the mold for the eco-conscious, luxury-seeking globetrotter. Powered by two 625 kW Volvo Penta heavy-duty engines, the all-aluminum hull boasts an impressive transatlantic range of over 5,000 nautical miles on a single tank. Highly autonomous, the Global 550 comes equipped with 21,000-liter freshwater tanks and ample storage, enhancing its go-anywhere attitude. When it comes to onboard comfort, the superyacht employs cutting-edge technology like four stabilizer fins for minimized pitch/roll and a low environmental footprint achieved by smaller IMO Tier III engines and advanced filtration systems. Exterior amenities include panoramic lounges on every deck, underwater drones, and even a telescope, all fittingly framed by a fully commercially certified helipad and a spa area that includes a hammam and sauna. The aesthetic charm of the yacht is amplified by ZROBIM architects, making their superyacht interior design debut using natural elements throughout the interior to create an inviting, relaxing, and warm space. The design itself is inspired by glaciers and remote mountain ranges, offering an environment that feels like home, even when navigating the most secluded waters on Earth. Construction time for the Global 550 is estimated at 30 months from the contract signature, with a listing price of $28,7884,322, valid through the end of 2023. Dynamiq’s stand at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show will serve as the world premiere stage for this groundbreaking vessel. View all current luxury marine crafts and superyachts currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Marine Crafts For Sale Source: Dynamiq

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2023

TUMI x McLaren Add Two New Suitcases To Its Luxury Travel...

Since announcing its partnership in 2019, TUMI remains the Official Luggage Partner for McLaren Automotive and the McLaren F1 Team. The collaboration has welcomed a successful collection of luggage and accessories, featuring the same lightweight materials and Papaya Orange colorways as McLaren supercars and hypercars. TUMI has once again upped the ante, revealing two new innovative suitcases to their automotive-inspired lineup. The new TUMI x McLaren offerings include the Aero Rolling Trunk and Aero Extended Trip Packing Case, blending the pinnacle of supercar design with travel-centric functionality. Kickstarting this gear revolution is the Aero Rolling Trunk, incorporating CX6 carbon fiber detailing that echoes McLaren's own engineering finesse. Crafted from ultra-durable materials like Tegris and equipped with an aero-inspired molded front panel. The rolling luggage trunk also includes organizational shelving and Papaya highlights, adding a McLaren signature touch. The Aero Extended Trip Packing Case is next up on the list of new releases. This spacious suitcase comes with features designed for the long haul or group travels, incorporating compression straps styled after McLaren's five-point harness, a McLaren buckle, and CX6 carbon fiber highlights make this case the perfect choice for any avid car enthusiast. Shop these two new releases and the entire TUMI x McLaren Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The TUMI x McLaren Collection Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 20, 2023

Canossa Events x Four Seasons Announce A $50,000 Luxury D...

This fall, Four Seasons offers a week-long driving journey through Napa Valley, featuring luxury cars, fine dining, and scenic excursions. Imagine taking in the scenic beauty of Napa Valley from the driver’s seat of a Rolls Royce Cullinan or a Lamborghini Aventador S. The luxury event specialists at Canossa Events are making dreams come to life this fall with the complete high-end itinerary for the Four Seasons Drive Experience through Napa Valley, scheduled from October 29 to November 4, 2023. For over six decades, Four Seasons has operated as the pinnacle of luxury hospitality, crafting unforgettable experiences for its guests who stay at locations around the world. The company's President and CEO Alejandro Reynal expresses that the Four Seasons Drive Experience aims to further this legacy, offering personalized journeys that blend luxury cars and road travel. Partnering with Canossa Events, this joint venture is designed to appeal to the luxury travelers, with every element of the journey, from accommodations to local experiences. The driving adventure lets participants choose from a fleet of high-end luxury cars and supercars, including the Ferrari F8 Spider, Bentley Continental, and Aston Martin DBX. The itinerary incorporates a whirlwind of lavish experiences, from wine tastings at Elusa Winery to a Michelin-starred lunch at Single Thread Restaurant. Guests can also indulge in oyster shucking at Hog Island Oyster Co., a private picnic at Chappellet Winery, and even a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley serves as the luxurious base, set within a working vineyard, offering panoramic mountain and vineyard views. The trip, priced at $50,000 per couple, promises to be a celebration of luxury delights, sophisticated road travel, and exceptional automobiles. To make a booking or get more information on the Four Seasons Drive Experience, interested travelers can email drive@fourseasons.com. Book Now Source: Four Seasons

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

Tecnomar Yachts Invites The Lamborghini Official Club To ...

The fuel-driven partnership brings together high-horsepower supercars and ultra-exclusive superyachts. Bringing the design, craftsmanship, and performance of an Italian supercar to the open waters, the ongoing partnership between Automobili Lamborghini and Tecnomar merges two industry icons to create the ultimate luxury superyacht. Since the debut of the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht, celebrities, influential individuals, and automotive collectors raced to secure a build slot and the opportunity to experience one of the most exclusive and powerful marine crafts on the water. Having grown a passionate community of owners and enthusiasts that cross-pollinate into the realm of Lamborghini supercars, Tecnomar Yachts recently invited The Lamborghini Official Club and its members to The Italian Sea Group headquarters for a tour. With a parking lot full of Lamborghini models like the Aventador SVJ, Huracán STO, Huracán Evo, Gallardo, Diablo, and many more, guests were welcomed with an exclusive Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63' production tour. From hull assembly to powertrain transplant, the group of supercar owners took a deep dive into the everyday operations that make Tecnomar a lone leader in the automotive-inspired marine craft market. Fitted with two V12 MAN engines, each generating 2,000 horsepower, this beast of a yacht offers a combined output of a staggering 4,000 horsepower. That's enough muscle to propel this 63-foot vessel to a top speed of around 60 knots, making it one of the fastest boats in its class. The yacht employs a cutting-edge hydro jet propulsion system, ensuring not just raw speed but also superior maneuverability in various sea conditions. With big names like UFC star Conor shelling out seven figures for a Lamborghini superyacht, it's no surprise that Tecnomar is now completing its sold-out production series. View all Lamborghini supercars and hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lamborghini For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tecnomar (@tecnomaryachts) Source: Tecnomar Yachts Instagram