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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 duPont REGISTRY – January 22, 2023

Why Would Someone Pay $88,888,888 For A License Plate?

Image with size : 1140x570 Presented by PlateBroker.com. Why Would Someone Pay $88,888,888 For A License Plate? Prestige, legacy, and symbolism matter most when money is just a number. 恭喜发财 January 22, 2023 marks the start of the Lunar New Year – the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve Zodiac animals. It is a symbol of elegance and beauty. Wherever you are in the world, Platebroker.com wishes you a healthy and prosperous New Year. The existence of symbolism is an important facet of cultures around the world, influencing decisions ranging from where to live, what to believe in, and what to purchase. You may notice a tendency for big ticket items, like homes or cars, to feature 888 in their listed prices. The number 8 in Chinese sounds very similar to the word to “make a fortune” so, naturally 888 is “triple fortune.” The widespread popularity of the number 888 makes it arguably the most recognizable number in the world. It also makes it the most coveted and desirable when associated with scarcity, and status. When you’ve reached a certain level of financial success, you become unfazed by daily fluctuations in your net worth. Essentially, the concept and use of money both change. Acquisitions are motivated by personal joy, exclusivity, and, at times, a competitive spirit. It is rumored that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia thought he was bidding against his Qatari rivals, thus pushing Davinci’s Salvator Mundi to its record-setting price of $450.3 million, blowing past the estimate of $100 million. The desire to keep it away from the opposition was just as poignant as the provenance of the painting. When the California 888 plate was released, no asking price was set because potential buyers may be motivated by things other than price. A sale at $88,888,888 would not only demolish the 15-year-old world record, but would establish a high watermark that would most likely remain unchallenged for a long while. The iconic price of eight 8’s would immediately become etched in international legend. A sale at $28,888,888 would break the world record and disrupt the license plate market. The number 28 is popular in Chinese culture as it sounds like the Cantonese phrase for “easy money.” Other symbolic Chinese numbers include: 19 - “forever” | 13 - “a lifetime” | 6 - “smooth” All serious offers will be considered for California 888 and symbolic numbers are very welcome. The question now is who will break the record and set a new standard across the globe? Will it be a corporation like 888 Holdings or ByteDance, or an individual like Jensen Huang or Tony Xu? The Year of the Rabbit just may hold the answer. Photos feature inventory from our friends at Lamborghini Dallas and Pagani of Dallas. Visit PlateBroker.com

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2022

Explore Georgia's Private Waterfront Community, Reynolds ...

Presented by Reynolds Lake Oconee. A short drive east of Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee is a private waterfront community surrounded by more than 350 miles of shoreline on Georgia’s scenic Lake Oconee. From real estate offerings with expansive lake views to world-class amenities, more than 4,000 members from across the U.S. have found a vibrant, four-season community unlike any other. Reynolds is also home to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – one of the country's most stunning lake resorts. Culinarians will enjoy 11 unique restaurants along with annual festivals, educational opportunities, and an evolving series of food and beverage events and tastings. The Reynolds culinary team also refreshes menus multiple times each year to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients available. " width="680"> Golf-lovers have 117 holes to discover across six world-class courses – five of which are in Golfweek’s Top-15 courses to play in Georgia. Members and guests also enjoy access to The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, one of two TaylorMade Kingdoms in the world. Reynolds offers 90 weekly fitness classes and includes 21 miles of walking trails, multiple state-of-the-art fitness centers, and an award-winning tennis and pickleball facility. Members also enjoy the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, a world-class facility specializing in outdoor activities. Reynolds also recently opened its newest amenities at Richland Pointe Village, including the community’s first on-site spa, a globally inspired restaurant concept, and a fitness facility outfitted with Biocircuit by Technogym— making Reynolds the first private community in the United States to be outfitted with the state-of-the-art circuit. What separates Reynolds though from almost every other community in the country is the quality of amenities available to Members. In addition to several mentions in Golfweek's 2022 'Best Courses You Can Play' rankings, Richland Pointe Village was named the 2022 Amenity of the Year by Golf Inc., a club and golf industry periodical. To learn more about Reynolds consider taking an immersive Lifestyle Visit, Day Trip, or Virtual Tour, click the button below. Learn More About Reynolds Reynolds Lake Oconee Contact Info1000 Vista DriveGreensboro, Georgia 30642(800) 800-5250info@reynoldslakeoconee.comwww.reynoldslakeoconee.com

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2021

Sir Lewis Hamilton Has Been Officially Knighted at Windso...

An incredible honor for a deserving driver. Sir Lewis Hamilton has officially received his knighthood from the Prince of Wales during a ceremony at Windsor Castle today, December 15, 2021. Hamilton is now the fourth Formula 1 driver to be knighted, joining Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss, and Sir Jackie Stewart. This ceremony comes at a time when Hamilton surely needed it after a heartbreaking loss to Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And while Sir Lewis Hamilton may be waiting on his eighth Formula 1 World Championship, he can at least take to the track knowing he's the only knighted driver on the circuit. You can see Sir Lewis Hamilton and his mother Carmen after the ceremony in the video up above uploaded to YouTube by Reuters. Source: YouTube/Reuters

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2021

Tint World^® Automotive Styling Centers^™

Presented by Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ - Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading window tinting, and automotive accessory franchise, is building on its 2020 success with major investments in franchise development, positioning the company to continue its fast growth and ongoing expansion into new national and international markets. “There’s no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president, and CEO of Tint World®. “But early on we made a concerted effort to develop and implement best practices for the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the entire Tint World® family remained safe and healthy and could continue providing essential automotive services. Because of that proactive spirit, we had more existing franchisees invest into opening additional locations or relocate to larger stores to handle the increased business growth.” Tint World®’s 2021 strategy for franchise development includes focusing on an optimized sales process, streamlining lead management, and increasing investment in online marketing and social media efforts. Tint World® was founded in 1982 and began franchising in 2007. Since then, the company has opened more than 80 locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – with over 60 additional locations currently in development. “Our growth really speaks to the unique business model we’ve developed and the character and commitment of our franchisees,” said Bonfiglio. Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio-video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide. For more information regarding Tint World® franchises, be sure to click the button below. Learn More – TintWorldFranchise.com

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

Polaris Ranger EV Arrives This December

Santa Claus might sneak up on you thanks to an electric sled because the Polaris Ranger EV arrives this December. As the first collaboration between Polaris and Zero Motorcycles, it will herald the electric revolution in Powersports. The Ranger lineup is their best-seller, aimed at those who work or play outdoors. CEO Mike Speetzen mentions their "rEV'd up" plan will see Polaris opening a new segment for the industry. Another power player is Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World. His recent announcement to sell and service electric utilities from Lordstown Motors is heating up the American EV market. Are you ready for high-voltage in the backcountry? Tell us why or why not in the comments below. Image (C) Polaris Off-Road

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 01, 2021

The New C SEED 165" 4K Television Self-Folds Away In Seco...

What is better than having a brand new 165” inch television? The answer is, one that can fold up and put itself away in seconds. If you think you read that wrong, you did not. Designer Stefan Pani and the rest of the team at C SEED, leaders in pioneering the folding screens, are excited to announce the release of the M1 4K 165 Inch TV. The completely new visual setup features an Adaptive Gap Calibration system, which is an automatic distance measuring and calibration system that creates totally seamless foldable 4K/8K surfaces, free from any visible gaps. Every C SEED M1 comes with onboard 2.1 high-end audio for total quality sound to match the screen´s unparalleled visual quality, with the sound-bar organically integrated into the frame design. The blend of premium audio output and C SPEED’s MicroLED Technology allows for the best at-home viewing experience possible. At the push of a button, the floor opens and within seconds, a sleek column of machined aluminum rises silently from the ground, unfolding a 165inch screen of impressive size and settles down smoothly to provide you with an overwhelming entertainment experience. The C SEED M1 4K 165 Inch TV is currently available in four different finishes for the price of $400,000. For more Gear news, Check out Lexus x RTFKT Design A Futuristic One-of-One Sneaker To Celebrate The 2021 IS

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 15, 2021

An Exclusive Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX Release For Sp...

When it comes to Supreme collection releases, the accessories are the highlight, as the New York streetwear brand collaborates with companies to create truly unique products. The much anticipated Supreme Spring/Summer ’21 Collection set to release soon, just got a lot more interesting with the addition of the Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX watercraft. Although it’s not the first power sports release, history reveals that the limited production item will be the most popular piece of the drop, resulting in a favorable investment for any streetwear collector. The personal watercraft created as a freestyle machine combines a lightweight and nimble design with a Rotax 900 Ace-90 horsepower engine to easily maneuver throughout the water. The exclusive Sea-Doo is styled using a sticker pattern of Supreme’s most iconic designs, with the infamous Supreme script incorporated into the seat and front facia of the watercraft. No matter the outcome, we hope to see Supreme x Sea-Doo Spark TRIXX on the water this summer. Pricing and production quantity has yet to be announced, so check back in on more release information on the Supreme Spring/Summer ’21 Collection. Supreme For more Gear news, Check out How To Buy: Puma x Porsche KING Platinum 911 Legacy Soccer Cleats

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

Frank Muler Ventures Beyond Watches With A Limited Editio...

Accessories are just as important for pulling together the perfect outfit as the actual clothing itself. High-end sneakers and watches are often the pieces that have the potential to turn heads, but what happens when you combine the two? New Balance and Franck Muller partnered together to produce a one-of-a-kind limited-edition sneaker collection. The release features a stand-out design and colors using the New Balance 996. The idea behind the collaboration pairs the functionality of everyday wearables with the premium quality and brand status of a luxury manufacturer. The two colorways of the New Balance x Franck Muller collection include both Gold/Black and Silver/Blue, to which only 996 of each are produced. The collaboration highlights the present and future success of cross-pollinated industry partnerships. Although currently sold out, shop the other collections from New Balance by clicking the link below. Shop New Balance Franck Muller

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

Nike Launches New Luxury Line

Nike is considered a leader in the sportswear apparel and footwear industry, but they also play a significant role in creating lifestyle-driven clothing as well. The new Every Stitch Considered (ESC) Collection launched by Nike incorporates styles that bridge the gap between sportswear and luxury everyday clothing. The use of premium materials and current designs allow Nike to offer an experimental collection for men and women. Italian craftsmanship sets the Nike ESC Collection apart from any other lifestyle clothing line done by other sportswear brands. The line includes simplistically designed jackets, shirts, pants, and shorts. Some of the products are currently available through Nike, with more styles set to release soon. Shop the Nike Every Stitch Considered Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Nike ESC Collection

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2020

McIntosh MA12000 Offers Incredible Power & Modular Upgrades

Imagine if you will, having the ability to power your primary speakers at 350 watts. Given the opportunity, you might wonder what strings are attached, so allow us to blow your mind. The new McIntosh MA12000 offers incredible power and modular upgrades in a stylish enclosure. It can push 350 watts each to your left and right primaries. Resistance is futile, as it offers the same constant power a 2, 4, or 8 ohms. The preamp uses 4 elegant vacuum tubes visible through the front glass. McIntosh Audio for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is Aural Perfection Straddling them are McIntosh's iconic blue output meters and are 8 tone-control knobs for fine-tuning. To stay ahead of digital music formats, the included DA2 module can be removed and replaced when McIntosh releases its predecessor. With 10 analog inputs and 7 digital (including ARC), this colossus demands respect. Of course, it can act as a pass-thru for your existing home theater system, so click the button to learn more and stay with us for all your audio news. Learn More

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