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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 – November 24, 2021

Alpha Motor Corporation Unveils The New SUPERSAGA

The electric vehicle market got its racing stripes with the new Alpha Motor SUPERSAGA. As the performance technology for electric vehicles continues to grow, new chassis begin to take shape as sports cars that feature one of the most efficient ways to travel day-to-day. The American automotive professionals at Alpha Motor Corporation are applying these new insights to its fleet of electric vehicles. Alpha Motor is proud to present the all-new SUPERSAGA as the newest addition to its EV lineup. The Alpha Motor SUPERSAGA takes shape as a short wheelbase sedan that features a lightweight design and performance upgrades that complement its goal of achieving a track-like driving experience. MUST-READ: Fastest 0-60 MPH Production Cars The one-of-a-kind exterior design of the SUPERSAGA includes an exposed widebody kit with an array of gloss carbon fiber components that make the vehicle more aerodynamic for road and track driving. Delivering power to the set of Rotiform sport wheels is Alpha Motor’s Dual-Motor AWD system, capable of holding a 300+ mile range while accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.6-seconds. The SUPERSAGA interior layout boasts a modern design using a set of carbon fiber sport seats, steering wheel, and trim paneling. Along with the simplistic design, Alpha Motor includes an easy-to-use interface and gauge cluster to help increase the driving experience of the SUPERSAGA. The Alpha Motor Corporation SUPERSAGA best blends the traditional aspects of EV technology while adding the performance styling of a modern-day sports car. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more electric vehicle news and releases. Source: Alpha Motor Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2021

Check The Spec: 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Finished In Verde ...

A chance to own this head-turning green 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista with help from Ferrari of Long Island. With supercar production at an all-time high, it is more common to see exclusive examples like the Ferrari 488 Pista in the wild. Through the configuration process at Ferrari, owners are starting to use expansive color palettes to create true one-of-a-kind examples sporting non-traditional aspects. This 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista coupe is presented by the Italian supercar specialists at Ferrari of Long Island. The exterior of the 488 Pista is finished in a head-turning Verde British Racing paint code that accentuates the aggressive body lines of the track-focused chassis. Tying into the traditional heritage of Ferrari, a pair of Rosso Corsa racing stripes are added to contrast the configuration. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Finished In PTS Gold Metallic The build sheet also includes a set of 20-inch gold forged wheels to help provide traction to the 711-horsepower track monster. While the exterior features a modest design, the inside pays homage to traditional Ferrari styling with a full Rosso Corsa leather and Alcantara interior layout. The carbon fiber accents throughout the interior match the Verde British Racing exterior, highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to detail from Ferrari. This 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista is currently available with only 400-miles at Ferrari of Long Island for $549,900. Click the link below to view the duPont REGISTRY listing for this stunning 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista. View This 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Listing

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2021

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems' Progression Integrat...

Presented by Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems - The Progression Integrated combines the elegance and detail retrieval of the Progression Preamplifier with the power and dynamic capability of the Progression amplifier topology housed in a chassis the exudes the D’Agostino ethos. Combining engrossing sound quality, a flexible platform, and striking aesthetics, the Progression Integrated Amplifier is the perfect centerpiece for a truly brilliant audio system. The Progression Integrated fills every need of today’s music listener and audiophile. The analog platform provides two single-ended inputs and three balanced inputs including a theater pass-through. Balanced preamplifier outputs make for convenient inclusion of subwoofer(s) into a system. Bluetooth remote control connectivity eliminates line of sight issues and extends the usable range 5x versus conventional IR remote controls. The backbone of the Progression Integrated Amplifier is essential Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems’ technologies including discrete, balanced, direct coupled circuitry married to a substantial output stage delivering 200WPC into 8 Ohms and 400WPC into 4 Ohms. The foundation of the Progression Integrated Amplifier is a traditional line stage integrated amplifier suitable for all analog sources except turntables. If the vinyl awakening has already captured your imagination, an optional phonostage module adds selectable moving-coil compatibility. For those listeners keen to incorporate digital playback within the same unit, an optional digital module, adding a full suite of capability, is also available. The plug-in digital module includes legacy digital inputs, network, and internet music streaming. Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and Roon are all directly supported. An iOS app makes for easy unit and music control. Hand-built in their Arizona facility, the Progression Integrated Amplifier is the ideal core of a modern audio system, created for uncompromising listeners who want a single component that can truly do it all. Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2021

Formula 1 Reveals What NBA Team Liveries Look Like

See if your team made it onto a Formula 1 race car. The NBA and Formula 1 have teamed up to create a very special promotion that highlights both organizations. This collab was announced to celebrate the US Grand Prix and NBA's 75th anniversary season, and the results are quite awesome. On the Formula 1 Twitter account, ten different liveries inspired by NBA teams were unveiled on virtual Formula 1 cars. In the press release announcing this collab, it's noted that these are the "first 10 cars." So, if your team wasn't represented in these, there's still hope. The teams included are the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. You can check them all out in the gallery down below. Source: Twitter/@F1

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2021

Pato O'Ward Compares the McLaren Elva Hypercar to His Ind...

Two wind-cutting machines. Pat O'Ward is coming off a fantastic season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, having finished in third place in just his second full year in the series. Because of this, he's been the talk of the town in the world of motorsports and has become a fan favorite. Driving for Arrow McLaren SP, he has obvious close relations with McLaren Automotive and that's why they just posted an awesome video of O'Ward. In the video, O'Ward compares his Indy car to the groundbreaking McLaren Elva. Interestingly enough, the Elva provides the driver with a more open-air experience than his Indy car. This is a feat made possible thanks to an air curtain that is created by an Active Air Management System found upfront. This vent sucks in air from the front and shoots it over the cockpit to create a "windscreen" made of air. It's truly impressive. If you'd like to experience this, it will be difficult to accomplish consider all Elva examples for the United States have already been spoken for. All McLarens For Sale Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2021

The Jet Set, Redefined.

Presented by Jet It The private jet life has been upgraded. Jet It, a hybrid jet ownership company with such high-flying travelers as Dhani Jones, Matthew Berry, and Kenny Smith, is redefining private luxury travel. Jet It is the only company of its kind that offers a fully private jet by the day rather than the hour. Jet It delivers unparalleled value for $1,600 per occupied flight hour rather than the industry standard of $7,600 per hour. The advantage? Owners can seize the day—and the opportunities. “When I flew my Hawker 800 to my place in the Bahamas, it cost $25,000 round trip,” remarks Joe C. of New Jersey. “At $1,600, Jet It is a fraction of the price, and the pilots are some of the best I’ve ever flown with.” Business or pleasure? Yes. Since the advent of aviation, people have used private air travel to advance professional goals and personal pursuits. Not only does private air travel afford access to far-flung locales for R&R, it also enables executives to meet with key stakeholders in multiple cities. “With Jet It, owners can do more than go from Point A to Point B,” says Jet It CEO Glenn Gonzales. “They can also go to Points C, D, and E in a single day. Imagine flying from Jackson Hole to Chicago to Hilton Head from breakfast to dinner time. Whether you’re traveling to golf, fish, fly between homes, or meet with key business stakeholders, it’s an exceptional opportunity.” Visit GoJetIt.com Steve S. of Florida concurs. “My first trip with Jet It was to Costa Rica for business,” he says. “Jet It had an ambassador meet me at the runway and I quickly checked immigration and customs. Then when I returned, I was able to fly into an airport that was just five minutes from my house.” Changes in the post-pandemic world have resulted in exponential expansion in private aviation. In fact, there has been a 300% increase in private jet fliers since COVID landed on the scene. Since Jet It gives you access to a fully private travel experience, there’s never been a better time or a safer way to travel. Flying higher. Is Jet It different from private charter services or other forms of fractional jet ownership? “In a word: yes,” says Gonzales. “We’re the only company with the authority to operate not only in the United States, but also Canada, the EU, and soon the Caribbean. We also have the largest HondaJet fleet with the newest, safest jets, and expert pilots and crew dedicated to each owner. I’m proud to say that our model is so unique that Harvard University Business School is using it as an example of business innovation.” Jet It also offers complimentary 24/7 concierge service to coordinate catering, ground transportation, and event ticketing, plus owners-only perks like Ferrari racing events, exclusive golf access, or private cooking lessons with industry legends. “The concierge service is so accommodating,” adds Steve S. “Jet It takes care of everything from start to finish, and makes everything amazingly easy.” The smartest way to fly. With a revolutionary business model focused on exceptional service and value, Jet It has taken the entire private jet industry to new heights. Owners can purchase one-tenth to one-half of a new, state-of-the-art jet, and are guaranteed a flight that can be scheduled in as little as 24 hours or as far in advance as 24 months. Because there are no hidden costs, such as repositioning or empty-leg fees, there is complete transparency with Jet It’s unrivaled $1,600 per flight hour price, and owners pay only for what they fly. As an added tax incentive, business owners who use their jet for commercial purposes at least 50% of the time can write off 100% of their capital investment in year one. Inquire at https://www.gojetit.com/dupont/ to speak with a Jet It Sales Executive. Visit GoJetIt.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 24, 2021

Shop The New Porsche Design Fall/Winter '21 Sports Collec...

Prep for the colder months in style with the new apparel and footwear line from Porsche Design. As the cooler months begin to approach, Porsche preps to tackle the climate with an array of performance-packed all-wheel-drive models. For the owners, Porsche Design is proud to announce the release of its new Sport Collection for Fall/Winter ’21. Made to complement the Porsche 911 Turbo S in the garage, the collection features head-to-toe options crafted from the same premium materials and designs being incorporated into the vehicles. The apparel line includes jackets, sweatshirts, polos, t-shirts, and sweatpants with Porsche branded logos and colors. The new Porsche Design footwear collection offers the perfect sneaker silhouette for on or off-track use. Completing the Sports Collection from Porsche Design is a versatile luxury accessories line that includes outerwear options, baggage, hats, and lifestyle items to accommodate any Porsche enthusiast. Shop the all-new Porsche Design Sport Collection for Fall/Winter ’21 by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche Design Fall/Winter '21 Collection Media/Information Source: Porsche Design

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2021

Inaugural Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Scheduled for May 2022

Formula 1 is coming to the Sunshine State. The date for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix has been set for May 6-8, making it the first Formula 1 event in the state since 1959. Being headquartered in Florida, you can say that we are more than thrilled about the race. The circuit that drivers will be racing through is the new Miami International Autodrome, and it takes them around the new Hard Rock Stadium. It features a length of 3.36 miles, 19 corners, three straights, and three potential DRS zones. It will most definitely be an exciting race to watch. Miami is also just an absolutely perfect city for a new Formula 1 Grand Prix. Miami has become a massive hotspot for not only entertainment, new businesses, and art, but also sports. To be quite honest, it was only a matter of time that Formula 1 came to the city. And now, with the addition of the Miami Grand Prix, there will be even more magic in Magic City than ever before. It's time to get excited and ready for the event. Ticket Information https://www.instagram.com/p/CUKkFEHt5yf/

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

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