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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 – June 28, 2023

Toyota x Joby Aviation Ready To Test Flight Its All-Elect...

As the FAA approves Joby's first aircraft for flight tests, Toyota joins Joby's Board, signifying its shared vision for future aviation.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2023

The New Airspeeder Mk4 Flying Racecar Elevates Motorsport...

Alauda Aeronautics unveils the Airspeeder Mk4 as the first-ever crewed version of its state-of-the-art flying race car.

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2022

How To Find The Best Private Aviation Solution For Your N...

Presented by Private Jet Card Comparisons. How To Find The Best Private Aviation Solution For Your Needs Consumers save time and money by subscribing to Private Jet Card Comparisons Private aviation can be confusing. Claims of being the Uber or Expedia of private jets aren't backed up by reality. It's often impossible to tell the scale of the company with that beautiful website. Contracts run dozens of pages. It's a devil is in the details purchase, and if you don't know what you are doing, it's easy to make a costly mistake. However, there's an easy way to find the best options matching your unique flying needs. Private Jet Card Comparisons is an independent buyer’s guide providing an unsurpassed, updated database of more than 250 programs and concierge-like service, all designed to help subscribers find the perfect solutions for their unique flying needs. The searchable online guide helps subscribers figure out the best way to fly privately – from chartering on-demand – flight-by-flight - to prepaid jet cards, memberships, fractional ownership, and whole aircraft ownership options. There is even a guide to jet sharing and by-the-seat private jet providers. The searchable jet card and membership database covers: 1. Corporate Overview · Company· Date Founded· Ownership Structure· Number of Employees 2. Product Overview & Pricing · Where You Are Based· Primary and Extended Service Area – Where can you fly?· Pricing Structure (Fixed/Capped or Dynamic)· Aircraft Size· Dedicated Aircraft Cards· Specific Aircraft Available· Denomination by Hours· Denomination by Currency· Other Denominations (Miles, Days)· Program Currency (USD, Euros)· One-Way Hourly Rates by Program· Fuel Surcharges· Is FET included in Hourly Rate· QUICK COMPARE FLIGHT PRICING gives you estimated flight costs 3. Safety · Argus Rating· Wyvern Rating· IS-BAO Level 4. Policies · Guaranteed Availability· Expiration of Funds· Duration of Rate Locks· Refund Policy· Escrow Accounts· Liability and Risk Coverage 5. Fees, Surcharges, and Discounts · Initiation Fees· Annualized Dues· CPI escalators· CPI escalator frequency· Minimum CPI escalator· De-icing Charges· Taxi Time Charged· Minimum Flight Time Charged· Is Taxi Time included or Additional· Minimum Daily Flight Time Charged· Is Taxi Time Included or Additional· Peak Day Surcharges· Roundtrip Discounts· Long Flight Discounts· Empty Leg Discounts 6. Travel Planning · Non-Peak Day Reservations Lead Time· Peak Day Reservations Lead Time· Annual Peak Days· Annual Blackout Days· Multiple Same Time Aircraft Access at Contracted· Non-Peak Flight Cancelation Lead Time· Peak Day Flight Cancelation Lead Time· Ability to Upgrade/Downgrade Aircraft Size/Type per· Upgrade/Downgrade Blackouts· Interchange Fees to Upgrade/Downgrade 7. Traveling Considerations · FBO Choice· Catering· Availability of Wi-Fi· Availability of In-flight Phone Service· Flight Attendant Inclusion on Large Jets· Fully Enclosed Lav on Light/Very Light Jets· Pet Policy· Minimum Age for Unaccompanied Minors· Carbon Offset options· Cryptocurrency acceptance 8. Customer Support · 24/7 Support· Lifestyle Partnerships The VIP Jet Card Decider service enables subscribers to request a custom analysis directly from their smartphone, providing a comprehensive overview of the best options. Unlike other websites, Private Jet Card Comparisons does not sell subscriber contact information or accept referral fees. Instead, it provides subscribers with a neutral source of updated data. The database was updated 137 in 2021 and has been updated over 40 times so far in 2022. Visit Website

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 Edward Jones – June 09, 2021

Summer 2021 Travel and Destinations

Presented by Jet It - This summer travelers are yearning to take their postponed vacations, celebrate rescheduled weddings, explore remote destinations, and get back to live events. According to a study conducted by travel company, Vacasa, 60% of summer travelers are embarking on their first getaway since the pandemic occurred. Many of these travelers are excited to create new experiences, but in Vacasa’s study, 40% of respondents stated their top travel priority is the people they’re traveling with, and another 41% stated they aren’t going to fly commercially for their trips. An alternative you can opt for is private travel, and one of the several beauties is the inherent reduction of touchpoints and contacts. Jet It, a hybrid fractional private aviation firm out of North Carolina, successfully navigated the challenges of keeping its passengers safe from exposure throughout the pandemic and saw a 300% increase in sales in Q3 and Q4 of 2020. One of the reasons travelers are flocking to Jet It is due to their more accessible, yet luxurious private travel service. Jet It offers hybrid fractional ownership and a days-based model where owners can travel on a brand new HondaJet Elite the entire day at only $1,600 per flight hour. If you’re itching to take a trip but haven’t solidified your plans, here are two destinations you can enjoy with friends and family this June. Sedona, Arizona For outdoor experiences, Sedona, AZ is packed with views, parks, and ample activities. A few notable locations are Antelope Canyon and Red Rock State Park (pictured). While June is a pretty hot month, the dry air allows for cooler temperatures at night, averaging about 96° during the day and 61° in the evening. Popular outdoor excursions include hiking, rock climbing, and guided ATV tours across the remote desert scenery. For live experiences, Florida Georgia Line is holding a concert in Camp Verde, AZ on June 12.This location is about a 45 minute drive from Sedona, AZ. If you are interested in a more intimate setting, you can head to Vino Di Sedona for excellent wine, dining, and music. The country and blues ensemble, Six String Society, will be playing on June 24. San Juan, Puerto Rico For outdoor experiences, you can bask in the gorgeous waters of San Juan, PR on a catamaran. You can take your family on mid-day picnic or go deep sea fishing with friends. If you are in San Juan on June 23, you can head to any beach and enjoy one of Puero Rico’s beloved cultural experiences, Noche de San Juan. This annual tradition is a spiritual experience where beachgoers take several plunges into the ocean shore at midnight to symbolize the release of negativity from their lives. For live experiences, you can head to the Cannon Club for the D’Esposo Music Festival from June 4 to June 6. Set inside an architectural beauty, the world’s best classical musicians will host an evening of piano, violin, flute, and cello. To schedule a trip with Jet It or learn more about accessible jet ownership, visit www.gojetit.com/inquire.

By Edward Jones – January 26, 2021

2020 – Record Year for Ultra-Luxury Private Jet Company

Presented by ONEflight - Finishing with the company’s strongest December on record is an accomplishment the executive team at ONEflight International Private Jets couldn’t be more proud of. Even with massive aviation setbacks in February, April and May they set company records in June and every month consecutively after, exceeding their lofty 2020 goals in every category. ONEflight, recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing US companies, grew their private jet club membership by 48.6% with the number of fights booked also up 33% over last year, a great feat in spite of the pandemic. What lies ahead in 2021? ONEflight is laser-focused on continuing to improve on their already industry-leading luxury services. Several new technology upgrades to their booking engine, BAJIt.com, are the works with some deploying in Q1. Watch for a new app that expands on the entire private jet experience. Additionally, new partnership announcements with highly recognized luxury brands are forthcoming, providing even further VIP access for its members. These partners bring 100’s more exclusive destinations from private villas to secluded islands, new bucket-list experiences and more benefits across the board in new areas. ONEflight’s 2021 goal is to ensure that every trip exceeds your expectation and surpasses any luxury experience you’ve had. Follow ONEflight International Private Jets online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com, ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEflight.net for details. Visit BAJit.com

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

Rule The Skies In The 2021 King Air 360

All great planes are worth the wait, and this one has been at the forefront of our minds. Beechcraft has been building the best combination of luxury private travel combined with reliable & economical turboprop power. With more amenities and better build quality than any competitor, you will rule the skies in the 2021 King Air 360. Our friends in Wichita have been hard at work addressing delinquencies in private aviation. As a successor to the incredible 350, the new King Air 360 starts with touchscreen avionics. Thanks to digital climate control, you will have a lower cabin altitude thanks to increased pressure. You will be able to cruise for 1,806 Nautical Miles with the ability to taste your food and without popping your ears. With room for 10 friends, you will be airborne in less than 3,300 feet with a payload of over 5,000 lbs. The interior takes contemporary styling from luxury SUVs, with ambient lighting, captain's chairs, and stylish controls for air and lighting. If you enjoy the cockpit, new IS&S Autothrottles monitor torque and temperature to protect the turbines and running gear. Not only does it reduce stress on the rotating gear, it takes a nice chunk out of the pilot's workload. You will be able to operate from short fields in remote locations, so pack your bags. We have been singing the praises of Beechcraft since our first issue in 1985, so click the button to learn why and stay with us for the latest updates from Textron Aviation. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Gulfstream G280 Sets Another Steep Approach Record

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

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2020

First Cessna Citation Latitude Delivered in Japan

Courtesy of Textron Aviation, Japan has received new testing gear for their ILS (Instrument Landing) equipment. The Japanese Air Self Defense Force is tasked with protecting domestic and military flight for the nation. This means being able to land and takeoff in any situation. To ensure the system works under the most adverse conditions, the first Cessna Citation Latitude was delivered in Japan. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time The talented team in Wichita has built a wonder of modern aviation. With a range of 3,107 miles, it can cruise across continents with ease. Another shocker is a takeoff length of only 3,580 feet. In comparison, the runways at Orlando International Airport are 10,000 feet long. The cabin has a flat floor with six feet of height, making it capable of almost any cargo or transport situation. Engine power will vary by customer, with special operations and "agencies" having extra notches on the throttle. Deep six your G6 and click the link below to learn more. Learn More

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