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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 18, 2020

ICON x Black Bear Brand Release Limited Edition Derelict ...

The craft of traditional leatherwork seems to be a less common yet more celebrated trade, but still, something that ICON Lead Designer and Founder, Jonathan Ward, describes as an obsessive hobby. The team at ICON announced a collaboration with Black Bear Brand on a limited-edition Derelict Jacket. The jacket is hand made from premium leather and metals to ensure that it is a piece that will stay in your wardrobe for life. The craftsmanship of the ICON x Black Bear Brand Derelict Jacket portrays a worn look, making it look broken in and ready for future journeys. This release is limited to 24 pieces in each size and available for the price of $1,950. Shop the ICON x Black Bear Brand Derelict Jacket by clicking the link below. Shop Now " width="680">

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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 22, 2020

How To Buy The KITH For BMW 2020 Collection

Recently, we covered a story announcing the KITH for BMW 2020 collaboration. A partnership derived from the redesign of the new 2021 BMW M4, as well as the rebuild of Ronnie Fieg’s E30 M3. The iconic M-Division colors and logos are slightly redesigned to sport the KITH branding as well. The collection is soon to release and will include jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, vests, tracksuits, sweatsuits, hats, and lifestyle/driving accessories for the fall/winter months. Date: October 23, 2020Where: KITH Website Source: KITH Website Source: KITH Website

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 29, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: MURCI

The balance of style, beauty, and aggressive nature that a Lamborghini possesses is hard to match. And there’s very few cars out there that show those traits better than the iconic Murcielago. This raging bull has a beauty and an intimidating stance that can only be matched by an equally modern, edgy and luxurious outfit that lets everyone you see know who you are and what you’re about, if they didn’t already get that from what you’re behind the wheel of. THE RIDE: Lamborghini Murcielago Lamborghini Murcielago: Curated SHOP MURCI's THE WATCH: Franck Muller Vanguard™ Racing franckmuller.com SHOP WATCH THE BRACELET: Nexus Leather Bracelet, Sterling Silver miansai.com SHOP BRACELETS THE SHADES: Saint Laurent SL M23/K luxury.zappos.com SHOP SHADES THE JACKET: GUCCI Printed Perforated-Leather Bomber Jacket mrporter.com SHOP JACKET THE SHIRT: Helmut Lang Logo Heart Graphic T-Shirt SHOP SHIRT THE BELT: VETEMENTS 3cm Black Logo-Embellished Leather Belt mrporter.com SHOP BELT THE JEANS: CLOSED straight leg jeans farfetch.com SHOP JEANS THE SHOES: Anel Racer ARSY - 0002 anelracercollection.com SHOP SHOES

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: The American Edition

On Thursday, July 4th will be upon us. That means that the United States will be celebrating our independence in various ways. Even though we'll all be celebrating and having a good time, you still have to look good while doing it. For that reason, we have a nice outfit with a couple of cars that are perfect for the occasion. Check it all out below! Muscle Car Fastback Mustang "Eleanor" Shop Now USA SUV Gateway Bronco shop now Two-Wheeled Freedom Confederate Motorcycles shop now See the Time Vortic "The Springfield 161" shop now Block The Sun Randolph Intruder Sunglasses shop now Seriously Block The Sun Stetson Mountain Sky Hat Show Now Put On Your Pants Polo Ralph Lauren Sullivan Denim Jeans shop now And Camo Jacket Polo Ralph Lauren Camo Twill Jacket shop now Stars and Stripes Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered Shirt shop now American-Made Footwear Red Wing Heritage 6" Moc Toe shop now

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: SUPERFAST

In the mood to go fast? What about super fast? If you are, then check out the ensemble we've put together down below. It starts off with one of the many Ferrari 812 Superfasts for sale, which is a super fast car that goes over 211 mph. Paired with the car is an outfit that's perfect for someone wanting to go fast. The coup de grâce of the outfit is the Givenchy shirt that has large flames printed on it. It may be a rumor, but I've heard that flames add horsepower to anything which is why this is a perfect fit. Put this all together and you'll have a one-two punch of style and power. Show up and show everyone you mean business. In the word of Guy Fieri: "What you see is what you get with me. There's no show." Ferrari 812 Superfast Shop 812 Superfasts Now Prada Cat-Eye Sunglasses Shop Now Givenchy Blazer Shop Now Givenchy Flame-Patterned Shirt Shop Now Balmain Jeans Shop Now Gucci Bobcat Brixton Loafers Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – June 20, 2017

New 2018 Cadillac XTS Breaks Cover

If you own a TV, you have seen Cadillac's commercials that feature the Escala concept. Although everyone is talking about it, they have stated several times it will not be produced. The best we can hope for is an upcoming refresh on the new CT6 that will offer some of its influences. With CT6 getting a new wardrobe, the XTS is getting some much-needed attention. In a press release last night, the details of the 2018 XTS are outlined.If you haven't had an opportunity to drive one, they are built on the Epsilon II chassis shared with the Impala and Buick Lacrosse. It received more insulation and reinforcements to suspension mounts to make for a plush ride.The exterior is heavily revised to bring it up to date with its siblings. Essentially the new Cadillac XTS is the successor of the Seville and Deville, being destined for active adult neighborhoods and those who have no need for a supercharged V8. Most of them are front wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional.You might not realize that a twin-turbo V6 from the ATS-V is the top engine option. It delivers 420 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. New 20" wheels and new seats will soak up broken pavement, while the next generation CUE system is easier to use. Borrowed from the CTS, the new CUE is easier to use with customizable menus. Other technologies borrowed from the V series are torque vectoring and limited slip differentials. This isn't your grandfather's Seville, so check with our dealers for pricing and availability of this premium luxury sedan.

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