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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 – August 25, 2025

Shop The Best Motorsport-Focused PUMA Sneakers For The Ul...

Bridging the fashion sector with the car industry, these are our picks for the top automotive-inspired sneakers available now.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 14, 2025

Driven by Style: Must-Have Gear for Porsche Enthusiasts

Whether you have a 911 in the garage or hope to have one soon, these are our top picks to show your support for the brand.

A modern Olto electric scooter is shown in a studio on the left; on the right, a person wearing a helmet rides the same Infinite Machine scooter outdoors near a bridge, gliding smoothly along the bike lane.

By Khris Bharath – June 12, 2025

How Infinite Machine’s Olto Aims To Reinvent The Bike Lane

No License, Registration, Or Insurance Needed New York-based electric mobility startup Infinite Machine is aimed squarely at the “post-car future: Founded by brothers Joseph Cohen and Eddie Cohen, along with co-founder/chief engineer Zach Cooper, the company is betting on a radically different approach to combat and rewrite the rules of urban transportation. In an exclusive interview with duPont REGISTRY last week, the trio shared their vision: “To build the most compelling non-cars on Earth.” Today, Infinite Machine unveiled Olto, a low-slung rethink of the urban two-wheeler. Less of an e-bike, more of an ultra-refined tool purpose-built for the bike lane, the Olto combines industrial design with tech-enabled modern convenience. It is the startup’s second major product after the sleek, high-performance P1, unveiled in 2023, a 65-mph electric scooter that has already built a cult following. If P1 is the firm's OG Tesla Roadster, Olto is their iPhone: engineered with mass appeal, and the same clean monolithic design first seen on their disruptive P1. Built From Scratch For The Bike Lane The Olto reimagines what a two-wheeled vehicle could be if it were designed from the ground up for city life. That means no registration, no license, no insurance, and no compromises. Tuned for both regulatory flexibility and rider confidence, the Olto hits 20 mph in the bike lane and can unlock 33 mph in off-road mode via the Infinite Machine app. There’s also a five-second handlebar-triggered “Boost Mode” for those steep climbs or quick getaways. “We wanted to build something that could exist legally in New York City and also feel fun in a gated community or gravel path,” Joseph explained. A mono-shock rear suspension is designed to smooth out potholes, while 200mm hydraulic disc brakes up front and 190mm in the rear offer motorcycle-grade stopping power. It adapts to local laws using GPS-based tuning. The Olto’s 750W rear hub motor (2kW peak) is powered by a 48V, 1.2kWh hot-swappable battery that offers 40 miles of real-world range. The battery drops under the seat, no cables needed, and can be topped up to 50% in an hour, and 5.5 hours for a full charge with the included charger. With the optional supercharger, you're looking at three hours for a full charge. Radical, Functional, And Cool Infinite Machine Olto and P1 Breaking into the competitive micro-mobility space is already a tall order, and design won’t just help you stand out in the crowd, but could also serve as a strategic tool against competitors. “Most products out there look like printers,” Eddie said. “They're boring, appliance-like. We wanted something you’d be excited to ride.” The result is bold: a monolithic, angular Cybertruck-like form crafted from welded steel and anodized aluminum. Every part from the clutch-based pedal system to the 200mm hydraulic disc brakes is built to take on more than just the urban environment. Inspired by the enduring appeal of the legendary Honda Cub that put Japan back on wheels in the post-World War II era, the Olto follows a design philosophy rooted in mass accessibility. “Honda changed the world when it said motorcycles aren’t just for rebels; they’re for moms, commuters, regular people,” said Joseph. “We want Olto to do the same for e-mobility. We're just getting started, so who knows what will happen, but our ambition with it is to have a product that aspirationally can become as iconic as the Cub.” The Olto weighs 176 pounds, yet carries two adults with ease. The pedals double as footrests, magnetically aligning when not in use. Retractable passenger footpegs and modular accessory mounts (for baskets, child carriers, and more) make it a truly utilitarian vehicle. Two helmet hooks are hidden beneath the seat, a dedicated AirTag cavity, and a mount for U-locks. Infinite Security And Seamless Tech Security is core to the Olto experience. When parked, the steering and wheels auto-lock and Tampering triggers a 98 dB alarm and an instant app notification. GPS and LTE tracking are standard, and a backup battery keeps security systems active even without the main pack. Your phone is your key and with the Infinite Machine app, you can unlock and start Olto just by walking up. The app available across both iOS and Android, also displays live metrics such as speed, range, location, and allows you to adjust power modes, track rides, and share digital keys with friends and family. When Can You Get One Infinite Machine’s ultimate goal with the Olto is to take the technology, and design language from the larger P1 and bring it into a much more accessible form factor, price point. This was something that Chief Engineer Zach Cooper laid particular emphasis on. “Instead of going from a smaller vehicle to a bigger vehicle, where you’re tapping into something that’s meant to be pedaled, adding a motor and overdriving all the systems with the Olto, we’re taking a different approach and scaling things down from our learnings from P1.” Available in silver or black, the Olto starts at $3,495 and ships this fall. It aims to democratize the design-first ethos that Infinite Machine established with the P1. With direct-to-consumer sales and potential retail partnerships in the works, Global expansion is also planned, but the Infinite Machine team is currently focused on scaling operations within the U.S. first, with New York, L.A., San Francisco, Austin, and Miami being some of the key markets. Despite looming tariffs and infrastructure gaps, the founders remain bullish on the micro-mobility industry growing at the rate of 20% annually. Images: Infinite Machine

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 19, 2025

Michael Jordan's Ferrari-Inspired Air Jordan 14 Sneaker R...

What better way to design a basketball sneaker than with inspiration from your Ferrari. Michael Jordan's legacy as an NBA icon is legendary, leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships and becoming a global symbol of greatness. MJ's passion for performance extends beyond the court, influencing his famous Air Jordan sneaker line with designs inspired by his love for exotic cars. Jordan's fascination with high-performance supercars has even led him into motorsports, where he co-owns the 23XI Racing Nascar team, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon. The sneaker that first shook both the streetwear and automotive world was the Air Jordan 14, inspired by the Ferrari 550 Maranello that Michael Jordan owned and drove daily to Chicago's United Center in 1998. After a 10-year hiatus since its last public release in 2014, Nike and Air Jordan just announced that sneakerheads can expect to see the return of the Air Jordan 14 'Ferrari' this. Originally designed by Nike's great Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 14 incorporated five distinct characteristics from the Ferrari 550 Maranello. From Ferrari crests reimagined as Jumpman badges to its use of lightweight carbon fiber, the AJ14 aims to perform on the court with a track-inspired look and feel. The 2025 version of the shoe is expected to sport a vibrant Rosso Corsa colorway taken directly from Ferrari's historical archive of paint finishes. This fuel-driven design approach has been featured on other AJ14s, like the 'Giallo Modena' released in 2019. While specifics on a release date and pricing have yet to be announced, Nike and Air Jordan have confirmed that the Air Jordan 14 'Ferrari' will launch this. For those who can't wait, shop past pairs of the Air Jordan 14 'Ferrari' by clicking the link below. Shop The Air Jordan 14 'Ferrari' Source: Nice Kicks

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 04, 2025

Gear Essentials For Passionate Ferrari Owners And Enthusi...

Showing support to one of the most iconic supercar manufacturers in existence, these products embody Italian design and performance.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2024

How To Buy: Porsche Design x Patrick Dempsey's 911-Inspir...

Pick up a pair to match your Porsche. Porsche's iconic lifestyle isn't just about cars; it's a whole experience. From the very first Porsche 356, Ferdinand Porsche and his family have been pioneers in style and performance. Porsche Design is proud to team up with celebrity brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey on the launch of its all-new 2024 Eyewear Collection, featuring three innovative series inspired by the iconic Porsche 911 and its performance-focused counterparts. Porsche Deisgn Shop Porsche Design's 2024 Eyewear Collection Staying true to the philosophy of its founder, F. A. Porsche, the new Eternal, Cyber Tec, and Hexagon series, offer sleek, luxurious designs that stand out. The Eternal series pays homage to Porsche's roots with linear elegance and purist design, featuring three models of sunglasses that effortlessly integrate into everyday life. Porsche Design The Cyber Tec series takes inspiration from the iconic Porsche 911 GT2 RS and incorporates automotive design elements into its frames. Made from stainless steel and high-performance RXP®, these sunglasses, including an aviator design, boast bold, clean lines that mirror the car's dynamic style. This collection ensures you enjoy both high-end fashion and cutting-edge quality. Porsche Design The Hexagon series is a perfect fit for those who crave precision and performance. Drawing inspiration from the hexagonal bolts in the Porsche 911 engine block, these frames are crafted with a 100% titanium front and feature four hand-screwed hexagonal screws. This design choice adds to the structural stability and highlights the meticulous craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for day-to-day elegance or motorsports-inspired aesthetics, Porsche Design Eyewear has something to elevate your style. Shop Porsche Design's 2024 Eyewear Collection Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 26, 2024

How To Buy: The Tommy Hilfiger x Mercedes-AMG F1 x Claren...

The Mercedes-AMG F1 paddock just got a lot more stylish. Holding a top-tier position in the world of Formula 1 racing, there's no denying that Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 carries a little extra swagger when walking through paddocks on race weekends. With lead drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell already viewed as international style icons, the racing team's fashion-forward partnership with Tommy Hilfiger makes perfect sense. Tommy Hilfiger is proud to announce its newest collaboration with Mercedes-AMG F1 and artist Clarence Ruth, featuring a collection of classic fits with a fresh look for the road ahead. Tommy Hilfiger Combining the world of high-speed motorsport with the luxury fashion industry, Tommy, Mercedes-AMG F1, and Clarence Ruth incorporate inspiration from each other's areas of expertise to create something truly special. Timeless styles merge Tommy Hilfiger's preppy heritage with the sporty look and feel of Formula 1 racing, all filtered through the streetwear vision of Clarence Ruth. The Tommy x Mercedes F1 x CR Collection includes jackets, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, jerseys, and polos, perfect for race fans looking to support their favorite team from home or trackside. Already approved by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as they've been spotted sporting the new collection throughout the Mercedes F1 paddock, the all-new Tommy Hilfiger x Mercedes-AMG F1 x Clarence Ruth Collection is now available by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection Our Top Picks Tommy X Mercedes F1 X CR Varsity Jacket Shop Now Tommy X Mercedes F1 X CR Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Shop Now Tommy X Mercedes F1 X CR Flag T-Shirt Shop Now Tommy X Mercedes F1 X CR Moto Jersey Shop Now Tommy X Mercedes F1 X CR Rugby Polo Shop Now Source: Tommy Hilfiger

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 15, 2024

How To Buy: The Magnus Walker Collection By Santo Gallery

Style your home or office with art from Porsche purists. Magnus Walker is considered to be one of the most iconic Porsche figures in the automotive world, owning a large collection of vintage models and continuing to support the brand as new vehicles release. Recently, Santo Gallery was proud to release the Magnus Walker Collection, a series of photos featuring his personal collection captured by Daniel Malikyar. The setting of the project takes place in infamous locations of California like Angela’s Crest, using familiar Porsches like Mangus’ famous 277 (1971 Porsche 911). In total, six examples are available from Santos Gallery in your choice of size and frame color. Shop any of the examples featured in Santo Gallery’s Magnus Walker Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Magnus Walker x Santo Gallery Source: Santo Gallery

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By Jordan Aquistapace – December 25, 2023

Shop These Must-Have Essentials For Every Mercedes-AMG Ow...

Whether you're off-road in a G63 or tracking an AMG ONE, these luxury Mercedes-inspired products will fuel your performance lifestyle.

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2022

Master & Dynamic MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphones Review: ...

I've put in some serious hours with the headphones and will continue to do so. For around the past three months, I've had the pleasure of using the new Master & Dynamic MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphones and it's been absolutely wonderful. From the sound to the feel and even their appearance, the MG20s have blown me away in more ways than one. First, let's get started with the build of these headphones. Thanks to the padded Alcantara headband and insanely light magnesium ear cups, I rarely notice that these are on my head. I've gone hours with my MG20 headphones on and didn't experience any discomfort, which is a hard feat for many headphones. And I wasn't just wearing the MG20s when I was gaming, but also when I was doing chores or out for a walk. But the versatility of the Master & Dynamic MG20s is for later. When it comes to sound quality, Master & Dynamic are... masters. The MG20s are no exception. When gaming, the 7.1 surround sound that pumps through the 50mm Beryllium-coated drivers is downright epic. When I was playing a shooter like Call of Duty: Warzone, I could hear footsteps and gunfire and knew exactly where they were coming from. For the times I was playing Forza Horizon 5, the engine notes coming from the cars were mesmerizing and background sounds from incoming storms were perfectly distinct. Honestly, I've never had such an immersive gaming experience. Being gaming headphones, the MG20s come with a detachable boom mic that captures voice wonderfully. Even if you didn't have the boom mic attached, there are onboard microphones that also offer amazing voice quality for calls. In terms of setup, whether you're on a PC or Playstation, these can be used as your new gaming headphones easily thanks to the low-latency adapter that can be plugged into a USB port. Seriously, it's as easy as just plugging in the adapter and you're good to go. The ability to swap between systems this easily was more than welcome, especially considering the hoops I've had to jump through with past gaming headphones. The new Master & Dynamic MG20 headphones are also for more than just gaming, and that's all thanks to the knowledge and experience that's backing them. While I thought I'd be using them solely for gaming, I found myself removing the detachable boom mic and using the MG20s as my go-to Bluetooth headphones on a daily basis. For most, gaming headphones are used solely for intense gaming but being able to use the MG20s when just listening to music whether at work or at home was the cherry-on-top. And with up to 22 hours of battery life, I was able to daily these headphones on a regular basis without having to worry about them dying on me. Using the MG20s on a daily basis has also led me to appreciate the layout of the buttons. Controlling the sound and mic volume is done with separate wheels, while the power and 7.1 surround sound can be controlled with buttons. There's also a dedicated button for controlling music and a voice assistant. When it comes to muting the mic, all you have to do is press the mic volume wheel and the inobtrusive light on the boom mic will shine red to let you know your voice isn't coming through. Altogether, I have more than enjoyed my time with the Master & Dynamic MG20 headphones. Not only have they leveled up my gaming experience, they offer up a versatile and luxurious headphone experience that no other brand can offer. You can purchase a pair for yourself by clicking the button below. They're available in either Galactic White or Black Onyx and are priced at $449. Shop Now " width="680">

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