Aviation

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

A blue and white private jet, representing the pinnacle of private aviation provided by Airshare, soars over cloud-covered snowy mountains under a clear sky.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2025

Airshare Named Official Private Aviation Provider Of The ...

Airshare teams up with PGA of America through 2029 Airshare just landed a big partnership with the PGA of America, locking in as the official private aviation provider through 2029. That means they’ll be flying into major events like the Ryder Cup in 2025 and 2029, the PGA Championship, and the PGA National Club Championship. Airshare is also getting involved with local PGA Sections in places like Southern California, South Florida, New York, and the Southwest, helping support community golf growth in those regions. It’s the kind of move that combines high-profile exposure with some homegrown golf support, which makes sense considering how deeply golf and private aviation tend to cross paths. Airshare has been around for a while and has expanded a lot recently, with nearly 140 aircraft flying around the country. They offer the usual mix of jet cards, fractional ownership, and charter flights, and they’ve been pushing to expand even more since new ownership came on board last year. Teaming up with the PGA of America helps them stay connected to a sport that’s always on the move. With big events like the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow on the calendar, the timing feels pretty spot-on. What’s even better is that they’re also making an effort to work with PGA professionals on a local level. For a company that’s often associated with elite travel, it’s a surprisingly grounded approach. Discover Airshare Source: Airshare

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 09, 2024

ONEflight Members Revel In Luxury At The 2024 Formula 1 M...

ONEflight International treated its members to an exclusive Formula 1 experience at the Miami Grand Prix 2024, featuring prime views, outstanding hospitality, and special appearances, including ONEflight Brand Ambassador Kevin O'Leary. ONEflight International, a distinguished name in Private Jet Travel, recently made waves at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2024. Visiting sunny South Miami for the third time, the Miami GP proves to be the place to be for A-list celebrities, top-tier athletes, and other influential individuals. The three-day extravaganza, held at the Miami International Autodrome from May 3rd to May 5th, offered ONEflight members an unforgettable experience that got them close to the action while enjoying luxurious amenities. Guests of ONEflight were treated to exclusive views of the track at the Chairman's Garage Level Suite and Rooftop located in the Paddock Club, allowing the opportunity to witness the heart-pounding action of Formula 1 racing upfront and in person. In addition to other big names on the scene, ONEflight Brand Ambassador Kevin O'Leary added an extra layer of excitement to the fuel-driven event wearing two exclusive gold Rolex Daytona chronograph watches. Ferren Rajput, CEO of ONEflight International, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting their respected members at such a prestigious, world-renowned event. He highlighted the company's dedication to providing exceptional service and access to exclusive events, guaranteeing an unmatched experience for their valued members. The thrilling finish saw McLaren F1 and team driver Lando Norris emerging victorious, claiming the top spot on the podium and adding to the excitement and spirit of Miami. The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2024 marked yet another milestone in ONEflight's commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences to its members, setting the bar high for luxury travel and hospitality. Discover the endless opportunities in private jet travel from ONEflight by clicking the link below. Discover ONEflight International Source: ONEflight International

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2024

Honda Aircraft Company Celebrates 250th HondaJet Delivery...

Honda Aircraft Company continues its rise to the top in business aviation. Honda Aircraft Company's recent delivery of its 250th HondaJet marks a significant milestone while highlighting its leading position in the business private aviation market. The accomplishment, celebrated with a special event at the company's global headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, comes after HondaJet's first customer delivery in late 2015. Since receiving its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the same year, the HondaJet has consistently set new standards in the very light jet category. Its evolutionary journey from the original model to the latest Elite II showcases continuous improvements, strengthening its reputation as the most fuel-efficient, fastest, and highest-flying aircraft in its class. With over 210,000 flight hours and an impressive dispatch reliability of 99.7%, the HondaJet fleet's growth is an example of Honda Aircraft Company's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience. Customers enjoy seamless access to top-tier support, thanks to Honda's extensive global network, including Authorized Sales Representatives and Service Centers across multiple continents. Looking ahead, Honda Aircraft Company is keen on reshaping the future of aviation, with the HondaJet Echelon set to elevate efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Source: Honda Aircraft Company

By Sponsored Article – December 20, 2023

The Advantage of Private Jet Membership During the Holida...

The holidays are the busiest time of year for private jet travel, but it does not have to be the most expensive time of the year to fly. With demand surging, a specific charter flight that matches your needs can end up costing you far more than it should. That is if you can get the flight you need. With Jet Agency membership, price fluctuations are no longer your problem. We provide an easy-to-understand program, offering low fixed rates with no blackout dates or membership fees. That means whatever day of the year you need to fly – even over the holidays – you pay the same rate. Jet Agency offers membership for a variety of aircraft categories, from light jets to heavy jets. Membership allows for interchange at no additional cost, so you can book a larger aircraft for the holidays. Membership gives you extensive access to high-pedigree aircraft across the country, allowing us to source the best aircraft for your mission, even when the skies are busy. With membership, there is no cost of recovery for flights that cannot operate. In the rare event that a pilot gets sick or your aircraft has a maintenance issue, our team swings into action to rectify the situation at no additional cost to you. This ensures that you are not left stranded on the runway and will never be forced to overpay for a last-minute holiday flight. The service does not stop there. Jet Agency has a dedicated client services team on hand around the clock to ensure everything for your flight meets your needs. This level of service is invaluable during the holiday season, allowing you to relax and enjoy your journey as if it were the destination. Jet Agency has designed our program with you in mind, putting the member at the heart of everything we do. As the struggle of booking holiday travel ramps up, consider Jet Agency as your path to a calm and cost-saving travel experience. Visit JetAgency.com

By duPont REGISTRY – September 21, 2023

Jet Agency: A Private Jet Membership Built With Today’s F...

The concept of a private aviation membership is not new. But in the decades since the dawn of the jet card, most of the major programs have gotten stale. When Jet Agency set out to craft our jet membership, we spent months carefully designing the program for today’s market — a market that is as dynamic as it has ever been. We looked very closely at the top programs today and carved out the built-in fees for services you do not need every flight so you are only paying for your time in the aircraft and experience. The cost of many programs is bloated to pay for events, celebrity and athlete endorsements and high-dollar marketing campaigns. Jet Agency prefers to grow organically, with a steady pace that allows us to maintain our level of personalization and service long into the future. Jet Agency’s membership is built around our ability to source aircraft directly from the open market. This gives us extensive access to more than 5,000 high-pedigree aircraft, which means we secure our members the flights they need with as little as 48 hours' notice. Our members also enjoy interchange flexibility between jet categories, giving them the power to choose the best aircraft for their mission. With our support team available 24/7, we tailor every trip to your needs, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience. Transparency is key to Jet Agency. With easy-to-understand fixed rates, you will know what your flight costs ahead of time and have peace of mind knowing that it will not change by the time you land. It truly is a tremendous value, made easy. Visit JetAgency.com

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By Edward Jones – July 10, 2023

The Ultimate Time Machine: Bell 429 Palmaz Helicopter

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By Jordan Aquistapace – June 14, 2023

Honda Aircraft Company Will Commercialize The HondaJet 26...

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By Jordan Aquistapace – May 26, 2023

The HondaJet Elite II Makes Its Public Debut In Geneva, S...

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By Edward Jones – May 23, 2023

Gulfstream Takes New G800 Out For Continental Debut

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By Roberta Naas – January 30, 2023

Take Flight: The 2023 duPont REGISTRY Private Aviation Guide

In lockstep with sectorshaping innovations in the automotive sphere, strides in private aviation have redefined the way the world travels. State-of-the-art technologies align with sophisticated, modern comforts, resulting in aircraft that not only gets you where you need to go faster, but also transports you there in unrivaled style. These companies are among those responsible for what’s new and what’s next in the world of aviation. Officina Amare Known for designing architecture, yacht, and aviation solutions that are uncompromising in quality and sophistication, Officina Amare’s latest project, the Bombardier Global 6000 jet, features luxury everywhere you look. Designed for a discerning client, the interior takes inspiration from art, architecture, yachting, and cars. Materials and motifs are most notably informed by the art deco period, and the jet is perfect for traveling while conducting business, entertaining, or simply relaxing. officinaarmare.com Honda Aircraft Company Operating under the constant pursuit of innovation, the Honda Aircraft Company continues to evolve private air travel with advancements in performance and comfort. The newest addition to its fleet, the HondaJet Elite II, made its grand debut at the 2022 National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition. It takes the title of the fastest, highest, and furthest-flying aircraft in its class, with new upgrades that ensure safety and security at all times. hondajet.com JetASAP JetASAP connects fliers in real time directly to charter operators, commission free. App features include the ability for fliers to receive live bookable quotes and access to a previously unpublished list of 1,000-plus daily trips, including empty legs previously only available to industry insiders, many offered at discounted rates. All operator details are displayed in the app, including name, FAA-issued certificate number, safety ratings, and contact info. jetasap.com Jet It While most private travel options are measured by the hour, Jet It’s fractional ownership experience allows owners to plan their travels by the day. In doing this, Jet It gives owners the ability to enjoy all of the luxuries of private travel as well as the convenience of traveling to multiple locations in a single day. Jet It’s approach to fractional ownership lets owners gain more control than ever before. gojetit.com Air King Aviation Air King is a premiere choice for the maintenance, modifications, and management of your aircraft. Rather than worrying about the aforementioned chores, you can sit back and relax while Air King takes care of them for you. The company offers scheduled inspections, complete restorations, and modifications of your turboprop or piston aircraft, all of which can be customized to your schedule. airkingaviation.com Aston Martin x Airbus Both Aston Martin and Airbus create rare and exclusive products for personal travel, allowing the collaboration to be filled with shared passion and enthusiasm. The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition seeks to bridge the experience between the driver of DB11 and the pilot of the ACH130. In both cases, you are in a luxury cocoon designed to keep you alert and comfortable. airbuscorporatehelicopters.com Embraer Executive Jets This new concept from Embraer Executive Jets for a medium-size cabin jet rewrites the rules of aviation. It features a cabin with three highly efficient and innovative zones. The craft shows off an inviting lounge with plenty of space for seating and conversation; that’s because the concept plane is fully autonomous and thus has no need for a cockpit. The plane is designed to run on fully sustainable propulsion and has a unique design that leaves the wings free of engines. executive. embraer.com flyExclusive Undoubtedly one of the largest private jet companies in the States, flyExclusive provides complete private aviation solutions. In addition to their Jet Club, fractional ownership program, and on-demand private charter services, owners looking for OEM-quality refurbishment can utilize flyExclusive’s MRO services, which include paint, interiors, and maintenance. flyexclusive.com Old City Jets Headquartered at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine, Old City Jets is the only private jet sales and management company with its own relaxation lounge and aircraft hangars, reserved exclusively for clients. While others have to use the general aviation and public areas for all their trips, Old City Jets customers can relax in peace. Whether for business or pleasure, Old City Jets is truly an excellent choice when it comes to private jet ownership and management. oldcityjets.com ONEflight International This global private aviation company seeks to revolutionize the luxury private jet travel industry. Since the company’s founding in 2010, ONEflight International has grown to provide its members with access to nearly 500 top-rated charter operators and more than 5,000 private aircraft. ONEflight also offers the Book-A-Jet Program, a proprietary online booking platform that makes finding private flights easier than ever before. oneflight.net Piper Aircraft The Piper M600 SLS was unveiled as a single-engine pressurized turboprop that’s based around luxury, safety, and support; it exceeded expectations and raises the bar in its segment. Each M600 SLS comes standard with Piper’s EXP package, providing owners with a wonderfully appointed interior that can be customized to their liking. Piper Aircraft also offers a wide range of other package upgrades that build upon the incredible platform of the M600 SLS. piper.com Stratus 9 Based on the West Coast, Stratus 9 serves up a new aviation management format that’s angling to become a go- to for fractional ownership in both the business and private aviation sectors. At the core of the business is the legendary Pilatus PC-12, one of the most popular single-engine turboprops on the market. Those looking for long-range flights can rest easy knowing that Stratus 9 offers access to a fleet of other jets through its network. flystratus9.com Titan Aviation Group Founded in 2004 by a team of aviation professionals, Titan Aviation Group provides the highest quality of worldwide jet charter services. The luxury aviation brand seeks to provide the ultimate jet charter experience through a worldwide presence, exceptional customer service, and a large fleet that consists of all types of aircraft. From light jets to ultra-long-range jets and even helicopters, Titan has it all. titanaviation.aero Verijet With deep roots and expertise in technology, AI, and aviation, this private aviation company is forging the way in regional air mobility for trips covering 600 nautical miles or less. Verijet allows customers to fly direct between more than 1,400 local airports in the Southeastern, Northeastern, and Western United States. With two years of operation, Verijet has already chalked up 5,583 trips flown and has a 100 percent safety record. verijet.com

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