Fashion

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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

How To Buy: RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini's All-New AW23...

Now available to the public, make sure to grab your favorite pieces from the newest RHUDE x Lamborghini Collection. Kicking off November in style, Automobili Lamborghini and RHUDE have come together yet again to unveil another fuel-driven apparel and accessories for the winter months. Announcing its first capsule collection at Art Basel Miami 2022 during the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato launch, RHUDE continues to evolve its portfolio alongside the supercars it represents. Inspired by Lamborghini supercar icons like the Countach, Aventador, Huracán Sterrato, and many more, the all-new RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini AW23 Collection features the same colors, materials, and designs used at the manufacturer's production facility in Sant'Agata. The capsule collection honors Lamborghini's 60th Anniversary with a head-to-toe lineup that features jackets, sweaters, shirts, t-shirts, pants, hats, and much more. In addition to using authentic Lamborghini branding and logos, RHUDE founder Rhuigi Villaseñor focused the release around the same timeless style that connects with classic Italian supercars. The fashion release also falls on the one-year anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini partnering with RHUDE for its fashionable future. Shop the all-new RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini AW23 Collection by clicking the link below. Shop All RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini Awakening Carta Bomber Jacket Shop Now Wool-Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Shop Now Leather Racing Jacket Shop Now Atten Wool-Leather Varsity Bomber Jacket Shop Now Pique Polo Shirt Shop Now Hooded Puffer Jacket Shop Now Logo Cashmere-Cotton Beanie Shop Now Zip-Up Hoodie Shop Now Wool Baseball Cap Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2022

RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini Announce A Capsule Collect...

RHUDE gets started on its next automotive-inspired collection with inspiration from Lamborghini. As high-end streetwear and automotive collaborations continue to grow in popularity, some of our favorite supercar manufacturers are jumping on board to create exclusive capsule collections. After having serious success with McLaren, fashion brand RHUDE and its owner Rhuigi Villaseñor are back to announce its next upcoming release with Automobili Lamborghini. Streetwear and fashion collectors can shop from a full line of head-to-toe apparel inspired by the all-new Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. MUST-READ: The New 2023 Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Is Revealed As A 602-HP Off-Road Supercar As part of the adventurous Huracán’s debut in Miami during Art Basel 2022, guests were welcomed with a giant RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini logo. Since officially announcing the partnerhsip, Rhuigi took to his instagram to give a sneak peek at the jackets, tops, bottoms, baggage, and accessories featured in the limited-edition collection. View all current Lamborghini Huracán examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more information on the upcoming RHUDE x Automobili Lamborghini Collection. View All Lamborghini Huracán For Sale Source: Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 23, 2022

Watch The Lamborghini Style Guide Episode #1: Shirts

Automobili Lamborghini releases its new video fashion series. When it comes to style, the team at Automobili Lamborghini is known for incorporating top-of-the-line Italian design into its fleet of hand-crafted vehicles. Lamborghini is excited to be focusing its eyes on fashion with its all-new style guide video series uploaded to its YouTube channel. The first episode of The Lamborghini Style Guide leads off with fashion journalist Teo van den Broeke’s deep dive into the breakdown of the shirt. As one of the most important features of an outfit, Teo ventures to the city shops in a Lamborghini Huracán STO to explain and highlight the versatility of the common shirt. MUST-READ: Lamborghini’s Academia Neve Course Is Lamborghini On Ice With different occasions in mind, Teo adds his expert advice on styling an elegant or casual top with a variety of accessories to help complement the look. The special series gives insight into the attention to detail behind the Automobili Lamborghini brand and its focus on delivering the highest-quality product to its clientele, whether it be for the garage or closet. View all of the current Lamborghini Huracán STO examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and Lamborghini Style Guide episode releases. View All Lamborghini Huracán STO For Sale Source: Automobili Lamborghini YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2021

Gucci Releases A $10,000 Limited-Edition Xbox Series X Co...

Game in style with help from Gucci x Xbox. Nowadays, the world’s most famous luxury brands are stepping outside the box to create limited-edition collaboration releases with products outside of the traditional realm. The simple yet highly-exclusive releases draw the attention of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The fashion experts at Gucci are proud to announce its newest collaboration with iconic video game powerhouse Xbox. Xbox by Gucci takes the world of sports and leisure to the next level with 100 numbered Xbox Series X consoles. MUST-READ: The GearBox: Porsche Track Star The Xbox Series X console features the famous Gucci GG pattern, not only representing Guccio Gucci’s initials but also the gaming phrase ‘Good Game’. Along with the console, the Xbox by Gucci release also includes two customized Xbox wireless controllers proudly stamped with the Gucci logo with blue and red strips inspired by the House Web. The packaging is encased in a large Gucci hard carry case made especially for Xbox, with the green Xbox logo contrasting against the traditional Gucci print. Being the perfect release for any gamer or fashion enthusiast, the Xbox by Gucci release sold out as soon as it hit the Gucci website for $10,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Source: Gucci

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2021

How To Buy: RHUDE Drop 4 Autumn/Winter '21 Motorsport Col...

RHUDE brings the best of both worlds when it comes to its motorsport-inspired streetwear collection. While the world of motorsports presents the luxury lifestyle of automotive competition, brands outside of the industry look to re-imagine their products with the inspiration of high-performance octane and checkered flags. The luxury streetwear brand RHUDE is best known for incorporating an automotive sense within its collection of premium apparel and accessories. RUDE is proud to announce its Drop 4 collection featuring a list of head-to-toe apparel that sport motorsport-theme graphics. As part of the new Autumn/Winter ’21 release, the collection includes sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, hats, and accessories for the dedicated motorsport enthusiasts of the world. The RHUDE motorsport line best pairs high-end streetwear fashion with a passion for all things automotive. The all-new RHUDE Drop 4 Autumn/Winter ’21 collection is set to release on November 12th at 10 am PST. Click the link below to prep for the highly-anticipated release and to shop all of the products offered by the streetwear experts at RHUDE. Shop RHUDE View this post on Instagram A post shared by R H U D E Designs (@rhude) Source: RHUDE

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 14, 2021

Watch The Ferrari Live Fashion Show Featuring Its Newest ...

This proves that the Ferrari factory in Maranello makes the perfect fashion runway. Ferrari’s approach to the world of fashion is similar to its process of creating the most iconic supercars in the industry. Through the use of bold lines, vibrant colors, and premium materials, Ferrari is able to create the perfect apparel to pair with its supercars. The Italian brand is proud to release its new fashion line proudly displayed during a live fashion show streamed from the production floors in Maranello, Italy. As the models strut past mid-production Ferrari F8 Tributos, the new styles highlight the traditional visions of Ferrari, while incorporating a bold new style with various patterns and designs. The head-to-toe collection features an array of apparel and accessories made to dress for any occasion and weather. Check out the full Ferrari Live Fashion Show by viewing the video above. Shop the new apparel and accessories from the Ferrari Fashion Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Ferrari Fashion Media Source: Ferrari For more Gear news, Check out Magnus Walker Announces Nike SB ‘277’ Dunk-Hi Sneaker Release

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2021

Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore Announce A New Fashion Collection

Fashion to compliment the Porsche in your garage With its strong ties to the world of art and fashion, Porsche continues to be viewed as a timeless brand through an array of partnerships and collaborations. The German automobile manufacturer is proud to announce its newest venture with New York City fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore. Posted on both brands’ Instagram pages, the scene is set with vintage Porsche 911 paired with a full cargo rack ready for life’s next adventure. The two brands show strong initiative towards pushing the boundaries of their industries while continuing to focus on simple yet powerful designs. Although specific product information and media have yet to be released, the Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore Collection is sure to be one of the more anticipated of the year. Check back in for more release information on the Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore Collection. For more Fashion news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: 488 Pista Performance

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