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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 Edward Jones – March 25, 2021

Best Private Aviation Options for 2021

Although many businesses have faced adversity this year, private aviation has experienced unprecedented growth. Flight restrictions and safety precautions persuaded luxury buyers to invest in their health while maintaining essential travel operations. Alternatives to public transit by way of jets, charters and membership options have unmasked paramount growth potential for private aviation companies, both in the short and long-term. And buyers are reaping the benefits. Increasing interest has empowered management companies and manufacturers to enhance their appeal with amplified luxuries and expanded amenities. Because the transportation industry is adapting to a “new normal,” reduced costs associated with private travel also appeal to new customers. As such, Jet Cards and fractional ownership are in the midst of a renaissance. Now is also an ideal time to invest in your own hardware. New jets, turboprops and helicopters offer a great return on investment, and this is truly a buyer’s market. Orders for new aircraft and helicopters have allowed the manufacturers to adopt technology that has traditionally been bound to Earth. Now that efficiency has been conquered, we have seen the biggest names in small aircraft focus on exceptional luxury and amenities. Sit back, relax and allow our Aviation Guide to take you to new heights. HERREOS Aviation For over 30 years, Eberhard Herr, pilot and operator, has stood for competence, experience and reliability. With his company HERREOS Aviation he concentrates on business with high-end helicopters. His recipe for success: the first priority is exclusively the individual needs of the customer. These needs are used as the basis for presenting the versatile applications of a helicopter for the customer’s benefit. Experience, openness and flexibility help to draw up and optimize a demand-oriented range of services. Visit Website NetJets Beginning as the ﬁrst private jet charter and management company, NetJets has led the industry for 55+ years. Then in 1986, they revolutionized it with the concept of shared ownership and proceeded to build the largest, most diverse private jet ﬂeet in the world. Today, NetJets is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company known for its unwavering commitment to safety, service, and unmatched global access. NetJets’ industry-leading scale and business model offer NetJets and its owners dependable ﬁnancial sustainability unlike any other in the industry. For these reasons and many more, NetJets will continue to be the favored choice of the world’s most discerning travelers for generations to come. To learn more and to ﬁnd your ideal travel solution, please call 1.877.538.8303 or visit netjets.com. Visit Website JetASAP No Commissions, No Memberships, No Fees–ever Though there are many choices when it comes to ﬂying privately, including memberships, jet cards and online and oﬄine commission-based services, ﬂyers looking to directly source and book private jet travel have had no free alternative that aggregates live charter options on demand. However, that recently changed when JetASAP announced the launch of the ﬁrst ever self-service jet charter booking app for Apple iOS, with Android coming soon. Unlike other digital platforms that provide immediate trip estimates, JetASAP has taken a different approach and built a service that sends each charter request directly to over 700 charter operators, who respond with live bookable quotes. More importantly, because the service is completely transparent, ﬂyers immediately know the details of each operator submitting a quote and can even contact them directly on-demand via the app’s built-in chat feature. To help keep ﬂyers safe, JetASAP has integrated safety rating information via direct automated connections to both ARGUS and Wyvern, the industry’s two primary safety auditing companies. Flyers are able to evaluate each quote, as well as the operator that provided it, and then book directly in the app when ready. JetASAP has integrated a digital signature platform that allows the ﬂyer to view and sign charter operator contracts right in the app, or on their computer if they prefer. Either way, all trip details, including passenger information, itineraries and changes are handled right through the app to keep everything easily accessible. Though the service provides tremendous value by offering ﬂyers complete control over the entire booking process, the best feature by far is the price. JetASAP is completely free for ﬂyers to use, with no membership fees, commissions or other charges of any kind. Combined with its powerful ability to directly connect ﬂyers with operators with nobody in the middle, JetASAP is the only private jet travel app you’ll ever need. For more information, visit www.jetasap.com Visit Website ONEflight ONEﬂight International is the ultra-luxury jet provider with the largest network of private aircraft at BAJit.com. “The BAJ” Booking platform provides ﬁngertip access to 12,000 jets globally. Besides saving time and money, why choose ONEﬂight? Their members are granted access to the exclusive Eden Golf Club, elite destinations, villas, private islands, and 1,800 yachts around the globe. Outside of luxury travel, enjoy personal introductions to top wineries, bespoke tailors, motorsports product launches, driving activities, and VIP admittance to exclusive events. Additionally, these winners have been recognized not only by leaders in aviation but the luxury sector as well. Recently chosen by Inc. 5000 as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in the US, the 2020 Global Excellence Award, LUX- Life’s - Best Private Jet Booking System, and The 2020 Luxury Lifestyle Award. ONEﬂight provides exceptional pricing, guaranteed availability, catered meals and executive car service, topped off with unmatched service. Learn how you can receive your complimentary private jet ﬂight. Visit BAJit.com or contact Mark Dismuke 1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEﬂight.net Visit Website Jet It Jet It the entire day for only $1,600 per hour. Backed by a 2020 Harvard Business School case study, this rapidly growing private travel experience is transforming the market’s ability to move. Owners receive signiﬁcantly more ﬁght time at 1/5 the cost of traditional fractional ownership. Jet It owner, Anthony M. Gucciardo says, “What attracted me to Jet It is the brand-new ﬂeet, and their service is extremely convenient. I used to ﬂy commercial, then began chartering, but I didn’t enjoy ﬂying on older charter planes.” He’s a successful residential real estate broker in Upstate New York, and utilizes Jet It for his frequent business needs. Jet It’s concierge books entire travel experiences, whether business or pleasure, at no additional cost. “Flying private has been my goal since 18, and Jet It has allowed that dream to come true. I’ve reached the point in my career where I need to ﬂy private, and they allow me to provide the highest level of service to my VIP clients.” Visit Website Bell 505 You’ve hiked that trail. You’ve climbed that ridge. You’ve experienced adrenaline-pumping adventures, yet there’s always opportunity for new experiences. Whether it’s off-road fun or scenic views, the Bell 505 can elevate your exploration. With its best in class 505 HP turbine engine and versatile, high visibility open cabin, this powerful machine is ready to take you to that undiscovered location. People around the globe recognize that the Bell 505 is a game-changing aircraft that’s exceeding their travel needs. Integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics create a lower workload by alerting pilots of airborne traﬃc, close terrain, and impending weather while also playing music and accepting phone calls through Bluetooth, all while en route to the beach. The powerful Safran Arrius 2R engine is monitored and controlled by a high-ﬁdelity computer system to ensure optimal performance at 125 knots cruise speed, making a trip to your cabin a fraction of your usual commute. Five easily removable seats and a 99 cubic foot cabin with integrated cargo tie-downs will carry anything from bikes to hunting gear to camping supplies. Visit bell.co/testimonials to learn more and embark on your next adventure, today. For more information: 1.817.280.2011 | bell.co/testimonials Visit Website Nicholas Air There’s a level of authenticity here at NICHOLAS AIR. We’ve been committed to and completing our Members’ missions since day one with aircraft that are owned and operated by NICHOLAS AIR. No identity crisis, no changing business plans every six months, no relying on another’s brand to help build ours. We’ve kept private travel simple — skip the 30-page contracts and spend more time enjoying the best of private aviation experiences. Our members come to us because they want a company that is committed to safety, cleanliness, and to creating the most comfortable onboard experience possible. Our pilots and crews clean and detail each airplane prior to every mission, reassuring our passengers that no stone was left unturned in providing them peace of mind.After 23 years, our mission is still the same — provide the world’s most reﬁned set of private ﬂyers with the best aircraft the industry has to offer. For more information: www.nicholasair.com | 1.866.935.7771 Visit Website Cirrus Aircraft At Cirrus Aircraft, our mission is to make personal aviation more accessible. Now, more than ever, people are looking for alternative ways to travel, with the added assurance of safety and privacy. Launched in 2016 as the world’s ﬁrst single-engine Personal Jet™, the Vision Jet is an exceptional solution. And now, we’re taking it one step further by introducing a direct pathway to complete jet ownership that allows our customers to enjoy all of the beneﬁts of personal aviation while we take care of the details. Introducing VisionAir™. For more information: www.cirrusaircraft.com | 1.833.735.0651 Visit Website Jets.Com At Jets.Com we pride ourselves on providing the best service at the best prices in the industry. Whether you are interested in our Jet Card Programs or want us to arrange your On-Demand Charter ﬂights, the choice is up to you. With Jets.Com, you’re free to enjoy the convenience and luxury of ﬂying private, knowing that your safety is our paramount concern and non-negotiable. Whether you are a long time Jet Card Member or a ﬁrst time charter client, we treat each and every ﬂight with the same level of professionalism starting at the booking process until you land safe and secure. For more information: www.Jetcard.Jets.com/Dupont | 1.646.961.4454 | DR@Jets.com Visit Website Get issue From Us Get Issue From Amazon

By Edward Jones – December 20, 2020

Best Private Jet Options For Holiday Travel

It's the holiday season and that means it's time to travel. However, the ongoing pandemic has put a damper on quite a few plans but that's where private air travel comes into play. Instead of having to travel on a plane with countless other people you don't know, a private jet can take you and yours to wherever the destination may be in a safe fashion. Below are some great private air travel options for those looking to get around this holiday season in a more exclusive fashion. Jet It Visit GoJetIt.com The Jet It day-use model, endorsed by a 2020 Harvard Business School case study, allows Jet It owners to fly their jet for the entire day at only $1,600 per flight hour. This model prevents owners from burning through their share and increases travel capability exponentially. JetASAP Visit JetASAP.com Unlike other digital platforms that provide immediate trip estimates, JetASAP has taken a different approach and built a service that sends each charter request directly to over 700 charter operators, who typically respond with live bookable quotes within minutes. Jets.com Visit Jets.com Jets.com will give you a custom tailored trip from start to finish. Whether you're going on a business trip or even a vacation, Jets.com will make the process easy and hassle-free. They offer a fleet of light, mid-size, heavy, turbo and VLJ jets that can be ordered through the Jets.com or the Jets.com Jet Card. NetJets Visit NetJets.com With industry-leading safety standards to guaranteed access to more than 750 aircraft worldwide, as well as exclusive events in the world of golf, yachting, motorsports, and food and wine, they invite you to discover the NetJets advantage. ONEflight Visit ONEflight.net ONEflight boasts a massive network of quality jets made up of 500 of the best charter operators and a proprietary BAJit app and BAJit.com booking platform. BAJit has revolutionized the industry, providing clients fingertip access. Clients have access to over 4,000 aircraft globally and get the lowest, unbiased, universal price point NICHOLAS AIR Visit NICHOLASAIR.com NICHOLAS AIR maintains a fleet with an average age under 5 years and serves Members across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Their innovative approach to private aviation presents four flexible options for membership – Jet Card, Jet Lease, Jet Share, and Aircraft Management.

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2018

duPont REGISTRY 2018 Aviation Guide

Aviation Programs That Take You To New HeightsTime and money are the dimensions of the business world. One is just as important as the other, so allow us to help you travel without the headaches and compromises of flying commercial. If you are reading this, chances are you have considered flying private. In this issue, we’ll look at Jet Cards, which are a popular alternative to owning an aircraft. They are perfect for those who travel less than 100 hours annually. In these Aviation pages to follow you'll see various Charter options from Light Jets, Turbo Props, Mid-sized Jets, Heavy Jets and Jumbo Jets that are sure to meet everyone's budget.If a Jet is too flashy, the turboprop is an efficient alternative. Companies like King Air and Pilatus Aircraft offer the amenities of a Jet at a price that won’t break the bank. This is where Fractional Ownership really takes off. It is more than just a time-share in the air. It is your way to own a piece of the sky without having to deal with storage, maintenance & other issues.As you browse these pages take a few minutes to reflect on delays, damaged luggage and a lack of personal space for hours on end. Then, allow our clients to show you how flying was intended to be. Wholesale Jet ClubWholesale Jet Club is the first truly wholesale private jet membership, with 100% transparency, we’ve saved our members millions in our first year alone. Our business model has disrupted the industry and changed the price of charters for the direct consumer forever. With over 20 years of experience in the marketplace, alongside our real time aircraft technology, we are not only able to deliver you the perfect aircraft for your mission, but also the perfect price.855.WJCLUB1 (855.952.5821) | www.wholesalejetclub.com JetSet GroupJetSet Group has been one of the best keep secrets over the last decade. Athletes, celebrities, and heads of business all flock to use this service. What sets JetSet apart is their white glove service and attention to detail. They pamper their clients and respond to their ever-changing needs. JetSet is the leader in private jet cards, with the invention of the Diamond Club, the most innovative, cost-effective card that’s ever been created. JetSet Group continues to innovate and be an industry leader in jet cards and on demand charters.855.5JETSET (855.553.8738) | www.jetsetgrp.com NICHOLAS AIRNICHOLAS AIR offers private jet membership programs delivering exceptional reliability, flexibility, and convenience to our Members. Our commitment to personal service begins when we assist you in choosing the best membership program and aircraft for your travel needs, while providing an honest assessment of NICHOLAS AIR programs versus your current solutions. NICHOLAS AIR has proven to be the perfect choice for personal and business travelers alike, all of whom are seeking the highest standards in aircraft quality and customer service.With guaranteed availability and an average aircraft age under five years, NICHOLAS AIR takes pride in offering luxurious and modern cabin amenities our Members appreciate. As owner and operator of our fleet, we maintain all aircraft to the highest standards. Our fleet is chosen for safety, versatility, and efficiency to suit all your travel needs. Choose from our Pilatus PC-12, Phenom 100, Citation CJ3, Phenom 300, and Citation Latitude aircraft. As a Member, you will quickly discover that our staff is your staff. Join the club and fly on your schedule.866.935.7771 | www.NicholasAir.com ONEflightONEflight International is now offering Members access to the revolutionary “Book A Jet” Technology (BAJ), allowing you to charter a luxury private jet with the touch of a finger. Members gain access to 12,000 private jets worldwide where they simply Search and Select their aircraft, view true Point-to-Point pricing, and then securely book their travel. This exciting new and intuitive technology allows Members to effortlessly book travel with confidence and ease on ARG/US or WYVERN-rated aircraft. Access BAJ Technology now and start booking your private jet within minutes. ONEflight, ONE Choice, the Only Choice.877.874.0646 | www.ONEflightinternational.com Buy This Issue Now or Subscribe Now

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