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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 28, 2026

Pebble Beach Masterpiece: Inside a $26.75M Coastal Estate

3225 Macomber Drive · Pebble Beach, CA 939533.16 Acres · 7,455 Sq. Ft. · 7 Bedrooms · 8 BathroomsOffered at $26,750,000 There's a reason Monterey continues to attract everyone from retirees and entrepreneurs to car collectors and outdoor lovers. With ocean views, a mild year-round climate, and easy access to some of the most iconic scenery, it’s a lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else. Set within one of Pebble Beach's most sought-after neighborhoods and represented by the team at Tim Allen Properties, 3225 Macomber Drive has everything that makes California's Central Coast so desirable, including panoramic ocean views with privacy, clean and modern architecture, and exclusive access to some of the world's most renowned golf courses.Priced at $26.75 million, the 3.16-acre property is just minutes from Pebble Beach Resorts and the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea. A recently completed renovation has upgraded every corner of the property, with perfectly landscaped grounds adding to the uninterrupted views of Carmel Bay, Point Lobos, and the Pacific Ocean.At close to 7,500 square feet between the main home and guest house, the estate offers seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, two half baths, and two private offices. The chef's kitchen serves as the heart of the house, with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, a large center island, and a dining area accompanied by a fireplace. The formal dining room looks out through a glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room that holds roughly 1,000 bottles, then opens into an inviting living room, perfect for intimate evenings or hosting friends and family.The outdoor spaces are easy to enjoy, with terraces that take full advantage of the coastal views, while a built-in barbecue, covered dining area, and plenty of lounge space make it easy to spend the afternoon outside. There's also a hot tub for winding down after a round of golf, along with a putting green, a tournament-style bocce court, and a pair of fire pits that make the backyard the place to be once the sun goes down.What really makes 3225 Macomber Drive special, though, is how it blends in with the nature surrounding it. The ocean views, inviting living spaces, and perfect location make it a home both comfortable for everyday living and for entertaining during Monterey Car Week. Add in the close proximity to Pebble Beach's best golf courses and the charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and it's easy to see why this is such a unique place to call home. For those interested in one of Pebble Beach's most impressive private estates, contact Tim Allen Properties to learn more about the home, schedule a private showing, or explore additional details on 3225 Macomber Drive. View Property Listing Source: Tim Allen Properties

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2024

Southern Jewel: Dive Into This Luxurious Three-Story Ocea...

An oceanfront property designed for upscale living. Located on the pristine shores of South Carolina's renowned Kiawah Island, with its own private boardwalk to the beach, the majestic home at 71 Eugenia Avenue redefines oceanfront luxury. With breathtaking views of the Atlantic from every floor and a jetted lap pool overlooking the sea, this property is a paradisiacal retreat. Kiawah Island Real Estate Upon entering, guests are greeted by a stately black-shuttered, shingle-style exterior set against beautifully landscaped grounds. The home offers three levels of expansive outdoor living spaces, including a secluded full-floor primary suite on the top level, four well-appointed guest suites, a club room, dual wine cellars, and a heated screened porch complete with a fireplace. Inside, the front door opens into a grand two-story foyer decorated with heart-pine flooring and an eye-catching chandelier. The family room commands comfort and attention with its large fireplace, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling knotty pine wood trim and a coffered ceiling, offering stunning views through wide arched windows. Kiawah Island Real Estate Neighboring to the family room, the breakfast area, surrounded by tall windows, provides serene ocean views and leads into a state-of-the-art kitchen. This culinary sanctuary features glass accordion doors that open to a heated screened porch, equipped with a custom grill and fireplace ideal for entertaining. The kitchen itself includes high-end appliances, granite countertops, and a bespoke wine cellar for the connoisseur. Also located on the ground floor is a billiards room that doubles as a dining area and a separate guest wing ensuring privacy and comfort for visitors. A curved staircase, as well as a convenient elevator reaching all four levels, guides you to the upper floors where you find an extra office space. This room, along with a generous second-story porch, offers peaceful places to work or relax while enjoying the ocean. Guest accommodations on this floor are thoughtfully designed, each suite featuring comfort amenities like private baths and reading nooks. Kiawah Island Real Estate The crown jewel of the home is the third-level primary suite, where exclusivity and panoramic ocean views create a tranquil haven. This suite includes a relaxing sitting area, a spa-inspired bath with a cedar sauna, and an extra-spacious dressing area, completing the overall high-end experience. If luxury oceanfront living in one of Kiawah Island's most breathtaking homes is what you're looking for, discover 71 Eugenia Avenue from Kiawah Island Real Estate. View Home Listing

BSV pumpkin spice and everything on ice portrait

By Roberta Naas – October 30, 2023

Four Cocktail Recipes Perfect For Fall Weather

While summer is a time for beers, light cocktails, and sweet, fruity drinks, fall ushers in a season of warm orange and brown tones, spices like pumpkin and cardamom, and maybe an old fashioned or two with a twist. Here are a few modern takes on some go-to recipes — or the perfect bottle for a neat pour — that are dynamite for seasonal get-togethers. Macallan THE MACALLAN M COPPER Thinking an evening by the outdoor fire pit? Reach for The Macallan M Copper, a 2022 release. Part of The Macallan M Collection, this $9,000 bottle is the perfect blend of artisanship and knowledge. The 100 percent natural single-malt whiskey, made in a copper still, offers a buttery yet sweet and malty flavor, with hints of pear and toasted oak. It is sold in a copper-colored Lalique crystal decanter. Directions Enjoy neat. BROKEN SHED PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING ON ICE This fantastic fall cocktail created by well-known mixologist Tom Levron offers a new twist on autumn that is designed to reflect a maple old fashioned Ingredients 1.5 ounce Broken Shed Vodka 1 ounce pumpkin-maple-coffee syrup, consisting of equal parts cold coffee, maple syrup, and pumpkin purée 1 star anise pod Directions Stir vodka and syrup over ice and strain into double rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with the star anise pod. MAYENDA HIBISCUS OLD FASHIONED This Mayenda tequila has a wildflower-honey and cinnamon aroma with a hint of orange blossom. The taste offers undertones of baking spices and caramelized agave. Great served neat at room temperature, or in a special cocktail like this one. Ingredients 2 ounces Mayenda Blanco Tequila 1⁄4 ounce hibiscus-agave syrup 2 dashes mole bitters Grapefruit twist Directions Combine tequila and syrup in a glass with ice. Add the bitters and stir. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a twist. OLD ELK BOURBON MARGARITA Old Elk Master Series Four-Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey blends corn, wheat, rye, and barley to yield a smooth base with hints of maple, spices, and vanilla at 105.9 proof. Ingredients 13⁄4 ounces Old Elk Straight Bourbon 1 ounce fresh lime 1⁄2 ounce agave syrup Salt Directions Shake everything and pour over fresh ice in a glass with a salted rim. Garnish with lime. BACARDI RESERVA OCHO RUM OLD FASHIONED One of the oldest private rum blends in the world, Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum is a dark rum inspired by a family recipe from 1862. It is made in batches from a special selection of rums aged in barrels for at least eight years. Tasting notes include nutmeg, apricot, and vanilla. It’s the perfect pick for a fresh take on the early-1900s old fashioned. Ingredients 2 ounces Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum 1⁄4 ounce simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Directions Pour all ingredients together into a rocks glass. Fill with ice. Stir until well mixed. Featured in Our November 2023 Issue Buy Single Issue Subscribe

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