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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 – November 16, 2020

Harley-Davidson's Serial1 eBike Up for Pre-Order

Harley-Davidson's new collection of Serial1 eBikes are now up for pre-order. With this launch, a total of four different Seria1 eBikes were unveiled: RUSH/CTY SPEED, RUSH/CTY STEP-THRU, RUSH/CTY and MOSH/CTY. The prices of these bikes go down in that order, with the RUSH/CTY SPEED being the most expensive at $4,999. The RUSH/CTY SPEED almost comes in with the quickest top speed of 28 mph while the others top out at 20 mph. No matter which one you get, they all are powered by the same Brose TF MAG motor that produces a total of 66 lb-ft of torque. One difference that many will consider when deciding which of these to purchase is the range. The RUSH/CTY and MOST/CTY have the longest range of 35-115 miles while the RUSH/CTY SPEED gives 25-115 miles and the RUSH/CTY STEP-THRU provides 30-90 miles. For all of the details, be sure to click the button below. Visit Serial1.com " width="680">

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2020

Jacob & Co.'s Luxurious Backgammon Set is a Game Night Ma...

The ongoing pandemic has had many staying inside as opposed to going out for a good time. One activity that's on the rise is the game night. You know, the night where you and your family learn who is the cheater or who can't keep dice on the table. If you're looking for something new to play during game night, Jacob & Co. has a backgammon set that is as luxurious as it is beautiful. Housed in a cigar box, this backgammon set includes a stunning board and pieces. Crafted in France, this backgammon set will be the highlight of any game collection. As expected, this high-quality set comes with a price tag that's well over anything you'd buy at your local department store as it will set you back $7,000. For more information, be sure to visit Jacob & Co.'s website by clicking the button below and contacting them. Visit JacobAndCo.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2020

The New Master & Dynamic For Oliver Peoples Collection

Master & Dynamic has partnered with the American luxury eyewear brand Oliver Peoples, on a collaboration collection. Oliver Peoples is known for incorporating elements of Southern California through fashion, film, art, and music into the design of its sunglasses. The Master & Dynamic For Oliver Peoples collection pulls inspiration from three signature handmade Italian acetate patterns used on the OP-505 sunglass line. Included in the new release are the MW65 wireless headphones and the MW07 Plus wireless earbuds, all sporting the unique designs that reflect a classic and modern mix. The collection is currently available, with the headphones priced at $499 and the earbuds at $299. Shop the Master & Dynamic For Oliver Peoples collaboration by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection Source: Maste & Dynamic

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2020

Go Wireless With The New Master & Dynamic Bluetooth Adapt...

Master & Dynamic is known for creating premium listening experiences using products such as Headphones and Earbuds. The audio company took to their Instagram page to announce a new accessory to help make Master & Dynamic products universal. The new MW01 from Master & Dynamic allows for the user to make any wired devices into a Bluetooth-compatible device. The wireless Bluetooth adapter and transmitter have a 22-hour battery life with a 30-minute full charge time. The portable accessory can pair a second pair of headphones or earbuds for shared listening. The Master & Dynamic MW01 is currently available through the company website for $69. Shop the newest release from Master & Dynamic, as well as the rest of the product line up by clicking below. Shop Now Source: Master & Dynamic Website

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 11, 2020

Tiger Woods Announces Partnership Extension With Bridgestone

The cross-pollination of industries through sports sponsorships and events help introduce audiences to a new world of entertainment. Bridgestone is a prime example, being that they are just as well known in the sport of golf as they are in motorsport racing. Tiger Woods has represented Bridgestone golf through a close relationship for the past 20 years. Tiger took to his Instagram to announce the extension of the partnership using the Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball. It's clear that whether it is on the course driving the ball or on track in a Ferrari 488 Pista, Bridgestone provides an array of products to perform at the highest level. Shop the Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Tiger Wood Edition golf balls by clicking the link below. Shop Now https://www.instagram.com/p/CHaVVM5jZFJ/

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2020

1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio Desk Clock is a Must-Have C...

Kross Studio, an independent design studio, recently announced a partnership with Warner Bros.. The first fruit of this collaboration has just been unveiled and it's a stunning 1999 Batmobile desk clock that's a must-have for Batman fans or just fans of clocks and watches. For it's design, Kross Studio kept style of the Batmobile true to the original. But because of this, they had to create a new in-house mechanical, manual-winding movement. This movement allows the time to be told on the front of the Batmobile, while the rest of the mechanics rest in the "cabin" of it. In order to wind it, there's a special Batman-shaped key. As for it's construction, it has a body made of black aluminum composite with a scratch-resistant coating. Kross Studios also included smoked windows that allow you to see the innerworkings of the clock. Only 100 examples of this Batmobile desk clock will be created with a price tag of $29,000. Click the button to shop it now. Shop On Kross-Studio.ch

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2020

Leica Launches the New Q2 Monochrom With Dedicated Monoch...

Black and white photography is truly an emotional art; being able to capture moments in time through colorless photographs allows the photographer to focus on the subject and the composition. With Leica's new Q2 Monochrom, capturing such breathtaking photographs in monochrome becomes more accessible to everyone. Even though this new camera has a compact size, it still features a 47.3 megapixel full-frame monochrome sensor. This sensor can also capture 4K videos. Joining the sensor is the Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens, lightning-quick autofocus and a 3.68 megapixel OLED viewfinder. As for its construction, it comes with a new leather covering, matte black finish and MONOCHROM lettering on the top. You can pre-order the new Leica Q2 Monochrom for yourself at BHphotoandvideo.com for $5,995. Shop on BHphotoandvideo.com https://vimeo.com/477116706

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2020

The Turnbull & Asser James Bond Collection Will Have You ...

Anyone who has seen any of the James Bond films can understand the sleek and sophisticated style portrayed by the famous British secret agent. Turnbull and Asser are responsible for the iconic look, dating back to the original release in 1962. The British clothing company is celebrating its 58-year relationship with the release of The James Bond Collection, an exclusive clothing line for all fans of the series. The collection includes dress shirts, ties, bowties, and a pocket square using premium materials. The James Bond Collection by Turnbull and Asser is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop The James Bond Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2020

The 2020 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Features A $255,000...

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is a yearly published list that includes over 400 extraordinary gifts for everyone. This year marks its 94th edition, which features a bespoke edition of a Bowlus Endless Highways Performance Edition luxury travel trailer. Bowlus is known for manufacturing high end riveted aluminum trailers since 1934, carrying the tradition of exploration through the open road. The trailer can be completely redesigned using yacht-grade finishes to reflect the vision of the individual looking to travel in style. The RV also includes a state-of-the-art electrical system that allows you to remain off-grid from L.A. to NYC and back on a single charge. Bowlus will be donating $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with the purchase of the Bowlus experience. Click the link below to learn more about the bespoke edition Bowlus trailer, as well as the rest of the products in the 2020 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2020

The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team Debuts Its 2021 Clothin...

Whether it is land or sea, racing embraces the passion for competition between participants and fans as a whole. The growing popularity has allowed for unique collaborations between companies to help celebrate the art of racing. The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team will be taking to the sea for the 36th annual America’s Cup, but not before releasing its 2021 team clothing collection. The clothing line includes top to bottom styles for men, women, and children using premium materials from traditional Prada collections. An array of options is available for all weather conditions. So fans can support the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team at all times. The simple designs highlight the notorious brands that have come together to chase victory. The collection is currently available through America’s Cup website. Click the link below to shop the 2021 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team collection. Shop Now

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