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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 – January 29, 2020

Caviar Announces New Phone Based on the Tesla Cybertruck

After the Tesla Cybertruck was unveiled, many companies drew inspiration from the literally edgy truck. For instance, Anicorn unveiled a watch inspired by the new Tesla truck. Now, we have a phone that has been based on the Cybertruck. The new Cyberphone by Caviar is a modified iPhone 11 Pro that draws on the geometric design of the Cybertruck. It features a titanium body that provides supreme protection. In fact, Caviar included a folding titanium screen that can double as a holder. To learn more about this phone, click here. Source: Caviar.Global

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2020

Piloti Announces the New Pinnacle Race Boot

When track day arrives, you have to suit up with the correct attire. From the helmet down to the shoes, your gear should not only make you comfortable in the driver's seat but help with your driving. One of the most important pieces of gear is the shoes, which connect you to the car's power. Piloti is about to drop their new Pinnacle Race Boot, which will definitely become a "track-day essential." Piloti worked with Stand 21 Racewear to create these new race boots. They come both SFI and FIA certified and are purpose-built for the driver. They're not only sturdy and stylish, but also comfortable. Be sure to check out Piloti.com to see their entire collection of shoes and boots, and check back for the Pinnacle Race Boots tomorrow. SHOP PILOTI.COM https://www.instagram.com/p/B76R6AWFX0x/

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2020

LEGO Group and Fast & Furious Announce Partnership

Just after we reported that LEGO Group and Lamborghini announced a new partnership, we're back with more "brick" new. Now, we get to tell you that LEGO and Fast & Furious have announced a new partnership. Coming in Spring 2020 will be a new LEGO Technic set that will include a car or multiple cars that are a complete mystery right now. All we currently know is that the set will be available in stores starting April 27, 2020. "The LEGO Technic brand with its authenticity and attention to detail and the action packed Fast & Furious franchise are a great match," says Jill Wilfert, Vice President of Inbound & Entertainment Licensing at the LEGO Group. "Both franchises are known for creativity and cool cars so we are really excited to work with Universal on this awesome product that both LEGO Technic and Fast & Furious fans are going to love to build!" In other Fast & Furious news, the new trailer for Fast & Furious 9 will be dropping this Friday. SHOP LEGO CAR SETS https://twitter.com/TheFastSaga/status/1220753165215326208 Featured Image via Mecum Auctions

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2020

Happy National LEGO Day: Top 10 Car Sets to Build

Everyone, listen! It's National LEGO Day! Put your work aside, make some space on your desk, spill out a tub of LEGO bricks and let your imagination run wild. Or, check out these ten incredible automotive LEGO sets that we've selected from the LEGO online store. If you haven't built anything with LEGO bricks recently, today would be the perfect day to click some together and build something new. Whether you're building with family or by yourself, you're never too old to enjoy building something incredible with LEGO bricks. Bugatti Chiron $349.99 SHOP NOW Porsche 911 RSR $149.99 SHOP NOW McLaren Senna $14.99 SHOP NOW Ford Mustang $149.99 SHOP NOW James Bond™ Aston Martin DB5 $149.99 SHOP NOW Lamborghini Urus ST-X & Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO $49.99 SHOP NOW Ferrari F8 Tributo $19.99 SHOP NOW Nissan GT-R NISMO $19.99 SHOP NOW Land Rover Defender $199.99 SHOP NOW Ferrari F40 Competizione $14.99 SHOP NOW Image Source: LEGO.com Some links included in this article are affiliate links which we will earn a commission on through purchases and click-throughs.

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2020

A Big, New LEGO Lamborghini Set is Coming Soon

No matter how old you are, when you're at a department store you're going to walk through the LEGO aisle. As car enthusiasts, we're lucky because there are plenty of car sets for us to build. Now, we're going to have even more to build thanks to a new partnership that has been announced between the LEGO Group and Lamborghini. This new partnership between the two will start with a new 1:8 scale set that will be coming this summer. More specifically, it will hit the LEGO retail stores and online store on June 1, 2020 and will be available more widely starting August 1. They did not announce what the new set will be of but we know that it will be the third model in the LEGO Technic Ultimate series. In the meantime, click the button below to see all of the LEGO vehicle sets for sale. SHOP LEGO VEHICLE SETS

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2020

Nighthawk Custom: One Gun, One Gunsmith

Nighthawk Custom was formed in 2004 by a group of four talented individuals who had a true passion for the 1911 platform. As the company grew from those original employees to approximately 65 full- time employees today, our selection and assortment of 1911s has also grown. Nighthawk Custom has expanded the product line from the original two models, the GRP and Talon, to over 40 unique and custom versions of 1911. In addition to 1911 pistols, Nighthawk Custom also manufactures top-of-the-line tactical shotguns based on the world’s most popular shotgun platform, the Remington 870. Finally, Nighthawk Custom began offering a line of revolvers in 2016. These top-tier revolvers were the result of a collaboration with Korth-Waffen of Lollar, Germany. Because Korth revolvers are known worldwide for their unrivaled quality and value, a partnership between Nighthawk Custom and Korth was a natural fit. At Nighthawk Custom, each pistol is built from start to finish by one of our talented gunsmiths. Our slogan and philosophy, “ONE GUN, ONE GUNSMITH,” is the direct result of how we build our guns. Once a pistol is built, the builder test fires the pistol to ensure that it exceeds both The Nighthawk Standard, and his own. He then uses a metal stamp to imprint his initials under the left grip panel. This shows the highest level of ownership, and it signifies the pride and commitment our gunsmiths take in the work they do. Nighthawk Custom also uses the highest quality parts and components to build each gun. All parts used are fully machined from bar stock steel. This is the FM, Fully Machined Series of parts. Each part used is oversized and must be fit to each gun by hand. When the highest quality parts are combined with the most talented gunsmiths in the industry, the resulting quality is unparalleled. " width="680"> Nighthawk Custom seeks to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His many blessings over the years. Visit Nighthawk Custom Firearms We would love to have your business and it would be our pleasure for you to own one of our firearms so you can experience the Nighthawk Difference. Presented by Nighthawk Custom We at Nighthawk Custom strive to provide Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and everyday citizens superior firearms that allows them to perform their duty, protect their home, or win their competition.

By Edward Jones – January 27, 2020

New Nike Air Max 2090 Shoe Inspired by Italian Sports Cars

Nike is bringing the Air Max 2090 out to celebrate the Air Max 90 and the future of the shoe. This new shoe features a colorway that was inspired by Italian sports cars. In fact, Nike points out that the coloring on the front and back of the shoe is meant to mimic headlights and taillights. As for the build of the shoe, it features a large Air unit with a 200 percent larger window than the traditional Air units, original Air Max 90 Mudguard, a heel logo, transparent materials and more. Nike will be launching the new Air Max 2090 this Spring. SHOP NIKE.COM Source: Nike

By Edward Jones – January 24, 2020

Phil Mickelson Joins the melin Headwear Family

Phil Mickelson, the legendary golfer, has announced a partnership with melin, the premium headwear company. Both Mickelson and melin will work together to improve their products for use on and off of the golf course. "melin's attention to detail and commitment to quality, gives me a hat that helps me excel on the course and look great off of it," says Phil Mickelson. "Over the last decade our team has put so much effort into building a higher quality headwear experience and it is an absolute honor to have Phil join our team," says Brian McDonell, President and Co-founder, melin. "It’s inspiring to work side by side with him, improving our products down to the most finite details. You see a lot of sweat stains on the hats out there on the golf course, and with Phil’s help, we’re excited to change that together." A perfect example of just how high-quality melin's products are, you should check out their A-Game Hydro Performance Snapback Hat by clicking here. SHOP MELINBRAND.COM

By Edward Jones – January 20, 2020

Leica M10 Monochrom is the Black & White Camera of Your D...

Black and white photography is one of the most dramatic forms of media there is. By removing colors from photos, attention is drawn more to the subject and the finer details of what's being captured. Those who want to take their black and white photography to the next level, the new Leica M10 Monochrom could be the camera of your dreams. The new M10 Monochrom is a 40m megapixel camera that captures insanely fine details in only black and white. To go along with this camera is Leica's wide range of lenses. As for the camera's build, it's just as sturdy as every other Leica. For example, the top and base plates are milled from solid blocks of brass. For more information, click here. shop leica cameras Source: Leica

By Edward Jones – January 17, 2020

AAPE x Liberty Walk Announced New Collection

AAPE by A Bathing Ape and Liberty Walk (LBWK), famous for their body kits, have teamed up to create a new collection for fans of both brands. This new collection consists of a few different pieces. On the @aapestore Instagram account, the collection is shown off before it hits stores on January 18, 2020. As for apparel, they showed off a sweatshirt, t-shirts and hat, all adorned with AAPE x LBWK branding. The most interesting reveal was the toolbox that you get for free when spending a certain amount at AAPE Store starting on January 18. If this wasn't enough, they also posted images of a Liberty Walk Lamborghini Aventador with an AAPE x LBWK livery. Source: @AAPEstore/Instagram

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