Gear

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 – December 17, 2019

New Puma x Pirelli Replicat X Colorways

Puma Motorsport has a massive range of shoes and apparel for fans, and they are constantly adding collections. Today, we're here to bring you the new Puma x Pirelli Replicat X colorways. There are three new colorways for this shoe: White-Rosso Corsa-Black, White-Blueprint-High Risk Rd and Black-Spectra Green-White. Each of the new shoes come with a $120.00 price tag. You can check them out by scrolling down below. SHOP NOW SHOP NOW SHOP NOW Featured Image via Instagram

By Edward Jones – December 03, 2019

Air Jordan 14 SE "Black Ferrari" for Sale Now

The new Air Jordan 14 SE "Black Ferrari" sneakers are now up for sale on Nike.com. These come in after the "Reverse Ferrari" Air Jordans that were released earlier this year. These new shoes come with an all-black style that's contrasted by red "trim." Carbon fiber accents are also prominent on the mudguards. The sides of the shoes are covered in both perforated leather and quilted wool. Altogether, they give off the same kind of style you'd expect from the cabin of a Ferrari supercar. They're for sale now with a price of $200, but they're going quick. Click the button below to see if they still have your size available. SHOP NOW Source: Nike.com

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

Puma Motorsport x Porsche Design Hybrid Shoes Released

Puma Motorsport and Porsche Design have just dropped their new Hybrid Runner Style shoes just in time for the holidays. If you have any Porsche fans that also happen to be sneakerheads, these are a perfect gift. These new shoes are comprised of a combination of breathable mesh, IGNITE foam and NRGY beads. Each of these materials combines to create an comfortable shoe that's also quite stylish. They are available in either black or tan, each of them coming with carbon inserts and a roughened leather surface. Click the button below to order a pair for yourself or someone you know. SHOP NOW Source: Porsche-Design.us

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Porsche Motorsport

WHEELS x WARDROBE Porsche Motorsport The Porsche Motorsport Collection is full of incredible gear for both men and women. For this week's edition of Wheels x Wardrobe, we dive into this gear with some selection and some bonus gear. For example, the Puma x Porsche design Evo Cat II's are added in as a perfected pairing to the apparel found in the Porsche Motorsport Collection. Check it all out down below. THE RIDE Porsche 911 (992) VIEW LISTINGS THE WATCH Porsche Design 1919 Datetimer 70Y Sports Car - Limited Edition VIEW WATCH THE HAT Porsche Hat and Scarf Set SHOP NOW THE JACKET Porsche Motorsport Collection, Men's Black and White Softshell Jacket SHOP NOW THE SHIRT Porsche Motorsports Collection - Men's Grey t-shirt, Fanwear SHOP NOW Puma THE SHOES Puma Porsche Design Evo Cat II Men's Training Shoes SHOP NOW THE SHADES Porsche P´8642 M – MARTINI RACING® Sunglasses SHOP NOW THE BAG Porsche Motorsport Collection - Sports Bag SHOP NOW

By Edward Jones – November 11, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Stay Warm 2019

WHEELS x WARDROBE STAY WARM 2019 There are some serious temperature drops happening this week and that means everyone is pulling out the winter clothes. On top of that, SUVs are coming out and the sportscars are getting rest for the winter season in their garages. Tp celebrate the changing of the season and temperatures, we've put together this set of gear that's perfect for cooler weather. We even threw in the new Leica camera for when you want to capture those magical winter moments. THE RIDE BRABUS 800 G63 Shadow "1 of 10" VIEW LISTING HYT THE WATCH HYT H4 Neo 2 Blue VIEW WATCH melin THE HAT melin Journey Beanie SHOP ON MELINBRAND.COM NORDSTROM THE JACKET Canada Goose Power Down Hooded Parka SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM NORDSTROM THE SHIRT Smart Wool Merino Base Layer Crewneck SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM NORDSTROM THE PANTS rag & bone Standard Issue Skinny Fit Jeans SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM L.L. BEAN THE BOOTS L.L. Bean Limited-Edition L.L.Bean Boots, 8" Shearling-Lined SHOP ON LLBEAN.COM B&H; THE CAMERA Leica SL2 Mirrorless Digital Camera SHOP ON BHPHOTOVIDEO.COM SUNGLASS HUT THE SHADES Costa Rincon SHOP ON SUNGLASSHUT.COM

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Scuderia Ferrari Gear

WHEELS x WARDROBE SCUDERIA FERRARI GEAR Are you a fan of Scuderia Ferrari and the accomplishments they've made over the past 90 years? Well, then we have the perfect collection of gear for you. Puma Motorsport has a lot of Ferrari Scuderia gear up for sale and you should check it all out. That being said, we've selected a few of our favorites down below, along with the stunning Hublot Scuderia Ferrari 90th Anniversary 3D Carbon watch. THE RIDE Ferrari F430 Scuderia (Spider 16M pictured) SEE ALL FERRARI F430 SCUDERIA'S FOR SALE THE WATCH HUBLOTScuderia Ferrari 90th Anniversary 3D Carbon VIEW WATCH PUMA THE HAT Puma Scuderia Ferrari Replica Team Cap SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE JACKET Puma Ferrari Men's Down Jacket SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE SHIRT Puma Scuderia Ferrari Big Shield Men's Tee SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE PANTS Puma Ferrari Men's Sweatpants SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE SHOES Puma Scuderia Ferrari CELL Alien Sneakers SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE SHOES Puma Scuderia Ferrari LQDCELL Omega Training Shoes SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE BAG Puma Scuderia Ferrari Fanwear Backpack SHOP ON PUMA.COM PUMA THE WALLET Puma Scuderia Ferrari Fanwear Wallet SHOP ON PUMA.COM

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Sinister SVJ Edition

WHEELS x WARDROBE Sinister SVJ Edition There's no questioning the matter that the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is an incredibly sleek and sinister supercar. Its aggressive design is not only stunning in appearance, but its also been perfected for the sake of aerodynamics. This week's duPont REGISTRY Wheels x Wardrobe is based around the sleekness of the Italian supercar. The dark outfit can be matched perfectly with any Aventador SVJ, but it'd probably look best with a Nero (black) finish. THE RIDE Lamborghini Aventador SVJ SEE ALL AVENTADOR SVJ'S FOR SALE Hublot THE WATCH HUBLOT Unico Sang Bleu II King Gold VIEW WATCH Farfetch THE SHADES Retrosuperfuture Black Smile Sunglasses SHOP ON FARFETCH.COM Farfetch THE JACKET Norse Projects Shearling-Lined Jacket SHOP ON FARFETCH.COM Farfetch THE SHIRT Stone Island Shadow Project Ribbed-Trim Loose T-Shirt SHOP ON FARFETCH.COM Farfetch THE PANTS Gucci Gabardine Stretch Trousers SHOP ON FARFETCH.COM Farfetch THE SHOES Rick Owens Chunky Sole Boots SHOP ON FARFETCH.COM

By Edward Jones – October 17, 2019

Save 30% on Puma Motorsport Gear

The Puma Motorsport collection is one that shouldn't be overlooked. In the collection are items that are the result of collaborations with motorsport teams like Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M Motorsport, Mercedes AMG Petronas and Red Bull Racing. There's also some Porsche Design and Pirelli gear in the mix as well. From 10/17-10/21, Puma Motorsport is running a 30% promo if you use the code "MOTO30". If you've ever wanted to rock some gear that represents your favorite motorsports team, now is the perfect chance. To check it all out, click the button down below and be sure to enter the "MOTO30" code to get that sweet deal at checkout. shop now Source: Puma.com

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: 488 Pista Edition

WHEELS x WARDROBE 488 PISTA EDITION As the season turns to Fall, leaves are changing colors and he weather is getting cooler. One of the most prominent color during this time of the year is "red." It can be found in the leaves, in the sky and in the fireplace. This week's theme for Wheels and Wardrobe follows a cred theme that blends fall attire with the lightning-quick reflexes of a red-hot Ferrari 488 Pista. THE RIDE Ferrari488 Pista SEE ALL FERRARI 488 PISTAS FOR SALE HYT Watches THE WATCH HYT WATCHESH4 Gotham VIEW WATCH Nordstrom THE SHADES GucciRectangular Sunglasses SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM Nordstrom THE JACKET Fear of GodChecked Cotton-Flannel Overshirt SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM Mr Porter THE JACKET Fear of GodClassic Fit Wool Suit SHOP ON MRPORTER.COM Nordstrom THE PANTS Off-WhiteSlim Fit Jeans SHOP ON NORDSTROM.COM Mr Porter THE SHOES Fear of GodNubuck and Leather High-Top Sneakers SHOP ON BMRPORTER.COM

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Senna Season

WHEELS x WARDROBE SENNA SEASON Fall is here and temperatures are dropping, so we figured we'd heat things up with McLaren's hottest supercar, the McLaren Senna. If you are in the market for a Senna, you're in luck, because we have some incredible options currently for sale. After you secure your new ride, you are going to need to make sure you dress to impress for when you pull up and turn heads. Once that door opens and you step out, you will be the show-stopper in our latest wardrobe selection. Since McLaren is a British manufacturer, we decided to turn to some of the top British fashion brands to give you the ultimate fit. Below you will find your watch, glasses, and apparel all hailing from Great Britain Brands. THE RIDE McLaren2019 McLaren Senna SEE ALL MCLAREN SENNAS FOR SALE THE WATCH Arnold & SonTourbillon Chronometer No.36 Tribute Edition VIEW WATCH THE SHADES Kirk Originals Aviator Sunglasses VIEW GLASSES THE JACKET Burberry Panelled Plonge Leather Trench Coat SHOP ON BURBERRY.COM THE SUIT BurberryClassic Fit Wool Suit SHOP ON BURBERRY.COM THE SHOES BurberryNylon and Suede Arthur Sneakers SHOP ON BURBERRY.COM THE BAG BurberryLogo Detail Nylon and Leather Backpack SHOP ON BURBERRY.COM

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