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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 – September 24, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: FALL est. 2019

WHEELS x WARDROBE FALL est. 2019 Summer has ended and fall has arrived. Crunchy leaves lay on the ground while the outdoor's thermostat slowly turns cooler. This means perfect weather and the justification for going outdoors more often. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we've put together an ensemble that will keep you prepared, warm and stylish, no matter the environment. THE RIDE LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 (new model not for sale yet)ready for adventure. SEE ALL CLASSIC DEFENDERS FOR SALE THE WATCH RESERVOIR BATTLEFIELD D-DAYa unified symbol of conquest. SHOP ON RESERVOIR-WATCH.COM THE SHADES OAKLEY CLIFDENsee the road ahead. SHOP ON OAKLEY.COM THE JACKET STONE ISLAND DAVID-TC SHELL JACKETprotect yourself from the elements. SHOP ON MRPORTER.COM THE SHIRT rag & bone FIT 2 TOMLINcomfort in fall colors. SHOP ON RAG-BONE.COM THE PANTS CARHARTT WIP AVIATION CARGO TROUSERScomfortable and functional. SHOP ON MRPORTER.COM THE SHOES CLARK'S BERKSHIRE PEAK BOOTStraction and fashion for your feet. SHOP ON CLARKSUSA.COM THE HAT melin DESTINATIONkeep your head warm, even if snow falls. SHOP ON MELINBRAND.COM

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2019

Sony's New 16k Crystal Home Cinema Display Could Cost Ove...

Sony Electronics Inc. is bringing their Crystal LED (CLED) display system into homes with the announcement of home installation. Before the announcement, this system was only available in venues. What does this mean? People can now have experience incredible 16k in sizes up to 790-inches. Yes, that's 63 feet wide and 18 feet tall. If you're interested, let's dig into the prices. First, I should mention that these displays are actually comprised of modules that combine to create the entire display. You can see an example of a 288" display module being built down below. According to TechHive.com, a module of CLED display can cost around $10,000. For a 220-inch display (4K), there are 72 units. That would bring the price up to an estimated $720,000. For the 16K display (790-inches), there are 576 units of the CLED modules. That would be an estimated $5,760,000. Now, this pricing is just an approximate according to TechHive.com's estimated value per module. When Sony drops the actual price, we'll be sure to let you know. You can learn more about Sony's CLED tech here. shop sony tv's Sources: TechHive.com, Sony Electronics Inc. - Featured Image Source: PRNewsfoto/Sony Electronics Inc.

By Edward Jones – September 18, 2019

Nissan Introduces GT-R NISMO-Inspired Gaming Chair

Do you need a little help with your gaming? Maybe your reactions aren't quick enough or you're growing tired of grinding. Whatever it is, a decent gaming chair might help. Okay, it won't help with things like reaction time or your FPS, but it will definitely help ward off fatigue. For that, Nissan has introduced new gaming chairs based on their vehicles. see all nissan gt-r's for sale These three new chairs were designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind. The most notable of these chairs is the Nissan GT-R NISMO-inspired chair. It's constructed out of carbon fiber and aluminum, and it even has a built-in headrest audio system. Will it launch you from 0 to 60 mph like a GT-R? No, but you will look cool and feel comfortable when sitting in it. Nissan also introduced two other gaming chairs based on the LEAF and Armada. Check them all out down below.

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2019

LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender Model

As both a fan of LEGO and cars, I get a little extra excited when I get news of new car LEGO sets. The set is a LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender, based on the new Defender. See Land Rover Defenders For Sale This kit consists of 2,573 pieces and is incredibly intricate. It features a complete four-wheel-drive system complete with three differentials, independent suspension, a winch, and what LEGO is calling their most sophisticated Technic gearbox yet. For the gearhead with a penchant for building, this set is absolutely perfect. You can buy this set now for $199.99 on LEGO.com. Shop on LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – September 05, 2019

Scuderia Ferrari Releasing Limited Edition Monza Shirt

One of the ways Scuderia Ferrari is celebrating their 90's anniversary is through this brand-new exclusive t-shirt. This newly announced t-shirt was made in collaboration with Puma and it called the Monza GP Replica T-shirt. Why? Well, because its a replica of the shirt worn by the Maranello team during the 2019 Italian Grand Prix. See All Ferrari 488 Spiders for Sale Scuderia Ferrari is currently offering this exclusive t-shirt only on their website. Also, it's expected to ship on September 13, 2019, so it's set up as a pre-order as of right now. If you're interested in showing off your Scuderia Ferrari pride, be sure to act quick before this shirt is gone. shop now - $70 Related Video: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2019

McIntosh Introduces New C53 Preamplifier

A serious audio system wouldn't be complete with a good preamplifier. Today, we're bringing you something more than just a "good preamp." The new McIntosh C53 is a two-channel solid-state preamplifier that will take your audio system to the next level. Check Out all Porsche 911 GT2 RS for Sale This new preamplifier from famed audio master McIntosh is the first to utilize their new DA2 Digital Audio Module with an HDMI input and DSD512 support. It also features an 8-band analog equalizer and 16 inputs (9 analog and 7 digital). For more information on this fine piece of audio technology, be sure to click the button below. shop now

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2019

New Puma Motorsport Shoes: Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M and Re...

Looking for a new pair of sneakers that show off your love for racing? You're in luck. Puma has a fantastic selection of motorsport shoes that include the likes of Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M Motorsport and Red Bull Racing. And now, they have released a new trio of their HYBRID running shoes that you need to check out. First, there are the Scuderia Ferrari shoes that have a white and blue colorway with a big Scuderia shield on the outside of them. shop now Then, there are the BMW M Motorsport shoes which has a white and gray/black colorway. On the outside sides of the shoes is a tasteful "M" design that any motorsport fan would recognize. shop now Lastly, there are the Red Bull Racing Speed HYBRID shoes. The well-known Red BUll colorway is found across the shoes, as well as the famous "Gives You Wings" motif on the outer sides. shop now

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Monterey Car Week 2019

The Monterey Car Week is here, bringing thousands of automotive collectors, enthusiasts and more to the Californian coast. Along with the guests, there will be plenty of extraordinarily rare cars on display at numerous events. That means there's going to be a lot of places to be if you want to see everything this car week has to offer. So, naturally, that means you need to have plenty of outfits as you make your way from event to event. Down below, we have some select pieces that fit the part for Monterey, so check it all out. THE EVENTS As mentioned before, there are a lot of events going on during Monterey Car Week. Need to find out where to go? We have all of the big events listed on duPont REGISTRY Directory so you can see where they're all at and when they start. Want to see the exciting RM Sotheby's and Mecum auctions? Of course you do! See when they start and where they're at on our Directory. View Events THE WATCH Are you ready to head off and see everything Monterey Car Week has to offer? Well, you better bring a watch if you don't want to show up late. For that, we have the HYT Soonow watch. To create the unique way that the Soonow tells time, HYT utilizes their exclusive mechanical movement. Two contrasting layers are pushed through the skull-shaped capillary as time passes. To read the time, a wearer needs to just look at where the two fluids meet and read the printed words founds above the skull’s outline. Learn More About This Watch THE SHADES The Californian sun is bright and if you don't want to be squinting all day, you better wear a pair of shades. T Henri's sunglasses were designed with the luxury lifestyle in mind and the prized possessions that go along with that lifestyle, like hypercars. If you need to to look the part in California, T Henri sunglasses are a perfect fit. See All T Henri Sunglasses THE OUTFIT During this week, all sorts of events will be going on. Whether they're auctions, car shows or dinners, there's a wide variety of happenings. And, their locations will vary from indoor to outdoor. When it comes to an outfit for Monterey Car Week, you're going to need a variety of ones to choose from. Here we have two outfits from Robert Graham that would be great to add to your California-ready wardrobe. Shop on RobertGraham.us THE SHOES Along with a lot of cars, there's going to be a lot of walking during Monterey Car Week. There are hills to climb, golf courses to traverse, streets to walk down and a lot more. Añel Racer Collection has a great selection of footwear that range from loafers to sneakers and everything in between. Check out their selection of shoes and be sure to bring a couple of pairs out west. Shop on AnelRacerCollection.com THE HAT Hats are a necessity when it comes to sunny days outside, but they're also the perfect way to cap off an outfit. melin has a great lineup of hats that are designed to be both stylish and functional. We picked out three of their hats that we think would be great for Monterey Car Week adventures, including their new hat created in collaboration with Daniel Ricciardo. Shop on MelinBrand.com

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 10, 2019

10 Driving Shoes For Performance and Comfort

Every driver knows that their shoe game matters. Making sure you have a pair of shoes on that helps you navigate your two (or three pedals) the best you can is paramount to driving with the utmost amount of speed, but also the utmost amount of safety. And for a majority of the time that the human species has driven the automobile, the purpose-built leather driving shoe has been the footwear of choice. It’s evolved into even being a stylish and comfortable shoe to wear, even when you’re not behind the wheel. But as time moves forward, so does fashion, and streetwear and hypebeast fashion has found itself just as much at the forefront of trends as the classic driver, if not more, and sneakers have quickly become a popular choice for the discerning driver as well. These are some shoes we’d be more than happy to wear behind the wheel. Featured Image via Instagram/@pumamotorsport Sneakers anelracercollection.com Añel Racer ARSX - 0008: "Añel shoes are entirely made with the best leather in Sala Consilina, a small town located in Salerno, Italy. The modern and aerodynamic design and diverse color combinations of the Añel shoes make it a truly unique, timeless, and unforgettable shoe." - (AnelRacerCollection.com) Shop Now puma.com Replicat-X Pirelli Motorsport Shoes: "The Replicat-X Pirelli takes on the ferocity and form of the modern racecar while staying true to PUMA’s authentic Motorsport DNA. This limited edition shoe features an outsole directly inspired by the tread pattern of the Cinturato™ Pirelli Blue Wet- one of Pirelli’s highest performing race tires." (Puma.com) Shop Now mrporter.com Prada Trail Rummber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers: " It goes without saying that Prada's black and red mesh 'Trail' sneakers look cool, but we'd like to point out just how practical they are. Smooth leather linings and thick rubber soles make them comfortable, while Velcro® fastenings are ideal for days when you're in a rush and need to breeze through airport security in record time." - (MrPorter.com) Shop Now nordstrom.com Burberry Regis Sneaker: "A head-turning Italian sneaker is caged with a modern chunky sole, creating a bold disruption to the iconic checks." - (Nordstrom.com) Shop Now stockx.com Jordan 14 Retro Ferrari University Gold (GS): These new sneakers have a yellow/gold upper with a black/yellow emblem and red detailing. The faux carbon fiber midsole is carried over from the 2014 sneakers. Shop Now Loafers nordstrom.com Salvatore Ferragamo Atlante Driving Shoe: "Richly textured calfskin elevates a classic driving shoe with sharp Gancio branding. Leather upper and lining/rubber sole." - (Nordstrom.com) Shop Now nordstrom.com Gucci Kanye Bit Loafer: "Gucci's signature jointed horsebit and striped web bridge the top of a classically styled suede loafer set on a nubby rubber sole." - (Nordstrom.com) Shop Now zappos.com Canali Penny Driver: "Stride off with pride wearing the Canali™ Penny Driver. Soft and smooth suede leather upper. Slip-on construction." - (Zappos.com) Shop Now saksfifthavenue.com Prada Crocodile Opaco Loafers: "Stamped crocodile leather loafer with metal logo plate across the top. Embossed calf leather up. Round Toe. Slip-on style." - (SaksFifthAvenue.com) Shop Now zappos.com Bottega Veneta Patera Suede Driver: "Make a statement while wearing the Bottega Veneta™ Patera Suede Driver. Suede leather upper with detailed tonal stitching and interlocking design up through vamp." - (Zappos.com) Shop Now Related: Dodge Demon For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 06, 2019

10 Best Sunglasses for the Driver

There probably isn’t much in the world worse than having to drive with the sun in your eyes, and if there is, I don’t want to know about it. So, when it comes to driving in comfort, safety, and style, sunglasses are the best thing since sliced bread. No matter what you drive, shades are an essential, so here are some pairs that’ll go the extra mile, and complement your ride: T Henri Vanquish - thenri.com shop now Carrera Aviators - amazon.com shop now Smith Lowdown Slim - amazon.com shop now Warby Parker Harris - warbyparker.com shop now Dior 49mm - nordstrom.com shop now Deus Ex Machina Raen Benson - deuscustoms.com shop now Andretti Optics Classic Aviator - amazon.com shop now Oakley M2 Frame XL Metallic Splatter Collection - oakley.com shop now 7eye Panhead - 7eye.com shop now Oakley Coldfuse - oakley.com shop now

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