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 Jordan Aquistapace – October 09, 2020

Herman Miller Releases The Gaming Focused Sayl Chair

Herman Miller plays a key role in the luxury furniture industry, using top of the line technology to develop quality and comfortable products. The combination of state-of-the-art styling and attention to detail makes for the best option in any business or home environment. The new Herman Miller Sayl Chair takes on a minimalistic approach for gaming, using less material and components for ergonomic support. The 3D printed chair backing is constructed from sustainable materials and tested to ensure a long-lasting experience. The Sayl Chair allows the user to appropriately maneuver multiple areas, including a high height range option, to get a custom comfortable feel. An array of color options is available for the backing and hand controls, with the ability to choose between a black or slate grey seat. The Herman Miller Sayl Chair is currently available starting at $725. Shop and design Herman Miller’s new collection by clicking the link below. Shop Herman Miller Sayl Chair

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 09, 2020

New Porsche Design X SONRA Sneaker Finds Inspiration From...

Porsche Design follows the same design and styling initiative for their footwear collections as they do with the vehicles rolled off the production line. They all follow the understanding that quality and functionality for the customer is the basis of each product. The newest collaboration from Porsche Design features a sneaker inspired by the Classic Porsche 912. World-renowned German sneaker collector and SONRA footwear founder, Hikmet Sugör, has teamed up with Porsche Design to create the SONRA “Porsche Design Edition” sneaker. The upper is made from a quality mix of cowhide and vegetable-tanned leather using Porsche’s Slate Grey as the color choice. Red highlights and the original 912 logos appear on the silhouette to complement the collaboration. A comfortably cushioned mid-sole and gripped outsole are added for functional daily wear. The strictly limited release will be available on October 24th. Porsche Design and Hikmet Sugör have created an even more limited-edition Signal Red pair, mimicking Hikmet’s personal Porsche 912. Residents of Germany can register for a lottery-style release and a chance to own the one-off sneakers. Shop and register for the Porsche Design x SONRA sneaker collaboration by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2020

New Bang & Olufsen Classic Initiative Features The 1970's...

Bang and Olufsen are known for creating premium audio experiences through their line-up of speakers, headphones, televisions, and accessories using the latest technological advancements. The company has implemented a new project surrounding the rebirth of past produced products named the Classics Initiative. The first focus of the new venture is the Beogram 4000c, a turntable developed in the 1970s. Bang and Olufsen have relocated 95 units, taking them back to their Denmark headquarter, where they are vigorously cleaned and fitted with new parts if needed. Each Beogram 4000c is individually tested and fined tuned to meet Bang and Olufsen’s exacting specifications. The limited release pays homage to the company’s 95th anniversary, each unit individually numbered. The turntables will be available for purchase on October 19th for the price of 10,000 EUR. Stay up to date with the release and shop Bang and Olufsen’s audio collection by clicking the link below. Shop Bang & Olufsen

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By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2020

KITH x BMW Collaboration Teased On Ronnie Fieg's Instagram

Recently, we have seen more automotive manufacturers collaborating with fashion designers, bridging the gap between the two industries. Virgil Abloh set the groundwork with his latest project with Mercedes-Benz, remastering the design of the new G63 model. Ronnie Feig, owner and lead designer at KITH has taken to Instagram to tease a new collaboration with BMW. The New York City-based streetwear company has yet to release any specific information on what will be created. The photo posted is of a classic BMW emblem with the replaced lettering reading KITH being mounted on a 1971 BMW E21, a vehicle that was said to be owned previously by Ronnie’s grandfather. Although the end goal is unknown, the news has streetwear and automotive enthusiast excited for the up incoming project. Stay up to date with more information on the BMW x KITH collaboration by signing up for our newsletter. View All BMW For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCzgBKldxY/

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 07, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Gold, Cold & Gucci

The shift in the way the world works has eliminated all stereotypes of supercar owners. The idea that an individual stepping out of a McLaren is always wearing a fine three-piece suit has been put to rest. Individuality drives the inspiration behind not only fashion but also the automotive lifestyle. Supercar manufacturers like McLaren have adapted to this with the implementation of the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division, giving customers the ability to think outside the box. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on not only the seasonal change but also the blank canvas for fashion as a supercar owner. The choice of wheels is the uniquely designed 2020 McLaren GT, a modern take on the daily drivable supercar. The Gold, Cold & Gucci Breakdown 2020 McLaren GT MSRP $210,000 Ulysse Nardin Blast Automatic Tourbillon Skeleton $54,000 Gucci Alpaca Blend Coat $3,500 Gucci Plaid Logo Leather Patch Button-Down Shirt $980 Gucci Ripped Eco Washed Organic Cotton Jeans $790 Gucci Ultrapace R Sneakers $890 Gucci Gold Evolution Oversized Sunglasses $520 Gucci Grey & Brown Wool GG Scarf $430 Gucci Off-White Crochet Gloves $430 Gucci Gold Interlocking G Keychain $230 Gucci Brown GG Weekender Tote $2,130 Vehicle The McLaren GT reimagines the spirit of traditional Grand Touring, offering the engaging drive McLaren is known for, as well as the space, comfort and usability expected of a GT. Though comfort, space and usability are hallmarks of Grand Touring, no McLaren would be complete without abundant performance. The McLaren GT features a 620PS 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 mated to a 7-speed SSG transmission that delivers linear, seamless and relentless acceleration. The performance statistics speak for themselves: 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.2 seconds, while 0-200km/h (0-124mph) is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. One of the most defining elements of the new McLaren GT – and arguably what will cement its position as the new segment leader – is its dynamic prowess. The suspension, steering and brakes are all bespoke to the car and are optimized to provide an outstanding Grand Touring drive experience with inherent balance, responsiveness and precision, and with ride comfort setting new McLaren standards. View All McLaren GT For Sale Watch Supercharged with classic Ulysse Nardin savoir-faire, The Blast is an avatar of its time, a potent force of nature. This technological wonder made with rock-hard, masculine lines has ignited a flame that will send seismic shockwaves through the watchmaking world to its core. Shop Now Top A standout from the fall 2020 menswear show, this oversized alpaca-blend coat has a plush, furry finish that feels just as cozy as it looks. The hem and lining are both left raw and fraying for a vintage-like quality. Shop Now Rugged yet refined, this Gucci checked cotton-flannel button-down is branded with a leather patch embossed with the interlocking-G logo. Shop Now Bottoms A sustainable spin on '90s grunge, these Gucci tattered jeans are made from nonstretch organic-cotton denim and washed using a water-conserving method. More eco-friendly efforts: leftovers from the cutting process are upcycled into new materials under the Gucci Up program. Shop Now Footwear The Gucci Ultrapace R is a futuristic take on the running shoe replaces traditional laces with an innovative wired twist dial sporting the interlocking-G logo. Rubberized caging, reflective trim and a clear, color-pop sole make it stand out even more. Shop Now Accessories The Gucci Gold Evolution Oversized sunglasses feature a hexagonal metal-frame sunglasses in gold-tone. Grey lens with 100% UV protection. Transparent rubber nose pads. Logo engraved at temples. Logo engraved and eyewear chain opening at temple tips. Shop Now The Gucci GG Scarf is a rectangular jacquard woven wool and silk-blend scarf in grey and brown featuring logo pattern throughout. Grosgrain logo patch at back face. Fringed detailing at ends. Tonal stitching. Approx. 76" length x 15.5" width. Shop Now Gucci open knit cotton crochet gloves in off-white with logo hardware in gold-tone at cuffs. Shop Now Gucci Gold Interlocking G Keychain features logo-engraved keyring and lanyard clasp fastenings. Sculpted logo hardware at drop. Approximately 4" drop. Shop Now Baggage Gucci's coated canvas tote featuring logo pattern in beige and brown throughout. Chrome-free leather trim in brown throughout. Twin adjustable carry handles at top with pin-buckle fastening. Bumper studs at base. Two-way zip closure. Zippered pocket and patch pockets at interior. Cotton lining in red. Silver-tone hardware. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 06, 2020

Cole Haan X Slack Shoe Collaboration

Cole Haan has announced a unique collaboration with Slack, the world’s most lovable channel-based messaging platform. Often used for online communication throughout a business setting, the teams at Cole Haan and Slack have designed a collection solely through the platform. A minimalistic casual sneaker looks to be the silhouette while the four colorways derive from the Slack logo. The collaboration focuses on the process of designing rather than the end goal, highlighting the integral partnership. The limited-edition shoes are set to release on October 7th for the price of $120. Shop the Cole Haan x Slack sneaker collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2020

'Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered' Coming in November

Anyone who has been playing video games for a little while must know about 2010's hit release, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. In a world full of automotive-related video games, this one stands out as a highlight. The open-world racing game had you either racing other cars or chasing down racers as a cop car. It's a blast to play and I can easily say I sunk way too many hours into it. Well, it looks like I'm about to sink some more hours into the game, because EA has just announced that Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on November 6, 2020 (Nintendo Switch on November 13). With improved visuals, cross-platform multiplayer and all additional DLC that was originally released post-launch. Pricing has not been released as of yet. In the meantime, check out the trailer down below. And if you want even more racing in the last quarter of the year, Need for Speed: Payback is one of the PlayStation Plus free games for the month of October. Shop 'Need for Speed' on Amazon " width="680">

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By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2020

PUMA Motorsports x Scuderia Ferrari Race Future Kart Cat

Whether it’s controlling a Formula One race car around the track or weekend karting with friends, foot control and grip are the essential factors for success. Puma Motorsports and the team over at Scuderia Ferrari have designed the footwear that will provide the means to stay on the accelerator. The Scuderia Ferrari Race Future Kart Cat Motorsports shoe features the lightweight design from the synthetic leather upper, as well as traction in the form of the rubber outsole. The new white and red colorway includes added hints of Scuderia Ferrari badging. The release from Puma Motorsports x Scuderia Ferrari is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2020

Zeiss ZX1 Android Camera is Coming Soon

Zeiss' incredible new ZX1 digital camera is coming soon, so get your wallets ready. This new camera packs a ton of incredible features that make it a perfect accessory for any outing, especially car shows. First, it features a 37-megapixel full-frame sensor, Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens, electric viewfinder, built-in wifi and Bluetooth, and an incredible 4.34-inch touchscreen LCD display. It's here on the display where the true magic of the ZX1 takes place. Running on a version of Android, the ZX1's touchscreen runs Adobe Lightroom, meaning you can edit your photos right there on the camera's display. What's more, these edited images can be shared from the camera itself, thanks to the previously mentioned wifi and Bluetooth capabilities. It can also store those images on the 512GB of onboard storage. An exact release date has yet to be revealed, but you can signup to be notified when it's available on BHPhotoVideo.com. What we do know is that it will carry a $6,000 price tag. View on BHPhotoVideo.com " width="680">

Schnell und emissionsfrei auf der letzten Meile: der Mercedes-Benz eScooter: Geringes Gewicht sowie Spitzenwerte in Sicherheit, Reichweite und DesignFast and emission free – go that “last mile” with the Mercedes-Benz eScooter: Light weight and top

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2020

New Mercedes-Benz eScooter Joins the Electric EQ Family

Mercedes-Benz's EQ family just grew by one thanks to the addition of the new eScooter. With electric scooters growing in popularity, primarily in downtown environments, it makes sense that Mercedes took their electric expertise and created a scooter of their own in collaboration with Micro Mobility Systems AG. The eScooter has a maximum power of 500W and a range of 15.5 miles. Mercedes has equipped the eScooter with large rubber wheels that will make potholes and cracked in the road less of a hassle. In the video below, you'll also notice that the eScooter can be connected to the Micro app that will display its range and more vitals. It seems like this new scooter will be a perfect companion for any Mercedes vehicle. This is one of those rare opportunities where you can put a Mercedes-Benz inside of another Mercedes-Benz. Stay with us for more information regarding price and availability as it's released. All Mercedes For Sale " width="680">

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