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 – June 15, 2021

The New McLaren x Castore Summer '21 Sportswear Collectio...

Match the performance-focused McLaren with the perfect Castore activewear. McLaren is known as a brand built on the pursuit to become a leader in performance through its line of supercars and hypercars. The focus is always set on performance, whether it’s fine-tuning the new McLaren 765LT or picking out the correct attire for a track day. McLaren is proud to announce its newest release with British performance sportswear brand Castore, presenting an all-new summer apparel collection. Following a successful autumn/winter collection in 2020, the collaboration between the two performance brands introduces a new line of technical clothing suited to performance amid the rigors of everyday life. The McLaren x Castore Collection features lightweight performance tops and bottoms made from premium materials that will go the distance. The minimalistic design incorporates both brand’s logos, while the line-up is made up of sweatshirts, zip-ups, polos, t-shirts, pants, and shorts. The McLaren x Castore Collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. Shop McLaren x Castore Summer Collection For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide Media Source: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – June 14, 2021

Forza Horizon 5 Revealed, Takes Drivers to Mexico

This is the biggest Forza Horizon game yet. During the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Forza Horizon 5 was unveiled and I can safely say I'm more than excited to play it. This new iteration in the beloved series takes drivers to Mexico and its diverse geography. From rolling hills and city streets to volcanic activity, there's so much that will be ready to explore in Forza Horizon 5. In total, there will be 11 different biomes to discover, each of which will be affected by the changing of the seasons. Aside from the setting, there's a lot of other features to be excited about that will keep you coming back for more. The Horizon Tour will have drivers meet up as you would in a car meet and race around like a convoy. Then there's the Horizon Arcade which will have you playing some seriously bizarre minigames. One new feature that I find really interesting is the new Gift Drops. You can think of these as barn finds dropped by other players. Essentially, players can tune a car, paint it and hide it for other drivers to discover. Forza Horizon 5 will be launching on November 9th, but if you purchase the Premium Edition you can start playing on November 5th. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and Android phones and tablets via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Pre Order Forza Horizon 5 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2021

Magnus Walker Announces Nike SB '277' Dunk-Hi Sneaker Rel...

From the skatepark to the race track, do it in a Porsche. In the past, we’ve seen collaboration projects from Porsche x Nike SB that pay homage to some of the unique characteristics that make the brand who they are today. This time Porsche decided to bring a friend along for the ride, but only if he brought his 1971 Porsche 911 T ‘277’. That’s right, Magnus Walker and his iconic 277 Porsche are the new inspiration behind Nike SB’s newest collaboration with professional skateboarder Ishod Wair. Magnus took to his Instagram to announce the Nike SB Dunk-Hi release, as well as to share some images of the wear and tear on his personal pair. The design of the Nike SB is meant to mirror the exactly livery of Mangus’ infamous race car, making the release highly desirable for sneakerheads and Porsche enthusiasts. The Nike SB x Magnus Walker x Ishod Wair ‘277’ Dunk-Hi will be available in-store on June 19th and on Nike’s SNKRS platform on June 21st. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the new automotive-inspired Nike SB Dunk-Hi. View All Porsche 911T For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8mlbOpefw/ For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 09, 2021

Lamborghini x Culti Milano Release Its First Italian Frag...

Lamborghini x Culti Milano reinvent the new car smell for your home. It's safe to say that everyone enjoys that new car smell, including Automobili Lamborghini, but the Italian manufacturer set out to create its own scent. After collaborating with the luxury professionals at Culti Milano, Lamborghini is proud to announce its newest fragrance. The Lamborghini x Culti Milano best depicts the quality and attention to detail that each Italian brand incorporates into its line of products. The fragrance is a cohesive expression of the talents of the two brands in which design, innovation, and comfort coexist in an exclusive narrative that develops with the typical traits of an essence. The citrusy opening is accompanied by a lively heart and an enveloping base that expresses a refined, intense, and vigorous spirit, which swings with a fresh sprint that brings out the notes of grapefruit, bitter orange, bergamot, vetiver and finally converges in an enveloping base of cedarwood and sandalwood. The product will be available on the digital channels of Culti and Automobili Lamborghini, at the Lamborghini flagship store in Sant’Agata Bolognese and the CULTI HOUSE shops in Milan, Turin, Forte Dei Marmi, Rome, Naples, and Bari. Shop the newest collaboration release from Automobili Lamborghini x Culti Milano by clicking the link below. Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2021

How to Buy: Palace x AMG Collection

The Palace Skateboard x AMG collection is finally here and it's massive. The collection includes a wide range of pieces, like jackets, hoodies, t-shirt, hats, and, of course, skateboard decks. When looking at the collection, you'll see a common theme of purple, orange, white and black, as well as a few touches of tiger stripes. If you're planning on purchasing items from the collection, it drops at 11 AM EDT both online and in-store. You can find the online shop and well as the directory of Palace Skateboard shops below. In the gallery below, we've provided just a few of the pieces within the collection and not the entirety. To see it all, be sure to check out their online shop. When: June 4, 2021 Where: Online, In-Stores Price: N/A Source: PalaceSkateboards.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 03, 2021

Bang & Olufsen Announces The New Anthracite Oxygen Audio ...

A new style to compliment Bang & Olufsen's state-of-the-art technology. Bang & Olufsen is best known for fitting some of the most luxurious automobiles on the market with premium sound systems to ensure a pleasurable driving experience. The luxury audio brand also takes the same technology on the go with its sports collection of wireless speakers, earbuds, and headphones. Bang & Olufsen is proud to announce its newest colorway to the lineup of premium listening devices. The Anthracite Oxygen design features Oxygen Blue accents to provide contrast against the black anthracite color. The two products featured in the new colorway are the Beosound A1 speaker and Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds. Boasting up to 18 hours of playtime, Beosound A1 has a true 360-degree omnidirectional powerful sound, built-in Alexa, and a three-microphone array giving a great speakerphone experience. Beoplay E8 Sport stands out by bringing world-class audio and design to a set of sports earphones housed within a wireless charging case. With IP57-certified waterproofing, the earphones are completely resistant to water, allowing you to focus solely on your training. The new Anthracite Oxygen Collection by Bang & Olufsen is currently available starting at $350. Shop the Bang & Olufsen collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Bang & Olufsen For more Gear news, Check out Lamborghini Presents The New Moleskine Special Edition 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 03, 2021

Lamborghini Presents The New Moleskine Special Edition 2021

Automobili Lamborghini and Moleskine have commissioned Emiliano Ponzi to create a cover illustration and interior design for the 2021 notebook, bringing to life a new and exciting Special Edition. This follows years of collaboration that spawned many customizations of the famous notebook, both for the annual edition and for a number of Lamborghini events. The collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Moleskine arose from a careful evaluation of the graphic approach, staying consistent with the brands' values both in terms of the evocative design projects and prestige at the international level. Emiliano Ponzi's graphic style perfectly reflects these characteristics. The Moleskine notebook for Automobili Lamborghini, Special Edition 2021, is available at Lamborghini dealers, the boutique in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and the e-commerce channel Lamborghinistore.com. Shop the newest release from Automobili Lamborghini x Moleskin x Emiliano Ponzi by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Automobili Lamborghini For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Apocalypse 6×6 Hellfire Essentials

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2021

LEGO McLaren Elva Set Revealed

It even has its own little Active Air Management System (AAMS) vents. Looking to kill some time? Maybe it's time you picked up the new LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Set and spent some time clicking bricks. This new 263-piece set measures 1.5-inches tall, 6-inches long, and 3-inches wide, making it a perfect fit for any desk or shelf. Just like the real Elva, it features two seats, no windshield, and even a little vent area for the Active Air Management System (AAMS). Coming with the Elva is a minifigure that was inspired by Rachel Brown, McLaren Automotive's Principal Development Engineer for the Ultimate Series. Rachel has worked on the Elva, Senna GTR and even helped support the creation of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR set. You can purchase the McLaren Elva set right now online for just $19.99. Shop it now by clicking the button below. Shop On LEGO.com Source: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 28, 2021

ICON 4X4 Announces Custom Bag Auction To Support The Go C...

A chance to buy a one-of-a-kind example, while supporting a great cause. With the past year being an unfortunate situation for all, it's refreshing to see people lending a helping hand. The automotive industry is continuing to do its part, as brands focus resources towards creating a healthier and safer environment for all. ICON 4x4 is proud to announce that they will be auctioning off a custom version of the popular GTFO Bag, with proceeds benefiting the Go Campaign. In the most recent ICON 4x4 Instagram post, the brand explains its close ties to the children’s charity which is dedicated to helping build a better future for vulnerable children around the world. The luxury hand-crafted GTFO Bag was created in partnership with Orion Calf and Fiorito Leathers to create the one-of-a-kind example. This bag is crafted in Excelsior leather, the most environmentally responsible leather available, tanned with materials that fall from the tree. The auction for the ICON 4x4 x Orion Calf x Fiorito Leathers GTFO Bag to benefit the Go Campaign is currently live, click the link below to bid and support the cause. View Auction https://www.instagram.com/p/CPZGzpOhpWy/ For more News, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Edward Jones – May 28, 2021

New LEGO SRT Challenger and Dragster Set Revealed

Put some MOPAR on your desk. LEGO and Dodge have revealed the new Speed Champions Mopar Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster and 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A building set. This set introduces the very first purple vehicle and first Top Fuel Dragster in the Speed Champion series, making it a hot ticket for fans of building LEGO sets and everything MOPAR. In total, there are 627 pieces in the set for both cars. The dragster measures in at four inches tall, 13.5 inches long and 2.4 inches wide. The Challenger has a height of over two inches, length of five inches and is 2.5 inches wide. “Owning, or aspiring to own, a Dodge muscle car is as much about the lifestyle of joining the Brotherhood of Muscle as it is about the vehicle purchase,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “As a result, our brand enthusiasts are passionate about all things Dodge, including the latest cool collectibles. So, following the success of the Dodge 2018 LEGO Speed Champion building set, fans will now be able to build and show off not only the first ever 8-inch-wide (8W) muscle car, but also the first ever Plum Crazy 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, along with an incredibly detailed 13½-long Top Fuel Dragster.” The set is releasing on June 1 with a price of $49.99. It can be purchased from LEGO.com. Shop Now Photo Credit: LEGO Source: Stellantis

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