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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2020

Holiday Gift List For The Off-Road Enthusiasts

As the holiday season approaches, many are scrambling to put together the perfect gifts for the loved ones in their lives. Buying the perfect gift for something is hard enough, let alone shopping for a car enthusiast that has an expensive taste for sport utility vehicles . Until the day where you can hand that special someone the keys to a 2020 Land Rover Defender for the holidays, we have compiled a list of gifts that will impress and not break the bank. The holiday gift list for the off-road enthusiast is the best one-stop-shop for the one in the family with adventurous 4x4 taste. Shop all the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Amazon Eat Sleep Off-Road Repeat Trail Journal & Log Book $6.99 Shop Now This Off-Road Trail Journal Log Book is a great addition to your travel kit.The journal can accommodate 110 different rides.This logbook guided with Trail Name, Rating, Date, Location: State/Country and Nearest City or Landmark,Vehicle, Other Vehicles or People in the Group, Weather, Observations and Personal difficult Rating.You can make your own notes or place the stickers that some more famous trails have. 4WheelParts Smittybilt Trail Gloves $24.99 Shop Now Smittybilt Gloves are anatomically engineered with direct sonic welded rubber tops and EVA foam palm pads for improved protection. The feature reinforced finger tips, palm and knuckle protection. Amazon Carhartt Legacy Tool Roll $24.99 Shop Now The Carhartt Legacy Tool Roll is built with rugged synthetic material with Rain Defender durable water repellent and triple needle stitch for reinforcement. This piece is ideal for protecting, organizing and carrying a smaller assortment of tools or even other utility items. 4WheelParts Smittybilt Trail Goggles $28.99 Shop Now Smittybilt Protective Goggles help shield your eyes from dangerous debris while off-roading. Thermoplastic Polyurethane frames will give you years of use and the Polycarbonate lenses offer 100% protection from UV-A, UV-B & UV-C Rays. Three Interchangeable lenses Clear, Smoke & Amber are included and they come with a protective fabric & a carrying case for storage. MAN CRATES MAN CRATES Starting at $29.99 Shop Now Man Crates curates high-quality gifts for guys shipped in wooden crates, ammo cans, concrete bricks, puzzle boxes, and DIY project kits. It’s an experience he’ll love! 4WheelParts TeraFlex Leather Money Clip $31.99 Shop Now The TeraFlex hand crafted money clip is constructed from top grain bridle leather and features attractive contrast stitching. RFID blocking technology protects two outside card sleeves that hold up to six cards each, and the specially designed spring-clip provides easy access to cash. Backcountry Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool $99.95 Shop Now This industry-first tool features spring-loaded pliers and wire-cutters so you don't tire your hand adjusting and readjusting your grip. Handles with visual imprints of the tool beneath make for quick identification. Cloud 9 Living Cloud 9 Living: Off-Road Experiences Starting at $119 Shop Now Cloud 9 Living offers over 2,000 top-rated experiences, easy returns and exchanges, and thousands of positive reviews from our happy customers. Book or gift an experience today! YETI Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler $299.99 Shop Now The Roadie® 24 Hard Cooler is a fresh take on a tried-and-true YETI favorite. It’s 10% lighter weight, holds 20% more, and even performs 30% better thermally than its legendary predecessor. Backcountry Garmin Instinct GPS Watch $399.99 Shop Now Instinct is a GPS smartwatch built to break convention, conquer the elements and endure longer. It’s now taking battery life to a new level by harnessing the power of the sun. Amazon Thule Tepui Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent $1,699.95 Shop Now The Thule Tepui Kukenam 3 Rooftop is a year-round tent built to endure the elements of any season and any climate.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2020

Italia Independent Releases The Alida Sunglass Collection

It is safe to say that when someone mentions Italian design or craftsmanship, it defines that product as stylish and functional. At Italia Independent, eyewear is manufactured using those two simple gestures as the platform for the company. The newest Alida Collection illustrates the use of simplistic design using bold edges and colorfully functional lenses. The Italia Independent Alida frame comes in light brown, dark brown, grey, and black with matching lenses. The collection is currently available through Italia Independent’s website for $310 each. Shop the Alida Collection by clicking the link below.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2020

The Best Luxury Luggage To Travel In Style For The Holidays

Whether it is taking a quick weekend away or venturing around the world for months, luggage is key for traveling by land, air, or sea. The material quality and attention to detail are important in the construction of a safe, spacious, and stylish luggage set, just as it is when designing a supercar. There are more than enough options in the world for luggage, which opens you up to buying something that will not fit the needs and functionality. That is why we have put together a list of the Best Luxury Luggage for travels near or far. Shop any of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Victorinox Swiss Army Victorinox Airox Large Hardside Case $330 Shop Now The Airox Large Hardside has innovation built into its DNA. First up it’s the lightest weight luggage on the global market. Secondly, it’s constructed from 100% pure virgin polycarbonate, a directional super durable material. Away Away The Expandable Large $345 Shop Now Away partnered with legendary athlete, entrepreneur, and avid traveler Serena Williams on a brand new collection of bold luggage designed to make travel more seamless. Matches Fashion Floyd Cabin Suitcase $365 Shop Now Floyd's distinctive suitcase, seen here in a dark grey, cabin-sized iteration draws inspiration from the Californian skateboarding culture of the 1970s. Hartmann 21" Hartmann Tweed Legend Domestic Carry On Expandable Spinner $599.99 Shop Now With heritage craftsmanship and style, The Hartmann Tweed Legend accompanies the most memorable journeys. Porsche Design Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase 4W Trolley L $680 Shop Now Ultra lightweight and inspired by the colors of the Porsche 911: the Roadster Hardcase collection. The case series in polycarbonate designed by Studio F. A. Porsche is the perfect fusion of form, function and design. RIMOWA RIMOWA Essential Check-In L $820 Shop Now The world’s first ever polycarbonate suitcase, designed in Germany to provide the best in high-tech functionality. Strong, durable, and lightweight, the RIMOWA Essential Check-In L in Cactus Green is the ultimate example of hard shell luggage innovation. Amazon TUMI Latitude Extended Trip Packing Case $895 Shop Now Toughness is a luxury. Meet Latitude, the toughest-and lightest, hardside case yet. Crafted with layers of specially woven self-reinforced poly-propylene ballistic material, the outer shell can bend and flex in response to its surroundings. Montblanc Montblanc X Pirelli Trolley Cabin Black/Red $1,280 Shop Now Developed in collaboration with Pirelli, the trolley takes advantage of Pirelli tire making know-how and technology to launch a new limited edition luggage piece, after the first capsule launched in 2019. Bric's Bric's LIFE PELLE 21" Carry-On Spinner $1,436 Shop Now BRIC’S PELLE collection, handcrafted in Italy out of the finest full-grain, vegetable tanned Tuscan leather includes cabin-sized spinners, cargo duffles, wheeled pilot cases and shoppers. Mr.Porter Globe-Trotter + No Time to Die 20" Leather-Trimmed Carry-On $2,495 Shop Now Designed in celebration of the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, Globe-Trotter's carry-on suitcase is just as sophisticated as the agent himself. Farfetch Gucci Monogram Suitcase $4,295 Shop Now The Gucci suitcase a top handle, a side handle, a buckle fastening, silver-tone hardware, an all-over monogram print and a four-wheel design.

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2020

Morgon Motor Company Releases Gin Infused With Ash Wood

Morgan Motor Company has not only just announced a new gin thanks to a partnership with Piston Distillery, but they have also done what is believed to be a world's first in the gin world. When Morgan is constructing their cars, they're known for using ashwood during the process. Now, Morgan knows what to do with the surplus of ash wood: infuse gin with it. Yes, Morgan has created what's believed to be the first ash-infused gin. You can purchase this gin now from Morgan's online shop for either £45 (~$60 USD) or £55.00 (~$73 USD) if you choose a gift box. You can shop it by clicking the button below. Shop on Morgan-Motor.com Toby Blythe, Head of Marketing at Morgan Motor Company had this to say about the gin: “Ash wood forms one of Morgan’s three core materials, alongside aluminium and leather, and as such is intrinsic to our coachbuilding identity. When we worked with the expert distillers at Piston Gin – who are based just down the road from us, in Worcester – we were curious to find out how this material could be infused with their acclaimed gins. The result, we believe, speaks for itself. The new Morgan x Piston Gin makes the perfect gift for Christmas or any other celebration, or just a drink to enjoy yourself.”

By Edward Jones – December 11, 2020

New Aston Martin Heritage Collection is a Must-Have for C...

Aston Martin has just announced the new Heritage Collection and all classic car enthusiasts have to check it out. This new collection takes inspiration from the automaker's history, using various badges and logos that were utilized since the automaker's foundation. Within the collection is a wide-range of items, including t-shirts, a cashmere scarf, hat, mug and more. If you're looking for a gift to give someone who happens to have an affinity for everything classic car related, this may be your answer. You can check out the entire collection by clicking the button below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2020

Orbita's Artisan Series Watchwinders Showcase True Artisa...

Presented by Orbita - For over 70 years, the Italian company Giglio have supplied the highest quality in inlaid wood cabinets all over the world. Especially for our Artisan series, they have designed a case both exceptional in quality and appearance detailed with an array of exotic artwork. Intarsia designs are created with hundreds of tiny pieces of wood, carefully selected, to make each case one of unique beauty and craftsmanship. The particular variety of woods, originating for the most part from Europe and Africa, the drying process, the assembly and varnish processes, all contribute towards the making of exceptional cases. The meticulous puzzle-like assembly of tiny pieces of wood may require up to 25 different wood varieties. Giglio’s woods are all kiln-dried and the veneer is meticulously selected. Typically, the veneers comprise ebony, elmwood, maple, poplar, briar, rosewood, vavon and walnut dyed in different colors. Combine these beautiful, luxurious cases with the critically acclaimed watch winders from Orbita, and you have a match made in heaven. Visit ORBITA.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 10, 2020

Puma Releases The New Scuderia Ferrari Speedcat

The Scuderia Ferrari race team embraces the past and present historic aspects of the Italian supercar manufacturer, including its iconic Rossa Corsa color. When Puma Motorsport was developing the Speedcat with Scuderia Ferrari the goal was to create a fusion between a classic style that would perform as a future benchmark for track footwear. The new Puma Scuderia Ferrari Speedcat uses premium Rossa Corsa and Black suede for the low profile upper, making it lightweight. The midsole and outsole of the shoe are wrapped in traction grabbing rubber, allowing for better pedal control around the circuit or on the way to the car from work. An array of Puma and Ferrari logos are placed throughout the shoe, symbolizing the partnership that holds significant history in the motorsport world. Shop the Puma X Scuderia Ferrari Speedcat featured in Rossa Corsa and Black by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 10, 2020

Holiday Gift List For The Modern Day Supercar Enthusiast

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Cadillac Comfort

Throughout the week, we have outfits for work as well as what to wear out on the weekend, depending on the occasion. The times where we wake up feeling like a lazy day is in order, it is less of a thought, until now. Comfort is key in this week’s Wheels X Wardrobe, and what better way to compliment this Lululemon inspired fit than with a comfortable ride to match. The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the epidemy of comfort, from the interior amenities to the unmatched ride quality. View all 2021 Cadillac Escalades for sale and shop the styles featured in this special by clicking the link below. Vehicle 2021 Cadillac Escalade MSRP $76,195 View All 2021 Escalade For Sale Watch Suunto 7 GPS Sport Smartwatch With Wear OS By Google $399 Shop Now Top Lululemon Navigation Stretch Down Hoodie $268 Shop Now Lululemon Engineered Warmth Long Sleeve $148 Shop Now Bottom Lululemon ABC Pant Slim 32"Warpstreme $128 Shop Now Footwear Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Hiker Boot $250 Shop Now Accessories Lululemon Navigation Loft Trapper Hat $68 Shop Now Smith Pathway Sunglasses $82.07 Shop Now Lululemon Navigation Down Glove $78 Shop Now Lululemon Navigation Down Scarf $78 Shop Now

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2020

Ducati Confirms 3 Electric Bicycles Coming to U.S.

Ducati has confirmed that three of their electric bikes will be coming to the United States. To be more specific, they will be available starting in February 2021. The bikes that will be heading to our shores include the E-Scramber, MIG-S and TK-01RR. Each of these bikes are powered by electric motors, but the latter two are meant for serious mountain biking. As far as pricing goes, the E-Scrambler will carry a $3,995 for the yellow and black color, while a matte black version will come in Spring 2021. Then there's the MIG-S starting at $5,295 and the TK-01RR at $7,995. These bikes will be available for test rides at participating Ducati e-bike dealership. For more information, visit Ducati.com.

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