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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 – September 22, 2020

Ferrari Releases Amalgam Crafted Monza SP2 1:8 Scale Mode...

The Ferrari Monza SP2 is one of the most limited models to roll off the Maranello factory production line. While some of Ferrari’s best clientele and collectors have secured a chassis to configure, others are left to continue to dream of owning one. Ferrari has released a version of the Monza SP2 that can be taken home by anyone. A 1:8 scale model of the Italian supercar is available for both the owner with a Ferrari Monza SP2 in the collection, as well as all fans of Ferrari. The large-scale diecast is handcrafted meticulously to mimic the exact features that come on the real supercar, from the buttons located on the race-inspired steer wheel to the Ferrari patches stitched into the seatbelt harnesses. Functioning doors display the unique butterfly movement that presents the Rosso Corsa interior. The Ferrari Monza SP2 model is made in the Amalgam workshop using original vehicle designs, data, and materials. The model sits on an authentic carbon fiber stand enclosed with a dust-proof acrylic cover. Each model is delivered with a numbered certificate of authenticity kept in a leather case. The Ferrari Monza SP2 1:8 scale model is currently available for the price of $11,480. Shop Ferrari’s newest addition to collectibles by clicking the link below. Shop Ferrari Collectibles

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

Period Correct Launches Rothmans P.C. Collection Featurin...

The iconic Rothmans livery has made its appearance on some of the world’s most infamous racing vehicles throughout time. Whether it was an endurance race that went through the night or a rally through treacherous courses, a Rothmans car was sure to be on the grid. As a staple in automotive racing history, it’s no surprise that Period Correct has released a collection dedicated to the infamous team. The Rothmans P.C. Collection features the Porsche 956 as the inspiration behind some of the pieces created, each sporting a graphic design of the race car. The clothing line includes t-shirts, long sleeves, a sweater, a hoodie, and a classic nylon hat. All made from premium materials to provide comfort while subtly showing appreciation for a notorious competitor in the world of motorsports. The Period Correct Rothmans P.C. Collection is available through the company’s website. Shop all the collection has to offer by clicking the link below. Shop The Rothmans P.C. Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

The Lamborghini Store Hosts Huge Summer Sale

The Lamborghini web store is putting on a summer sale featuring styles that cover from head to toe, as well as a selection of accessories. Whether someone is trying to match their Aventador SVJ or looking comfortable options to support the brand, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Lamborghini’s clothing line reflects how their automobiles are constructed, using premium quality materials in an array of color options. The company also bases the clothing style designs off the intended use. Some pieces are more comfort-driven such as the Urus, where others are more inspired for a performance like the Huracan Evo. Color options that mirror Lamborghini paint codes and liveries are presented throughout the collection. Footwear is included in the summer sale event, all sporting the Lamborghini logo in both men and kids sizing available. For the track days, Lamborghini has it covered with a selection of accessories such as backpacks and hats. The summer sale is currently available through the Lamborghini Store website. Shop the summer sale collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Summer Sale

By Edward Jones – September 21, 2020

New TCCT Classic Car Simulators Designed by Pininfarina a...

There are a lot of all-in-one racing simulators out there, like SimXperience and the new one from Aston Martin. However, most of these are for racers interested in modern racing. But what about those who want a nice classic, virtual experience? For that, TCCT (The Classic Car Trust) has unveiled the new eClassic. This new simulator experience was designed in cooperation with Pininfarina and Zagato. These new simulators feature the same curves and lines you'd expect from a classic automobile. This design is paired with leather-filled cockpits that are highlighted by a beautiful three-spoke wooden steering wheel. TCCT has also announced the new eClassic Racing Club. This exclusive club will be available to owners of the eClassic and it will allow them to connect with other owners for Sunday morning drives, championships, and gentlemen races. TCCT will also be offering training sessions and coaching programs. Expect the eClassic from TCCT to launch in 2021.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 18, 2020

Bowers And Wilkins New PX7 Carbon Edition Headphones

Bowers and Wilkins have been an industry leader in home, personal, and automotive audio. The company has just announced the release of a Carbon Edition of the PX7 headphone model. Designed as a celebration of Bower and Wilson’s first featured headphones, the P5, and how far the line has come. The inspiration for using carbon fiber in the construction of the PX7 derives from high-performance sports cars. The lightweight assembly takes the stress of the user, while the strength blocks reverberation and adds clarity to the listening experience. The PX7 Carbon Edition includes wireless Bluetooth connect ability with 30 hours of battery life. The battery offers a quick 15-minute charge, which will allow for 5 hours of listening if the user finds themselves without power. The 800 Series Diamond Speakers deliver immaculate sound to each earphone, with the ability to pause by lifting either side. Click the link below to sign up for a Bowers and Wilkins notification when the PX7 Carbon Edition is available for purchase. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 17, 2020

Chronoswiss Features Transparent Dials On The New Skelete...

The traditional method of watch manufactures has been to cover the inner workings of the movement with a well-designed dial and include functions to appeal to the consumer. Years later, the watch world has found the internal mechanisms to be small-scaled works of art that should be the main focal point. The Swiss watch manufacturer, Chronoswiss, understands that thought and demonstrates it around the new Skeletec and Opus models. The 45mm and 41mm stainless steel cases, respectively, are layered with a sapphire crystal that helps amplify the view of modern mechanical movement that drives each watch. The power reserve of approximately 48 for the Skeletec and 46 hours for the Opus is paired with a water resistance make them daily wearable timepieces. The Skeletec and Opus Collection are presented in four unique examples and each is limited to 50 pieces. The collection is currently available through the company’s website. Shop the new Chronoswiss Skeletec Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Chronoswiss Collections

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 16, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: The Outsider

Natural landscape is an overlooked inspiration for vehicle design as well as fashion. In some cases, earth tones speak louder than vibrant colors just as seeing the "No Service" indicator on a phone does not mean immediate danger. This week’s Wheels and Wardrobe focuses on discovering new roads while having the apparel and accessories to compliment the journey. The 2020 Land Rover Defender is the weapon of choice for conquering the climate and conditions of the outdoor environment. The Outsider Breakdown 2020 Land Rover Defender MSRP $46,100 Garmin Instinct Solar Watch $400 Melin A-Game Hydro Hat $59 Carhartt WIP Nimbus Pullover $248 Period Correct Core Logo T-Shirt $40 Norse Projects Alvar Gore-Tex Infinium Pants $225 Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley Hiking Shoes $200 Oakley Sutro S Prizm Sunglasses $166 Land Rover Explore R Phone $399 GBP GoPro Hero 9 Camera $350 Tumi Meadow Backpack $395 Vehicle Land Rover has reintroduced the timeless Defender. The new model represents 70 years of innovation and improvement, honoring the vehicle’s history for rugged solidity while thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century. View All Land Rover Defenders Watch 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. Shop Now Top Based off a classic hooded windbreaker, the Carhartt WIP Nimbus Pullover is a lightweight jacket geared for all seasons. Shop Now Land Rover has developed the Defender as a historic 4x4 that conquers all terrain. Period Correct helps celebrate the milestones with their vintage auto clothing collection. Shop Now Bottom The Norse Project Alvar GORE-TEX INFINIUM™, is a technical pant with a mesh lining and Duraflex anodized black aluminium buckle adjuster. Features include, zip side pockets, and an invisible side leg zip. Shop Now Footwear Disconnect, escape and recharge your spirit on the trail. The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley Hiking shoes give you the comfort to push farther and hike longer. Shop Now Accessories The Melin A-Game HYDRO was engineered with a hydrophobic technology on the crown panels designed to bead away water and prevent absorption. Shop Now The Oakley Sutro S Prizm's exclusive lens technology is designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail. Shop Now Tough yet elegant, the Explore R stands out and blends in – for all the right reasons. Designed to thrive in exciting environments whilst seamlessly integrating into everyday life. Shop Now The all new GoPro Hero 9 includes more screens and upgraded capabilities for anyone to capture the perfect shot. Shop Now An outstanding everyday choice for work, weekends, and travel, the Meadow Backpack features a dedicated laptop compartment, as well as a water-resistant water bottle pocket that can be used on the interior or exterior of the bag, offering extra space when needed. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2020

New GoPro HERO9 Black Revealed

GoPro has just unveiled the new HERO9 Black, bringing with it better quality, thoughtful improvements and a slew of add-ons. The new sensor being used will now capture videos in 5K and photos in 20MP, making those shots you capture even more epic. GoPro has also introduced HyperSmooth 3.0 Video Stabilization, the next-generation of their famous tech. Another new component that many will find very useful is the 1.4-inch front display that can show a live preview or status modes. Each GoPro HERO9 Black will also come in a high-quality travel case that has room for additional mounts and accessories like the new Max Lens Mod. GoPro added this as a bonus, but also to help reduce plastic from the product's packaging. So, how much is it going to cost? That depends. If you buy it straight out, it will cost $449.99. You can also purchase it with a one-year subscription to GoPro and shave $100 off of that price. This subscription includes no-questions-asked camera replacement; unlimited cloud storage of photos and videos captured on the GoPro, enhanced livestreaming and more. For more information or to purchase your own GoPro HERO9 Black today, click the button below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2020

This New Bugatti Champagne is the Most Epic Bottle to Pop

Popping a bottle of champagne may be frightening for some, but for more it's the start of something great. Typically, a bottle of champagne is popped to when there's a celebration to be had. For Bugatti, they're celebrating the moment they broke the 300 mph barrier with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ with new champagne. CARBON, the official Bugatti champagne, has released the limited edition EB.02 Chiron 300+ bottle. The bottle itself was designed to mimic the record-breaking Chiron Super Sport 300+, carbon fiber detailing included. Inside the bottle is a 2006 vintage blanc de blancs Grand Cru. This champagne is noted as having a nose that consists of "acacia, grilled bread, almonds, and hazelnut" aromas. You can order the Champagne CARBON EB.02 Chiron 300+ exclusively on CARBON's website, which you can visit by clicking the button below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2020

Build This Lamborghini Huracan EVO 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

Building a car is nowhere close to being an easy task. That is a statement that just about everyone can agree with. However, building a 3D puzzle of a car is much easier. So while you may not be able to build a real-life Lamborghini Huracan EVO in your garage, you can build a 3D puzzle of the supercar in your living room thanks to a new release from Ravensburger. This new release features 108 plastic pieces plus 32 accessories, like axles, rotating wheels front splinter, rear diffuser and more. It's a 1:18 scale puzzle measuring in at 10.2-inches. The price of this puzzle is set at EUR €34.99, which is around $40 USD. Expect it to be on Ravensburger site soon. You can shop the rest of their incredible 3D puzzles by clicking the button below. Shop 3D Puzzle

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