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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – March 30, 2020

Roger Dubuis Debuts the Stunning Excalibur Twofold

Roger Dubuis has just debuted a new timepiece that is striking in both daytime and nighttime. The new Excalibur Twofold is the result of Roger Dubuis look to make their signature movement a star even when the lights are off. For this, their engineers use a patented process that allows every angle of the upper plate composed of Mineral Composite Fiver (MCF) to light up. What's more, the luminescence lasts 60 percent longer than your standard luminescent material. But if that wasn't enough, they also strapped the strap with a new technology called “LumiSuperBiwiNova™.” With this technology, the strap also offers luminescence, just like the case, upper plate and bezel. During the daytime, the watch shines equally as bright, thanks to its glacial appearance. Roger Dubuis created the case and bezel out of MCF, which is an ultra-white composite material made of 99.5% silica. This appearance gives a whole new meaning to the term "icy." Visit RogerDubuis.com

Corum_Admiral_Openworked_45mmAutomatic_5 (1)

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2020

Discover the Corum Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openwork Watches

Admiral AC-One 45 Openwork Automatic: Uncovering the beauty of mechanics with the Admiral AC-One 45 Openwork Automatic (seen above) by showcasing its exquisitely crafted skeletonized dial and Corum in-house movement. Designed as a robust timepiece to complement luxury offshore boating, the Admiral AC-One 45 is even sportier, bolder, and pushes the boundaries of creativity a step further. The watch features a new movement that was developed by Corum in-house specifically for this model. The bridges visible on the dial side were specially designed to be in harmony with the dodecagonal-shaped case, as well as the silhouettes of the nautical pennants. A sub-dial displaying small seconds is at the 9 o’clock position, while the power reserve indicator sits at 3 o’clock. Movement CO 298 – Automatic Case 45 mm – Titanium Dial Skeletonized – Dauphine-shaped hands with Rhodium coating, Bracelet Rubber and textile – 23/20 mm Buckle Triple folding clasp – Titanium Power reserve 42 hours Water Resistance 100 meters Learn More Admiral AC-One 45 Openwork Tourbillon: Taking mechanical beauty a step further Corum introduces the Admiral AC-One 45 Openwork Tourbillon for aficionados who prefer something more complicated and gravity-defying. The tourbillon at the six o’clock position showcases the not only the beautiful heartbeat of the movement but also Corum’s artistry and flair in technical watchmaking. Also available in rose gold and black PVD-coated titanium case. Limited edition of 38 pieces in titanium and 18 pieces in gold and titanium. Movement CO 298 – Automatic Case 45 mm – Titanium Dial Skeletonized – Dauphine-shaped hands with Rhodium coating, Bracelet Rubber and textile – 23/20 mm Buckle Triple folding clasp – Titanium Power reserve 42 hours Water resistance 100 meters Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2020

Mercedes AMG Petronas RS-X Sneakers

Puma Motorsport has collaborated with Mercedes AMG Petronas to create a branded version of their popular RS-X shoe. The 80’s inspired silhouette is produced from a comfortable mesh upper with synthetic leather overlay, while the rubber outsole provides traction and grip. They come in three unique colorways featuring the Mercedes AMG Petronas branded tag. It is safe to that Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have secured their pairs already. Shop Now Image Source: Puma.com

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2020

Period Correct Safari Rally Collection

Period Correct has dropped their seriously awesome East African Safari Rally Collection. This new collection pays homage to the East African Safari Rally, which has been running since 1953. It started off in 1953 with the name "East African Coronation Safari," up until the name was changed to "East African Safari Rally" in 1960. In 1970, the name would be changed to simply be "Safari Rally." For fans of motorsports and rally racing, this race is known as being one of the most demanding of all time. Because Period Correct are serious fans of everything automotive, they knew they had to create a collection honoring the race. This collection includes shirts, hts and jackets as well. You can see it for yourself by clicking the button below. View The Collection

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2020

Greubel Forsey QP à Équation 5N Red Gold Edition With Cho...

Greubel Forsey has just debuted their new QP à Équation 5N Red Gold Edition with a chocolate dial and it's an astonishing timepiece. With a single glance at the dial, you can see just how complicated this watch is. Do you want to know what month we're in? It can do that. How about the season? Done. Year? Easy. Is that not enough? How about leap year, season, solstice and equinox? Yeah, this watch can tell you all of that on top of the hours and minutes. It also comes with a chromatic 72-hour power reserve and a tourbillon as well. While the QP à Équation was unveiled a few years ago, back in 2015, Greubel Forsey has just now debuted a new Red Gold Edition with a chocolate dial. It also comes with a matching brown alligator strap to complete the look. If you've been wanting a watch to go with the brown ensemble of yours, this may be the ultimate watch to complete the look. For more information, be sure to visit GreubelForsey.com.

By Edward Jones – March 18, 2020

Autodromo Group B Series 2 Safari Now for Sale

Without a doubt, Group B rally racing was some of the wildest that the world of motorsport has ever seen. It lasted from 1982 to 1986 when it had to stop due to safety concerns. Autodromo knows just how important this racing series is in motorsport history and have a line of watches dedicated to it. The latest addition is the Group B Series 2 Safari. This watch was inspired by the East African Safari and Paris-Dakar rallies of Group B. The semi-matte green plating matches the "safari" monicker so well, as does the orange on the second hand and "Safari" logo. Autodromo also styled the dial after the racing tachometers of the early 1980's. The Miyota 9015 automatic takes care of the movement, which is housed in the lightweight 39mm titanimum two-piece capsule. Keeping the watch on the wrist of its wearer is an integrated bracelet in a matching green, but it can be removed. You can buy this watch now, as well as many other automotive-inspired watches at Autodromo.com. Shop Now - $975

By Edward Jones – March 18, 2020

New Grey Mist B&O Beoplay E8 3rd Gen Released

Bang & Olufsen have introduced a new color for their Beoplay E8 3rd Generation wireless earphones. Called "Grey Mist," this new color is sleek and matches the contemporary design of the earphones. Color aside, these earphones are quite incredible. Granted, high-quality sound is expected from Bang & Olufsen, no matter the size of the product. They come in weighing just 5.8 grams per piece, but don't let the size fool you. With 35 hours of playtime, they can go through any flight, workout or roadtrip without needing a charge. They also come with a few upgrades over the previous generation, including two more microphones for better voice delivery and an upgraded Transparency mode. “With the third generation Beoplay E8, we have made the world’s best sounding true wireless earphones even better. At Bang & Olufsen, we never stop challenging the boundaries of performance, craft and design and this obsession has led us to create the next edition of Beoplay E8, which will give our customers a more powerful true wireless experience and better sound in a compact design,” says Christoffer Østergaard Poulsen, Vice President of Product Management at Bang & Olufsen. Shop Now - $350

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

Porsche Design Debuts New 1919 Flyback Blue & Leather

The Porsche Design 1919 Flyback Blue & Leather comes into the world as an incredibly stylish watch styled after the iconic 911 sports car. For this new watch, the color blue has been chosen as the dominant hue and, as you can see, it was a great choice. The strap and dial feature the color blue, which is contrasted by the titanium of the 42 mm case. As for movement, the Porsche Design WERK 01.200 caliber does the work. This is actually Porsche Design's first ever in-house movement. It features a flyback function and start/stop/reset functions. In addition to that, the watch itself has a 48-hour power reserve. For more informoation, be sure to visit Porsche-Design.com. If you're interested, you can pick one up for $6,350.

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2020

Pagani Online Shop Extended

Are you looking to shop for some new gear while staying inside? Are you a fan of Pagani automobiles? If you answered yes to those, then I have some good news for you. Pagani Automobili has just announced that their online shop has been extended and will stay up until April 3rd. In this collection is some great gear that awesome looking even if you aren't a fan of Pagani. But let's be real, we all love Pagani. There's a lot of gear to look at, including the Huayra BC Collection, You can see it for yourself by clicking the button right below. Shop the Pagani Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zSnkDqCm9

By Edward Jones – March 11, 2020

Bell & Ross Debut New Renault F1 Collection

The 2020 Formula 1 season is set to start up with Sunday on March 15 at 1:10 AM EST. But, how in the world will you know what time to start watching? If you're a Renault fan, rooting for Daniel Ricciardo and/or Esteban Ocon, the new Bell & Ross R.S.20 collection has been unveiled. BR 03-94 R.S.20 BR-X1 TOURBILLON R.S.20 As a partner of the Renault F1 Team, this new Bell & Ross watch is inspired by the yellow and black race cars. As the fourth R.S. series watch collection to be released since the partnership began. For this year's collection, the inspiration was drawn from both the Renault F1 car for 2020 and the R.S. 2027 concept car. There are four different watches in the collection, each featuring the yellow and black color scheme, but different designs and movements can be found. You can learn more by clicking here. BR-X1 R.S.20 BR V3-94 R.S.20

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