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 Edward Jones – November 05, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Velar

Land Rover Velar: Contact For Price Corum Big Bubble Magical 53: Contact For Price The Row James Suede Bomber Jacket: $5,250 rag & bone Fit 2 Slim Jeans: $250 Clarks x Land Rover CLR 52.N Hi GORE-TECH: $220

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2018

Mattel Hot Wheels x Puma RS-X Sneakers Announced

Puma and Mattel's Hot Wheels brand are teaming up for a sneaker based around the new RS-X line. The RS-X sneaker is a reboot of the RS-0 that was based around the classic 80's Running System (RS) line. This new sneaker is designed to celebrate Hot Wheels' 50th anniversary, with the appropriate branding on the tongue. As for the sneaker itself, it was inspired by the "Bone Shaker" toy car from 2006, a hot rod car that's become quite famous over the years. Its composition is comprised of different materials that are highlighted by yellow and blue trim. If you happen to be at SEMA 2018, you'll be able to see the shoe's unveiling as it will be happening at the event. Price and release date is still unannounced. Shop Puma

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Halloween Costume Edition

Halloween is just around the corner and that means everyone is scrambling to get their costumes in order. Department stores are starting to run out of their stock, leaving many to search for their spooky costumes online. We're here to help with a quick selection of costumes, along with matching rides. We've got a Batman costume with a sleek Lamborghini, James Bond costume with a classy Aston martin DB11, orange and black McLaren P1 and a pumpkin costume for the driver, Terminator costume with a rough Hummer H1, and a Fortnite costume with a wicked golf kart. Batman - Black Lamborghini Aventador SV Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume James Bond - Aston Martin DB11 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Pumpkin - McLaren P1 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Terminator - Hummer H1 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Fortnite Dark Voyager - Golf Kart Check Out This Kart Check Out This Costume Costume Images via Amazon

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Land Rover and Leather for Fall Weather

For me, this time of the year is exciting because it means I'll be able to take my favorite jackets out of the closet. This week, we decided to base our Wheels and Wardrobe all around the stunning Polo Ralph Lauren Shearling Bomber Jacket. We matched this jacket with a rugged Land Rover Defender 110, and plenty of leather to go around. On the wrist is the vintage leather strap of the Tiegenmesser Bronze watch from Reservoir. If you're into vintage watches, you should definitely check out the rest of Reservoir's collection. Anyways, scroll down and check out this week's fit! Land Rover Defender 110 Shop Now Reservoir Tiefenmesser Bronze Shop Now Ray-Ban Outdoorsman Craft Sunglasses Source: Ray-Ban.comShop Now Polo Ralph Lauren Shearling Bomber Jacket Source: RalphLauren.comShop Now Buck Mason Prima Tee (Port) Source: BuckMason.comShop Now Polo Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim Jeans Source: RalphLauren.comShop Now Clarks Ottawa Peak Boots Source: ClarksUSA.comShop Now Melin ACE (Rust) Source: MelinBrand.comShop Now Dango T01 tactical Waller (Brown Raw Hide) Source: DangoProducts.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: A Comfortable Vantage Point

One of the colors Aston Martin debuted the new Vantage in was a fluorescent yellow that attracted attention from everyone. This bright color is the focal for this week's Wheels x Wardrobe. Bright yellow tones are found in the car, watch and shoes, while calming tones of the jacket and shoes balance everything out. This entire setup is also a comfortable one, thanks to the smooth ride of the new Vantage, chunky shoes and jacket lined with faux shearling. Check it all out by scrolling down below. Aston Martin Vantage Shop Now Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon Shop Now Melin HUNTSMAN Waxed Cotton Strapback Hat Shop Now Gucci "Privilegium Perpetuum" Trucker Jacket Source: MrPorter.comShop Now Buck Mason White Tee Source: BuckMason.comShop Now rag & bone Fit 2 In Jeans Devon Shop Now Balenciaga Triple S Retro Sneaker in Grey Source: Nordstrom.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Fit for a Demon

October is here and so is the spookiest season of all as we prepare for Halloween at the end of the month. While we all debate on what we should dress up as for the holiday, we should also be dressing the part by wearing dark tones. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we've put together an ensemble that includes black tones and a Demon throne. There's also a hint of orange and yellow thrown in there to match your jack-o-lantern. Scroll down below to see what we think would be a perfect outfit and ride as we start rolling closer to Halloween. Dodge Demon Shop Now Corum Admiral 45 Squelette Image Source: CorumShop Now Raen Remmy Sunglasses Image Source: NordstromShop Now Lafayette Waffle Knit Sweater Image Source: SaturdaysNYC.comShop Now Maurice Crepe Short Sleeve Shirt Image Source: SaturdaysNYC.comShop Now rag & bone Fit 1 Skinny Jeans Image Source: NordstromShop Now Air Max 97 Image Source: FootLocker.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2018

Very Affordable McLaren 600LT Announced, Comes in a Box

Fans of the new McLaren 600LT will be pleased to know that they can own an example of the car without having to drop $240,000. These ones maybe be a bit smaller, but they still look good. What I'm talking about are the new 1:43 and 1:18 scale version of the 600LT that are joining the TSM-Model McLarens. These mini McLarens are available in a wide range of colors, including the launch colors of Myan Orange and Chicane Effect gray. The 1:43 models are coming with a price tag of just $85, while the bigger 1:18 model costs $240. You can pick one of these up at a McLaren Automotive retailer or the TSM-Models website. There are also more than 75 other 1:43 scale models in the TSM-Model collection, so be sure to check those out as well! View All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Fall

The season of Fall is finally here and it comes packing plenty of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, shades of orange and the start of cold weather. Alright, so it will be a bit of time before we see the cold weather here in Florida, but the majority of the country will be freezing up soon enough. To celebrate the changing of the season, we've put together a Wheels x Wardrobe that's designed around being outside and enjoying the beatiful fall weather. The cherry on top of this outfit has to be the Jeep Wrangler, which is a perfect ride for exporing mountains in and experiencing what fall has to offer. Check it all out by scrolling down below. Jeep Wrangler View Jeep Wranglers for Sale Eberhard Nuvolari Legend Source: EberhardShop Now Smith Free Spool Sunglasses Source: AmazonShop Now Orvis Denver II Leather Jacket Source: OrvisShop Now Orvis Long-Sleeved Shirt Source: OrvisShop Now Levi's 511 Jeans Source: Levi'sShop Now Clark's Desert Mali Boots Source: ClarksShop Now YETI Hopper Cooler Source: AmazonShop Now

Porsche 911 Soundbar - Black Edition (1)

By Edward Jones – September 13, 2018

Porsche Design 911 Soundbar Black Edition

The sound of a Porsche 911 GT3 pushing its engine to its limits is quite glorious. Recognizing that this borderline race car can push out incredible exhaust notes, Porsche Design has designed something special. The 911 Soundbar that was designed after the 911 GT3's rear silencer and tailpipe cover. In fact, it uses the original pieces from the car. Each 911 Soundbar is finished by hand and it shows in its immaculate craftsmanship.Now, Porsche Design has introduced a new version of this exquisite piece of gear: the 911 Soundbar Black Edition. It comes with both matte black and shiny black elements that would make it a perfect centerpiece in any living room or garage. Fittingly enough, Porsche Design will be creating only 911 pieces of this soundbar.As for the specifics, this soundbar has a Bluetooth interface, an analog input, two digital inputs and a subwoofer output. It packs 200 watts of power and a 2.1 Virtual Surround System. There's also bass and treble controls on the soundbar if you want to fine-tune its sound.Preorder Now - $4,250

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Monochrome 720Style

If you want a monochrome style that comes with fashion and speed, look no further. We've put together a stylish outfit, complete with accessories, that goes perfectly with a white McLaren 720S. Step on the pedal in a pair of Givenchy George V Knit sneakers, check the time on the unique Devin Tread watch and peer onto the road before you through the Oakley Flak 2.0 sunglasses. Those looking for style without any flashy colors, look no further. Check out the lineup by scrolling down. McLaren 720S View All McLaren 720S for Sale Devon Tread Watch Shop Now Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses Shop Now - $173 Melin Nubuck Leather Strapback Hat Shop Now - $99 Off-white Twill Bomber Jacket Shop Now - $1,770 Givenchy Fast Love T-Shirt Shop Now - $455 Fear of God Jersey Sweatpants Shop Now - $995 Givenchy George V Knit Sneakers Shop Now - $595 Harvest Label Nighthawk Backpack Shop Now - $520

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