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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 Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Ferrari Store: Puma Transform Collection

In certain situations, your clothes should be as dynamic as your car. That's why Ferrari turned to Puma for a limited run of color-changing accessories. The Transform Collection features heat and water-reactive colors and prices that won't break the bank. Each piece is emblazoned with the colors of the Italian flag along with Scuderia shields.Men's Technical JacketIf you are looking for style in all weather, this hooded jacket sports jacket hides a wild reflective motif that comes alive in the rain. It is available in Medium to XXL for $110.View DetailsMen's Transform T-ShirtThis wild T-Shirt features a blur of a Ferrari F1 car. It is temperature sensitive, becoming fluorescent when cold. It is available in Small to XXL for $27.50.View DetailsPuma Transform BackpackIf you need something unique to carry your gear, the Puma Transform Backpack reacts to body and air temperature to reveal a bright red pattern. $100View DetailsPuma Transform CapTranslated from Italian, TestaRossa literally means Red Head. This straight-bill black cap hides a red pattern that is heat activated. The double-stiched design has a drawstring closure for the ultimate in comfort. $22View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Transform Low SneakersImagine the perfect heel-toe downshift in a 275 GTB/4. It needs a shoe that can handle the heat, and these Evo Cats turn fire red when exposed to heat. The thermochromic color will make you stand apart from the crowd. $79.75View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Mid SneakersFeaturing the same heat reactive pigments as the low tops above, these mids offer more support and great styling. $90.75View DetailsBe sure to stay with us for more great deals on the hottest Ferrari gear!.

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Lamborghini Unveils A Wild Triathlon Bike

Of all the new models released at the Geneva motor show, the two-wheeled examples didn't receive much coverage. But collaborations between auto and bicycle companies are nothing new. BMW releases a new bike every few years, and they are the perfect accessory for drivers with an active lifestyle.Lamborghini wanted to make a statement of performance and style, so they partnered with Cervélo Cycles to build their new P5X Lamborghini edition. The yellow accents and the Y-shaped patterns are directly from Centro Stile, Lamborghini's design headquarters. In order to ensure it outperforms the competition, over 180 hours of wind tunnel testing were used to sculpt the body. Chief Marketing Officer Katia Bassi said: “Our Lamborghini Accademia drivers have been training on Cervélo for some time now, so we already know how special, and how fast, these bikes are. With elite performance, outstanding design and innovation, this collaborative project was a natural fit for both brands.” If you need a bike that would look great next to a Murcielago or a Urus, click the link below to find a dealer near you. Tell us what you think of it in the comments below.Browse Lamborghini For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 26, 2018

Bentley Eyewear Gives High Luxury Vision

Fans of Bentley can wear fashion inspired by their favorite cars on their head with the new additions to the Bentley Eyewear catalog. Bentley notes that these handcrafted pieces reflect "many of the superlative qualities displayed in the marque’s model range."The glasses are created in cooperation with Estede Austria, a bespoke eye creator based out of Austria. There are a total of 13 new models added to the collection, all of which can be ordered in a combination of 60 different colors and materials. Each piece is individually crafted for the customer and has a serial number hand-engraved onto them. They also come in their own custom-made packaging.Bentley Coupe for Sale

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2018

Aston Martin Launches Online Store

Aston Martin has officially launched their online shop. It's at shop.astonmartin.com that fans of the brand can pick out attire and accessories from a catalog of items.The Aston Martin Racing team apparel is available in the Ready-to-Wear section if you plan on repping your favorite team. Other apparel is also available, including polo shirts, bags, scarves and more.As with all luxury brands, Aston Martin also has a new collection of luggage up for sale on their new website, so you never have to travel without a hint of luxury.Check out the shop now by heading over to shop.astonmartin.com.

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2017

duPont REGISTRY 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Do you have someone in your life that wants some luxury goods but hasn't put together a list yet? The 2017 duPont REGISTRY Holiday Gift Guide is here to help. The items below were handpicked by duPont REGISTRY for their luxurious and high-end nature. GREYP G12 BIKEThe first electric bicycle designed and manufactured by Rimac Automobili, an iconic model built around the vast knowledge and experience gathered from in-house development and production of the Concept One supercar. After the extremely successful firstborn Greyp G12 which was delivered to 26 countries on 5 continents, its successor, the new and fresh Greyp G12S, with its stunning performance takes the whole experience even further. Price upon request.auto-iconica.com TUTIMA GRAND FLIEGER CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPHIn no other timepiece of our current collection is there so much Pilot DNA, which descends from the legendary Tutima Pilot’s Chronograph of 1941. Every Grand Flieger Chronograph bears the engraving “Chronometer” on the case side and is presented with a Certified Chronometer Certificate assuring that the watch meets strict guidelines of accuracy and timing. Approx. $5,500.tutima.com STEFANO RICCI CROCODILE SNEAKERSEnjoy an exotic edge to any casual outfit with a pair of SR sneakers in exclusive matted crocodile with contrast rubber soles and shiny palladium hardware. Approx. $5,400.boutique.stefanoricci.com ZCLIPMeet your new favorite accessory—the ZCLIP. The ZCLIP company makes a range of money clips in a variety of styles and finishes, and they are completely customizable. Each ZCLIP provides an excellent touch for your own style or a perfect business gift.zclip.com THE ROBERT GRAHAM BLENDED ESSENCES COLLECTIONRobert Graham represents the American Eclectic lifestyle brand-where craftsmanship, luxury and style intertwine.From left to right:Courage Decanter: 250 ML $295.Fortitude Decanter: 250 ML $295.Valour Decanter: 250 ML $295.robertgraham.us CHRONOS LUXURY WATCH SAFEBrown Safe and Orbita Watchwinders combine expertise to create the world’s finest high-security safe for fine timepieces. Each Chronos is a bespoke safe, customcrafted from military-grade ballistic armor and finished in the finest materials. A biometric fingerprint-reading lock, titanium locking bolts and other advanced burglary counter measures ensure watch collections are securely protected; while hand-stitched leather interiors, stainless accents, LED lighting and Orbita watch winders create the perfect environment to display watches and keep them running in top form. The Chronos is a watch safe of unmatched security and unparalleled refinement. Price available upon request.BrownSafe.com HYT SKULL AXL ROSE WATCHFrom the Hydro Mechanical Horologists, the new Skull Jungle watch was designed by legendary Guns N’ Roses singer, Axl Rose. Rose was a lover and wearer of HYT watches and so the brand teamed up with him for this exclusive series of just 25 Skull Jungle watches. For this watch, Rose selected the Skull base HYT watch, which, under his direction, was given a Damascus steel treatment. The 51 mm DLC titanium case with micro-blasted finishes offers a stealth rock vibe. The time is displayed via black retrograde fluid thanks to the mechanical manual wind movement with bellow that activate the fluid indication of time. The caseback of this watch features the Guns N’ Roses logo. Approx. $100,000.hytwatches.com | 954-997-0076 PRYMA BY SONUS FABER MCINTOSH GROUP HEADPHONESPRYMA by Sonus Faber is the first and only “100% Handmade in Italy” line of headphones. With a keen attention to detail and the finest quality materials, it’s the most coveted audio and fashion accessory for the high-end, style-oriented, affluent consumer. The headphones produce high quality sound and are made of highquality Italian leather, copper and stainless-steel buckles, and die-cast aluminum ear cups. Approx. $550.pryma.com STEFANO RICCI SUEDE AND CROCODILE BASEBALL CAPThis intricately created SR baseball cap has been carefully constructed with suede calf leather, detailed on the sides with a discreet geometric dot pattern, an embroidered frontal SR logo, and a unique matted crocodile leather bill. It can be adjusted using the galvanized palladium snap buttons in the cap's reverse. Approx. $2,000.boutique.stefanoricci.com CORUM ADMIRAL AC-1 45 CHRONOGRAPH BRONZEBold, beautiful and bronze. These are the best descriptive words for the highly functional Corum Admiral Cup AC-1 45 Chronograph Bronze watch with a full patina bronze case and wood dial. The 45mm case is pre-patinated, with the process halted at a rich coloration. The automatic chronograph watch is finished with a brown calfskin strap and is water resistant to 30 ATM. Approx. $9,500.www.corum.ch | 954-279-1220 STEFANO RICCI HANDMADE CROCODILE BELTEvery handmade SR belt demonstrates the very best Made in Italy quality. The belt is made of matted crocodile leather with a calfskin leather lining and has a striking galvanized, gold buckle displaying the flying eagle. Approx. $2,800.boutique.stefanoricci.com KAIROS LUXURY SAFEMaximum security converges with ultimate sophistication in the Kairos luxury safe from Casoro. The interior boasts carbon fiber and anodized aluminum with polished custom handles. Programmable watch winders and customized drawer interiors have your valuables ready when you are. Soft close drawers and embedded LED downlights enhance the elegance of these custom configurations. Available in multiple sizes with residential or commercial security. Kairos, the opportune moment for decisive action. Prices begin under $8,000.casorojewelrysafes.com TONINO LAMBORGHINI ALPHA-ONE PHONEAndroid smartphone with Dual-SIM, body in liquid metal and kevlar; back in Italian leather. Premium package with leather sleeve case included. Price available upon request.www.lamborghini.it ZENITH DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 WATCHSwiss watch manufacturer Zenith has a century and a half behind it and is resolutely taking its place in the third millennium with a new 100th of a second chronograph movement. While remaining true to its legendary roots, the 21st century Defy El Primero flaunts standout performance: a certified in-house movement driving a hundredth of a second display by means of a central hand, with its unique and exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second. With its powerful 44 mm titanium case, Defy El Primero 21 becomes the master of extreme precision. The world’s most accurate series-made chronograph in 1969 enters a whole new era. Approx. $10,600.zenith-watches.com MCINTOSH LABORATORIES MA5300 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERThe MA5300 may be McIntosh’s smallest solid state integrated amplifier, both in terms of power output and physical size, but it still produces the high-quality sound expected of McIntosh products. Featuring the brand’s iconic blue Watt meters and black glass front panels, the MA5300 is the perfect choice for the beginner audiophile to compile a first home audio system. The MA5300 is available for pre-order now through Authorized McIntosh dealers, with shipping expected to begin later in October.mcintoshlabs.com duPont REGISTRY 2017: All 12 Issues! $29.99 - Buy Now

By Edward Jones – December 12, 2017

New Collection Inspired by the New Lamborghini Urus

To celebrate the release of the Lamborghini Urus, Collezione Automobili Lamborghini is introducing new special edition products. These collections were created through collaborations with Enzo Bonafè, Hettabretz, and Tecknomonster.Designed to fit specifically in the trunk of the Urus are two new sets of carbon fiber luggage from Technomonster. Each set includes four suitcases.Lamborghinis for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2017

New Limited Edition Aston Martin Bike Sure is Pretty

That Aston Martin Vanquish may look pretty in your garage, but it would look a lot better if it had a nice bike next to it. More specifically, the Storck Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition bike. The bike came to be after Storck's collaboration with Aston Martin for the "One of Seven" project."It was clear from the outset how the design, engineering and passion of the two brands could combine," said Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman. "And what we’ve ended up with is a beautiful bicycle that reflects not only many of the key technical aspects of an Aston Martin, but also our ethos of excellence."Aston Martin is Sending the Vanquish S with a Special EditionThe Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition bike features a frame made from "Nanocarbon Technology," which allows it to weigh just 1.69 pounds. As for the unique paint called Argentum Nero, it was created by Q by Aston Martin.Only 107 examples of the Storck Fascenario.3 Aston Martin Edition bike will be created at an undisclosed price. Sell Your Exotic Car

By Andrew Nabors – October 11, 2017

BMW Releases Active Hybrid e-bike

As hybrid technology improves, it has allowed the electric bicycle to become a work of art. BMW has been in the two-wheeled business since the beginning. Their innovative approach to motorcycles often translates to forward-thinking bicycles, and the new Active Hybrid is a game-changer.Based on a hydroformed aluminum frame, the "bullneck" design hides an electric motor and removable battery. Rated at 504 watt-hours, it can deliver 66 lb-ft of torque up to 16 mph. It provides 62 miles of pedal assistance along with integrated LED lights. To appeal to the connected cyclist, the e-bike also comes standard with Bluetooth and a micro USB port to power your devices. In a press release last night, we learned that pricing starts at EUR 3,400, or somewhere around $4,030."Mhance" Your Holidays With a Gift Card to the BMW Performance Driving School Riders can choose from four power modes ranging from Eco (+50%) to Turbo (+275%). The seat needs of an e-bike are rather specific, so BMW commissioned Selle Royale to craft a perfect surface with three-zone gel padding. The Active Hybrid is available from select BMW dealers, so find one close to you in the link below and stay with us for all your BMW updates.Search BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2017

New Lamborghini Tonino Phone is Mobile Luxury

Sitting in a Lamborghini will give your rear and hands constant contact with rich Italian leather, but what about your ears? When do your ears get to experience Italian luxury? Now.Lamborghini Tonino has announced the new Alpha - One smartphone. This new Android device is wrapped with Italian handmade leather and encased with "liquid metal," an alloy that Lamborghini Tonino says is more durable than titanium.Coolest Cars in the World As for the technical aspects, the phone delivers some impressive numbers. Its 5.5-inch WQHD screen has a resolution of 2560x1440 which beats out the iPhone 7 (5.5-inches, 1920x1080), but not the Samsung Galaxy S8 (5.8-inches, 2960x1440). A Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM run Android Nougat, the latest version of the Android operating system. To capture images, the Alpha - One has a 20-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-pixel front-facing camera.The specs and style are definitely impressive like a supercar, but what's even more so is the pricetag: $2,450. Those interested in picking one up can do so by ordering one online.

By Edward Jones – August 02, 2017

SPECIALIZED for BMW: A Mountain Bike Inspired by the New X3

The new BMW X3 is launching and with it will come a multitude of accessories. Whether its some new bags, a watch, shoes or bike, there's plenty of stuff to buy that will match the new SUV.Did I mention a bike? Sure did. That's because Specialized for BMW has created a new mountain bike that was inspired by the X3. This limited edition SPECIALIZED Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie. BMW and SPECIALIZED worked together to create the color design of the bike. Source - FacebookUnderneath the paint and inside the high-strength M5 aluminum frame is a Li-Ion battery and custom-tuned motor. Yes, this bike has pedal-assist technology that will get your across more mountains than ever before. What's even cooler is that this bike works with SPECIALIZED's Mission Control App. This app gives users control over their range and battery consumption, motor settings and gives the rider stats on their recent rides.View All BMW X3s For Sale

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