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 Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Watch McLaren Unboxed Featuring Daniel Ricciardo

A new team means new gear as Daniel Ricciardo transitions to McLaren Racing for the 2021 Formula 1 season. A video released on the McLaren YouTube channel follows Daniel’s trip to headquarters to get fitted for his race suit and seat for the new car looking to dominate on the track. Throughout the experience, it gives fans insight as to how the smallest details can make or break a driver's focuses during the high-speed competitions throughout the season. All have to be perfect for Daniel Ricciardo’s comfort and seating position, although changes are made given all variables. If this does not get fans excited for the 2021 Formula 1 season, we aren’t sure what will. Watch McLaren Unboxed featuring Daniel Ricciardo by clicking the video link below. For more McLaren news, Check out McLaren Releases New F1 Team U-Mask Facemask Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Puma x Scuderia Ferrari Release The Mirage Mox Sneaker Co...

Recently, Puma announced its partnership renewal with Scuderia Ferrari with the Spring/Summer 2021 Collection release featuring a large variety of new products. One that stands out is the Puma x Scuderia Ferrari Mirage Mox, a 70s retro-style sneaker fitted with modern day footwear technology for days on and off the track. The all-new silhouette focuses on comfort, stability, and traction using a blend of premium materials. The Mirage Mox provides stability using a multi-layer upper styled using actual Ferrari color codes like Rosso Corsa. A thick midsole offers comfort through Puma’s iconic cushioning system, allowing for longer days on foot. Traction is what counts, which is why Puma added a layer of rubber on the outsole using a tread pattern similar to a car tire. The Puma x Scuderia Ferrari Mirage Mox is currently available in multiple colorways by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out Valentines Day Gift Guide For The Car Enthusiast In Your Life

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2021

Ferrari Luggage Giveaway by Ferrari Lake Forest

Presented by Ferrari Lake Forest - Ferrari Lake Forest is giving away a fine Italian Leather Ferrari suitcase ($3,700 value) and offering a VIP (and COVID friendly) tour of their dealership to one lucky individual. How to enter: 1. Like this post2. Follow @ferrarilakeforest3. Share this post on your IG story using #FLFgiveaway4. Tag at least 5 friends5. Make sure all 5 friends like this post AND follow @ferrarilakeforest That's it! As soon as your five friends follow us, your username is entered into their drawing for the suitcase. The giveaway ends on February 12th, so act fast. Details on the suitcase: ● Trolly Genuine, in yellow leather and black perforated yellow leather● Carbon fiber accenting and yellow leather edging of the bag● The interior of all the Collection items are lined with an attractive yellow fabric whose shade recalls the dominant color of the brand’s native city of Modena, also featured in the Ferrari logo itself as well as many of the best-known bodywork colors.● The essential design makes it a beautiful object to look at from any angle: the clean all-leather front has a subtle horizontal slip pocket in the top section to temporarily store and easily access a tablet device, papers, or travel documents. This, plus the special wheels covered in soft rubber and fitted with very low resistance bearings ensure smooth and easy wheeling of the Trolley Case on any surface.● The interior space is roomy and regular so that all your belongings can be organized perfectly. There are also elastic ribbons to keep everything tidy and hold it in place during the journey.● Measurements in cm:•Height:55•W idth:41•Depth:20● The exterior metal finishes, including handles, zippers and other details, are strongly inspired by the typical steering wheels from the ’60s and ’70s, particularly that of the legendary Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Big Game Bound In The 2020 Shelby Supe...

This weekend Tampa will be hosting the big game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. The rumble throughout the stadium as both teams take the field resembles a 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby Super Snake startup. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on all the gear and accessories needed to root your favorite team on to victory. Shop all of the team products and accessories featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle Shelby America 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby Super Snake MSRP $95,000 View All Shelby Super Snakes For Sale Watch Mr Porter Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Shelby Cobra Automatic Chronograph $4,450 Buy From Mr Porter Top NFL Store Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tom Brady Nike Game Jersey $119.99 Buy From The NFL Store NFL Store Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes Nike Game Jersey $119.99 Buy From The NFL Store Bottom UNIQLO UNIQLO Stretch Fit Salvaged Jeans $49.90 Buy From UNIQLO Footwear Amazon Hot Sox boys Sports Series Novelty Casual Crew Socks $5.99 - $10.99 Buy From Amazon Macy's Alfani Benny Lace-Up Sneakers $59.99 Now $47.99 Buy From Macy's Accessories Sunglass Hut Arnette AN4143 $84 Buy From Sunglass Hut NFL Store Tampa Bay Buccaneers FOCO Face Covering 3-Pack $24.99 Now $18.74 Buy From The NFL Store NFL Store Kansas City Chiefs Solid 2000 mAh Credit Card Powerbank $29.99 Buy From The NFL Store NFL Store NFL Shield New Era Black Logo 9FORTY Adjustable Hat $25.99 Buy From The NFL Store The Big Game Breakdown 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby Super Snake MSRP $95,000 Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Shelby Cobra Chronograph $4,450 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tom Brady Nike Game Jersey $119.99 Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes Nike Game Jersey $119.99 UNIQLOStretch Fit Salvaged Jeans $49.90 Hot Sox boys Sports Series Novelty Casual Crew Socks $5.99-$10.99 Alfani Benny Lace-Up Sneakers $59.99 Now $47.99 Arnette AN4143 $84 Tampa Bay Buccaneers FOCO Face Covering 3-Pack $24.99 Now $18.74 Kansas City Chiefs Solid 2000 mAh Credit Card Powerbank $29.99 NFL Shield New Era Black Logo 9FORTY Adjustable Hat $25.99 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Classy Quattro Featuring The 2021 Audi RS Q8

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 02, 2021

McLaren Releases New F1 Team U-Mask Facemask Collection

In the past, we covered McLaren’s Formula 1 Team releasing a limited supply of the popular We Race As One facemask, commonly seen worn by drivers and team members during the 2020 season. The supercar manufacturer and top-ranked F1 team are excited to announce the release of a new collection of Official Team U-Mask facemasks in new colors sporting the McLaren F1 Team logo. Each mask uses four specific layers of protective yet breathable fabric, making it as safe as possible for anyone wearing it. The Official McLaren F1 Team U-Masks are currently available for $45 by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Essential Big Game Gear

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2021

Get Ready For Period Correct x Hot Wheels Newest Release

Period Correct took to Instagram today to tease its 3rd collaboration with Hot Wheels on a limited edition die cast model. The slightly blurry photo is only decipherable by the trained eye in vintage motorsport vehicles. Previous posts hint that the mystery Hot Wheels is a Group B racing Ford RS200 from the late 1980s. The Period Correct x Hot Wheels releases prove that the partnership results in highly-collectible small scale examples of motorsport history. Release information has yet to be announced, but stay tuned in for a How To Buy special on the Period Correct x Hot Wheels model. For more How To Buy news, Check out How To Buy: Period Correct Reds Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Essential Big Game Gear

The Big Game is taking place this weekend in Tampa, Florida featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, two of the NFL’s most popular teams. It is only right to get yourself geared up for the football game of the year, especially if you are not paying the now five-figure ticket price. This week’s EveryDrive Carry features the top Big Game essentials to root on your favorite team to victory. The products featured in this special are available in both team’s designs by clicking the links below. For more EveryDrive Carry news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Packed Up Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Chevrolet 2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray MSRP $58,900 View All C8 Corvette For Sale The 2021 Stingray’s exterior has a bold, futuristic expression with mid-engine exotic proportions, but it is still unmistakably Corvette. It’s lean and muscular, with an athletic sculptural shape conveying a sense of motion and power from every angle. NFL Store Kansas City Chiefs Variety Face Covering 4-Pack $29.99 Now $20.99 Buy From The NFL Store "As a major fan, this is no surprise but it's definitely worth celebrating, especially after the unprecedented 2020 NFL season. Add this On Field Face Covering to your collection to ensure you are Super Bowl ready." NFL Store "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Black Premium Laptop Backpack" $109.99 Buy From The NFL Store "This sweet computer bag allows you to mix business with pleasure thanks to sweet Tampa Bay Buccaneers graphics. Add this sleek bag to your Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel collection today." Best Buy Vankyo - Leisure 470 Wireless Mini Projector $129.99 Buy From Best Buy VANKYO Leisure 470 mini projector is full HD 1080P supported. Synchronize your smartphone screen on the up to 250’’ Display. This wifi enabled, portable projector is compatible with TV Sticks, PS4, HDMI, VGA, TF, AV, and USB. Sunglass Hut Oakley OO9463 Sutro Lite Patrick Mahomes II $196 Buy From Sunglass Hut Patrick Mahomes II has accomplished more in his first three years in the NFL than most would dare to dream to achieve in a career. Semi-rimless version and inspired by daily life of urban cyclists, this high-wrap shield creates a bold, versatile look, while enhancing vision with Prizm™ Lens Technology. Nike Apple Watch Nike SE (GPS) with Nike Sport Band $309 Now $231.97 Buy From Nike An expansive Retina display so you can see more at a glance. Advanced sensors to track all the ways you move. Powerful features to keep you healthy and safe. Apple Watch SE (GPS) is a lot of watch for a lot less than you expected. Yeti Yeti Tundra 35 Hard Cooler $249.99 Buy From Yeti The YETI Tundra® 35 is the right size for personal hauls or food for a small crew. It boasts up to three inches of PermaFrost™ Insulation and a rugged roto-molded construction for optimum adventure performance. And it fits nicely in an inner tube, making it the perfect, portable cooler to take tubing down the river. Best Buy Bose Bluetooth Soundbar with HDMI-ARC Connectivity $249.99 Buy From Best Buy The Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and improves overall TV sound. Inside there are two full-range drivers angled to deliver wide, spatial sound, while the center tweeter specifically focuses on clarifying speech. And built-in Dolby decoding enhances the audio capabilities of your TV Speaker to deliver a more realistic and satisfying listening experience. Master & Dynamic Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus Ear Phones $299 Buy From Master & Dynamic MW07 PLUS True Wireless Earphones are the second generation of the original MW07. The signature handcrafted acetate body and stainless steel case are infused with updated technical features and maintain our signature brilliant sound. Traeger Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill (GEN 1) $599.99 Buy From Traeger The 2018 Pro grill, now available at a lower price, has a linebacker-like sawhorse chassis for stability. Get even weight distribution while hauling your grill with the brawny new side-lift bar, the all-terrain wheels are rock-solid and make rolling your grill over pavers, rocks, and dirt simple.

By Edward Jones – February 01, 2021

Ducati Introduces New Electric Scooter

Ducati has just added a new two-wheeled vehicle to their portfolio, but it's not what you'd expect. Under their urban electric micro-mobility line, the new PRO-I EVO is an electric scooter that Ducati says "kicks off the new generation of connected vehicles of the Ducati Urban e-Mobility line. This new scooter works in cooperation with an integrated app that can be used to register the vehicles, access technical assistance and see the main functions/performance of the vehicle (battery charge level, distance traveled, etc.). Powering the PRO-I EVO is a 350W motor that's connected to a 280 Wh battery. Unfortunately, we will have to wait to see about getting this in the U.S. as it's only been announced for Europe. See Ducatis For Sale Source: Ducati

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2021

LEGO Announces 2-1 Porsche 911 Kit: Turbo or Targa

LEGO has just unveiled a new way to celebrate the Porsche 911 Turbo and Targa. Their new LEGO Porsche 911 (10295) kit allows builders to choose between building either a Turbo model with a turbocharged engine or a Targa with a removable hood that can be stored under the hood. Features of the kit also include the flat-six engine, working steering, gearshift, emergency brake and tilting seats. In total, it measures over 4 inches tall, 13.5-inches long and 6-inches wide. If you or someone you know is a massive Porsche 911 fan, then this is a perfect gift. It will go on sale on March 1, 2021 for $149.99 on LEGO.com. Shop LEGO.com Source: LEGO.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Classy Quattro Featuring The 2021 Audi...

Whether it’s a new vehicle for the garage or attire for the closet, the balance between comfort and quality is key. It is a recipe that Audi follows precisely with the 2021 RS Q8, the super SUV that puts down serious performance numbers from its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that produces 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on the perfectly balanced outfit to complement the performance-driven Audi RS Q8. Shop the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle Audi 2021 Audi RS Q8 MSRP $114,500 View All Audi RS Q8 For Sale Watch UNDONE UNDONE Type 20 Panda 41.5mm $289 Buy From UNDONE Top Tiger of Sweden Tiger of Sweden Cempsey Coat $700 Now $266 Buy From Ssense Nordstrom Topman Solid Turtleneck Sweater $35 Buy From Nordstrom Topman Topman Classic White T-Shirt $10 Buy From Topman Bottom Nordstrom NEUW Iggy Skinny Fit Jeans $179 Now $107.40 Buy From Nordstrom Footwear Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton-Blend Trouser Socks (3-Pack) $24 Buy From Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph Lauren Asher Wingtip Chelsea Boot $225 Buy From Ralph Lauren Accessories Sunglass Hut Persol PO3108S $317 Buy From Sunglass Hut Nordstrom Nordstrom Mercer Leather Belt $49 Buy From Nordstrom Nordstrom Rack Tumi T-Pass Nylon Brief Pack $495 Now $297.96 Buy From Nordstrom Rack Nordstrom Rack Tumi Small Soft Nylon Travel Satchel $350 Now $209.97 Buy From Nordstrom Rack The Classy Quattro Breakdown 2021 Audi RS Q8 MSRP $114,500 UNDONE Type 20 Panda 41.5mm $289 Tiger of Sweden Cempsey Coat $700 Now $266 Topman Solid Turtleneck Sweater $35 Topman Classic White T-Shirt $10 NEUW Iggy Skinny Fit Jeans $179 Now $107.40 Ralph Lauren Cotton-Blend Trouser Socks (3-pack) $24 Polo Ralph Lauren Asher Wingtip Chelsea Boot $225 Persol PO3108S $317 Nordstrom Mercer Leather Belt $49 Tumi T-Pass Nylon Brief Pack $495 Now $297.96 Tumi Small Soft Nylon Travel Satchel $350 Now $209.97 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Bold And Cold In The Aston Martin DBX

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