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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2020

Porsche Design X Bric's Announce Luggage Collection Release

Porsche Design has a new partnership with Italian luxury accessories designer Bric’s and have recently announced the first collaboration collection. The line-up includes an array of luggage options catering to both casual and business-focused pieces. The Roadster Hard Cases include suitcases and trunks that utilize its weight-saving materials paired with modern technology such as USB connections for on the go charging. The same unique styles and amenities are used in the leather collection as well. A Carbon Collection is manufactured for strength and security in its assortment of bags, weekenders, and small leather goods. The new Bric’s Porsche Design bags and luggage collection is available at the end of 2020 in selected travel-retail stores worldwide. View All Porsche For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2020

PUMA Motorsport Releases The Speedcat Pro Alex Albon Trac...

The PUMA Motorsports race-focused Speedcat Pro shoe is a lightweight structure that provides the grip needed to set the perfect lap time. The silhouette is released in various renditions sporting the designs of notorious Formula 1 race teams. The newest release is the PUMA Motorsport Speedcat Pro Alex Albon Edition. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing collaboration is made from a lightweight fireproof fabric, carbon fiber, and traction grabbing rubber. The Speedcat Pro is a special edition release and is limited to 23 pairs, which refers to Alex Albon’s driver number. Shop the newest Speedcat Pro from PUMA Motorsport x Aston Martin Redbull Racing x Alex Albon by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2020

McLaren Releases We Race As One Team U-Mask

If you are a fan of Formula One racing and Team McLaren, then you have seen the orange face-masks worn by all team members every Sunday. The McLaren orange mask design includes the campaign “We Race As One” which is the slogan during the 2020 season. McLaren has released the We Race As One Team U-Masks for pre-order on The Official McLaren Store. The masks are developed by U-Earth, with extra layering for added protection and breathability. McLaren has stated that 100% of the proceeds will go towards the We Race As One Charity. Pre-order the McLaren Team U-Mask by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2020

Lamborghini Releases Kids Fall/Winter 2020 Collection

Lamborghini is a brand that many car enthusiasts have to thank for being the gateway into the automotive world. Whether it was a poster of a Murcielago or a glimpse of an Aventador traveling down the road, everyone has the moment that they fell in love. Lamborghini understands that their fan base is not only made up of people that hold valid driver’s licenses but also kids drawing renditions of Lamborghinis in art class. The Italian supercar manufacturer recently teamed up with Danish kids wear company KABOOKI to create the first Fall/Winter 2020 collection. The new collection inspired by the designs of Lamborghini feature top to toe clothing to keep warm during the colder months. The new Lamborghini x KABOOKI Kids Fall/Winter 2020 Collection is available by clicking the link below. Shop Now " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2020

Ralph Lauren Designs New Face Masks For A Cause

The current events regarding COVID-19 are affecting every corner of the world. Many are doing their part to lend a helping hand to alleviate some of the struggles. Ralph Lauren released a line of face-masks using an array of iconic patterns and traditional materials. The newly designed masks are designed using a moldable nose bridge, breathable cotton inner lining, and two internal layers of non-woven fabric for 80% particle filtration. Ralph Lauren will be donating proceeds, which is 40% of the purchase price, to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Each mask is shipped with a matching drawstring case. The Ralph Lauren face-masks are currently available and found by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Ralph Lauren

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 30, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: American Made

Simplicity has been the rubric for American engineering and fashion throughout the years. The idea that a vehicle is merely built to take you from point A to point B, while fashion is designed to be a functional aspect of everyday life. We tend to think of American muscle as an early era, where technology and trends were only ideas being tested. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe highlights the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and clothing brands that continue to operate as American made in the U.S.A. The American Made Breakdown Dodge Challenger SRT Demon MSRP $84,995 Detroit Watch Company 44mm Woodward Chronograph $1,895 Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket $188 Buck Mason Slurb Curved Hem Tee $35 Freenote Cloth Portola Classic Taper Denim $250 Allen Edmonds A-Trainer Lace-Up Sneakers $275 Melin Huntsman Hat $89 Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses $176 Lifetime Leather Belt $60 TGT Americana 2.0 Leather Wallet $36 Vehicle Certified by the National Hot Rod Association as the world’s fastest quarter-mile production vehicle with an elapsed time of 9.65 seconds at 140 miles per hour, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is capable of achieving 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds and is the first-ever production car to achieve a front-wheel lift as certified by Guinness World Records. View All Dodge Demon For Sale Watch The Chicago Watch Company Woodward Chronograph features a polished 44mm case. Automatic self-winding movement with day date window. Crown with black and white Detroit Fleur-de-Lys. The caseback displays all cities Woodward Avenue crosses from Detroit to Pontiac. Calf Leather band with deployant clasp. Shop Now Top The Taylor Stitch Long Haul sets itself apart from predecessors and contemporaries alike with its refined design and ultra-rugged construction. This Ash Sashiko variation packs a truly one-of-a-kind visual wallop without sacrificing wearability—it's an everyday jacket that never quite gets old. Shop Now Buck Mason Slub is a lightly textured fabric made on small batch, low-tension looms. The neck opening leaves room to breathe, while the rounded shirttail lends a tailored look to an everyday essential. Shop Now Bottom “We began development of the Freenote Cloth Kaihara Mills denim roughly two years ago with the aim to develop a classic custom denim that we could showcase in all of our fits. We started with ultra dark indigo yarns with light slub and tighter tension weave. The fill yarn is less pronounced compared to our current denim offering. We were looking for quicker and more pronounced fades.” -Freenote Cloth Shop Now Footwear The Allen Edmonds A-Trainer is a contemporary sport inspired sneaker designed for a comfortable all-day wear. Crafted from premium European leather and durable cushioning for cushioning. Shop Now Accessories The Melin Huntsman features treated waxed cotton crown panels from Halley Stevensons, the iconic mill based in Dundee, Scotland with a heritage of producing the world's most premium waxed cottons since 1864. Custom molded logo trim. Shop Now The Oakley Holbrook features a perfect blend of performance and lifestyle aesthetics including a Three-Point-Fit system, hollow point hinges, and unobtanium earsock and adjustable nose pads, all of which add comfort, durability and stability. Shop Now “This authentic Lifetime Leather belt is one of our best selling products and can be worn any season with any outfit. We've built it so the belt buckle is removable and can be exchanged for any buckle you want! Each belt is hand cut and finished with authentic full grain leather. We also wax each belt with genuine beeswax for added durability and shine.” - Lifetime Leather Shop Now TGT uses three red, white, and blue stripes on the new Americana as an update on a classic. Its ultrasoft premium leather is Italian lambskin. The hardy, robust elastic and durable canvas are woven in the USA with custom sourced thread. The wallet is double-stitched for extra reliability and rigorously checked for quality before shipping. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2020

melin X FOTORNR Huntsman is Made for Adventurers

Aj van de Water, aka “FOTORNR” was made for adventure. Whether he’s offroading the local mountains in his jeep or running a photography seminar deep in the Mojave Desert, you’ll only find him outdoors. melin partnered up with FOTORNR to bring you the melin X FOTORNR Huntsman. Built with a crushable Halley Stevensons waxed canvas exterior, a durable Nappa leather strapback, moisture-wicking lining, and an antimicrobial sweatband, the FOTORNR Huntsman is the go-to for outdoor content creators who live to get the shot. To purchase your melin X FOTORNR Huntsman, be sure to click the button below to visit melin.com. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2020

Radinn Electric Jetboard Is the Coolest Way To Travel on ...

Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida, we don't get many waves. In fact, the water is flat quite often. This prompts many surfers around here to either head to the east coast or find other ways to enjoy watersports. If you're someone, like me, who enjoys watersports even when there aren't waves, then you ought to check out the Radinn electric jetboard. This board allows the rider to enjoy the feeling of flying across the water without any waves. It's powered an electric powerpack that's both quiet and has plenty of juice for a thrilling time on the water. Those interested will be glad to know that Prestige Marine located in South Florida can hook you up. They offer the entire lineup of Radinn jetboards, from the easy-going Free-Ride to the exciting and agile Carve. For more information, be sure to contact sales@prestigemarine.co for more information. https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6zrNTFB-n/

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 29, 2020

The New Mercedes-AMG X Hartan Kinderwagenwerks Stroller

Safety and Performance is the main focus for Mercedes-Benz AMG, ensuring the most premium travel experience. That same thought has gone into the most recent partnership with Hartan Kinderwagenwerk. The luxury duo has released a modern designed stroller named the AMG GT to transition Mercedes driving experience for the newest addition to the family. The stroller is equipped with a comfortably stable seating unit with the ability to fold and recline. Leather-covered handles provide comfort, while a handbrake has been added to provide a safer option. Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale The wheels come directly from the original AMG design, the same satin black and chrome rim flange off an AMG GT63. Accessories are paired with the stroll such as an organizer, bed lining, umbrella guard, diaper bag, wind apron, and a protective headrest. The quality of materials used to make up the Hartan AMG GT stroller makes it both stylish and functional for the precious cargo. The stroller is available in two color options featuring red and green contour stitching. Shop the newest Mercedes-AMG x Hartan Kinderwagenwerks stroller collaboration by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2020

BMW Lifestyle Teases New Luggage Collection

BMW lifestyle products have made the driving experience more comfortable and stylish as the seasons change. Including outerwear and luggage options to make the travel process more efficient. The most recent sneak peek released on the BMW Instagram page features a luggage set sporting the infamous M-Division logo in two styles. A large BMW M Suitcase was done, in a stealthy gloss black and a satin-finished emblem. The smaller option is the BMW M Trolley. Shown in a glossy gold and satin black finish. Both fitted with smooth-gliding wheels as well as a coded locking system. These two new products from BMW Lifestyle are sure to have anyone traveling in style. Shop the BMW Lifestyle collection by clicking on the link below. Shop BMW Lifestyle Image Source: Instagram/@bmw

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