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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 10, 2020

Holiday Gift List For The Modern Day Supercar Enthusiast

As the holiday season approaches, many are scrambling to put together the perfect gifts for the loved ones in their lives. Buying the perfect gift for something is hard enough, let alone shopping for a car enthusiast that has an expensive taste for super and hypercars. Until the day where you can hand that special someone the keys to a McLaren 765LT for the holidays, we have compiled a list of gifts that will impress and not break the bank. The holiday gift list for the supercar enthusiast is the best one-stop-shop for the one in the family with expensive supercar taste. Shop all the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Puma Puma X Porsche Legacy Baseball Cap $40 Shop Now Go everywhere in this classic baseball cap from Porsche Legacy and PUMA. With all-over graphics inspired by GPS mapping, bold 3D textured Turbo wording at the front and sleek Porsche branding, this cap celebrates racing style in its finest form. Amazon Top Gear Ultimate Supercars Book $47.95 Shop Now Supercars are the purest and most extreme expression of automotive performance there is - and no one knows the territory better than the TopGear team. With ever-increasing power outputs, radical new designs, and eye-popping price tags, this book is a celebration of the supercar in all its fabulous glory. B&H Photo Klipsch T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones (McLaren Edition) $249 Shop Now Combining a rugged design with audio clarity and deep bass, the T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones from Klipsch are an ideal set of earbuds for those with an active lifestyle. Amazon Ferrari Pilota Evo Stainless Steel Quartz Watch with Leather Calfskin Strap $250 Shop Now As the name suggests, the Pilota Evo collection elevates the design and functionality of the original Pilota, enhancing and refining the sophisticated character and unique, sporty styling of the family. Lego LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 $379.99 Shop Now This 3,696-piece LEGO Technic 1:8 scale model car brings you closer than ever to the real Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 Exotics Racing Ultimate Exotic Car Racing Las Vegas Motor Speedway Starting at $1395 Shop Now Get ready for the Ultimate Exotic Car Racing Experience of a lifetime and drive 5 of the world's most high-performance exotic cars in a day you'll never forget!

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Cadillac Comfort

Throughout the week, we have outfits for work as well as what to wear out on the weekend, depending on the occasion. The times where we wake up feeling like a lazy day is in order, it is less of a thought, until now. Comfort is key in this week’s Wheels X Wardrobe, and what better way to compliment this Lululemon inspired fit than with a comfortable ride to match. The all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the epidemy of comfort, from the interior amenities to the unmatched ride quality. View all 2021 Cadillac Escalades for sale and shop the styles featured in this special by clicking the link below. Vehicle 2021 Cadillac Escalade MSRP $76,195 View All 2021 Escalade For Sale Watch Suunto 7 GPS Sport Smartwatch With Wear OS By Google $399 Shop Now Top Lululemon Navigation Stretch Down Hoodie $268 Shop Now Lululemon Engineered Warmth Long Sleeve $148 Shop Now Bottom Lululemon ABC Pant Slim 32"Warpstreme $128 Shop Now Footwear Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Hiker Boot $250 Shop Now Accessories Lululemon Navigation Loft Trapper Hat $68 Shop Now Smith Pathway Sunglasses $82.07 Shop Now Lululemon Navigation Down Glove $78 Shop Now Lululemon Navigation Down Scarf $78 Shop Now

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2020

Ducati Confirms 3 Electric Bicycles Coming to U.S.

Ducati has confirmed that three of their electric bikes will be coming to the United States. To be more specific, they will be available starting in February 2021. The bikes that will be heading to our shores include the E-Scramber, MIG-S and TK-01RR. Each of these bikes are powered by electric motors, but the latter two are meant for serious mountain biking. As far as pricing goes, the E-Scrambler will carry a $3,995 for the yellow and black color, while a matte black version will come in Spring 2021. Then there's the MIG-S starting at $5,295 and the TK-01RR at $7,995. These bikes will be available for test rides at participating Ducati e-bike dealership. For more information, visit Ducati.com.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Discover The Puma Motorsport Sparco Speedcat OG+ Shoe Col...

Although highly competitive, motorsport racing also has a side to which companies come together within the industry to help create the best products for on and off the track. Puma Motorsport is working with Sparco, a leader in auto parts and accessories, on the release of the Speedcat OG+ Motorsport Shoe. The Speedcat has led the race in iconic track footwear with Sparco by its side for the past 20 years. The minimalistic track-focused silhouette offers the lightweight performance and grip needed to hold steady through any corner. The collection now features four unique colorways sporting the Sparco logo on the tongue of each shoe. Shop any of the Puma Speedcat OG+ Sparco Motorsport Shoes by clicking the links below. Maize Yellow/Puma Black $100 Shop Now Puma Black/Whisper White $100 Shop Now Star Sapphire/White/Black $100 Shop Now Quarry Grey/Violet/Energy Yellow $100 Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

Apple Releases The AirPod Max Headphones

Apple just released the newest addition to its audio line up in the form of wireless over the ear headphones, a first for the tech conglomerate. The Apple AirPods Max takes on a completely new design featuring materials of all kinds to help ensure a quality and comfortable listening experience for the user. The design takes on a minimalistic approach, from the breathable knit mesh headband to the stainless-steel frame/telescopic arms, and anodized aluminum ear cups. The technology of the previous Apple AirPod Pro earbuds finds itself into the headphones with functions like noise-canceling and transparency modes available at the touch. The simple Bluetooth pairing process has also been transformed to make switching to other devices seamless. The Apple AirPod Max comes in an array of color options including Silver, Space Grey, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green with the ability to choose custom engraving. The new Apple AirPod Max headphones are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

The New Porsche Design x Bric's Roadster Backpack Collect...

Whether it is head to toe fashion or sport-inspired clothing and accessories, Porsche Design has the collection for any owner or enthusiast. Porsche Design’s close partnership with Bric’s, a leader in luxury luggage, is just one of the many collaborations that result in high-quality premium products for the public. The newest release from Porsche Design x Bric’s is the Roadster Backpack collection, a series of both nylon and leather backpacks sized to help with daily or weekend commutes. The sizes for each style include extra small and medium, with all the necessary space for laptops, cell phones, planners, etc. Made from durable materials, the Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster collection not only looks great but also performs as a long-lasting accessory with the branding of German excellence. The Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster Backpack Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2020

WOLF Introduces 'British Racing Green': Inspiration Becom...

Presented by WOLF - Family-run for five generations, British heritage brand WOLF has been producing handcrafted collections for over 185 years, focusing on premium design and craftsmanship. The head of the WOLF family business since taking over from his father, Philip, some 20+ years ago Simon has always dreamt of combining his love of British automobiles; the natural beauty of worn leather, polished metals and perfect lines into a totally new design for a WOLF collection for watch care and travel. After 3 years and many design elevations, the collection he envisioned is now ready. British Racing Green – A truly English collection of watch winders, boxes and watch rolls; perfect for the collector, safekeeper and watch traveler. From soft pebble grain leather, reflective of the sumptuous seat interior of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 owned by Philip Wolf IV to the spoked wheels of the 1953 Aston Martin DB 2/4 and the Alcantara headliner of the venerable 1997 Aston DB7. The collection is filled with innovation and style at every turn. From revolutionary quad angled paneled lid to gold hardware accents throughout with cushion close hinges and fluted bezels. These design firsts from WOLF cement their place as an industry leader. WOLF watch winders are more technically advanced than any other with features such as their patented technology to count turns per day, programming start delay for power reserve watches and cycles of activity that never over wind your timepieces. When asked what spurred him on throughout the difficult design and technical difficulties of designing something so innovative Mr. Wolf had this to say, “To have the luxury to design a collection that reflects ones love and passions is a gift that balances the long hours and tough times a company with over 185 years of history that WOLF has weathered.” said Simon, adding, “British Racing Green represents my love of cars, watches and the building of the perfect place to garage ones watches. Visit WOLF1834.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

Porsche Design x Type 7 Release A New T-Shirt And Hoodie

Type 7 is known for highlighting all that Porsche has to offer in past, present, and future forms, with complete backing from the manufacturer itself. The partnership continues with a Porsche Design x Type 7 merchandise release, featuring a minimal t-shirt and hoodie. Each style proudly sports the iconic Type 7 logo, ensuring that anyone wearing the collection is a Porsche enthusiast. The Porsche Design x Type 7 t-shirt and hoodie are currently available, with more product teased to release soon. Shop the Porsche Design x Type 7 clothing collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

EveryDrive Carry: Work Days With The AMG GT63

The things that everyone grabs when heading out the door are classified as essentials because they are tools needed to get through the day, whether it is a day at work or a weekend adventure. The EveryDrive Carry highlights the essential products and accessories to keep in your vehicle, depending on the weekday occasion. This week, we are focusing on pairing the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 4-Door with the essentials needed to help get through the work week efficiently. Click the links below to shop any of the products featured in the special. Mercedes-Benz AMG 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 MSRP $140,250 View All AMG GT 63 For Sale The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door model delivers driving experiences in new dimensions and extends the AMG model family. The coupé is the first four-door sports car from Affalterbach and draws directly on the legendary SLS and AMG GT models of success. Neiman Marcus Dolce & Gabbana Reusable DG Logo & Heart Print Cloth Mask Face Covering $90 Shop Now Dolce & Gabbana unisex face covering in overall DG print with heart is a comfortable reusable mask that features comfortable cloth straps. The non-medical grade face mask comes as a one size fits most. Huckberry Ember Travel Mug $179.95 Shop Now From the first sip to the inevitable last, the Ember Travel Mug keeps your coffee exactly as hot as you like it. Translating the technology from their regular mugs into a leak-proof, go-anywhere travel version, Ember has upped the battery life to three hours and added LED temperature controls to the exterior. Ssense Burberry Black Logo Folding Umbrella $190 Shop Now Collapsible umbrella in black. Logo printed in white at face. Wraparound press-stud fastening. Engraved logo and multicolor wrist-strap at black handle. Logo-engraved silver-tone hardware Goal Zero Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Power Bank $199.95 Shop Now Charge quickly on the move, Fast-charging Power Delivery gives you more power in less time. Charge USB-C laptops, phones, and tablets using the 60W USB-C Power Delivery port. Ssense Gucci Black 'Gucci Signature' Keyring $250 Shop Now Buffed leather keyring in black featuring embossed logo pattern. Logo plaque at face. Logo-engraved lobster clasp and keyring fastenings. Silver-tone hardware. Ssense Gucci Black Animalier Bee Wallet $395 Shop Now Grained leather bifold wallet in black. Signature hardware and gold-tone logo stamp at face. Eight card slots, four note slots, and embossed logo at interior. Tonal textile lining. Antiqued gold-tone hardware. Bloomingdales Mont Blanc PIX Blue Ballpoint Pen $225 Shop Now Inspired by the Bauhaus architecture movement and named after the historical PIX trademark, this writing instrument offers a puristic design and a high simplicity of use. Blue precious resin cap and barrel with elegant platinum-coated details. Smythson Smythson Portobello Notebook $295 Shop Now The classic Portobello notebook is handcrafted in England from the finest leather and makes the perfect desk companion. Our signature gilt-edged, pale blue featherweight paper and a grosgrain bookmark are elegant finishing touches Nordstrom Tumi Alpha Bravo Aviano Slim Briefcase $450 Shop Now Durable ballistic nylon means lasting appeal for a slim, stylish briefcase trimmed with rich leather. A smart Add-A-Bag strap means you can easily attach it to the handle of a rolling suitcase for added convenience. Amazon Escort MAX360C Radar Detector & Escort M1 Dash Camera Bundle $767.48 Shop Now High Definition video coverage of your drive, partnered with long range accurate radar protection creating one of the safest and most well informed driving experiences on the road. IWC IWC BIG PILOT’S WATCH EDITION “LE PETIT PRINCE” $12,900 Shop Now The Garmin Instinct is a GPS smartwatch built to break convention, conquer the elements and endure longer. It’s now taking battery life to a new level by harnessing the power of the sun.

By Edward Jones – December 07, 2020

New Puma x Porsche RS-X³ 911 GT3 R Sneakers Released

Porsche and Puma Motorsport recently teamed up to release a special collection paying homage to the eras of 911 Turbo models. The duo has gone from the public roads to the track with its newest release of the Porsche Legacy RS-X3 911 GT3 R sneakers. The low-cut silhouette is constructed from a mesh upper with suede overlays featuring a sleek black and red colorway. The midsole is made from a thick cushioning making the wear experience comfortable daily, whether on or off the track. The bottoms are covered in traction grabbing rubber, which is also seen on the toe cap, used for better pedal control. The Porsche 911 logo is placed throughout the sneaker, including a custom hang tag looped through the laces. The Porsche x Puma Motorsport Legacy RS-X3 911 GT3 R sneaker is currently available by clicking the link below. Buy Now Source: PUMA.com

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