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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 Edward Jones – July 02, 2020

Porsche Design's New Customizable Watch Has Over 1.5 Mill...

After six years, Porsche Design is finally ready to launch their most ambitious timepiece project to date. In fact, this may be one of the most ambitious timepiece projects we've ever seen before because this is the world's first production watch that's so insanely customizable that even the movement can be customized. With over 1.5 million possibilities, their new configurator for the watch allows customers to pick options like the color, types of leather, decorative stitching, material, dial, bezel and more. Their goal was not only to allow customers to create the watch of their dreams but also to create something that perfectly matches the Porsche in their garage. Porsche Design notes that in the future, they will also add more options that align with other Porsche models. "We have come full circle: Ferdinand Alexander Porsche laid the foundation of the Porsche Design brand in 1972 with the Chronograph 1 after having previously designed the Porsche 911 and now we are taking the next logical step and are applying the principles of sports car engineering to the production of our Swiss-made wristwatches," says Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design Group. "The Porsche Design custom-built Timepieces program is making the dream of many 911 drivers come true." The new Porsche design custom-built Timepieces program will begin in the U.S. on September 1, 2020 at all participating Porsche dealerships. The online configurator will also be launched in September 2020 as well. For more information, click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – July 01, 2020

Tudor Launches New Black Bay Fifty-Eight "Navy Blue"

Tudor has debuted their new Black Bay Fifty-Eight "Navy Blue" watch, which gets its name from the first Tudor divers' watch waterproof to 200 meters unveiled back in 1958 (hence the name "Fifty-Eight"). The new watch features a 39 mm case, keeping with the characteristics of the original proportions of the one from the late 1950s. On the dial, the color blue is used extensively, keeping with the tradition of blue sports watches by Tudor. The blue color also matches the sea that this watch was designed for. Just like the watch that acts as the inspiration, this new watch is also waterproof to 200 meters (660 feet). It also features a 70-hour power reserve from the Manufacture Calibre MT5402. To keep the watch on the wrist are three strap/bracelet options: blue Jacquard fabric with silver band, blue “soft touch”, and “riveted” steel. The variants with the straps carry a price tag of $3,375 while the one with a steel bracelet is priced at $3,700. Visit TudorWatch.com

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2020

Hublot Launches New Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph...

Hublot has debuted their new Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph ‘Watches of Switzerland Group’ Special Edition timepiece to celebrate their partnership with The Watches of Switzerland Group. It was unveiled during a digital event hosted by Brian Duffy, CEO of The Watches of Switzerland Group, and Craig Bolton, Executive Director of The Watches of Switzerland Group. This new timepiece has a 45mm black ceramic case with a black skeleton dial. Red details can also be found in the dial, as well as on the alligator and rubber strap. The movement of this watch is carried out by the HUB1155 self-winding chronograph movement that boasts a 42-hour power reserve. If you're interested, this watch will be available exclusively from The Watches of Switzerland Group's showrooms in the United Kingdom and the United States. You can learn more about The Watches of Switzerland Group and find a showroom nearby by clicking the button below. Visit TheWOSGroupPPLC.com

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2020

Audemars Piguet Debuts Three New Royal Oak Offshore Selfw...

Audemars Piguet has launched a trio of new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs. Each of these watches come with a black ceramic case that measures in at 44 mm. They also have the same style of dials with white subdials, as well as the Calibre 3126 / 3840 taking care of the movement. There is one thing that makes each of these pieces different and it's as apparent as ever. The three different watches sport different color schemes: blue, green and rose gold. The blue and green variants are very similar, with the color being the only difference. For the rose gold version, rose gold is used for the bezel and pushpiece guards as opposed to ceramic. Because of this, the blue and green variants carry a price of $34,900 while the rose gold is priced at $42,900. You can learn more by clicking the button below to see all of Audemars Piguet's watches in the Royal Oak Offshore collection Visit AudemarsPiguet.com Source: AudemarsPiguet.com

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2020

New IWC Schaffhausen Watch Celebrates an Aviation Milestone

Last year, in 2019, two British pilots named Steve Boultbee-Brooks and Matt Jones achieved an aviation first by circumnavigating the world in a Spitfire airplane. It took them four months to complete the 34,000 km trip (around 26,700 miles) that brought them to 20 different countries. IWC Schaffhausen is celebrating their feat with their new Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Spitfire Edition "Mission Accomplished" with a bronze dial 46.2 mm case. IWC Schaffhausen says the bronze case will develop a distinctive patina It also features an olive green dial with a brown calfskin strap. This new watch is limited to just 500 examples and it has a price tag of $15,800. You can learn more about the Big Pilot's Watch Big Date Spitfire Edition "Mission Accomplished" by clicking the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 26, 2020

Perrelet Debuts New Turbine CAMO Limited Edition Watch

Perrelet has just debuted their new limited edition Turbine CAMO watch, which will have just 100 pieces made. Like the other Turbine watches form Perrelet, this one features a spinning dial but this time it exposes a light green, olive green, beige and brown camouflage pattern. Joining the camo design of the turbine is the rubber strap that includes a buckle with a black PVD coating. The case that encapsulates the in-house automatic movement measures in at 44mm and is made of stainless steel with black PVD coating. The movement boasts a 42 hour power reserve. It comes with a price of CHF 4,780, which equates to around $5,000. To learn more, be sure to contact Perrelet by clicking the button below. Visit Perrelet.com

By Edward Jones – June 25, 2020

TAG Heuer Launches Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edi...

TAG Heuer is continuing their 160th anniversary with their new Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition watch. The name "Montreal" comes from the collection of automatic chronographs that were launched way back in 1972. This new reinterpretation of the classic White Heuer Montreal watch is now set to be limited to just 1,000 pieces. The original on the left and the new Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited Edition. This new watch features the Calibre Heuer 02 manufacture that is comprised of 168 components and has a power reserve of 80 hours. The movement is also very thin, at 6.95 mm, allowing it to be less obtrusive on the wearer's wrist and more comfortable. As for the design of the watch itself, it has a blue and white opaline dial with blue "azurage" subdials and yellow Super-LumiNova highlights. The case measures in at 39 mm and is constructed out of polished steel. Keeping the watch on the wearer's wrist is a blue alligator leather strap with a polished steel folding clasp. It comes with a price tag of $6,750 and can be pre-ordered now by clicking the button below. View on TAGHeuer.com

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2020

New Urwerk UR-210 Last Edition Debuted

Urwerk is sending off their UR-210 model eight years after its unveiling with one final watch called the UR-210 Last Edition. This new watch boasts the same design and mechanics of the other UR-210 models, but this one has plenty of stylistic differences. First, the case itself is made of steel and titanium with black DLC coating. Matching the case is the central carousel that tells the hour within it and the minutes on the end of its hand. The numerals and indexes of the watch are in orange, while hints of green can be found on the 60-minute marker and power reserve indicator. A black leather strap is also included to continue the black and orange color palette. This is a stunning way to send off the magnificent UR-210 model. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2020

Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer in Rose Gold Debuted

Frederique Constant has unveiled a new Rose Gold version of their phenomenal Classic Worldtimer Manufacture. This new watch has an 18-carat gold case for the very first time since the watch was added to Frederique Constant's collections about 10 years ago. New rose-gold accents can also be found on the four hands. On the dial, a map of the world is portrayed while the 24 world time zones and their 24 principal cities can be easily read. Creating the visual of the world map is a blue dial that matches beautifully with the rose golf. Below the map is a date counter at the 6 o'clock that has a sunray guilloché pattern in blue. For those who travel and want to tell time on their own watch no matter where they're at, this watch is a must-have. The new Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer in Rose Gold is limited to just 88 pieces and it comes with a price tag of $14,995. For more information, click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2020

New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon G...

A new version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT watch is here. This new version of the watch comes with a 44mm sandblasted titanium case that's has a a grey ceramic screw-locked crown and pushpiece. Inside this case is the manufacture calibre 2954 movement that's manually wound with a power reserve of 237 hours and, of course, a flying tourbillon. As for changes when compared to the 2018 version that this one replaces, they can mainly be found on the dial. Instead of the black and gold hands and indices, they are now grey and match the rubber strap and alligator strap. To learn more about his watch, be sure to click the button below. Learn More

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