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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 – May 20, 2020

Eberhard & Co. Unveil New Aquadate Chrono

Eberhard & Co. has just announced that their new Aquadate collection will include a chronograph version called the Aquadate Chrono. This new watch stays true to the Aquadate's design, but adds two new dials thanks to it being a chronograph. The bezel is complete with knurls while the dial has a “vagues-droites” decoration and their shield at 12 o'clock. Staying true to the name, the date is still viewable at 6 o'clock is the date. As for the case holding this all in, it measures in at 41 mm and is water-resistant up to 10 meters. Eberhard & Co. has picked a "Charme" type bracelet that matches the case perfectly. This new variant of the Aquadate is a perfect addition to Eberhard & Co.'s lineup. To learn more, be sure to click the button below. View Eberhard & Co. Website

By Edward Jones – May 15, 2020

Meet the BOVET 1822's Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter One

The Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter One was developed to specifically showcase the House of Bovet’s Engineering Brilliance featuring a 48mm mono-block Sapphire-crystal in a “writing slope” trademarked case. The premier of this case in sapphire enables the architecture of this exclusive movement to follow the case’s inclined construction at the angle of 9 degrees.⠀⠀The Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter One is presented with a hemispherical hand-painted precision moon that glows in the dark and a domed transparent red quartz dial. It features 486 hand-finished components and a remarkable 10-days power reserve with a single barrel. The price for this magnificent timepiece is $319,000. For more information, click the button below. Visit BOVET.com Technical Specifications Reference Number - R260012, convex red quartz dial LIMITED EDITION to 60 movements including 10 with red quartz dial CASE Type - Dimier « writing desk » case Diameter - 48 mm Thickness - 15.50 mm Material - Sapphire with titanium lugs and case-back Bracelet - Full skin alligator Buckle - 18K white gold ardillon Water resistance - 30m MOVEMENT Caliber - 17DM04-SMP Type - Hand wound movement Diameter - 38.50 mm (17 1/3’’’) Frequency - 18,000V/h Power reserve - 10 days Functions - Hours, minutes, seconds on tourbillon, big date, power reserve indicator, hemispherical moon phase indicator DIAL - Convex red or green or blue quartz or propeller shape dial GUARANTEE - 5 years PATENTS - Spherical winding system Tridimensional toothing with multiple gearing Double face flying tourbillon PRICE - $319,000 USD

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2020

Commemorative Garmin MARQ Captain: American Magic Edition...

Garmin has just announced the new MARQ Captain: American Magic Edition, a new commemorative watch that was designed in cooperation with the Magic sailing team. This new watch celebrates the sailing team through is navy blue silicone strap and the engraving of the 'American Magic' name on the bezel. Also coming with this watch are two exclusively designed faces. “We are honored to be a part of the legacy of American Magic and its challenge for the America’s Cup, the pinnacle of sailing and the oldest trophy in international sports,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “We are confident our watches will give the team the tools they need as they compete for the trophy, and we’re excited to be a part of their success on the water.” When owners of the watch open up the box it comes in, they'll be presented with preloaded topographical maps and support for BlueChart® g3 coastal charts and GPS navigation, maritime profiles and weather forecasts. As you can see, this is perfect for any sailor or boater. There are, of course, plenty of other features like SOS functionality, contactless payment and more that come loaded with the watch. As for the battery that powers all of this, it has 12 days of life when in smartwatch mode, 48 hours in UltraTrac mode and 9 hours in GPS mode with music. You can pick one up for yourself now for $1,750. Shop Now Source: Garmin

By Edward Jones – May 13, 2020

MB&F Launches New Starfleet Explorer, An Intergalactic Clock

In 2014, MB&F unveiled the Starfleet Machine as their very first table-clock collaboration with L’Epée. Now, this stunning clock is returning in a much more compact size. Introducing the new Starfleet Explorer. This new clock measures in with a diameter of 16.5 cm and a height of 11 cm, allowing it to fit in any table space. As for its design, it's pack with stunning features. At the top, the minutes can be read on a revolving disc when they appear in the center of a fixed metal aperture. The ring below tells the hour, but it's motionless, with a revolving hand indicating the hour. A new and exciting element for the Starfleet Explorer are the three small spacecrafts that are lined up along the the same axis and are found in the movement itself. They revolve around the movement, with one full turn every five minutes. The Starfleet Explorer is truly a mothership, guiding the trio of spacecrafts. The new MB&F Starfleet Explorer is available in three different and vibrant colors: blue, green and red. They are, of course, very limited with only 99 examples being made for each color. For the price and more information, be sure to click the button down below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2020

URWERK Unveils New UR-100 Gold Edition, Inspired by 'Star...

Coming in as the fourth example in URWERK's UR-100 collection is the stunning Gold Edition. This watch has heavy sci-fi cues, borrowing mostly from 'Star Wars." For example, the gold is reminiscent of the lovable C-3PO and the asymmetry of the watch was done to pay homage to Millennium Falcon. I should note that this watch cannot measure parsecs. "Science fiction has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration since the creation of URWERK," explains co-founder Martin Frei. “I have been a sci-fi geek since childhood. My father was an engineer and worked on incredible projects, including the Apollo Lunar Rover. He was my hero and left me his love of the cosmos and his dreams. " Now, onto the mechanics and materials of the watch. The UR-100 Gold Edition is cut out of a solid blotch of 2N yellow gold with a satin-finish. Housing the beautiful UR 12.01 caliber is a sapphire crystal bubble. As for the telling time, there are rotating satellites that display the hours and minutes in an incredibly unique and sci-fi fashion-- the engineering behind this kind of movement is staggering. And while it may now measure parsecs, the UR-100 does measure the Earth's rotation and orbit around the sun. URWERK is also doing something very charitable with the example of the UR-100 Gold Edition, called "C-19." This watch will be auctioned off and the money raised will benefit organizations helping fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about the auction by clicking the button below. Learn More Source: URWERK

By Edward Jones – May 05, 2020

New Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec in Blue and Gold

Chronoswiss is following up their beautiful Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue with a new version that adds gold. Now, if you're looking for a more royal or beautiful color combination than blue and gold, I doubt you'd find it. All it takes is a quick glance at the dial of this new timepiece to know that blue and gold go together so unbelievably well. The exquisite engineering and craftsmanship of Chronoswiss allow for layers upon layers of the colors to stack upon each other, resulting in a stunning display. The timepiece itself is has a 44mm case with automatic movement, courtesy of the Caliber C.301. On the dials, you'll notice they have been intricately guilloched by hand. As for the strap, the material used is Hornback crocodile leather that's been handsewn. Other characteristics that should be noted include its water resistance depth of 100m, 42-hour power reserve, and Super-LumiNova indexes. If you're interested in this magnificent timepiece, only 50 will be created. Learn More Source: Chronoswiss.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2020

Zenith Unveils the CHRONOMASTER Revival Shadow

A legend exists among horologists. The rumor is that Zenith decided to build their Chronomaster in an anodized titanium case for the ultimate dark accessory. However, as the 1970's were approaching, bling and luster were the zeitgeist of the watch industry. Therefore, after a few prototypes were made, this black beast was shelved for a time when we needed a dark hero. Much like Batman returning to Gotham, Zenith has unveiled the CHRONOMASTER Revival Shadow. Once was old is new again, and as such, five decades have not taken anything from this timepiece. Each one is built in a 37mm case that was saved from the smelter. These are original machined cases from 1969. They house a movement with Hz frequency, power reserve of 50 hours, and a rated depth of 5 atmospheres (50 meters or 164 feet). Here are all the finer details: Movement Movement:El Primero 4061 Automatic Components 282 Frequency 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) Power reservemin. 50 hours Functions Central chronograph hand 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock Hours and minutes in the centre Small seconds at 9 o'clock Tachymetric scale Case Material:Microblasted titanium Diameter37 mm Water-resistance: 5 ATM Dial:Black Strap Black "Cordura" effect Clasp: Microblasted titanium pin buckle If you value the history of iconic watches, this limited run wont last long. Click the link below for all the info. Learn More

By Edward Jones – April 30, 2020

Only 100 Examples of the Hublot Big Bang One Click Marc F...

Hublot has collaborated with Marc Ferrero, the master of storytelling art, for a second time and the result is the magnificent Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero watch. This new watch comes in either a white or black styling, a design that was chosen with a very specific reason. "I love the power of black and white. Shade and light. Yin and Yang. One is profound, unclassifiable, eternal. The other is subtle, ethereal, timeless. They symbolise antitheses and complementarity. Choosing black and white means getting straight to the point without an excess of tonalities. The black and white make ‘Lipstick’ even more graphic and its red lipstick—more magnetic." - Marc Ferrero The white watch comes with satin-finished steel and resin, with a lacquered dial and calf and rubber strap. As for the black watch, it's black ceramic with a lacquered dial and calf and rubber strap. Both watches, no matter the shade, have one point of color: red lipstick. The woman wearing the lipstick on the dial pays tribute to the woman of the 21st century. Only 100 examples of the Hublot Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero will be created. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View on Hublot.com Technical Specs BIG BANG ONE CLICK 39 MM MARC FERREROCERAMIC BLACK & WHITE REFERENCE465.CX.1120.VR.1204.LIP20Limited to 100 pieces CASESatin-finished and polished black CeramicDiameter: 39mmThickness: 12.55mmWater resistance: 10 ATM (100m) CASE-BACKPolished black CeramicEngraved “LIMITED EDITION”XXX/100 BEZELPolished black plated CeramicSet with 42 diamonds for ~1.00ct DIALBlack and white lacquered dial designed by “Marc Ferrero” MOVEMENTHUB1710Self-winding movementFrequency: 4Hz (28’800 A/h)Power reserve: ~ 50 hoursNo. of Components: 166Jewels: 27 STRAP & BUCKLEBlack and white Calf leather and black Rubber strap, designed by “Marc Ferrero”Black Alligator and black Rubber strap with black stitchingStainless Steel deployant buckle clasp BIG BANG ONE CLICK 39 MM MARC FERREROSTEEL WHITE REFERENCE465.SX.2020.VR.1204.LIP20Limited to 100 pieces CASESatin-finished and polished stainless SteelDiameter: 39mmThickness: 12.55mmWater resistance: 10 ATM (100m) CASE-BACKSatin-finished stainless SteelEngraved “LIMITED EDITION”XXX/100 BEZELPolished stainless SteelSet with 42 diamonds for ~1.00ct DIALWhite lacquered dial designed by “Marc Ferrero” MOVEMENTHUB1710Self-winding movementFrequency: 4Hz (28’800 A/h)Power reserve: ~ 50 hoursNo. of Components: 166Jewels: 27 STRAP & BUCKLEWhite Calf leather and white Rubber strap, designed by “Marc Ferrero”White Alligator and white Rubber strap with white stitchingStainless Steel deployant buckle clasp " width="680"> Source: Hublot

By Edward Jones – April 27, 2020

Panerai Debuts New Submersible EcoPangaea Tourbillon GMT ...

Panerai and Mike Horn, the famous explorer, have teamed up to create a very limited new timepiece called the Submersible EcoPangaea Tourbillon GMT 50mm Mike Horn edition. This new timepiece is extraordinarily limited, with just five examples being crafted-- this there are good reasons as to why it's so limited. First, those who purchase the watch will have a chance to explore the Arctic with Mike Horn himself. Additionally, the EcoPangaea, steel case is composed of recycled material from Horn's sailing ship. Now this is how you create a truly limited edition watch. As for the watch itself, it has a gorgeous steel look with a skeletonized titanium movement visible from both sides of the watch. Vibrant blue details can be found on the dial's hands, the Panerai Submersible logo and Mike Horn's signature located on the caseback. If you're interested, it comes with a $189,000 price tag. To learn more about this limited edition wonder, click the button below. Learn More Source: Panerai.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2020

Panerai Unveils All-New Luminor Lineup

What first began with tritium has evolved into the brightest & longest lasting watch illumination. Using their top-secret Luminor technology, Panerai has an all-new lineup for their 70th anniversary. Instead of designing the entire collection in-house, they have partnered with explorer Mike Horn. First up are the 44mm Carbotech and Fibratech Luminor Marina Carbotech: Unique edition of 270 units FUNCTIONS Hours, minutes, small seconds, date CASE Diameter 44mm, carbotech BEZEL Carbotech BACK Screw, titanium with DLC coating DIAL Black sun-brushed with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Date at 3 o'clock and small seconds at 9 o'clock WATER RESISTANCE "30 bar (~300 metres)" STRAP Stitching, 24/22.0 Standard size Luminor Marina Fibratech: Unique edition of 270 units CASE Diameter 44mm, Fibratech™ BEZEL Fibratech™ BACK Screw, titanium DIAL Anthracite sun-brushed with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Date at 3 o'clock and small seconds at 9 o'clock WATER RESISTANCE "30 bar (~300 metres)" STRAP Stitching, 24/22.0 Standard size For the most exclusive members of this limited lineup, we offer the Luminor Marina Goldtech and the Luminor Luna Rossa GMT. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for more amazing timepieces. Shop Panerai Watches

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