Gear

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 16, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Quality Quattro

The 2021 Audi R8 V10 Performance leads the way as one of the most functional daily drivable supercars on the market today. A functional supercar is only as good as the products and accessories to compliment it during its time on or off the track. In this week’s EveryDrive Carry, we compiled a list of the top essentials to carry when behind the wheel of the 602-horsepower German supercar. Shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking on the links below. For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: The Track Star duPont REGISTRY 2021 Audi R8 V10 Performance MSRP $196,700 View All Audi R8 For Sale Embodying its motorsport DNA and powerful performance, the honed exterior of the R8 Coupe is expressed through its front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and darkened headlights. Meanwhile, its wide front grille to its signature Audi Sport oval exhaust outlets firmly set it apart from the rest. Watches of Switzerland Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 42mm $7,150 Buy From Watches of Switzerland The Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of the world’s most iconic timepieces. Having been a part of all six moon landings, the legendary chronograph is an impressive representation of the brand’s adventurous pioneering spirit. Nordstrom Melin Hydro A-Game $59 Buy From Nordstrom The Melin Hydro A-Game features a smart moisture-wicking lining, ensuring superior comfort in a breathable perforated hat with a glare-reducing visor lining for superior clarity. Ted Baker Ted Baker DYARKO Sneakers $170 Buy From Ted Baker The DYARKO sneakers have been made from supple leather, and fused with sumptuous suede panels featuring subtle branding. We love the nod to retro styles with these sneakers, and will be pairing them with everything from jeans to chinos. A must in every gentleman’s sneaker closet. Bose Bose Frames Soprano $249 Buy From Bose Thoughtfully refined and strikingly elegant, Bose Frames Soprano flaunt polarized lenses and premium craftsmanship, while exclusive Bose Open Ear Audio™ technology produces sound you’d never expect from sunglasses. It’s a jaw-dropping experience that leaves you free to engage with the world around you, all while discreetly listening to music. Mulberry Mulberry Trifold Wallet $270 Buy From Mulberry A consistently popular style of wallet, featuring nine credit or business card slots, one clear ID window, one cash sleeve, and two hidden compartments that can be used for receipts or notes. B&H Photo Leica M10-R Digital Rangefinder Camera (Black Chrome) $8,995 Buy From B&H Photo Putting the 'R' in resolution, the Leica M10-R is a digital rangefinder camera with a high-resolution take on the traditional, stills-only design of the acclaimed M10-series. Revolving around an impressive 40MP full-frame CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor, the M10-R is distinguished by its image quality, dynamic range, and sensitivity, with an ISO 100-50000 range and low noise. YETI YETI Rambler 18oz Bottle With Chug Cap $29.99 Buy From YETI Perfect to keep by your side while on the road, taking an afternoon hike, or hanging at camp, the Rambler 18 oz Bottle fits perfectly in your pack and provides icy cold (or perfectly hot) refreshment to the last sip. If you’re looking for a go-to everyday bottle, this is it. Ssense Comme des Garçons Homme Deux Navy Porter Classic Edition Backpack $810 Buy From Ssense Get your gear around in true F1 style with this Mercedes AMG Petronas backpack. The stylish black design provides a sleek, professional look that will complement any outfit while the padded straps and back panel and multiple zipped pockets provide a comfortable and secure travel solution for all your important items. Bric's Bric's X-Bag 22" Deluxe Duffle Bag $175 Buy From Bric's The X-Bag line is based on the concept of transformability and function. Thanks to its new shapes, patterns and refined details, it’s the must have fashion accessory for every savvy traveler. BRIC’S X-Travel collection stands for convenience in everyday life, a fashionable assortment of travel bags that you can trust.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2021

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

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Stealth

The transition from fall to winter relies on comfort and functionality for daily living in the form of fashion as well as vehicle choice. Audi equips its vehicles with the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system that can take on anything mother nature throws in its way. Lululemon follows a similar path, designing and manufacturing its ever-changing clothing line to adapt to diverse climates while still providing quality head to toe products. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on the 2020 Audi R8 and its ability to complement a stealthy all-black performance attire. The Stealth Break Down 2020 Audi R8 V10 MSRP $169,900 Hublot Big Bang E $5,800 Lululemon Cold City Parka $598 Lululemon City Sweat Crew $108 Lululemon 5 Year Basic Tee $48 Lululemon ABC Pant Slim Warpstreme 32" $128 Lululemon Power Stride Tab Socks $18 On-Runinng Cloudnova Shoes $150 Lululemon Day Shade Ball Cap $38 Paul Smith Black Barford Sunglasses $380 Lululemon City Keeper Gloves $78 Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle 24oz $44 Lululemon More Miles Travel Wallet $29 Lululemon Command The Day Backpack 24L $148 Vehicle The R8 V10 Coupe and Spyder return in 2020 featuring sharpened design and enhanced performance – with all R8 models now achieving a top track speed of at least 200 mph. The updated front bumper includes a new honeycomb grille with R8 badge, front spoiler lip, and lateral air intakes. The updated rear bumper continues with honeycomb air outlets, oval exhaust pipes, and a new rear diffuser. View All Audi R8 For Sale Watch The Big Bang e is powered with Wear OS by Google™. The wearer can access apps on Google Play, get answers on the go with Google Assistant and make fast simple payments with Google Pay. Easily swipe to helpful information from a customized list of tiles and stay up to date with notifications and messages. Shop Now Top Go on, challenge the elements. This Lululemon Cold City waterproof parka is generously insulated with goose down to keep you warm and dry in cold, wet conditions. Shop Now The Lululemon City Sweat Crew is made from quality soft and breathable materials with a stretchy sweat-wicking factor. The comfortably casual top is the best way to take everyday living to the next level. Shop Now The Lululemon 5 Year Basic Tee is a breathable lightweight t-shirt made from the trademarked Vitasea fabric. The perfect option for any casual daily outing or at home living, with an array of color options available. Shop Now Bottom The five-pocket jean, reinvented. These slim-fit pants are engineered with ABC™ Technology to give you freedom of movement and all-day comfort. Shop Now Footwear With all the features you need to work, sweat, and rest, these Lululemon Power Stride Tab Socks will get you through your whole day (and then some). Shop Now Performance born, design bred. The On-Running Cloudnova fuses everything we know about running tech with a brand new style and silhouette. Think responsive comfort and urban energy. Shop Now Accessories Rain or shine, you're ready. This lightweight Lululemon Days Shade Ball Cap is made with water-repellent fabric. Shop Now The Paul Smith Barford aviator-style acetate sunglasses are presented in black. Integrated nose pads. Top bar. Gold-tone logo hardware at temples. Green lens with 100% UV protection. Silver-tone hardware. Shop Now Lululemon City Keeper Gloves incorporate tech-friendly fingers and grippers on the palms, these fleece-lined gloves help keep you connected and cozy. Shop Now This insulated water bottle features a leak-proof lid and slip-free texture, so no matter how rocky the adventure gets, your drink is safe. Shop Now Travel near or far knowing all your important documents are secure and in the Lululemon More Miles Travel Wallet, so you can focus on enjoying the journey—stress free. Shop Now Baggage If you love pockets, the Lululemon Command The Day Backpack keeps your commutes organized. Think storage for your laptop, cords, snacks, water bottle, and more. Shop Now

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