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 Edward Jones – June 21, 2021

New Bentley Fanatec Steering Wheel Works For Both Real an...

This wheel will take you to victory in the virtual and real world. When you're practicing a sport or hobby, it's best to do it with something that is very similar to what you'll be using when it comes time to put your skills to the test. This most definitely goes for motorsports where drivers will spend time in simulators before heading out in their real-life cars. For those simulators, you can now use a steering wheel that can be used in a real car thanks to a collaboration between Fanatec and Bentley Motors. The new Bentley GT3 steering wheel from Fanatec will allow drivers to practice with the same wheel they race with, making that time in the simulator even more productive than before. This wheel is filled with features, including a circular digital display that shows vital telemetry and information regarding their current performance. There are also plenty of switches, buttons, paddles, and more that can be configured. What's more, this wheel was designed for the Bentley Pikes Peak GT3 race car. That means you can have the same wheel as the one that will be used in an insane race car that's aiming to break the record for the hill climb course. You can learn more about this new steering wheel by clicking here. Shop Steering Wheels at Gamestop

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2021

Shop The New Bentley Spring '21 Accessory Collection

Accessorize your lifestyle to match the Bentley in the garage Considered one of the most luxurious brands in the world, Bentley continues to push the art of comfort and design through its high-end vehicle lineup. Alongside the Bentayga and Continental, Bentley also illustrates its attention to detail and quality through its new Spring 2021 Accessories Collection. As car enthusiasts, we look for any and all ways to accentuate our vehicle throughout our day, whether it be with a branded coffee mug or t-shirt. Inside the Bentley Spring ’21 Accessories Collection is a fine selection of leather baggage, small leather goods, premium Focal Radiance headphones, phone charging sources, coffee mugs, cologne, notebooks, cufflinks, and keychains. While other apparel and accessory releases from Bentley highlight the motorsport branch of the manufacturer, the most recent release focuses on craftsmanship and styling of the everyday commuter using the iconic Bentley badge. Shop all of the products featured in the Bentley Spring ’21 Accessory Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out The Hot Wheels Design Shop: Team Racing Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Supersports Style

The Bentley Supersports model continues to play the role of best of both worlds, in the categories of comfort and performance. While its luxurious interior amenities are casually enjoyed by passengers, the 6.0L V12 makes enough power to set a track record. In celebration of the Bentley Continental Supersports this week’s Wheels x Wardrobe features all of the products needed to successfully conquer anything thrown your way by blending comfort and performance. Shop all of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking on the links below. Vehicle Bentley Bentley Continental Supersports MSRP $293,300 View All Bentley Supersports For Sale Watch Ernst Benz Ernst Benz Traditional Jewel Chronoscope GC10131D $22,775 Buy From Ernst Benz Top Nordstrom Barbour Ashby Wax Jacket $415 Buy From Nordstrom Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt $69.99 Buy From Ralph Lauren Bottom Rag & Bone Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Silver Yarn $250 Buy From Rag & Bone Footwear Allen Edmonds Allen Edmonds Nomad Suede Chelsea Boot $375 Buy From Allen Edmonds Accessories Persol Persol Steve McQueen 24K Gold Sunglasses $790 Buy From Persol Backcountry Smartwool Intraknit Face Cover $15 Buy From Backcountry Best Buy Ember Temperature Control Smart Travel Mug² - 12 oz $179.99 Buy From Best Buy Sak's 5th Avenue Montblanc Meisterstuck Sfumato Wallet 6cc $440 Buy From Sak's 5th Avenue Ferrari Store Shinola Runwell Leather Laptop Backpack $995 Buy From Nordstrom The Supersports Breakdown Bentley Continental Supersports MSRP $293,000 Ernst Benz Traditional Jewel Chronoscope GC10131D $22,775 Barbour Ashby Wax Jacket $415 Ralph Lauren Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt $69.99 Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Silver Yarn $250 Allen Edmonds Nomad Suede Chelsea Boot $375 Persol Steve McQueen 24K Gold Sunglasses $790 Smartwool Intraknit Face Cover $15 Ember Temperature Control Smart Travel Mug² - 12 oz $179.99 Montblanc Meisterstuck Sfumato Wallet 6cc $405 Shinola Runwell Leather Laptop Backpack $995 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: F8 Fashion

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 23, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Sophisticated Santa's Bentley Flying Spur

As Christmas quickly approaches, we tend to remember that Santa will be loading up his sleigh with eight powerful reindeer to deliver gifts around the world. This year, Bentley Motors set up Santa with a special edition Flying Spur V8 with inspiration from his sleigh and the eight reindeer that drive it. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe pairs Santa’s 2020 Bentley "The Reindeer Eight" Flying Spur V8 with a sophisticated outfit to help complete the Christmas festivities. Shop all of the products featured in this Wheels X Wardrobe special by clicking the links below. Vehicle 2020 Bentley "The Reindeer Eight" Flying Spur V8 MSRP $214,600 View All Bentley Flying Spur For Sale Watch Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked CHF 75,400 Buy From Audemars Piguet Top Hugo Boss Windsor-Rim Sunglasses $205 Buy From Hugo Boss Burberry Button Detail Wool Cashmere Tailored Coat $1,990 Buy From Burberry Buffalo Check 4-Pack Family Face Masks $25 Buy From Nordstrom Suit Giorgio Armani Slim-Fit Half Canvas Matte Wool Suit from the Soho Collection $3,395 Buy From Giorgio Armani Ralph Lauren Purple Label RLX Tailored Fit Stretch Shirt $325 Buy From Ralph Lauren Giorgio Armani Crinkle-Effect Velvet Scarf $575 Buy From Giorgio Armani Montblanc Trapeze Matte Titanium Pin Buckle Belt $320 Buy From Montblanc Footwear Alexander McQUEEN Short Skull Socks $115 Buy From Alexander McQUEEN Alexander McQUEEN Metal Heel Oxford Lace-Up On Sale $569 Buy From Alexander McQUEEN The Ugly Christmas Breakdown 2020 Bentley "The Reindeer Eight" Flying Spur V8 MSRP $214,600 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked CHF 75,400 Burberry Button Detail Wool Cashmere Tailored Coat $1,990 Hugo Boss Windsor-Rim Sunglasses $205 Buffalo Check 4-Pack Family Face Masks $25 Giorgio Armani Slim-Fit Half Canvas Matte Wool Suit from the Soho Collection $3,395 Ralph Lauren Purple Label RLX Tailored Fit Stretch Shirt $325 Giorgio Armani Crinkle-Effect Velvet Scarf $575 Montblanc Trapeze Matte Titanium Pin Buckle Belt $320 Alexander McQUEEN Short Skull Socks $115 Alexander McQUEEN Metal Heel Oxford Lace-Up On Sale $569

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

New Bentley Jewelry Collection Features Brilliant Array o...

A new Bentley Jewelry collection has been launched that includes brilliant gemstones meant to mirror the exterior paint colors of Bentley automobiles. Within the collection are precious gemstones that have been selected, cut and polished at the Heinz Mayer factory, Bentley's jewelry partner. Gemstones like tanzanite, the Padparadscha sapphire and Mandarin garnet can be found embedded in rings, earrings and pendants in White Gold, Pink Gold, Yellow Gold or Platinum. The collection also offers a variety in sizes. If you look down below in the gallery, you can see just how many different gemstones are included in this collection, allowing customers to pick just about any color they want. And if you happen to own a Bentley, you may be able to find a gemstone that matches your ride. For more information on this illustrious collection, click here to visit Bentley-Jewellery.com. See All Bentleys For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2020

What To Wear In The Bentley Continental GT

The Breakdown 2020 Bentley Continental GT MSRP $202,500 Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary Limited Edition $10,200 Bonobos The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat $498 Bonobos Washable Merino V-Neck Sweater $98 Mizzen+Main Leeward Dress Shirt $125 Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos $138 Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford $375 Tom Ford Tortoiseshell Lionel Sunglasses $475 The Outlierman Tailored Silk Face Masks $104.28 Magnanni Catalux Leather Belt $150 Shinola Slim Leather Computer Briefcase $795 Vehicle Bentley is introducing two new versions of its third generation Continental GT and GT Convertible models this year. The definitive luxury Grand Tourer is now available for US customer order with a powerful V8 petrol engine, ensuring a lively and engaging drive that complements the unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology. Both V8 models are equipped with a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with greater range, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes. View All Bentley Continental GT For Sale Watch The Bentley Centenary Limited Edition in stainless-steel is presented on a brown quilted calfskin strap. It is also available with a stainless-steel bracelet. The watch has the unique brown burl elm dial, which is inspired by the wooden dashboard of the legendary 1929 “Blower” Bentley, the nickname given to the 4 ½ Litre Supercharged race cars driven by Sir Tim Birkin and the legendary Bentley Boys in the 1920s. Shop Now Top The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat by Bonobos is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It features a water repellent fully lined interior making it perfect for any weather condition. The available color options include Dark Camel (shown) and a sophisticated Charcoal Herringbone. Shop Now The Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater is made from a comfortable merino wool that offers the ability to be thrown in the wash without the need to worry. It offers an upscale look and feel for the cooler months with an easy care plan. Shop Now Mizzen+Main created the Leeward Dress Shirt to bridge the gap between business casual attire and comfortable performance driven apparel with its unique blend of fabric. The lightweight, quick dry, and wrinkle resistant button down has all the properties needed for a comfortable daily wear. Shop Now Bottom The Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos feature a unique style, blending both a dress pant and chinos together. The chinos are made from comfortable stretch materials and are available in a wide array of colors. Shop Now Footwear The Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford feature a Bologna Flex construction and cushioned arch support that ensure all-day comfort in a fine Spanish oxford built from rich Italian leather. Shop Now Accessories The Tom Ford Lionel Sunglasses feature an Aviator-style acetate and metal-frame sunglasses in tortoiseshell and rose gold-tone. Double bridge. Brown lenses with 100% UV protection. Adjustable metal nose pads. Shop Now The Outlierman has released multi-layer masks (non-medical) made for covering the face with the best comfort: external and internal layer made of 100% Silk and filter pocket for one time use filter. The masks come in a set of 3 pieces, featuring some of the most iconic Outlierman designs: Posh, Type 75 Atlantic and World Beater. Shop Now Magnanni's finely grained leather elevates a sleek, upscale belt crafted in Spain and fitted with tasteful hardware. Shop Now Baggage Slim and lightweight, this handsome leather briefcase from Shinola stores all your office essentials and features a detachable shoulder strap for a hands-free commute. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

Write It Down With the New Bentley "Limited Edition Barna...

In 1930, the legendary 'Bentley Boy' Woolf Barnato was living a life of luxury and was a three-time Le Mans winner (consecutive). If there was anyone in the world of motorsport that was living on top of the world, it was Barnato. To prove just how fast he was in his Bentley Speed Six, he made a bet that he could beat the Le Train Bleu from Cannes to London. With minutes to spare, Barnato managed to beat the train in the race and the story of the Blue Train Race has gone down in history. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of this race, Bentley and their partner Graf von Faber-Castell have announced the new Bentley Limited Edition Barnato pen series. Each of these pens is finished in the dark racing green that's commonly associated with Barnato. The pens also have Barnato's handwritten signature on the cap and the barrels are hand-guilloched in a diamond pattern. There are three different versions in the series: fountain, rollerball and ballpoint. The collection is limited to just 1,930 pieces to honor the year of the race. Click the button below to learn more or order one for yourself. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2020

Bentley Motors x Naim Audio Announces New Collection

Bentley Motors announces a collaboration project with Naim Audio. The high-end audio manufacturer created two new products with the help of Bentley to provide a first-class acoustic experience outside of the car. A new set of headphones and a premium soundbar designed using the highest quality materials and technology while sporting the Bentley Motors logo. The Focal for Bentley Radiance Headphones uses Naim Mu-So sonic signature technology for the best individual listening experience. The headphones use aluminum and magnesium, with full-grain leather earpads for comfortable wear. The hidden details that go into the Bentley Radiance headphones are what make them so special. The copper accents were used based on the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept vehicle, as well as the diamond-cut exterior pieces mirroring Bentley’s diamond-quilted interior stitching. The second product of the partnership is the Naim for Bentley Mu-So Special Edition Wireless Speaker. The base crafted from sustainable wood veneer. Six custom-designed speakers are installed for optimal sound quality. The speaker is Bluetooth driven with both Apple and Android capability. The wireless speaker was designed using a custom grille with inspiration from Bentley. Pre-order the Bentley Motors and Naim Audio collection by clicking the link below. Pre-Order Now

Bentley racing driver Seb Morris models the Bentley Rucksack - 1

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2020

The New Bentley Motorsports Collection

Bentley Motorsport can be defined as a perfect balance between style and performance, which directly relates to their newest lifestyle collection. The team at Bentley has brought the bags and accessories home from the track, allowing individuals to get the same gear as the drivers. The newest Bentley Motorsport Collection features the classic Racing and Living Green, just as they are used on the GT-3 race cars. Also found on pieces in the new release other than the Bentley badge and logo, is the #BringTheThunder hashtag. An assortment of diverse sized bags of been designed using premium materials that cater to any occasion. Whether it be a trip to the gym, a quick track day, or a race weekend, Bentley Motorsport’s will help you pack. During any race, it’s a necessity to keep hydrated which is why Bentley has released vacuum insulated water bottle. For the kids who grow up in the world of motorsports, Ear Defenders have been added to the collection in a vibrant Living Green with Bentley logos. An umbrella has been designed for the not so perfect days in livery colors sporting the GT-3 vehicle silhouette. The small accessories of the Bentley Motorsport collection are created to dress up the car keys, even if they do not belong to a Continental GT. This collection is the best way to stay in style while supporting the Bentley Motorsport Team. The new release is available on Bentley Motors website, click below for more information. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2020

New Bentley Fragrance Introduced for Men

Bentley has just introduced a new fragrance that's been added to their Bentley For Men range. This unique fragrance was developed by Ane Ayo, a young perfumer who is truly up and coming in the perfume world. This new fragrance is called "Silverlake" and it was inspired by the air of the outdoors. You know, the scent you can smell when cruising in a Continental GTC with the top down. While you can't smell this new fragrance through a screen, I can at least describe its notes. It starts with peppermint and lemon top notes that are crisp and refreshing. Then comes the middle notes of lavender, pink pepper and violet leaves that are reminiscent of a forest surrounding a lake. For the finish, the base notes consist of woody amber and white musks for a fantastic and deep trail. Bentley's new Silverlake fragrance comes in a beautiful bottle that's been lacquered in silver in a way that it's half transparent and half opaque. Bentley says this was done to echo the surface of a mountain lake. You can purchase this fragrance for yourself now on Bentley's online shop by clicking the button below. It has a price of $90.67, but it's unfortunately only available in the Europe. Shop Now

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