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 – 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 Edward Jones – January 27, 2021

GrandPrix Originals Brings Luxury European Racing Lifesty...

Available for the first time in the US, GrandPrix Originals USA (GPO USA), a motorsport racing lifestyle apparel brand, brings unsurpassed quality, style, and design to eagerly awaiting customers who could previously only purchase the brand while traveling abroad. GPO USA’s goal and passion is to define a new luxury standard for “Motorsport Couture” in America. GrandPrix Originals hails from Europe, where it has been one of the best-selling racing lifestyle brands for both men and women since 2003, sold in 120 storefronts in 20 countries. It is a brand recognized globally by racing enthusiasts and regularly seen at venues and events such as the 24 Hours of LeMans. Now, GPO USA finally takes residence in the US on its official launch date of January 26, 2021 through its website at www.gporiginalsusa.com, enabling shoppers to engage with the brand safely during our current global pandemic. The brand unveils itself with a new look while still maintaining its roots and heritage – the European craftsmanship that has always defined the brand and set it apart from the multitude of motorsport apparel in the marketplace. Additionally, GPO USA plans to expand its women’s wear offering to better serve female motorsports enthusiasts in the US. Stay tuned and subscribe to GPO USA news (links at bottom) for more exciting announcements and new products to come! The signature GrandPrix Sneaker is a driving shoe and automotive fashion statement wrapped in everyday wearability. Handmade in Italy with 100% leather in a small factory, has been described as “the feel of broken-in comfort from the moment you put it on.” Priced at $235, it truly is affordable luxury. Soft and supple lambskin jackets for men and women offer a classic cut, but with unique touches of contrast and accents at the cuffs and collar that won’t let you go unnoticed. With quality on par with couture brands at much higher price points, the leather jackets are well-priced around $500. These shoes and jackets will undoubtedly make you stand out, but always speak with class and style. They feel as good as they look and will instantly become the new favorites and go-to’s in anyone’s wardrobe. Shop the collection and add the discount code "DUPONT" at checkout for a 10% savings on all orders. Visit GrandPrixOriginalsUSA.com Source: GrandPrix Originals

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2021

Puma Motorsport Releases Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2...

Puma Motorsport and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team continue their close relationship with the release of the Spring/Summer 2021, which began as a contract extension for the two brands. The Italian prancing horse participated in Formula 1 since its beginning in 1950. Puma jumped on board with the winning team in 2004. Fast forward, the relationship evolved into an apparel and footwear line balancing between track-focused and casual styles for all fans to enjoy. The Spring/Summer 2021 features head to toe products using new designs and Ferrari colors. Along with t-shirts and track pants, Puma x Scuderia Ferrari released two new motorsport sneakers, the women’s minimalistic Ridge Cat, and a comfortable men’s RCT XETIC Forza. The collection release and contract extensions are great news for the brand and also all fans of Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1. The Scuderia Ferrari Spring/Summer 2021 collection by Puma Motorsport is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out How To Buy: Period Correct Reds Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2021

How To Buy: Period Correct Reds Collection

Recently, we covered the announcement that Period Correct would be releasing the Reds Collection, a motorsport clothing and accessory line inspired by Team Marlboro. Since then, more photos surfaced via Period Correct’s Instagram of the designs that feature vintage race cars sporting the Marlboro livery. The collection includes sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, tees, hats, and accessories paying homage to the team home to drivers like Niki Lauda and Aryton Senna. The Period Correct Reds Collection will be a popular release for all motorsport enthusiasts looking to relive the past or learn about the team that dominated racing. Shop the Period Correct Reds Collection by reviewing the release information below. Date: January 23rd, 2021 Time: 12PM EST Where: Period Correct Website For more Gear news, Check out McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Bold And Cold In The Aston Martin DBX

There are occasions when we want to dress up for an evening of formal events, while there are days when a t-shirt and a pair of jeans are the most comfortable option. An adaptable wardrobe is similar to the new Aston Martin DBX, which cannot foresee weather conditions but can acclimate to anything thrown in its way. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe is getting comfortable with an array of relaxed styles that won’t break the bank. Shop any of the products featured in this special by clicking the link below. Vehicle Aston Martin 2020 Aston Martin DBX MSRP $176,900 View All Aston Martin DBX For Sale Watch TAG Heuer TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph $5,350 Buy From TAG Heuer Top Canada Goose Canada Goose Expedition Parka $1,295 Buy From Canada Goose Frank and Oak Frank and Oak The Jasper Good Cotton Oxford Shirt in Black $59.50 Buy From Frank and Oak Frank and Oak Frank and Oak The Sunday Pasta Tee in Vintage Grey $39.50 Buy From Frank and Oak Bottom Nordstrom LEVIS 511™ Slim Fit Jeans $79.50 Buy From Nordstrom Footwear Nordstrom Nike 70s-Type Sneaker $90 Buy From Nordstrom Clearweather Clearweather Bantha/Himalaya Slip On $200 Buy From Clearweather Brand Accessories Bollman Hat Co. Bollman Hat Co. Reefer Cuff Beanie $45 Now $33.75 Buy From Bollman Hat Co. Sunglass Hut Ray-Ban RB3668 55 Blue & Black $123 Buy From Sunglass Hut Amazon Aston Martin Face Mask $5.49 Buy From Amazon Samsara Samsara Heather Gray Weekender $79.90 Buy From Samsara The Bold And Cold Breakdown 2020 Aston Martin DBX MSRP $176,900 TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph $5,350 Canada Goose Expedition Parka $1,295 Frank and Oak The Jasper Good Cotton Oxford Shirt in Black $59.50 Frank and Oak The Sunday Past Tee in Vintage Grey $39.50 LEVIS 511™ Slim Fit Jeans $79.50 Nike 70s-Type Sneaker $90 Clearweather Bantha/Himalaya Slip On $200 Bollman Hat Co. Reefer Cuff Beanie $45 Now $33.75 Ray-Ban RB3668 55 Blue & Black $123 Aston Martin Face Mask $5.49 Samsara Heather Grey Weekender $79.90 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: BMW M Sport

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Period Correct Preps To Release The Reds Collection Inspi...

Period Correct continues to provide vintage motorsport enthusiasts with apparel and accessories that pay homage to anything iconic in the automotive racing world. The upcoming collection is inspired by Team Marlboro, which holds ties to legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Aryton Senna. The Period Correct Reds Collection not only blends the automotive and fashion world but categories of motorsport racing. The line incorporates inspiration from vehicles with different racing backgrounds like the Team Marlboro Formula 1 McLaren, BMW M1, and Lancia Stratos. The Period Correct Reds Collection will be available on January 23rd, so check back in for a How To Buy special. For more Gear news, Check out McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For ...

In the past, we covered McLaren launching a limited-edition 765LT apparel collection as an in-dealership release. Fast forward to now, the supercar manufacturer is partnering with Los Angeles Design Venture, RHUDE, on a collaboration clothing collection set to release Summer 2021. The McLaren x RHUDE collection will pay homage to race legend Bruce McLaren, as seen through the lens of modern luxury and founder of RHUDE, Rhuigi’s respect for Formula, resulting in a unique fusion of sport and fashion. Although there is no release day set, a selection of pieces from the collection will be featured at the 2021 Paris Fashion Week in the RHUDE Fall and Winter Collection. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the McLaren x RHUDE Summer 2021 Collection. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPU0Afjmkr/ For more Automotive Gear news, Check out Puma Unveils Spring/Summer 2021 Motorsport Partner Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2021

The New Aston Martin DBX Temperature Controlled Cup Keeps...

For most, the first cup of coffee in the morning is the most important. It is the telling sign of how the rest of the day will go. Ensuring not only a comfortable commute but also a consistently hot cup of coffee, Aston Martin is here to make mornings better. The luxury auto manufacturer is going a step further for customer amenities with its DBX Heated Cup, a temperature-controlled to-go cup that fits perfectly in the new Aston Martin SUV. The DBX Cup is smartphone compatible with temperature control via Bluetooth, maintaining maximum heat for up to 3 hours. The Aston Martin DBX Cup is available for pre-order through dealers such as Miller Motorcars for $420.99. For more Aston Martin Gear news, Check out New Aston Martin Heritage Collection is a Must-Have for Classic Car Fans

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2021

Puma Unveils Spring/Summer 2021 Motorsport Partner Collec...

We recently covered a few instances of Puma teasing new sneakers for the 2021 motorsport season. The collection features Formula 1 teams such as Mercedes AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, and manufacturer division BMW M Motorsports. The team at Puma is proud to announce the new Spring/Summer 2021 Motorsport Partner Collection, which incorporates retro-futuristic designs blended with the established team colors translating on-track spirit into a street lifestyle. The collection will feature head to toe clothing and footwear celebrating the best years of each manufacture’s beginning in the world of motorsports. Whether it is on or off the track, Puma Motorsport offers the best styles to represent your favorite team during the 2021 season. Stay up-to-date with releases from the Puma Motorsport Partner Collection by checking back in and clicking the link below. Shop Puma Motorsport For more Puma Motorsport news, Check out Discover The Puma Motorsport Sparco Speedcat OG+ Shoe Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 15, 2021

How To Buy: Melin x Daniel Ricciardo ARC Hat

It is no secret that the face of Formula 1 personality is newly acquired McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel has a personality just as fun and bright as his style, which happens to include a premium hat line with Melin. The limited run of Daniel’s Melin ARC (A Revolutionary Change) became popular throughout the fashion and motorsport industry, quickly resulting in a sellout. Melin x Daniel Ricciardo is proud to announce a second release of the ARC Hat featured in the grey and light pink colorway. Designed to bring a smile to your face, the ARC is built for water-sports, training, hiking, and perfectly compliments Daniel’s active lifestyle. Shop the Melin x Daniel Ricciardo ARC Hat by reviewing the release information below. When: January 16th, 2021 Where: Melin Hats Price: $59 For more Gear news, Check out Why Eco Friendly Apparel Is The New Luxury Style

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