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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 – February 25, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: BMW i8 With All-Black and a Boost

Luxury comes naturally with the BMW i8, as does style. This week, we've put together a perfect ensemble that combines the edgy styling of the i8 with a low-key all-black outfit. Of course, we had to throw in the new Montblanc x BMW luggage set that's a must-have for any jetsetter. BMW i8 Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Ray-Ban Highstreet Sunglasses rag & bone Classic Base Tee rag & bone Manston Jacket rag & bone Fit 1 In Black Adidas Ultraboost 19 Montblanc x BMW Luggage Set

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2019

Build Your Own LEGO 1960s Ford Mustang:Over 1-Foot Long!

Desktops, garages and shelving around the world ought to rejoice. A new LEGO 1960s Ford Mustang kit was just unveiled, and it looks like the perfect display piece for fans of the famous pony car. Consisting of 1,471 pieces, this replica of a classic Mustang is on point. In fact, LEGO built this kit with input from Ford. It features a dark-blue body with white racing stripes. The details found within this LEGO Mustang are quite astounding. Inside the cabin are seats, a radio, working steering and a gearshift. Up front is a big block 390 V8 engine that's detailed with a battery, hoses and even an air filter. There are also a number of customizable pieces that can be added on, like license plates, a supercharger, rear spoiler, big exhaust pipes, front spoiler and, of course, a nitrous oxide tank. LEGO also notes that that the lift of the rear axle can be adjusted to give the Mustang a more serious look. When built, it measures in at over 3-inches high, 13-inches long and 5-inches wide. It definitely won't take up as much space as the real thing. Expect a price tag of $149.99 when it releases on March 1st in LEGO Stores and on shop.LEGO.com. visit shop.lego.com Also Check Out: McLaren Senna by LEGO Speed Champions: Fast & Affordable 2018 Dodge Demon and 1970 Charger R/T Get New LEGO Kits Full-Size LEGO Bugatti Chiron That Can Be Driven

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2019

Porsche Releases "24 Minutes of LeMans" on Vinyl

Are you old enough to remember when the CD arrived? It signaled the death of the phonograph, and analog audio altogether. History repeats itself, and record players are popular again. Prices for rare recording are steadily rising, so Porsche has released "24 Minutes of LeMans" on vinyl. Normal vinyl is not worthy to reproduce Porsche's history at the famous track. So they chopped up the last set of tires from the 919 Hybrid. These limited edition pressings are going up for auction this weekend. All proceeds are going to Loisirs Pluriel. It is an organization that cares for disabled children in France. 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring vs 911R They offer a respite for children, enabling them to play, live and grow up with other children while also unburdening their parents. Kudos to Porsche for re-mastering the races of the past, and helping children in need. If you want a copy of this record, click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Porsche's 24 Minutes of LeMans Related: Porsche 919 Parades Around Manhattan

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2019

New McIntosh RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System

Having a great speaker system in your home is more important than you think. Think about it. If you're having guest over, you want to be able to pump some smooth tunes through your abode as nice background music. Maybe you're getting some cleaning done. Have you ever done chores without music playing? It's unbearable. For this, may I suggest the new McIntosh Labs RS200 Wireless Loudspeaker System? McIntosh Labs is known for their supreme sound quality and now you can control this new 650-watt speaker system from across the house thanks to its wireless capabilities. The RS200 comes packing multiple streaming options, like Apple AirPlay2, Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC support, Qualcomm aptX HD, Qualcomm aptX Low Latency, DTS Play-Fi, DLNA support and it even works with Alexa. Of course, it also includes inputs for HDMI, AUX, USB and Optical. Check it out by clicking the link below. shop now

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2019

Lamborghini and Gizelle Renee Create Driving Glove Collec...

What connects the driver to the car? The hands. Each hand rests on the steering wheel, controlling where the car goes and, sometimes, determines which gear the transmission is in. This is why you should treat your hands with respect and dress them up nicely with a pair of gloves. Collezione Automobili Lamborghini and Gizelle Renee, British Glover of the Year, know hands are important and have teamed up to create an exclusive driving glove collection. This collection has been designed in six different designs with a number of colorways available. Thanks to this variety, drivers should be able to find the right fit for them and their car. Each glove is hand-made with fine materials like Nappa leather and are even embellished with carbon fiber. These gloves will be available starting September 2019 and will have a starting price of €145 (roughly $164 USD). shop all lamborghinis for sale

By Edward Jones – February 01, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: Big Game 2019 Edition

The big football game is right around the corner and that means everyone is rearing up to put on a party to celebrate. Whether you a fan of one of the teams or just a fan of football, we've put together a list of items that will make your big game experience the best one yet. Tom Brady Edition Aston Martin For Patriots fans, this is the ultimate ride to pull up in. Shop now HYT H0 Gold Blue Watch It's blue, so it can work for either team. shop now melin All Day Beanie It's going to be cold, so make sure you noggin is nice and warm. shop now Jerseys - Rams and Patriots Is your team playing? Make sure you rep them appropriately. shop now Helly Hansen Dubliner Parka Like we said, it's going to be a cold one out there. shop now UGG Caulder Snow Boot Really cold. shop now Traeger Grill Throwing a party? Make sure you grill game is on point. shop now Samsung 82-inch 4k TV Because everyone wants to watch the big game on a big screen. shop now Madden NFL 2019 For when you have downtime before the game begins. shop now Cigars Light one up when your team raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy. shop now

By Edward Jones – January 30, 2019

PXG's New Carbon Fiber Drivers are the Supercars of the L...

Want to take your hot rod onto the golf course? That's not going to happen, unless you're attending a concours event. However, you can take PXG's hot rod technology onto the course with their new 0811 GEN2 drivers. The new PXG 0811 GEN2 drivers come packing a multi-level, variable thickness carbon fiber crown design. With this, the club not only looks fantastic, but each drive will also benefit from the carbon fiber technology. Carbon fiber has a naturally light weight and when used in the driver's construction, the benefits are endless. When the face of the new 0811 GEN2 meets the ball, expect faster ball speeds and improved consistency. Inside the club is a honeycomb TPE insert, which dampens vibrations and enhances its sound and feel. There are two different clubs within this new line: the 0811 X GEN2 and 0811 XF GEN2. The 0811 X GEN2 is a club that's focused on distance and accuracy. On the other hand, the 0811 XF GEN2 has been tuned for forgiveness. To learn more about the new PXG 0811 GEN2 clubs, be sure to click the button below. learn more at pxg.com " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 30, 2019

Pagani and Piloti Unveil New Roadster Driving Boot

Ready to take your driving to the next level? Pagani and Piloti have teamed up to created a limited-edition driving boot that is built for the discerning driver. Called "The Roadster Driving Boot," Piloti says these boots epitomize " the brand's art and design capabilities" and are the result of a two-year collaboration with the Italian supercar manufacturer. As the name suggests, these boots were inspired by the Pagani Huayra Roadster. They feature carbon fiber panels, just like the Huayra Roadster, but it's much more pliable on these boots. There's also aluminum hardware on the boots, just like the Huayra Roadster. While these boots may not require exhaust ports, they dude sport an emblem that displays the iconic four-pipe exhaust pipe configuration. For the internals, the boots have low-profile cushioning so the wearer can have optimal pedal feel when driving. Each pair comes in a one-of-a-kind box that slides open, mirroring the Huayra Roadster's gull-wing door. Each pair comes with a price of $849 and they're now available on Piloti.com. Only 250 pairs will be available, so you better buy them quick! shop these boots now Also Check Out: New Pagani Huayra Roadster Sports Wicked Acid Green Trim Pagani Beverly Hills Opening Held in One of World’s Most Expensive Houses

By Edward Jones – January 21, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Red Accent as the Supplement

If you have a subject in a black and white photo that you want to draw more attention to, you can simply add a splash of color to highlight it. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we wanted to to highlight certain items by picking bright red colors that pop out from a black and white ensemble. Check it out below! Bugatti Chiron Shop now Gucci GG Sunglasses Shop now - $194.99 HYT H0 Shop now - $89,000 Saint Laurent Wool Blazer Shop now - $3,690 Gucci Duke Oxford Shirt Shop now - $620 Amiri Denim Jeans Shop now - $750 Common Projects AchilleSneakers Shop now - $410 Shinola Bison Runwell Backpack Shop now - $995

By Andrew Nabors – January 16, 2019

McLaren Senna by LEGO Speed Champions: Fast & Affordable

Downstairs in our headquarters is Mr. duPont's model car collection. It's worth more than my house. Model cars can be found spread around the office, but instead of die-cast machines, LEGO seems to have taken over. Following on the success of their P1 and the 720S, the McLaren Senna by LEGO Speed Champions is a fast and affordable supercar. McLaren outlined the details of their collaboration on their press site. The driver is a Minifig homage to the world's best driver, Ayrton Senna. Ayrton and his ride are finished in Victory Grey with orange highlights. You will have two sets of wheels, one for track and the other for street use. A total of 219 pieces includes a wind tunnel, removable windshield, and a massive rear spoiler. For only $14.99, your new Senna is 50,000 times cheaper than the car it is based on. The base price of a 2019 McLaren senna is just under $1,000,000, without any options. The real car can withstand 1,763.7 lbs of downforce, but please don't subject this car to such abuse. buy this kit: $14.99 " width="680"> Related: Howard Panes' Vibrant Senna is a Must-See Deadmau5 Takes Delivery of New Senna

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