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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 – January 17, 2020

AAPE x Liberty Walk Announced New Collection

AAPE by A Bathing Ape and Liberty Walk (LBWK), famous for their body kits, have teamed up to create a new collection for fans of both brands. This new collection consists of a few different pieces. On the @aapestore Instagram account, the collection is shown off before it hits stores on January 18, 2020. As for apparel, they showed off a sweatshirt, t-shirts and hat, all adorned with AAPE x LBWK branding. The most interesting reveal was the toolbox that you get for free when spending a certain amount at AAPE Store starting on January 18. If this wasn't enough, they also posted images of a Liberty Walk Lamborghini Aventador with an AAPE x LBWK livery. Source: @AAPEstore/Instagram

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2020

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar China Limite...

Audemars Piguet has just unveiled the new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar China Limited Edition, a limited edition watch bound to just 88-pieces. This new timepiece is the watchmaker's first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in full titanium, but we're glad they pulled it off because this is one gorgeous watch. As the name suggests, this watch celebrates the Chinese New Year. Because of this, it will be available exclusively for the Chinese market. Nodding towards its Chinese influence is the included red band and seconds-hand. The two other included bracelets are titanium and grey alligator. It comes with a price tag of $78,300. To learn more, click here. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2020

Tesla is Selling a Hilarious Cybertruck Shirt

What do you do when a mistake happens on stage? You roll with it. That's what Elon Musk did and is continuing to do with a new shirt. The Tesla shop is currently selling a Cybertruck Bulletproof T-shirt. On the front is what looks like smashed glass, referring to the broken window during the Cybertruck unveiling event. On the back is the Cybertruck's logo. This is Tesla turning a mistake into an opportunity. If you haven't seen the video of the window breaking, you can scroll below to see it for yourself. You can feel Musk cringe as the window crack. buy the shirt - $45 " width="680"> Source: Tesla

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2020

OMEGA Announces Stylish Sunglasses Collection

OMEGA is a truly iconic watchmaker that produces some of the most sought after timepieces. Most recently, they've launched a series of James Bond watches, including a must-see Seamaster. Now, OMEGA is diving into the eyewear world with a new range of sunglasses. Italian company Marcolin Eyewear teamed up with OMEGA to create these new sunglasses, which include styles for both men and women. If you want some shades to match your watch, you can purchase them at OMEGA boutiques and many independent retailers.

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2020

Zenith Watches Unveils DEFY 21 Land Rover Edition Watch

Zenith has unveiled the new Defy 21 Land Rover Edition at LVMH Watch Week. This new watch was inspired by the new Land Rover Defender and its launch is timed up well with the release of the new SUV. The new watch is built out of microblasted titanium that Zenith says will absorb light from all angles, allowing the angles and flat surfaces of it to really show. For the movement, Zenith went with the El Primero chronograph with a 50-hour power reserve. A matching gray rubber strap and fabric strap comes with the watch. Only 250 examples of this watch will be created. For more information, visit Zenith-Watches.com. Source: Zenith, Facebook

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2020

New Mophie Powerstation Go Can Jumpstart Your Car and Cha...

We're here to show you a piece of gear that's a perfect addition to your automotive emergency supplies. The new Mophie powerstation® go packs a lot of features that will come in handy if your car runs out of juice. Most exciting is its ability to jumpstart a car. Instead of lugging around big jumper cables, this little brick of power can do the jumpstarting for your car. The powerstation® go also packs USB-A ports and wireless charging capabilities in case you really are stuck and need to charge your phone. It comes with a price of $159.95 and that seems well worth it. shop now Source: Zagg.com

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2020

OnePlus Concept One Phone Revealed: Inspired by McLaren

OnePlus has just unveiled their very first concept phone, the new Concept One. This new concept phone was unveiled at CES 2020 and it boasts some groundbreaking technology. The most innovative tech in the OnePlus Concept One is its color-shifting glass, making it the first phone to use this kind of technology. OnePlus used this glass tech because it allows them to "hide" the camera behind the opaque black glass when not in use. When the camera is being used, the glass will turn completely clear. This allows OnePlus to include a camera without breaking the surface of the camera. Helping OnePlus with the design of the Concept One was their partner McLaren. The companies drew their inspiration for the concept from the McLaren 720S Spider. OnePlus even used the same leather that's used inside the 720S supercar. Papaya Orange was also picked for the color, a nod to McLaren Racing's history. SHOP ONEPLUS.COM " width="680"> Source: PRNewswire.com

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2020

New Razer Driving Simulator Is as Immersive as They Come

CES is all about the latest technology no matter the field. New electric cars? How about the new Sony car or new Mercedes concept car inspired by the movie "AVATAR." But what if you want to drive without leaving your home? For that, Razer has unveiled their new Eracing Simulator concept. This new simulator gives an incredibly immersive racing experience to whoever is sitting in the racing seat. In front of the seat are Fanatec driving controls made of anodized aluminum and carbon fiber. Behind that wheel is a massive 128-inch black projection service where all the action is displayed with a 202-degree field-of-view. SHOP RAZER NOW

By Edward Jones – January 07, 2020

Cybertruck-Inspired Watch Revealed by Anicorn

The Tesla Cybertruck was unveiled to mixed reaction but it seems people have been starting to warm up to its angular design. Anicorn Watches is taking note of the response and has announced a new Cybertruck-inspired watch called Cybertime. It features a stainless steel body that was inspired by the Cybertruck sharp exterior. Time can be read in a vertical manner on the LCD screen when its tapped. Anicorn is releasing a Limited Edition and Normal Edition on their website. Funny enough, the Limited Edition will have "cracks" on the screen, similar to the Cybertruck that unfortunately had its windows smashed on stage. shop now Source: Anicorn-Watches.com

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2020

Wheels x Wardrobe: McLaren GT

WHEELS x WARDROBE: McLaren GT It's a new year and that means it's time to get a new outfit. Right? For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, and the first one of the decade, we put together a simple outfit that's paired with the new McLaren GT. THE RIDE McLaren GT VIEW LISTINGS CORUM THE WATCH Corum Big Bubble Magical 52 VIEW WATCH SSENSE THE JACKET 1017 Alyx 9SM Grey Logo Visual Hoodie SHOP NOW SSENSE THE SHIRT Bottega Veneta Grey Asymmetric T-Shirt SHOP NOW SSENSE THE PANTS 1017 Alyx 9SM Black Logo Lounge Pants SHOP NOW SSENSE THE SHOES Golden Goose White & Silver Superstar Sneakers SHOP NOW MIANSAI THE BAG 1017 Alyx 9SM Black Soft Brie Bag SHOP NOW MIANSAI THE ACCESSORY (1) Miansai Numero Ring, Sterling Silver SHOP NOW MIANSAI THE ACCESSORY (2) Miansai Aire Cuff, Sterling Silver/Navy White SHOP NOW

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