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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 Tyler Rampersaud – August 06, 2019

10 Best Sunglasses for the Driver

There probably isn’t much in the world worse than having to drive with the sun in your eyes, and if there is, I don’t want to know about it. So, when it comes to driving in comfort, safety, and style, sunglasses are the best thing since sliced bread. No matter what you drive, shades are an essential, so here are some pairs that’ll go the extra mile, and complement your ride: T Henri Vanquish - thenri.com shop now Carrera Aviators - amazon.com shop now Smith Lowdown Slim - amazon.com shop now Warby Parker Harris - warbyparker.com shop now Dior 49mm - nordstrom.com shop now Deus Ex Machina Raen Benson - deuscustoms.com shop now Andretti Optics Classic Aviator - amazon.com shop now Oakley M2 Frame XL Metallic Splatter Collection - oakley.com shop now 7eye Panhead - 7eye.com shop now Oakley Coldfuse - oakley.com shop now

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2019

Versace X Ford Hoodie Revealed and For Sale

BrownsFashion.com Are you a Ford fan looking to spice up your attire? How about a hoodie that shows off your appreciated for the American brand but also does it in the most fashionable way possible. The new Versace X Ford hoodie is here to take your comfortable wear to a whole new level. Donatella Versace actually created this hoodie with Ford in an effort to "channel the excitement of buying your first car," according to the item's description on BrownsFashion.com. You can purchase the hoodie now for $1,176 from Browns Fashion. Check it out by clicking the button below. shop this hoodie

By Edward Jones – July 17, 2019

melin x Daniel Ricciardo: The RICCIARDO A-Game Hat

Our friends at melin have teamed up with Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo again to create another premium hat. If you recall, the melin x Riccardo Endurance hat was released in November of last year. Now, we have the RICCIARDO A-Game hat and it's a beauty. Shop This Hat The A-Game hat was inspired by Perth, Australia, Ricciardo's hometown. Blue tones on the hat come from the "crystal blue waters and vibrant life" of Perth. Just like the Endurance hat, the A-Game is designed to be durable, comfortable and stylish. https://player.vimeo.com/video/348252897 Its lining is moisture-wicking, which is perfect for those hot days. For the construction of the RICCIARDO A-Game, it has a medium depth with a curved bill. The jersey crown is partially perforated but breathability. Up front is a heathered jersey top visor, with the underside having brushed suede and the rubberized signature thumbprint seal. In the back is a snapback closure. The melin x RICCIARDO A-Game hat is for sale right now for just $69. Click the button below to get yours today. Shop On melinbrand.com Now

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2019

New Hot Wheels id Cars Dropped for Amazon Prime Day

Hot Wheels has dropped their new "id" cars just in time for Amazon Prime Day. These new pint-sized cars are not your average Hot Wheels cars you peep through at the store in search of that one that you really want. No, these take Hot Wheels racing to a whole new level. On the underside of the Hot Wheels id cars is a chip that tracks the speed and laps of each of the cars, which can be seen in the free mobile app or Hot Wheels Race Portal. Or you can take it a step further with the Hot Wheels id Smart Track. The new collection of Hot Wheels id cars is called "Factory Fresh" and it has some pretty darn fresh cars in it. This little collection includes: • 2017 Nissan GT-R• 2018 Camaro SS• 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV• Pagani Huayra• Tesla Model S That's a pretty solid collection. Click on the links above to see each of the cars. And remember, you're never too old to buy toy cars! shop hot wheels id on amazon " width="680">

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2019

Custom PC Built to Look Like the GT 500 "Eleanor"

While pumping gas this morning on my way to work, I killed time by browsing through my subscriptions on Reddit. I saw one post that really caught my eye, titled: "Under The Hood GT 500 Eleanor Build." Being a car and computer guy, I immediately clicked and I'm glad I did.Redditor u/rtrain25 posted an image of his latest personal computer build to the r/pcmasterrace subreddit, a build that was designed after the famous Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 "Eleanor" from the film 'Gone in 60 Seconds'. If you're a fan of the film or Mustangs in general, this build is a dream. It took him about a year to complete and he actually used the original Pepper Gray paint used on the original GT 500. He also fashioned the reservoir for the water cooling system to look like a Nitrous tank. That's attention to detail. As for the components, it's a beefy build: Intel Core i7-8700K, 2x Asus GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB, Corsair Dominator Platinum ROG Edition 32 GB DDDR4-3200 memory, Asus ROG Maximus X Code motherboard and a massive amount of SSD storage. He noted that a lot of the components are previous gen because it took so long to build. That being said, GTX 1080 Ti SLI is pretty insane. If you're interested in building a computer, definitely check out PCPartPicker.com and Newegg.com. shop computer parts Thanks to r/rtrain25 for letting us write about his build!

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2019

LEGO Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Kit Announced

Fans of Harley-Davidson rejoice, because you can now put a Fat Boy bike on your desk without crushing it. Just announced is the new LEGO Creator Expert 10269 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle kit, which will be a hit for motorcycle and LEGO fans alike. This new kit comes with 1023 pieces inside the box, all of which combine to build a Fat Boy measuring in at over 7-inches high and 12-inches long. It comes in a red and black color scheme with printed logos. There's also a Milwaukee-eight engine with moving pistons that come to life when the rear tire is spun. LEGO will be selling this set on August 1, 2019, for $99.99. That sure is a lot cheaper than the real Fat Boy, but please don't try and sit on this one. see this kit on lego.com Source: shop.LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – June 18, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: Coast-to-Coast in a Ghost

Wheels and Wardrobe: Coast-to-Coast in a Ghost The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a perfect car when it comes to travelling. Its cabin is about as lush and luxurious as a manion's living room and its power allows it to travel at Autobahn speeds without struggling one bit. For the business person, the Ghost is just about as good as it gets when it comes to travelling on the road. Whether it's a trip into town or across the country, the Ghost excels. For this week, we put together a list of items that are perfect for the travelling businessman that's looking to add some high-end fashion to their wardrobe. Rolls-Royce Ghost Shop Now Corum Golden Bridge Rectangle Shop Now SSENSE Dita Gunmetal Midnight Special Sunglasses Shop Now MR PORTER Brunello Cucinelli Suit Jacket Shop Now MR PORTER Brunello Cucinelli Linen Shirt Shop Now MR PORTER Brunello Cucinelli Trsouers Shop Now SSENSE Gucci Belt Shop Now SSENSE Common Projects White Achilles Low Sneakers Shop Now SSENSE Valextra Academia Briefcase Shop Now SSENSE Valextra Long 8CC Wallet Shop Now

By Edward Jones – June 17, 2019

Nike Air Jordan 14 "Reverse Ferrari" Coming Soon

In 2014, the Nike Air Jordan 14 "Ferrari" was released in a bright red color with a yellow emblem on the sides and "carbon fiber" trim on the midsole. Now, Nike is revitalizing this colorway, but are throwing the color into reverse. The result is the new Air Jordan 14 "Reverse Ferrari" sneakers. These new sneakers have a yellow/gold upper with a black/yellow emblem and red detailing. The faux carbon fiber midsole is carried over from the 2014 sneakers. On the product listing for the sneakers on Nike.com, they note that they were inspired by Michael Jordan's love for Italian sports cars. Given that love for Italian sports cars, the "Ferrari" name is perfect. These shoes drop on June 22 at 10AM. Click the button below to get notified about the release. shop now - $200 Source: Nike

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: Summer Is Here

Wheels and Wardrobe: Summer Is Here lk Ford Bronco Shop Now Nixon Base Tide Pro Shop Now Costa Rincon Sunglasses Shop Now melin Odyssey Hydro Hat Shop Now Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee Shop Now Brownlee Solid Black Swimshorts Shop Now SeaVees Monterey Sneakers Shop Now YETI Hopper TWO Shop Now Rinse Kit Shop Now Formula Fun 5'3" Black Magic Fish Shop Now GoPro HERO7 Black Shop Now

By Edward Jones – May 28, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: Countach Nights and Neon Lights

Wheels and Wardrobe: Countach Nights and Neon Lights In the 80s and early 90s, the Lamborghini Countach and neon colors were the way to go. In fact, many automotive enthusiasts had, at one point, a Countach poster on their wall that was covered in neon colors. For this week's edition of Wheels and Wardrobe, we put together a high-end outfit that would go perfectly with the retro styling of the Countach. Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses Shop Now Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses Shop Now HYT H1 Azo Project Shop Now Balenciaga Explorer Ripstop Belt Bag Shop Now Balenciaga Denim Jacket Shop Now Neighborhood Logo-Printed T-Shirt Shop Now Off-White Logo-Print Denim Jeans Shop Now Fendi Black Tech Knit 'Forever Fendi' Sneakers Shop Now

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