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

69691612_140493063876175_890881780485419927_n

By Edward Jones – October 02, 2019

Puma Motorsport Teases Scuderia Ferrari Energy Capsule Co...

Puma Motorsport collaborates with a number of motorsports teams and more. This includes Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M Motorsport, Mercedes AMG Petronas and more. Now, Puma Motorsport is teasing a new collection with one of these teams. On Instagram, a new Puma Motorsport x Scuderia Ferrari Energy capsule collection was teased (see below). In the tease, we see two jackets and a pair of pants. Other items to be included in this collection are unknown, but it drops on October 15, so be sure to check back with us for more info. You can also click the button below to shop Puma Motorsport. shop puma motorsport https://www.instagram.com/p/B3HmYlJD4lK/ Also Check Out: Wheels x Wardrobe: The 992 Driver LEGO R/C Lamborghini Aventador SV Could Be a Reality Omega Introduces New “James Bond” Seamaster Watch

70904264_10158048074162668_351302649498304512_o

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: The 992 Driver

WHEELS x WARDROBE The 992 Driver Driving a Porsche 911 is one of the best automotive experiences out there. In the driver's seat of a 911, you can feel the decades of ingenuity and craftsmanship that has gone into the model. For this week's "Wheels x Wardrobe," we put together the perfect outfit for the driver of a new 911 (992). THE RIDE Porsche 911 Cabriolet (991)ultimate Porsche experience. SEE ALL 2020 911'S FOR SALE THE WATCH PORSCHE DESIGN 1919 GLOBETIMER UTC TITANIUM & BLACKtell time the Porsche way. SHOP ON PORSCHE-DESIGN.COM THE SHADES PORSCHE DESIGN P´8665 SUNGLASSESinspired by the Porsche 911. SHOP ON PORSCHE-DESIGN.COM THE JACKET PORSCHE DESIGN MOTORCROSS LEATHER JACKETinspired by the Porsche Speedster. SHOP ON PORSCHE-DESIGN.COM THE SHIRT TPORSCHE DESIGN CREW NECK TEEperfect all-around crew neck. SHOP ON PORSCHE-DESIGN.COM THE PANTS PORSCHE DESIGN MOTORCROSS DENIMalso inspired by the Porsche Speedster. SHOP ON PORSCHE-DESIGN.COM THE SHOES PUMA x PORSCHE DESIGN SPEEDCAT LUX NUBUCKfeel the pedal. SHOP ON PUMA.COM

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: FALL est. 2019

WHEELS x WARDROBE FALL est. 2019 Summer has ended and fall has arrived. Crunchy leaves lay on the ground while the outdoor's thermostat slowly turns cooler. This means perfect weather and the justification for going outdoors more often. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we've put together an ensemble that will keep you prepared, warm and stylish, no matter the environment. THE RIDE LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 (new model not for sale yet)ready for adventure. SEE ALL CLASSIC DEFENDERS FOR SALE THE WATCH RESERVOIR BATTLEFIELD D-DAYa unified symbol of conquest. SHOP ON RESERVOIR-WATCH.COM THE SHADES OAKLEY CLIFDENsee the road ahead. SHOP ON OAKLEY.COM THE JACKET STONE ISLAND DAVID-TC SHELL JACKETprotect yourself from the elements. SHOP ON MRPORTER.COM THE SHIRT rag & bone FIT 2 TOMLINcomfort in fall colors. SHOP ON RAG-BONE.COM THE PANTS CARHARTT WIP AVIATION CARGO TROUSERScomfortable and functional. SHOP ON MRPORTER.COM THE SHOES CLARK'S BERKSHIRE PEAK BOOTStraction and fashion for your feet. SHOP ON CLARKSUSA.COM THE HAT melin DESTINATIONkeep your head warm, even if snow falls. SHOP ON MELINBRAND.COM

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2019

New Puma Motorsport Shoes: Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M and Re...

Looking for a new pair of sneakers that show off your love for racing? You're in luck. Puma has a fantastic selection of motorsport shoes that include the likes of Scuderia Ferrari, BMW M Motorsport and Red Bull Racing. And now, they have released a new trio of their HYBRID running shoes that you need to check out. First, there are the Scuderia Ferrari shoes that have a white and blue colorway with a big Scuderia shield on the outside of them. shop now Then, there are the BMW M Motorsport shoes which has a white and gray/black colorway. On the outside sides of the shoes is a tasteful "M" design that any motorsport fan would recognize. shop now Lastly, there are the Red Bull Racing Speed HYBRID shoes. The well-known Red BUll colorway is found across the shoes, as well as the famous "Gives You Wings" motif on the outer sides. shop now

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Monterey Car Week 2019

The Monterey Car Week is here, bringing thousands of automotive collectors, enthusiasts and more to the Californian coast. Along with the guests, there will be plenty of extraordinarily rare cars on display at numerous events. That means there's going to be a lot of places to be if you want to see everything this car week has to offer. So, naturally, that means you need to have plenty of outfits as you make your way from event to event. Down below, we have some select pieces that fit the part for Monterey, so check it all out. THE EVENTS As mentioned before, there are a lot of events going on during Monterey Car Week. Need to find out where to go? We have all of the big events listed on duPont REGISTRY Directory so you can see where they're all at and when they start. Want to see the exciting RM Sotheby's and Mecum auctions? Of course you do! See when they start and where they're at on our Directory. View Events THE WATCH Are you ready to head off and see everything Monterey Car Week has to offer? Well, you better bring a watch if you don't want to show up late. For that, we have the HYT Soonow watch. To create the unique way that the Soonow tells time, HYT utilizes their exclusive mechanical movement. Two contrasting layers are pushed through the skull-shaped capillary as time passes. To read the time, a wearer needs to just look at where the two fluids meet and read the printed words founds above the skull’s outline. Learn More About This Watch THE SHADES The Californian sun is bright and if you don't want to be squinting all day, you better wear a pair of shades. T Henri's sunglasses were designed with the luxury lifestyle in mind and the prized possessions that go along with that lifestyle, like hypercars. If you need to to look the part in California, T Henri sunglasses are a perfect fit. See All T Henri Sunglasses THE OUTFIT During this week, all sorts of events will be going on. Whether they're auctions, car shows or dinners, there's a wide variety of happenings. And, their locations will vary from indoor to outdoor. When it comes to an outfit for Monterey Car Week, you're going to need a variety of ones to choose from. Here we have two outfits from Robert Graham that would be great to add to your California-ready wardrobe. Shop on RobertGraham.us THE SHOES Along with a lot of cars, there's going to be a lot of walking during Monterey Car Week. There are hills to climb, golf courses to traverse, streets to walk down and a lot more. Añel Racer Collection has a great selection of footwear that range from loafers to sneakers and everything in between. Check out their selection of shoes and be sure to bring a couple of pairs out west. Shop on AnelRacerCollection.com THE HAT Hats are a necessity when it comes to sunny days outside, but they're also the perfect way to cap off an outfit. melin has a great lineup of hats that are designed to be both stylish and functional. We picked out three of their hats that we think would be great for Monterey Car Week adventures, including their new hat created in collaboration with Daniel Ricciardo. Shop on MelinBrand.com

Daniel Ricciardo, A-Game, melin Family, Beach, San Clemente, POE

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 – 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

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe