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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 – May 13, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: Outdoor Adventurer's Perfect Setup

Every outdoor adventure needs the right setup, no matter where you're going. Whether you're going out to the mountains, driving along the coast or trekking across the desert, there are a few essentials you need. We've put together a quick setup for adventurers who are out for spur of the moment escapades. The vehicle of choice is the Ford F-150 Raptor, which handles well on and off of the road. Currently, we have over 40 examples of this incredible truck, so you'll be sure to find one that fits your style. Check it all out down below. The Ride Ford F-150 Raptor - Shop Now The Outfit melin Trenches Hydro Hat - Shop Now ($59)Reigning Champ T-Shirts - Shop Now ($100)Reigning Champ Team Pants - Shop Now ($180)New Balance 990v5 - Shop Now ($174.99) The Gear Fujifilm X100F Camera - Shop Now ($1,199) Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon Skeleton Watch - Shop NowBenchmade Griptilian 551 Knife - Shop Now ($155.88)Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses - Shop Now ($111.17)Oars + Alps Face and Body Wipes - Shop Now ($16)

By Edward Jones – April 29, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Starwood Jeep With Tan Tones

A vehicle like a custom Starwood Motors Jeep thrives in environments like the desert. It's abilities to tackle off-road obstacles make it impeccable in tough terrain. So, for this week we put together an outfit that's based around one color you'll probably encounter the most in an off-road situation: tan. This is because that's the color of the dirt you'll be climbing in places like Moab. Starwood Motors Custom Jeep Shop now William Painter Sunglasses Shop now Fitbit Ionic Shop now Filson Quilted Jacket Shop now lululemon Tech Pique Polo Shop now lululemon ABC Pant Classic Shop now Adidas Prophere Running Shoes Shop now lululemon Boxers Shop now

By Edward Jones – April 23, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Wavy Carrera GT Fit

It's never the wrong time to get a little wavy, especially when you're driving a Porsche Carrera GT. This week, our fashion coordinator definitely felt wavy while putting this fit together. It all revolves around a black/red/white color scheme that's highlighted by the Reebok by Pyer Moss sneakers. Check out the entire outfit by scrolling down below! Porsche Carrera GT Shop now Carrera Aviator Sunglasses Shop now Porsche 1919 Dateminer 70Y Sports Car Watch Shop now Black 'Palm x Palm' Varsity Bomber Jacket Shop now Guess Tie-Dye Tee Shop now AG 'The Tellis' Red Jeans Shop now Reebok by Pyer Moss Modius Experiment Sneakers Shop now

By Edward Jones – April 08, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Superleggera

Aston Martin's new DBS Superleggera is a luxurious and performance-packed supercar that is downright stunning. A car of this magnitude needs to be respected and a driver that's dressed appropriately. For us, we put together a low-key outfit that would be perfect for any cruise in the DBS Superleggera. You'll find silver/green vibe throughout the outfit, including in the watch and pocket knife. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Shop now Corum Lab 01 Shop now Disctrict Vision Keiichi District Sky G15 Sunglasses Shop now Yoshiokubo Tropical Print Shirt Shop now Prada Pleated Tailored Trousers Shop now Gucci Black Jordan Buckle Leather Loafers Shop now James the Chapter Knife Shop now

By Edward Jones – April 02, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: AMG G63 Style

The Mercedes-AMG G63 SUV is one of the most capable vehicles the German automaker creates. It incorporates a myriad of Mercedes principles: style, luxury, power and the ability to go above and beyond, no matter the terrain. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we put together an ensemble that puts the driver into an outfit that features a camo shirt, light tones and contrasting red in the Air Jordans and HYT watch. Check it out below! Mercedes-AMG G63 Shop now HYT H20 Black DLC Shop now Master & Dynamic MW07 Earphones Shop now Persol Sunglasses Shop now rag & bones Focus Jacket Shop now Off-White Camo Shirt Shop now Saint Laurent Jeans Shop now Air Jodan 3 Retro TH SP Shop now

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By Edward Jones – March 25, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Race the Mile in Denim Style

Are you a fan of denim and want to show it? Don't be afraid, because there are plenty of denim daddies out there that are rocking the fine blue textile. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, I decided to make it all about the denim. Check it out below. And remember, if you're a denim dude, don't let anyone sour your mood with an anti-denim attitude. Blue McLaren 720S shop now melin Hesher Denim Hat shop now OrSlow Denim Shirt shop now Nudie Tilted Tor Jeans shop now Vans ComfyCush Authentic Shoes shop now Jean Shop Tan Leather Belt shop now Dango M1 Maverick Bifold Wallet shop now imogene + willie Vintage Bandana shop now

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Super SUV Style

Style isn't hard to come by when you're in the new Lamborghini Urus SUV. Described as a super SUV, the Urus is both fashionable and powerful in many manners. Because of that, we picked the Urus for this week's Wheels x Wardrobe. Pairing with the Urus is an outfit that's both modern and sporty. Click the tags on each image to learn more about the item! Lamborghini Urus Prada Full Rim Glasses Roger Dubuis Excalibur One-Off Lamborghini Leather Jacket Gucci Metal Mix Sport Shirt rag & bone Fit 1 Skinny Fit Jeans Lamborghini Wave Tenjin 4 Running Shoes by Mizuno Carbon Fiber Lamborghini Bynomio Hold Suitcase Leica Q2 Digital Camera

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 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 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

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