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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 – October 30, 2018

Mattel Hot Wheels x Puma RS-X Sneakers Announced

Puma and Mattel's Hot Wheels brand are teaming up for a sneaker based around the new RS-X line. The RS-X sneaker is a reboot of the RS-0 that was based around the classic 80's Running System (RS) line. This new sneaker is designed to celebrate Hot Wheels' 50th anniversary, with the appropriate branding on the tongue. As for the sneaker itself, it was inspired by the "Bone Shaker" toy car from 2006, a hot rod car that's become quite famous over the years. Its composition is comprised of different materials that are highlighted by yellow and blue trim. If you happen to be at SEMA 2018, you'll be able to see the shoe's unveiling as it will be happening at the event. Price and release date is still unannounced. Shop Puma

By Edward Jones – October 22, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Halloween Costume Edition

Halloween is just around the corner and that means everyone is scrambling to get their costumes in order. Department stores are starting to run out of their stock, leaving many to search for their spooky costumes online. We're here to help with a quick selection of costumes, along with matching rides. We've got a Batman costume with a sleek Lamborghini, James Bond costume with a classy Aston martin DB11, orange and black McLaren P1 and a pumpkin costume for the driver, Terminator costume with a rough Hummer H1, and a Fortnite costume with a wicked golf kart. Batman - Black Lamborghini Aventador SV Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume James Bond - Aston Martin DB11 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Pumpkin - McLaren P1 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Terminator - Hummer H1 Check Out This Car Check Out This Costume Fortnite Dark Voyager - Golf Kart Check Out This Kart Check Out This Costume Costume Images via Amazon

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Land Rover and Leather for Fall Weather

For me, this time of the year is exciting because it means I'll be able to take my favorite jackets out of the closet. This week, we decided to base our Wheels and Wardrobe all around the stunning Polo Ralph Lauren Shearling Bomber Jacket. We matched this jacket with a rugged Land Rover Defender 110, and plenty of leather to go around. On the wrist is the vintage leather strap of the Tiegenmesser Bronze watch from Reservoir. If you're into vintage watches, you should definitely check out the rest of Reservoir's collection. Anyways, scroll down and check out this week's fit! Land Rover Defender 110 Shop Now Reservoir Tiefenmesser Bronze Shop Now Ray-Ban Outdoorsman Craft Sunglasses Source: Ray-Ban.comShop Now Polo Ralph Lauren Shearling Bomber Jacket Source: RalphLauren.comShop Now Buck Mason Prima Tee (Port) Source: BuckMason.comShop Now Polo Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim Jeans Source: RalphLauren.comShop Now Clarks Ottawa Peak Boots Source: ClarksUSA.comShop Now Melin ACE (Rust) Source: MelinBrand.comShop Now Dango T01 tactical Waller (Brown Raw Hide) Source: DangoProducts.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: A Comfortable Vantage Point

One of the colors Aston Martin debuted the new Vantage in was a fluorescent yellow that attracted attention from everyone. This bright color is the focal for this week's Wheels x Wardrobe. Bright yellow tones are found in the car, watch and shoes, while calming tones of the jacket and shoes balance everything out. This entire setup is also a comfortable one, thanks to the smooth ride of the new Vantage, chunky shoes and jacket lined with faux shearling. Check it all out by scrolling down below. Aston Martin Vantage Shop Now Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon Shop Now Melin HUNTSMAN Waxed Cotton Strapback Hat Shop Now Gucci "Privilegium Perpetuum" Trucker Jacket Source: MrPorter.comShop Now Buck Mason White Tee Source: BuckMason.comShop Now rag & bone Fit 2 In Jeans Devon Shop Now Balenciaga Triple S Retro Sneaker in Grey Source: Nordstrom.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Fit for a Demon

October is here and so is the spookiest season of all as we prepare for Halloween at the end of the month. While we all debate on what we should dress up as for the holiday, we should also be dressing the part by wearing dark tones. For this week's Wheels x Wardrobe, we've put together an ensemble that includes black tones and a Demon throne. There's also a hint of orange and yellow thrown in there to match your jack-o-lantern. Scroll down below to see what we think would be a perfect outfit and ride as we start rolling closer to Halloween. Dodge Demon Shop Now Corum Admiral 45 Squelette Image Source: CorumShop Now Raen Remmy Sunglasses Image Source: NordstromShop Now Lafayette Waffle Knit Sweater Image Source: SaturdaysNYC.comShop Now Maurice Crepe Short Sleeve Shirt Image Source: SaturdaysNYC.comShop Now rag & bone Fit 1 Skinny Jeans Image Source: NordstromShop Now Air Max 97 Image Source: FootLocker.comShop Now

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Fall

The season of Fall is finally here and it comes packing plenty of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, shades of orange and the start of cold weather. Alright, so it will be a bit of time before we see the cold weather here in Florida, but the majority of the country will be freezing up soon enough. To celebrate the changing of the season, we've put together a Wheels x Wardrobe that's designed around being outside and enjoying the beatiful fall weather. The cherry on top of this outfit has to be the Jeep Wrangler, which is a perfect ride for exporing mountains in and experiencing what fall has to offer. Check it all out by scrolling down below. Jeep Wrangler View Jeep Wranglers for Sale Eberhard Nuvolari Legend Source: EberhardShop Now Smith Free Spool Sunglasses Source: AmazonShop Now Orvis Denver II Leather Jacket Source: OrvisShop Now Orvis Long-Sleeved Shirt Source: OrvisShop Now Levi's 511 Jeans Source: Levi'sShop Now Clark's Desert Mali Boots Source: ClarksShop Now YETI Hopper Cooler Source: AmazonShop Now

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: Monochrome 720Style

If you want a monochrome style that comes with fashion and speed, look no further. We've put together a stylish outfit, complete with accessories, that goes perfectly with a white McLaren 720S. Step on the pedal in a pair of Givenchy George V Knit sneakers, check the time on the unique Devin Tread watch and peer onto the road before you through the Oakley Flak 2.0 sunglasses. Those looking for style without any flashy colors, look no further. Check out the lineup by scrolling down. McLaren 720S View All McLaren 720S for Sale Devon Tread Watch Shop Now Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses Shop Now - $173 Melin Nubuck Leather Strapback Hat Shop Now - $99 Off-white Twill Bomber Jacket Shop Now - $1,770 Givenchy Fast Love T-Shirt Shop Now - $455 Fear of God Jersey Sweatpants Shop Now - $995 Givenchy George V Knit Sneakers Shop Now - $595 Harvest Label Nighthawk Backpack Shop Now - $520

By Edward Jones – August 01, 2018

Wheels X Wardrobe: SURF TRIP

A few employees at duPont REGISTRY and Autofluence are actually avid surfers and enjoy paddling out for a few waves. Unfortunately, we're located on the West Side of Florida, so we either have to wait for a cold front to roll through or a hurricane to pump up some waves, but that's not often. Our best bet? Traveling to the East Coast, where they are more prone to get surfable waves. But boy would I rather cruise some rugged coast in Mexico or Australia in a massive vehicle like the Hummer H1. For the trip, I would definitely need the right gear and attire. For that, we've compiled this week's Wheels and Wardrobe all around a surf adventure. Check it all out below. The Ride • Hummer H1 - Shop Now The Gear • Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto V Futureflex Surfboard - Buy Now ($774.95 - $824.95) •Tepui Autana Ruggedized Tent - Buy Now ($2,550.00) •DJI Mavic Pro - Buy Now ($999.00) • Incase Camera Pro Pack - Buy Now ($219.95) •The James Brand The Chapter Knife - Buy Now ($275.00 - $350.00) •GoPro HERO6 Black - Buy Now ($399.99) The Fit •Costa Pescador Sunglasses - Buy Now ($198.95 - $218.95) •S.E.A. Tee Pocket - Buy Now ($38.00) •Apex Trunk by Kelly Slater - Buy Now ($145.00) •Vans Knight UltraRange AC - Buy Now ($85.00)

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2018

Wheels x Wardrobe: B L U E Chill and Thrill

Sometimes you want to thrill and sometimes you want to chill. For each of these two different moods are different types of attire and gear you need. So, this week we decided to create a list of items that are a direct we think will help you chill and thrill when you want. Alright, so the thrilling part of this is really going to come from the wicked 2018 Audi R8 Spyder and technical masterpiece that is the HYT H20 watch. But the rest? That's all been picked out for optimum chilling. This includes the comfortable attire and funtional gear. The best part is that all of these items revolve around a cool blue theme. 2018 Audi R8 Spyder Shop Now HYT H²0 Watch Shop Now Melin Marksman Hat Shop Now Oliver Peoples Elias Sunglasses Shop Now rag & bone T-Shirt Shop Now rag & bone Fit 1 Jeans Shop Now Gucci Signature Leather Belt (Reversible) Shop Now New Balance Classics Shop Now Tumi Mason Global Leather Wallet Shop Now Tumi Alpha Bravo Davis Backpack Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – June 12, 2018

Wheels & Wardrobe: Outdoor Adventure Edition

Do you follow the crowd or do you go against the status quo? Tourists seem to flock to the same areas for the same purposes. Maybe it's time to leave the crowds behind and blaze your own trail. This week's theme is a trip of self-exploration. First off, you will need a rugged truck to get you there. After you pick up a truck, you'll need some gear and accessories to make your adventure more exciting and memorable. Below is some gear we think would give you the opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime. Scroll down and click on the buttons to learn more about each piece of gear!AEV Prospector XL American Expedition Vehicles builds the Prospector XL on the proven platform of the Ram Heavy Duty. The difference between AEV's builds is that all of their components are made and installed in the US. Starting from the bottom, you will have 41" tires on 13.5" wide wheels. AEV casts the "Kalta" wheels to exceed SAE J2350 standards. They even have recessed valve stems to protect the TPMS system, and their backspacing is specific to the Ram HD.The bumpers are fabricated from plate steel and are ready to accept the optional Warn 16.5ti winch and AEV's auxiliary light package. Other options include differential coolers, air lockers, snorkel, and two grades of premium leather.Shop NowYeti Cycles SB5 Carbon If you want to experience the hottest and coolest spots in the lower 48, we suggest loaded your AEV Prospector with the Yeti SB5 Carbon and head for Death Valley. Unload your bike at Badwater Basin and head for the sky. At 279 feet below sea level, you can pedal your way to Mt Whitney. While only 132 miles apart, you will end at an elevation of 8,360 feet. The Yeti SB5 is carbon fiber with Fox Racing suspension and Maxxis tires. If you aren't looking for pedal up 9,000 feet, we suggest starting at the top and coasting your way down, you won't regret it!Shop NowSmith Optics Rover Adult MTB Cycling Helmet If you want the lightest & strongest helmet on the market, the Rover from Smith Optics is well ventillated and has an integrated visor. It has single layer webbing to save weight, and their VaporFit adjustable straps. If you're heading into the backcountry alone, you deserve the most advanced helmet on the market.Shop NowSmith Optics Attack Do you have fogged & sweaty shades? The Attack from Smith Optics is their latest design. The low brow line will keep your corneas cool and their hydrophobic Megol temples & nose pads ensure you are ready for high speeds. Their new ChromaPop lens technology allows for quick lens changes for varying light conditions.Shop NowGarmin fēnix 5 Getting lost is not fun, so Garmin's latest GPS watch offers 2 weeks between charges. It uses GPS and GLONASS satellite reception along with a barometric altimeter. Your heart rate is logged with uploads to the Garmin Connect fitness community. The 3-axis compass will keep you on course thanks to a built-in gyroscope. The hardened stainless case is available in 42, 47, and 51 millimeters and it has no less than 17 color options.Shop NowIncase Range Backpack This highly reflective cycling backpack has 31 liters of capacity, and it easily holds a 15" MacBook Pro. Made of durable 1680D ballistic nylon for years of cross-county adventures. The right side has access to the padded notebook compartment. The U-Lock keeps your gear safe and the included organizer keeps everything in place.Shop NowLeica X-U (Typ 113) Underwater Digital Camera If your adventures involve underwater sabotage or sweeping for unexploded mines, the Lecia X-U has a 35mm design and a 16.2 MP CMOS sensor. It is water, dust and shockproof, so its perfect for a rugged trip.Shop NowGoPro Fusion The ultimate in spherical video, the Fusion captures 5.2K video and 18MP photos. Videos can be played back on VR headsets for the ultimate reminder of your adventures.Shop NowHoudini by Patagonia If you need to escape bad weather in a hurry, the Houdini is a featherweight DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. The zippered chest pocket converts to a stuffsack, reinforced by a carabiner. The cuffs are half elastic with drawcord hems. Available in 7 colors.Shop NowPatagonia Men's Short-Sleeved Nine Trails Shirt If you plan on leaving civilization for a few days, you don't want to come back smelling funky. That's why Patagonia Nine Trails shirt is made of Heathered polyester with Polygiene® permanent odor control. it has a cotton-like feel, but the performance of a technical shirt. Set-in sleeve construction with underarm gussets for chafe-free comfort and range of motion. No tags to itch you, and a reflective logo to keep you safe. Available in 5 colors in XS to XL.Shop NowPatagonia Men's Dirt Craft Bike Shorts Mountain-biking shorts featuring a durable, removable liner and chamois pad with versatile, breathable and adjustable outer shorts. Outer shorts built with stretchy nylon/spandex plain-weave fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for plenty of breathability and airflow on warmer rides.Curved waistband follows the natural shape of the hips and allows room to move.Low-profile external hook-and-webbing waist adjustment for a fine-tuned fit.Two drop-in hand pockets, one secure zipper pocket at left thigh.Liner shorts and outer shorts snap together and are compatible with our Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts and Endless Ride Liner Shorts. Availavle in 3 colors in 28" to 40".Shop NowShimano SH-AM7 MTB Shoes The ultimate cycling shoes are made of exclusive Vibram rubber on the outsole for grip in all conditions. The shank plate is fiberglass reinforced for the ultimate in rigidity. Synthetic leather upper is supple and stretch resistant. The perforations keep you cool on long rides, and they are available in 4 colors in most sizes between 36 and 48.Shop Now

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