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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 – June 04, 2018

Wheels & Wardrobe: Summer Cars and Gear

The hottest season of the year is here, Summer. During each summer, most of the United States heads outside for BBQ's, beach time and some poolside relaxing. But in order to make that possible, you have to have the gear and wardrobe to make it happen. If you're looking for a starter kit for summer, then look no further. Down below are a few items you can buy now that will add a little more flair to your Summertime shenanigans. Of course, you've got to have the right car to put it all together and for that, we suggest picking up one of the latest exotic convertibles of 2018. Convertibles of 2018 See Them All Patagonia P-6 Trucker Hat Shop Now Warby Parker Sunglasses Shop Now Canty Monstera Button Down Shirt Shop Now Trent Solid All-Purpose British Khaki Short Shop Now Vans Classics Shop Now B&O Beoplay A2 Active Bluetooth Speaker Shop Now Boosted Electric Skateboard Shop Now

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Royal Wedding Vibes

Even though we didn't get invited to the royal wedding (our invite must have been lost in the mail), we'd like to think that if we were there that we'd show up in style. We're big fans of His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, especially Meghan Markle due to her role in "Suits." Because of her role in the show, we'd like to think she would know the importance of a good suit and, furthermore, it would've been downright disrespectful to show up in anything less than stunning... in our humble opinion. For our suit of choice, there was only one choice: Tom Ford. Why? Well, he did happen to dress one of the United Kingdom's finest gentlemen, James Bond, in the movie "Spectre." To go with the suit is a stylish Aston Martin DB11 that James Bond and royalty would most definitely approve of, thanks to Aston Martin's heritage in the United Kingdom. Check out our entire selection right down below. Aston Martin DB11 Shop Now Corum ROMVLVS 44 Billionaire Shop Now Tom Ford Black Shelton Satin-Trimmed Wool Tuxedo Jacket Shop Now Tom Ford Contrast-Tipped Silk-Twill Pocket Square Shop Now Tom Ford White Tuxedo Shirt Shop Now Tom Ford Black Satin Trimmed Wool Tuxedo Trousers Shop Now Gucci Vegas Leather Loafers Shop Now Tom Ford Oud Wood Cologne Shop Now

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2018

Wheels & Wardrobe: The Smart Driver

Dressing "smart" doesn't mean dressing like a nerd by any means. Need a good example? Check out the money makers in Silicon Valley and the fashionable outfits they can be seen in. They will go from perfectly fitting suits to jeans/tees/sneakers. For our take on a "smart" outfit, we blended a good amount of denim with stylish flair. Check it out below and click each item's respective button to view price and learn more. Karma Revero "Drive less than 50 miles a day? You will never buy gas. More? Feed the engine, and it will recharge the battery to provide up to 300 miles of range." View Karma Reveros for Sale Smith Lowdown Focus ChromaPop Sunglasses "The first brain sensing sunglasses that give instant feedback on what's happening in your brain during cognitive training sessions with the Smith focus app." View Item Apple Nike Watch+ Series 3 "Take your run to the next level with built-in cellular, GPS, and altimeter." View Item Levi's® Commuter X Jacquard By Google "Levi's® Commuter™ Trucker Jacket links to your mobile device via Bluetooth. With a tap or brush of the cuff, you can control music, screen phone calls or get directions." View Item rag & bone Fit 3 Button-Down Collar Denim Shirt "Designed in the label's relaxed 'Fit 3' cut, it has painted metal buttons and a bleached wash to give it a vintage feel." View Item Levi's® Tack Slim Jeans "This fabric has been crafted exclusively for us at Japan’s renowned Nisshinbo Mills, a leading selvedge manufacturer with a century-long legacy." View Item Nike Air VaporMax Plus "With a reinvented cushioning system, the Nike Air VaporMax Plus Men's Shoe delivers a lightweight, bouncy ride for a gravity-defying sensation underfoot, while the throwback molded upper gives you a snug, comfortable fit." View Item

By Steve Chapman Jr – May 07, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

As the days and weeks go by and we stray further from the Winter cold, we draw closer to the warm days of Summer. For this week, we wanted to give our readers a nice ensemble, car included, that vibes with the current weather. Blues and yellows combine with black and white for a cool outfit that's an easy pick for the current temperatures. Check them all out below and click their buttons to see the price and options for each piece. Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS View Inventory ChronoSwiss Flying Grand Regulator Limited Edition Buy Now DOLCE & GABBANASlim-Fit Printed Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt Buy Now SAINT LAURENTSlim-Fit 17cm Hem Distressed Washed-Denim Jeans Buy Now ALEXANDER MCQUEENExaggerated-Sole Leather Sneakers Buy Now

By Edward Jones – April 30, 2018

Wheels and Wardrobe: Red and Black Attack w/ Ferrari 488 GTB

The main color combo for duPont REGISTRY is black/red/white and it's also one of my favorites. If you're a fan of Ferraris, you know that this scheme is very popular with their cars, but with a little splash of yellow on the badge. For this week, we wanted to put together a full ensemble that revolves around this color scheme. From the watch, shoes and shirt to the car, this is a perfect outfit for other fans of the black/red/white combo. Ferrari 488 GTB Ferrari’s lineup became truly turbocharged with the unveiling of the Ferrari 488 GTB coupe. Acting as a successor to the 458 Italia, the new 488 GTB pushed the automaker’s lineup into a new era of design.Ferrari 488 GTBs for Sale HYT H0 X EAU ROUGE "All life on planet earth is dependent on fluids. This scientifically proven truth lies at the very heart of the H0 X Eau Rouge by HYT. In this high-tech timepiece, the color red alludes to the very essence of life, with its three primary functions of transporting, protecting and regulating."Shop Now Fear of God Hiking Hi-Top Sneakers Black leather Hiking hi-top sneakers made by Fear of God. These boots have 100% rubber outer and interior composition, with 100% rubber soles. Made in Italy.Shop Now Balmain Raw Denim Biker Jeans Balmain's women's biker jeans became very famous with celebrities, but they have since transitioned the design over to menswear. These jeans were made in Italy and have a 98% cotton and 2% polyurethane composition.Shop Now Off-White Diag Mona Lisa Long Sleeve The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous pieces of art in the world, but don't expect to wear the original in any circumstance. For those that want to wear it anyways, check out this long sleeve shirt from Off-White, the fashion label of DJ and designed Virgil Abloh.Shop Now Givenchy Leather Bomber Jacket You never want to hide a fine t-shirt with a jacket, but when it looks this good and it's chilly out, you can't go wrong. This jacket, crafted in Italy by Givenchy, combines the style of a letterman jacket with that of a biker's jacket.Shop Now Acne Studios Cava Shell Cap Acne Studios' mascot makes an appearance on the front of this all-black hat. That mascot was created by Jonny Johansson as a last-minute addition before a show and it highlights many of Acne Studios' piece of apparel.Shop Now

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2018

Wheels & Wardrobe: Mercedes-Benz G550 SUV

Just like some people like to wear outfits that match the seasons, sports team or even pets, it's not a bad idea to have one that matches your car too. For that, we have "Wheels & Wardrobe," a feature designed to match up an outfit with a specific car. This week we have the tall and rugged Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² finished in a black paint. Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4² Off-roading is no match for the Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4². The SUV was equipped with several features to ensure best-in-class response to any kind of off-roading terrain. View G550s For Sale New Era Dad Hat Hats are making a comeback, especially the "dad hat." This one here is a simple take on the dad hat with a solid color but New Era's craftsmanship ensures it'll be on your head for the long-run. Buy Now Oakley TwoFace Sunglasses The sun is a real bugger and can hamper your sight when cruising. Instead of putting down the sunshade, slap on a pair of these Oakleys that will match your G-Wagen. Buy Now Saint Laurent Distressed T-Shirt Saint Laurent's designs have been around for decades and they've always been in style. This t-shirt by the famous brand is comfortable, simple yet stylish. Buy Now Todd Snyder Camo Desert Jacket This jacket combines military camo with modern functionality for a jacket that will protect you from the cold or weather thanks to its removable hood and storm guard. Buy Now Levi's Tack Selvedge Slim Jeans When you think of jeans, you think of Levi's. They've been everyone's go-to jeans for years and that doesn't look to change. these slim jeans sit at the waist and end in a tapered leg opening. Buy Now YEEZY Desert Rat Boots These "construction boots" are the latest in Yeezy Season 6 and will be a hot ticket for sneakerheads. What's interesting is that they're hitting store shelves before a formal announcement from the brand. Get 'em while you can before they're only up for resale. Buy Now

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Ferrari Store: Puma Transform Collection

In certain situations, your clothes should be as dynamic as your car. That's why Ferrari turned to Puma for a limited run of color-changing accessories. The Transform Collection features heat and water-reactive colors and prices that won't break the bank. Each piece is emblazoned with the colors of the Italian flag along with Scuderia shields.Men's Technical JacketIf you are looking for style in all weather, this hooded jacket sports jacket hides a wild reflective motif that comes alive in the rain. It is available in Medium to XXL for $110.View DetailsMen's Transform T-ShirtThis wild T-Shirt features a blur of a Ferrari F1 car. It is temperature sensitive, becoming fluorescent when cold. It is available in Small to XXL for $27.50.View DetailsPuma Transform BackpackIf you need something unique to carry your gear, the Puma Transform Backpack reacts to body and air temperature to reveal a bright red pattern. $100View DetailsPuma Transform CapTranslated from Italian, TestaRossa literally means Red Head. This straight-bill black cap hides a red pattern that is heat activated. The double-stiched design has a drawstring closure for the ultimate in comfort. $22View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Transform Low SneakersImagine the perfect heel-toe downshift in a 275 GTB/4. It needs a shoe that can handle the heat, and these Evo Cats turn fire red when exposed to heat. The thermochromic color will make you stand apart from the crowd. $79.75View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Mid SneakersFeaturing the same heat reactive pigments as the low tops above, these mids offer more support and great styling. $90.75View DetailsBe sure to stay with us for more great deals on the hottest Ferrari gear!.

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