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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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 24, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Thanksgiving With The Ford Bronco

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for, and in the automotive industry, we are thankful for Ford bringing back the Bronco platform. The rugged design of Ford’s new addition pairs best with clothing and accessories that can withstand the same climate and terrain. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on what to wear and carry when pulling up to your Thanksgiving celebration in the new Ford Bronco. Shop all of the styles featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle Ford Bronco MSRP $26,660 View All Ford Bronco For Sale Watch Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 MCMLIX $3,260 Shop Now Top Melin A-Game Scout Thermal $79 Shop Now Smith TR90 Polarized Sunglasses $143.20 Shop Now Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Highland Jacket $275 Shop Now Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley $52 Shop Now Bottom Joe's The Asher Slim Fit Jeans $129 Shop Now Footwear Clark's Desert Boot Beeswax $150 Shop Now Accessories JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker $69.95 Shop Now The James Brand Hells Canyon Knife $295 Shop Now Yeti V Series Hard Cooler $800 Shop Now Traeger Ironwood Series 885 Pellet Grill $1,499.99 Shop Now Sunnydaze Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit $185 Shop Now YETI Trailhead Collapsible Camp Chair $299.98 Shop Now The Bronco Thanksgiving Breakdown 2020 Ford Bronco MSRP $26,600 Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 MCMLIX $3,260 Melin A-Game Scout Thermal $79 Smith TR90 Polarized Sunglasses $143.20 Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Highlands Jacket $275 Buck Mason Prima Curved Hem Henley $52 Joe's The Asher Slim Fit Jeans $129 Clark's Desert Boot Beeswax $150 JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker $69.95 The James Brand Hells Canyon Knife $275 Yeti V Series Hard Cooler $800 Traeger Ironwood Series 885 Wood Pellet Grill $1,499.99 Sunnydaze Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit $185 YETI Trailhead Collapsible Camp Chair $299.98

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 20, 2020

Balenciaga Releases A $5,750 Track.2 Sneaker Sculpture

Art takes its shape in all forms, most recently in the shape of the Balenciaga Track.2 sneaker silhouette. The luxury fashion house released a limited-edition silver brass sculpture of the infamous sneaker, paying homage to the success of the collection. The sculpture presented as a European size 41 model meant for home décor purposes, unfortunately, cannot be worn. Balenciaga has commissioned a limited 16-piece release of the silver brass Track.2, making it a highly sought-after collector piece for any fashion enthusiast or sneakerhead. The Balenciaga Track.2 Sculpture is currently available for the price of $5,750 by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: BRABUS Built

On special occasions, a vehicle will roll off the production floor and make a significant impact on the automotive world, whether it is for mind-blowing performance or breathtaking design. The BRABUS G V12 900 is the result of a perfect combination of both factors, making it one of the fastest SUVs to touch the tarmac. The success of the model has lead BRABUS to create a clothing collection inspired by not only the brand itself but the G V12 900 as well. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on pairing the perfect style by BRABUS for when you are behind the wheel of the super-SUV. Click the links below to shop any of the products and accessories featured in this special. Vehicle BRABUS G V12 900 MSRP $668,000 View All BRABUS For Sale Watch HYT FLOW Black Fluid $79,000 Shop Now Top BRABUS Cap "All Black" $70.77 Shop Now Maison Margiela Black Mykita Edition $575 Shop Now BRABUS Track Jacket $377.44 Shop Now BRABUS T-Shirt "Sketch" $153.33 Shop Now Bottom BRABUS Track Pants $353.85 Shop Now Footwear Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers $975 Shop Now Accessories GUCCI Red Quilted GG Wallet $395 Shop Now Neil Barrett Black Eco-Leather Backpack $655 Shop Now Away The Expandable Large Suitcase $345 Shop Now The BRABUS Built Breakdown 2020 BRABUS G V12 900 MSRP $668,000 HYT FLOW Black Fluid Watch $79,000 BRABUS Cap "All Black" $70.77 Maison Margiela Black Mykita Edition Sunglasses $575 BRABUS Track Jacket $377.44 BRABUS T-Shirt "Sketch" $153.33 BRABUS Track Pants $353.85 Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers $975 Gucci Red Quilted GG Wallet $395 Neil Barrett Black Eco-Leather Backpack $655 Away The Expandable Large Suitcase $345

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2020

The Turnbull & Asser James Bond Collection Will Have You ...

Anyone who has seen any of the James Bond films can understand the sleek and sophisticated style portrayed by the famous British secret agent. Turnbull and Asser are responsible for the iconic look, dating back to the original release in 1962. The British clothing company is celebrating its 58-year relationship with the release of The James Bond Collection, an exclusive clothing line for all fans of the series. The collection includes dress shirts, ties, bowties, and a pocket square using premium materials. The James Bond Collection by Turnbull and Asser is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop The James Bond Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

Bugatti x AUDES Release A New Lifestyle Collection

Since the celebration of the 110th anniversary of Bugatti, the hypercar manufacturer has been at work developing new projects. We recently saw the release of the incredibly unique Bugatti Bolide, a track-focused vehicle capable of 311+ miles per hour. The company just announced the release of its new lifestyle collection, a clothing line dedicated to expressing the identity and heritage of the Bugatti brand. The 50-piece collection was designed and manufactured as part of a partnership with AUDES Group, the official licensee for Bugatti’s apparel and accessories. Clothing options for the new release are made from high-tech fabrics to enhance performance while providing an ergonomic fit. Among the accessories, there are power banks, key chains, a backpack, small leather goods, mugs, notebook bags, credit card holders, a water bottle, and more. All the items included in the collection pull inspiration from some of Bugatti’s greatest creations, such as the Chiron, Divo, La Voiture Noir, Chiron Super Sport 300+, Centodieci, and Bolide. The new collection from Bugatti is currently available and found by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2020

McLaren X Castore Sportswear Collection Debuted

McLaren Automotive and Castore, the British premium sportswear brand, have teamed up for a special sportswear collection for men. this new collection takes inspiration from McLaren's design language and their use of lightweight materials. With bonded seams, ergonomic fits, heat-reducing fabric and fantastic airflow, the collection will keep the wearer comfortable and at perfect temperature... kind of like a McLaren cabin. Within the collection are training and lifestyle pieces like t-shirts, performance tops and outerwear. "Castore is delighted to be collaborating with luxury supercar maker McLaren, one of the most respected luxury and technology brands in the world, known for pushing the boundaries of innovation," says Tom Beahon, co-founder of Castore. "McLaren Automotive and Castore share a deep commitment to technical and product excellence and our first exclusive capsule collection reflects both brands shared ethos." The new collection can be shopped at Castore.com by clicking the button below. Visit Castore.com

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2020

Persol Releases Updated Sunglasses From 'The Talented Mr....

In the 1999 thriller 'The Talented Mr. Ripley', Jude Law's character sports some stylish shades while enjoying the waters of Italy. These shades were actually the PO3260S sunglasses from Persol. Now, just over two decades later, Persol has released an updated version of these shades with new materials and styles. The overall shape and design remain the same, but slight touches and new styles bring the famed sunglasses into the modern era of fashion. In total, there are seven different variants of the PO3260S sunglasses, including the Havana style that Law wore. They come with a price of $260 for non-polarized lenses and $310 with polarized lenses. Click the button below to check them out for yourself. Shop On Persol.com https://www.facebook.com/TheTalentedMrRipleyMovie/photos/317843734944572

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2020

What To Wear In The Bentley Continental GT

The Breakdown 2020 Bentley Continental GT MSRP $202,500 Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary Limited Edition $10,200 Bonobos The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat $498 Bonobos Washable Merino V-Neck Sweater $98 Mizzen+Main Leeward Dress Shirt $125 Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos $138 Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford $375 Tom Ford Tortoiseshell Lionel Sunglasses $475 The Outlierman Tailored Silk Face Masks $104.28 Magnanni Catalux Leather Belt $150 Shinola Slim Leather Computer Briefcase $795 Vehicle Bentley is introducing two new versions of its third generation Continental GT and GT Convertible models this year. The definitive luxury Grand Tourer is now available for US customer order with a powerful V8 petrol engine, ensuring a lively and engaging drive that complements the unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology. Both V8 models are equipped with a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with greater range, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes. View All Bentley Continental GT For Sale Watch The Bentley Centenary Limited Edition in stainless-steel is presented on a brown quilted calfskin strap. It is also available with a stainless-steel bracelet. The watch has the unique brown burl elm dial, which is inspired by the wooden dashboard of the legendary 1929 “Blower” Bentley, the nickname given to the 4 ½ Litre Supercharged race cars driven by Sir Tim Birkin and the legendary Bentley Boys in the 1920s. Shop Now Top The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat by Bonobos is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It features a water repellent fully lined interior making it perfect for any weather condition. The available color options include Dark Camel (shown) and a sophisticated Charcoal Herringbone. Shop Now The Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater is made from a comfortable merino wool that offers the ability to be thrown in the wash without the need to worry. It offers an upscale look and feel for the cooler months with an easy care plan. Shop Now Mizzen+Main created the Leeward Dress Shirt to bridge the gap between business casual attire and comfortable performance driven apparel with its unique blend of fabric. The lightweight, quick dry, and wrinkle resistant button down has all the properties needed for a comfortable daily wear. Shop Now Bottom The Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos feature a unique style, blending both a dress pant and chinos together. The chinos are made from comfortable stretch materials and are available in a wide array of colors. Shop Now Footwear The Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford feature a Bologna Flex construction and cushioned arch support that ensure all-day comfort in a fine Spanish oxford built from rich Italian leather. Shop Now Accessories The Tom Ford Lionel Sunglasses feature an Aviator-style acetate and metal-frame sunglasses in tortoiseshell and rose gold-tone. Double bridge. Brown lenses with 100% UV protection. Adjustable metal nose pads. Shop Now The Outlierman has released multi-layer masks (non-medical) made for covering the face with the best comfort: external and internal layer made of 100% Silk and filter pocket for one time use filter. The masks come in a set of 3 pieces, featuring some of the most iconic Outlierman designs: Posh, Type 75 Atlantic and World Beater. Shop Now Magnanni's finely grained leather elevates a sleek, upscale belt crafted in Spain and fitted with tasteful hardware. Shop Now Baggage Slim and lightweight, this handsome leather briefcase from Shinola stores all your office essentials and features a detachable shoulder strap for a hands-free commute. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2020

PUMA Motorsports Releases The New Scuderia Ferrari Race R...

Puma Motorsports has teamed up with Scuderia Ferrari to release a new version of the RS-X3, a low-cut bulky retro RS driven silhouette. The upper portion of the sneaker is made from mesh with leather and suede overlays. Comfort is found in the midsoles of the Puma Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3, where a thick yet lightweight RS cushion is added for daily wear. The bottoms are layered in rubber with unique grooves for maximum traction both on and off the track. The logos of both Puma Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari are placed throughout the sneaker, the most obvious being the Ferrari Emblem found on the heel. The RS-X3 is available in Rosso-Corsa Red and Puma White for $120. Shop the new Puma Motorsport Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3 sneakers by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2020

The KITH x BMW M3 & M4 Unveiled

The KITH for BMW 2020 Collaboration has caused high anticipation for streetwear and BMW enthusiasts of all kind, but the inspiration behind the partnership holds a story of its own. The release of the 2021 BMW M4 is much needed for the M Division, with the last new model being the 2018 version. This inspired Ronnie Fieg using his E30 M3 as the secondary focus point behind the new collection. Naturally, a completely new BMW M4 Competition would call for an E30 that could stand head to head with the completely new design to bridge the past and present. To help showcase the release both vehicles were designed using hints of KITH x BMW aspects. Ronnie’s M3 was shipped to Germany where it was completely rebuilt using original BMW parts to ensure the authenticity of the timeless classic. The idea of mirroring the two vehicles is carried out subtly using the Cinnabar Red, a color code that is no longer offered through BMW. Areas of the vehicles where the nostalgic M are placed such as badging and interior pieces, have been redesigned using the KITH logo. The new collection manifests where BMW started as a motorsports division and where it continues to lead as an automotive powerhouse. The two vehicles have been meticulously redesigned and will not be available for sale. Learn more about Ronnie Fieg’s BMW E30 M3 and the KITH inspired 2021 BMW M4 Competition by clicking the link below. Learn More

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