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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 11, 2020

8JS x Formula 1 Collection Debuted

8JS, a clothing brand inspired by famous racing tracks, announced that they have become official licensees of Formula 1. With the new partnership, they have launched a new collection of clothing that revolves around Formula 1 and its 70th anniversary. There are shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets in the collection, as well as items for both men and women. Each of the shirts and sweatshirts is made of 100% cotton and they look as comfy as ever, but that's expected from 8JS. Click the button below to view the entire collection for yourself and maybe pick up some gear to help you show your love for Formula 1! Shop Now Source: 8-js.com

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By Edward Jones – May 08, 2020

New Puma Motorsport Replicat-X Scuderia Ferrari Colorway

Even though the Formula 1 season has been put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, we can still support our favorite teams. For those who wave the Scuderia Ferrari flag, Puma Motorsports has some new perfect sneakers for you. The Replicat-X Scuderia Ferrari sneakers come in three different stylish colorways, with each sporting the famous Scuderia shield. The Replicat-X silhouette is a fantastic one, offering plenty of comfort and grip for those who wear these as driving shoes. The new colorway that was unveiled is the White Peacoat on White. This colorway joins the two others, including Black and Rosso Corsa. Check them out for yourself by clicking the link below and also see all of the other motorsport gear Puma has to offer. Shop Now - $120 Source: PUMA

By Dylan Orluck – May 01, 2020

Period Correct Announces New FINA Livery Collection

Automotive inspired apparel company Period Correct is at again with a new collection inspired by one of their favorite liveries. You may recognize this Fina livery on the e30 M3 due to the fact that is on one of the most legendary McLaren F1’s in history. Unlike the F1 this e30 took things off-road and made a name for itself in the Group A | DTM scene. That particular M3 is still incredibly fast by today’s standards and could outrun an F80 M3 any day of the week. The new collection drops tomorrow Saturday, May 2nd at 9am, so make sure to head over to Periodcorrect.com to get yours, and while you're at it check out some of their other awesome gear. Visit PeriodCorrect.com https://www.instagram.com/p/B_km0MZDDOD/ Source: Instagram/@periodcorrect

By Edward Jones – April 22, 2020

Porsche Design Workout Collection and Challenge is a Perf...

Porsche Design is going all-in with home workouts as they have released a new "Home Workout Challenge" and some great apparel to workout in. Their exercise gear in the Porsche Design x PUMA Sports collection is quite expansive, including hats, shoes, shirts, shorts, pants, bags, and even a gym towel. The style of the items also ranges greatly, so there's something for every occasion, especially home workouts. Porsche Design is also giving those whose order is over 450.00 euros a complimentary pair of Porsche design in-ear headphones. Speaking of home workouts, let's talk about that challenge. Porsche Design has also uploaded a series of videos with KULT that act as a home workout challenge. Each day is a different workout with a different trainer, all courtesy of Kult Fitness. If you need a solid sweat while staying home, check out the first of the videos down below. Shop Now " width="680"> Image Source: Porsche-Design.com

By Edward Jones – April 22, 2020

Lavish Hero Fund: Helping Out Frontline Heroes

Living Lavish has just announced their new Lavish Hero Fund, a fund that is dedicated to helping the frontline workers that are truly saving the world. To donate to this fund, it's quite simple. You can either buy one of the shirts in the Lavish Hero Line by Living Lavish, or donate to the fund directly. When buying on of the shirts, every cent over the cost of the shirt will be put directly into the Lavish Hero Fund. As for the fund, it's goal is to provide frontline workers with financial aid. If you happen to be a frontline worker, such as a nurse, paramedic, firefighter, ambulance driver or police officer, you may qualify. To learn more about the Lavish Hero Line, Lavish Hero Fund or see if you qualify to apply, click the button below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 20, 2020

Period Correct's New Land Cruiser Collection Now Availabl...

When it comes to automobiles or anything in general, the latest and greatest is not always the best, or in this case correct. The team over at Period Correct share the same understanding and embrace it using their streetwear line. The company recently announced the Land Cruiser line on their Instagram (@PeriodCorrect). The collection pays homage to the classic Land Cruiser in period correct designs on t-shirts, long-sleeve tees, sweatshirts, and hats. In a world where new cars and technology is being developed every day, it is nice to pause and look back at some of the historic milestones within the auto industry. Period Corrects streetwear lines does not only do that, but it also sparks interest and educates people who may not know anything about some of the historic automobiles they have featured. The Land Cruiser Collection is currently available, click below for more information! Shop Now Source: Period Correct

By Edward Jones – April 16, 2020

Puma Motorsport x Porsche Design LQDCELL in White Are Cle...

Within the Porsche Design collection in the Puma Motorsports lineup are the stunning LQDCELL shoes in Puma White. These are featured in the collection that consists of two colorways of Jet Black/Mist Green and Puma White /Ethereal Blue. With the all-Puma White appearance, the LQDCELL shoes look cleaner than ever. As for the construction of the shoes, they feature Profoam and LQDCELL tech in the midsole, while the upper consists of sheer overlays. Puma has also made these shoes super lightweight, as well as comfortable. If you've been looking for a sleek way to show your love for Porsche, this is a perfect way to go. The Porsche Design LQDCELL sneakers look to be as stylish as they ever have been now with this colorway, so click the button below to get your own pair. They're currently available in the US for $220, Shop Now Source: Puma

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2020

Supreme x Lamborghini Collection For Sale

When the Supreme x Lamborghini collection dropped, it sold out in a matter of minutes. If you didn't get ready for the drop, odds are you didn't get anything. However, the resale market for fashion is alive and well. Items from the Supreme x Lamborghini are now starting to show up on resale markets like StockX and eBay. Items include the coveralls, shirts, hoodie, skateboard decks and more. Want to spice up your wardrobe? Click one of the buttons below to see what's currently being offered out of this insanely popular collection. Shop StockX Shop eBay

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2020

UNIQLO Announces New Classic Car Collection

UNIQLO is the master of collections, dropping new ones all of the time and each one of them is very specific in the niche they reach. One of their latest collections is the new "THE BRANDS CARS" collection. In this collection are six shirts that pay homage to vintage cars. For this collection, the Alfa Romeo and BMW brands are featured, with each getting three shirts in the collection. If you're thinking these shirts will be expensive, then you haven't shopped through UNIQLO before, because each of them comes with a price tag of just $14.90. If you're interested, be sure to click the button below and get ready for when they drop this month. See the Collection Images via UNIQLO.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2020

Nike Adapt Auto Max “Motherboard” Released

Nike’s Air Max silhouette has always been a classic look that is better defined as timeless. It has been the forefront for Nike since the first release on March 26th, 1987. So, the question becomes, how do you implement new ideas to an already successful line of sneakers? Nike’s response is the all-new Adapt Auto Max “Motherboard”, a futuristic rendition of a classic. The key difference being Nike’s self-lacing technology. The power-driven laces allow you to set and save the perfect fit using the buttons placed on each shoe. Nike has also integrated the ability to connect each pair to smartphones and smartwatches using their app, giving everyone the ability to personalize their settings. The shoe is made from a soft synthetic grey upper, while the bottom uses a gum-lined bottom embedded with LED lights. This is Nike’s third self-lacing shoe release and most definitely will not be their last. For more information click below and check in for more news from Nike! Shop Now Images via Nike.com

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