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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 08, 2021

Amalgam Collection Announces Pre-Orders for 1:8 Scale Mod...

The perfect model for the Tifosi. Amalgam Collection has just announced that their new Ferrari SF21 1:8 scale model (Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz versions) is up for pre-order. Limited to just 50 pieces, this meticulously designed and hand-built scale model is absolutely incredible. In fact, it took the team at Amalgam Collection over 2,500 hours to develop this scale model and it takes them over 250 hours to build each example. Measuring in at over 28 inches, this model replicates the Ferrari SF21 raced by Leclerc and Sainz during the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season. Like their other Ferrari models, this one was built with the cooperation and assistance of Scuderia Ferrari. If you're interested, this scale model is up for pre-order right now on Amalgam Collection's website. The price is set at $9,802. Visit AmalgamCollection.com Source: Amalgam Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 07, 2021

Discover The Medford 'Tuxedo' M48 By Medford Knife & Tool

Presented by The Medford Guy Medford Knife & Tool is proud to offer quality American-made products using one-of-a-kind designs. When it comes to crafting high-quality American-made knives and tools, the professionals at Medford Knife & Tool pride themselves on being leaders in the industry. The collection of high-end knives range in design, size, blade style, and finish, with the ability for customers to commission custom examples with help from the team. The passion for creating a Medford knife begins with a story, helping to build a profile around the specific model for a dedicated collector. Medford Knife & Tool is proud to introduce one of the many premium knives as part of the collection, the Medford M48 knife. The Medford M48 is an admiring tribute to the M48 Patton, an American first-generation main battle tank that debuted in 1952. Packing a concealing design, The Medford M48 features a hybrid flipper system that rides on bearings to ensure a safe and smooth deployment. MUST-READ: Medford Knives’ Fat Daddy: Ready To Chop The handle construction combines weight savings and strength featuring an aluminum show side, titanium spring and Medford's newly introduced over-travel stop, and a reversible clip. At nearly 9" fully deployed, the SatinVN is an example of a useful blade that is also pocket-friendly. With Medford Knife and Tool's new Magnus Edged™ tip and razor-sharp cutting edge, you have a hand-ground blade unlike anything on the market. Lastly, the Medford M48 Flipper Knife contains fun “Easter Eggs” on the blade, clip, and handle. The Medford M48 by Medford Knife & Tool is best defined as an all-American knife built to last and perform at the highest level, no matter the situation at hand. The Medford M48 SatinVN Blade with Black and PVD Scales is currently available through the dealer for $580. Click on the link below to shop the Medford M48 and all other products by Medford Knife & Tool. Shop The Medford M48 by Medford Knife & Tool Media/Information Source: Medford Knife & Tool

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2021

Fender x Lexus LC Stratocaster Guitar is the Supercar of ...

Time to shred your favorite songs on a Lexus guitar. While I never saw a collaboration between Lexus and Fender coming, I'm more than happy that it happened. The two brands came together to create the limited edition Fender Lexus LC Stratocaster guitar, a custom-built piece from Principal Master Builder, Ron Thorn. It features the beautiful omnidirectional Structural Blue finish, a paint that ranges in color from light metallic blue to deep midnight blue. If this paint sounds familiar, that's because it's actually the same one used on the Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series. Another detail that points to the guitar's automotive inspiration is the carbon fiber pickguard that's not only stylish but will also hold up against even your most brutal shred sessions. To protect this limited edition guitar, Fender has paired it with a custom case wrapped in carbon fiber textured vinyl with a Lexus logo embroidery. Just 100 examples of this guitar will be created, so be sure to talk to either Fender or your local retailer for more information. Shop Guitars On SamAsh.com Source: Lexus

By Edward Jones – October 05, 2021

Aston Martin Valhalla is Coming to Rocket League

Time to do some flip resets in Aston Martin's new supercar. Are you falling off in Rocket League? Did your ranking drop off because you solo queue and get bad teammates? Do you need to be cheered up? Well, I have great news for you. Rocket League has just announced that they will be adding in 007's Aston Martin Valhalla supercar. The secret agent's supercar will be available for 1100 credit and will come with a decal, unique engine audio, and signature wheels. For the try-hards out there, it will feature the same hitbox as the Dominus, one of the best cars in the game. If you'd like to add the Valhalla to your garage, it will be available in the Item Shop on October 7-13. For those who missed 007's Aston Martin DB5 in Rocket League, it will be returning and will be available in the Item Shop the same day that the Valhalla joins the game. All Aston Martins For Sale Source: RocketLeague.com

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2021

What Are Ceramic Coatings And Which One Is Best For Me?

Presented by Gtechniq A ceramic coating is a mixture of nanostructured silanes and siloxanes that when hand-applied, chemically bond to the paint or glass. Ceramic coatings protect the surface from chemical and UV degradation as well as offering a level of scratch resistance. Gtechniq have a range of chemically bonding coatings that are quartz-based through to composite coatings, each offering varying levels of protection and durability. Crystal Serum Ultra Crystal Serum Ultra delivers the best swirl resistance of all the Gtechniq coatings. This product is a composite ceramic coating, that when applied phase separates into two layers. The first layer measures 7h on the pencil hardness scale and bonds to the paintwork, so that it cannot be washed off. The second layer is a harder 10h layer which is an aggregate of 7nm and 20nm nanoparticles that offer superior chemical resistance, weather resistance and swirl resistance. Since incorrectly applied Crystal Serum Ultra can only be removed using sand-paper, it is only available to be applied by a specially trained accredited Gtechniq detailer and is backed by a 9-year guarantee. Find Accredited Detailers Crystal Serum Light Crystal Serum Light is the prosumer version of the world-famous Gtechniq Accredited Detailer Crystal Serum Ultra. It offers 80% of professional Crystal Serum Ultra’s performance, but if applied incorrectly can be machine polished from your vehicle’s paintwork. When it comes to adding gloss, resisting swirls, contaminant and dirt repellency, Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra and Crystal Serum Light are the pinnacle in paint protection. Crystal Serum Light forms an ultra-durable, high-gloss, slick to the touch, chemically bonding inorganic layer of 9h optically clear ceramic. Once applied, gloss levels will remain in the upper 90th percentile for significantly longer when compared to traditional paint protection products and cleaning your car will be a breeze. The high-density ceramic layer is resistant to chemicals ranging from pH2 – pH12. This characteristic also makes bonded contaminants such as tree sap, tar, and hard water spots, easy to remove. Unlike mainstream wax and organic polymer coatings, Crystal Serum Ultra and Crystal Serum Light can resist much higher and lower temperatures. They resist temperatures as low as -40°c to as high as +250°c. Shop Now C1 Crystal Lacquer Crystal Lacquer is a chemically bonding quartz paint coating. It can bond to any type of gel coat, vinyl and all kinds of paint – e.g. clear coat, acrylic, nitro-cellulose, two-pack, solid paint, metallic paint, pearlescent, urethane, polyurethane and matte paint surfaces. As C1 is relatively thin and relatively hard it offers good swirl resistance, but we recommend overcoating it with either C2 or EXO to give your finish the ultimate in dirt and water repellency, gloss and slickness. C1 is also resistant to temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. Shop Now C4 Permanent Trim Restorer C4 utilizes a chemical bond to become an extension of the plastic molecule it is protecting. The coating swaps part of its molecular structure with the surface molecules of your car’s trim. This means that you have a protective coating of unparalleled durability. Unlike many trim products on the market, C4 is exceptionally thin (circa 30 nanometers) optically clear film – this means it will not add an unattractive gloss finish to the surface. Instead, it restores all, but the most faded trim to an ‘as new’ condition. Since it has a strong UV filter, C4 is also ideal for new trim, helping to prevent fading. Shop Now C5 Wheel Armour C5 Wheel Armour offers the best protection for wheels, repelling brake dust and contaminants and making them easier to maintain. Because of C5’s high density and chemical bonding mechanism, its performance is outstanding. The former property gives the coating its excellent stain and contaminant resistance, and the chemical bond formed between the wheel surface and C5 makes the coating durable. C5 will retain its integrity up to temperatures of 600oC (1112oF) making it suitable for all parts of your vehicle’s rims and brake calipers. Shop Now G1 Clear Vision Smart Glass Unlike regular rain repellent coatings that adhere to the surface of the glass using relatively weak physical bonds, G1 uses a chemical bond which gives G1 unrivaled durability. G1 ClearVision Smart Glass hydrophobic function improves wet weather visibility helping to improve safety and eye strain. It also makes removing contaminants from the glass such as ice, bugs and tree sap much easier. G1 will only work on glass substrates and so, it will not work on modern headlight lenses which are made from polycarbonate. For these, you will need to use G5 Water Repellent for Glass and Perspex. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

JetPack Aviation Releases A $380,000 Flying Motorcycle

Take to the sky on a motorcycle with help from the team at JetPack Aviation. The thought of humans traveling through the sky by jetpack is a dream that many were introduced to through Hollywood and the movie magic of cinema, but a California-based turbine company is here to make it a reality. The turbine-powered micro VTOLs professionals at JetPack Aviation are proud to announce a new fleet of flying motorcycles with a focus on both recreation and safety. The all-new JetPack Aviation Speeder is constructed for personal transport with the ability of vertical take-off and landing. The sleek new design of the Speeder will be lighter than a traditional 125cc motorcycle, with a fully stabilized chassis for minimal pilot training needed. The new Speeder series features a Recreational model that can achieve 150mph and reach over 15,000ft with a maximum thrust of 705-pounds. Alongside the fun of owning a personal JetPack motorcycle, JetPack Aviation is also focusing efforts towards using its platform for military use. The Military Speeder and Cargo Speeder offer a faster and more efficient way to transport paramedics to emergency situations. The new Speeder Series from JetPack Aviation embodies forward-thinking for personal transportation while using the sky as new highways. The all-new Recreational JetPack Aviation Speeder model is currently available for pre-order for $380,000. JetPack Aviation JetPack Aviation

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2021

Celebrate Lewis Hamilton's 100 GP Victories With This New...

Well, it finally happened. It was inevitable that Lewis Hamilton would reach the 100-win mark sooner or later. Unfortunately for Lando Norris, it came over the weekend at Sochi. After torrential rain pour came down, Norris stayed out on the track in less than appropriate tires while Hamilton pitted and equipped his rain tires. This allowed Hamilton to breeze into first place and take to the podium as the winner of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix. Now, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team has launched a new shirt to celebrate his victory. It can be purchased on the team's online store for $61. If you'd like to purchase it for yourself, be sure to click the button below. Shop Now Source: Shop.MercedesAMGF1.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2021

Porsche Design Tests The eBike Collection With Pro Mounta...

Porsche steps off the track and into the bike lane with the Porsche Design eBikes. Since its release to the Porsche Design lifestyle collection, the eBike lineup incorporates the same design and technology qualities that go into the performance vehicles being rolled off the production line. Professional mountain-biker Kathrin Baumann and former cycling professional Tarek Rasouli put the Porsche eBikes to the test in a video released to the Porsche Design Instagram page. As the collection features two models that cater to both road and trail riding, Kathrin breaks down the Cross version while explaining her love for the features like the powerful Shimano electric motor and attentive disk brake system. MUST-READ: The All-New Porsche Electric Sport and Cross eBikes Are Now Available The Porsche eBike collection is the product combination of Porsche and the bicycle professionals and Rotwild, which embodies the quality and performance of the two German brands. The collection is being recognized as a key feature at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany. The new Porsche eBike series is currently available through the Porsche website starting at $8,550. Shop the collection and decide if the the Porsche Design eBike Sport or Cross fits your lifestyle by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche Design eBike Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFu_u_q2Eg/?utm_medium=copy_link

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2021

Harley-Davidson Releases A $5,999 Limited-Edition Serial ...

No keys required to ride the newest limited-edition two-wheeler by Harley-Davidson. Harley-Davidson continues to operate as a brand that pushes the limits of performance and design but also incorporates state-of-the-art technology into every product stamped by the brand. In its most recent project as the Serial 1 brand, Harley Davidson is adding pedals and an electric pack to its two-wheel design. Harley-Davidson is proud to present the release of its first limited-edition S1 Series eBike featuring a combination of traditional and modern design. The Mosh/Tribune operates as a fully functional bicycle with features that include a Gates Carbon drive belt, powerful Brose mid-mount motor, hydraulic disk brakes, internally routed cables and wires, and integrated lighting. Alongside the list of modern additions, the Serial 1 powered by Harley-Davidson is available in a special paint scheme that includes a rich gloss black paint with gold accents. Contrasting against the stealth-like style of the eBike are a set of white Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires and a saddle brown leather seat. Production of the MOSH/TRIBUTE, available for pre-order today, will be limited to just 650 units total. Delivery is anticipated for the 2021 holiday season. Click the link below to shop the new limited-edition Serial 1 Mosh/Tribune eBike Powered by Harley-Davidson. Shop The Serial 1 eBike By Harley-Davidson Media/Info Source: Serial 1 by Harley-Davidson

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 17, 2021

How To Buy: The RHUDE Delivery 1 Monaco Collection AW21

Celebrate the history of motorsports and the iconic location of Monaco with RHUDES new apparel collection. While we have seen the infamous streetwear brand RHUDE work with automotive brands like McLaren, it's safe to say that owners and enthusiasts have embraced the motorsport-inspired collection. RHUDE is proud to announce the upcoming release of the new Delivery 1 Monaco Collection AW21featuring modern and vintage style designs dedicated to one of the most famous stops on the Formula 1 racing circuit. The collection includes jackets, sweatshirts, polos, t-shirts, shorts, and accessories crafted from premium materials. The ever-popular automotive-inspired release is sure to sell out fast, as motorsport collectors and enthusiasts of all kinds share the same passion for racing. The all-new RHUDE Delivery 1 Monaco Collection is set to drop on September 17th at 10 am EST. Click the link below to be one of the first in line to shop the highly-anticipated release from RHUDE. When: September 17th at 10 am EST Where: RHUDE Website

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