Gear

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 – February 02, 2022

The GearBox: Sián Style

While Lamborghini is known for producing expensive high-performance supercars, the Italian automotive manufacturer occasionally aims to out-perform itself with one-off exclusive examples. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 embodies the highest quality of design and performance, making it the most powerful hypercar within its fleet. This week’s GearBox focuses on pulling out your best fit, featuring exclusive luxury apparel and accessories to complement the multi-million dollar Lamborghini. Shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 Automobili Lamborghini The fastest Lamborghini of all time is realized in a new futuristic design; drawing on the brand’s style DNA, but clearly a design for a new era. Taking the most iconic V12 Lamborghini power plant of today, the Sián is engineered around unique hybrid technologies, delivering the extraordinary emotion and exceptional dynamic performance of a naturally aspirated Lamborghini super sports car, while meeting a future demanding electrification. Price: MSRP $2,640,000 View All Lamborghini Sián For Sale Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán ST EVO 2 Roger Dubuis Always chasing the next thrill, the Excalibur Spider Huracán MB is just the latest creation to emerge from Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Moving from track to wrist, it combines the DNA of the Italian supercar with the horological excellence of the Maison and is the embodiment of a partnership defined by radical performance and razor-sharp aesthetics. Price: $59,500 Buy From Roger Dubuis Iconic Automobili Lamborghini Sant'Agata Bolognese Hat Lamborghini Store Automobili Lamborghini cap with shield logo print and three-color design. A tribute to Sant'Agata Bolognese, the birthplace of the brand and its Italian DNA. Price: $59 Buy From The Lamborghini Store Balmain Reversible Monogram Jacquard Bomber Jacket Nordstrom This reversible bomber jacket reverses from two-tone to a subtler tonal monogram jacquard inspired by founder Pierre Balmain's fascination with France's labyrinth gardens. Price: $2,695 Buy From Nordstrom Balmain White Foil Logo T-Shirt Ssense The Balmain Short sleeve cotton jersey T-shirt in white featuring logo printed in gold-tone at front, with a rib knit crewneck collar. Price: $450 Buy From Ssense Rag&Bone Fit 2 - Dustin Rag & Bone The Fit 2 — most loved. For good reason. Here in Rag & Bone's new Cashmere denim: a comfort stretch denim crafted from a cotton and cashmere blend for a ultra soft brushed interior. Button fly. Price: $250 Buy From Rag & Bone Christian Louboutin Lou Spikes High Top Sneaker Nordstrom Hand-placed cone studs bring a punk-rock vibe to this '80s-inspired leather high-top popped with a red logo-debossed inset at the sole. Price: $995 Buy From Nordstrom BVLGARI BV5048K Sunglasses Sunglass Hut Inspired by Bulgari's extraordinary jewelry design, this collection boasts uncompromising quality and brilliant attention to detail. An expression of elegance and refinement, Bulgari designer sunglasses blend sophistication and intriguing style into an extraordinary luxury. Price: $808 Buy From Sunglass Hut Montblanc Meisterstück 4810 Wallet Ssense The Meisterstück 4810 Wallet with six card slots is committed to sustainability: it is crafted with CO2 neutral printed leather and ECONYL® lining, that is entirely recycled and infinitely recyclable. Its new pure geometric inner design enhances the essence of functionality, with multiple cards slots and pockets for cash and receipts. Price: $345 Buy From Montblanc For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: Electrified GT

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 02, 2022

Shaun White Announces The New WHITESPACE x Louis Vuitton ...

Shaun White's lifestyle is reinterpreted through a luxury Louis Vuitton Collection. In the world of action sports, Shaun White is celebrated as a four-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarder that holds the world record for the most X-Games gold medals as a snowboarder. As a leader who dominates in his area of expertise, the professional snowboarder, skateboarder, and musician is teaming up with Louis Vuitton to create a collaboration collection with his brand WHITESPACE. The WHITESPACE x Louis Vuitton Collection features luxury leather cases and luggage that aims to fit the active lifestyle of Shaun White. Shaun shares his experience working with Virgil Abloh through his social media post announcing the partnership, saying that Virgil replied to the request with the most upright respect and support. MUST-READ: Nike x Louis Vuitton Air Force 1s At A $90,000 Bid On Sotheby’s Auction The lineup includes a custom snowboard, snowboard case, guitar case, rolling suitcase, and duffle bag that sport an all-black design with Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram print. The collaboration represents the similarities between both brands, along with their ambition to create unique products that are uncommonly featured in the luxury fashion world. Although release information and pricing have yet to be released, Shaun White is sure to be representing Virgil Abloh x Louis Vuitton at the Olympics for his 5th and final time. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. @whitespace_create Source: @shaunwhite @whitespace_create

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2022

Manny Koshbin Takes Delivery Of His Little Car Company x ...

For The Little Car Company, luxury collaborations come in small packages. While it’s true to say that toys for car enthusiasts get more expensive with age, the professionals at The Little Car Company are proud to deliver a luxury automotive experience in a smaller package. Since its partnership with Bugatti in 2019, the brand focuses on creating one-off configurations of the iconic Type 35 for its community of affluent owners. The chassis sits as an example that is 25% smaller than the original vehicle and features premium materials to help highlight the craftsmanship of The Little Car Company. MUST-READ: The Bugatti Baby II Collection By The Little Car Company On Scene at Harrod’s One of the lucky clients to receive a Baby Bugatti II is long-time collector Manny Koshbin, who owns multiple one-off Bugatti models that are viewed more as works of art. Recently, Manny Koshbin took delivery of his Rembrandt Edition example, which is inspired by the famous Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse ‘Les Légendes de Bugatti’. Rembrandt’s bronze sculptures developed a beautiful patination with age, displaying different aspects of bronze when viewed in changing light. This inspired the Rembrandt Edition’s iconic dual-tone exposed carbon fiber paintwork, first seen on the Veyron and now again on this Baby II. Discover the collaboration between The Little Car Company x Bugatti by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and gear releases. Discover The Little Car Company Source: Bugatti LinkedIn

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 31, 2022

Discover The New Koenigsegg Jewelry Collection Available Now

Koenigsegg adds a whole new meaning to luxury accessories. The automotive industry features a list of hypercar manufacturers that set out to release some of the fastest production chassis on the planet while also building a luxury lifestyle around the idea of owning multi-million dollar vehicles. Koenigsegg is proud to operate as a small-batch brand that aims to provide a one-of-a-kind driving and owning experience for hypercar collectors worldwide. Alongside its line-up of record-breaking vehicles, Koenigsegg is proud to introduce its new line of jewelry that complements the styling of the Swedish brand. MUST-READ: Discover the Cover – January 2022: Silver Carbon Koenigsegg Regera For Sale The Koenigsegg Jewelry Collection features an array of unique unisex designs crafted from precious metals, stones, and genuine leather. The famous Koenigsegg crest, logo, and ghost icon are proudly displayed on luxury belts, bracelets, chains, pendants, rings, and cufflinks. The collection of jewelry helps to diversify the Koenigsegg brand, allowing the automotive world to make a luxurious impression on some of the world’s most essential products. The all-new Koenigsegg Jewelry Collection is currently available starting at $150 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and gear releases. Shop Koenigsegg Jewelry Source: Koenigsegg

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2022

Louis Vuitton Releases Virgil Abloh's LV Tactic Trainer C...

The Louis Vuitton brand features a blend of luxury design and comfort throughout its collections of premium apparel, footwear, and accessories. The creative visions of the late Virgil Abloh continue to be shared with the vast community of fans that hold fashion near and dear to their hearts. As part of Virgil Abloh’s Spring/Summer 2022 Collection, Louis Vuitton is proud to present the all-new LV Runner Tactic Trainer Collection featuring unique colorways that are sure to catch the attention of any sneakerhead. The LV Runner Tactic Trainer takes shape as a casual sport-style running sneaker, with an upper crafted from mesh textile and suede calf leather. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The design also includes Louis Vuitton’s iconic reflective Monogram Flower pattern with the brand’s logo proudly stamped throughout its construction. With inspiration from traditional running shoes, the LV Runner Tactic Trainer features a cushioning midsole that provides comfort during the impacts of running. While the luxury sneaker from Louis Vuitton reflects a functional design, the deep-treaded bottoms ensure maximum traction during any weather conditions that the LV Runner Tactic Trainer is put up against. The all-new Louis Vuitton LV Tactic Trainer comes in four unique colorways that fit perfectly with any wardrobe and is now available through an authorized retailer starting at $1,200. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Source: Louis Vuitton

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2022

The New PUMA Motorsport x Scuderia Ferrari ION Speed Avai...

Support the Italian prancing horse with its all-new motorsport sneaker. The partnership between Puma Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari highlights Italian automotive excellence through a collection of premium apparel and footwear. Puma is proud to announce its newest release in collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari and F1 team driver Carlos Sainz. The all-new Puma x Scuderia Ferrari ION Speed features a low-cut design that blends everyday comfort with performance-inspired footwear technology. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The mesh upper includes synthetic overlays finished Rossa Corsa red to commemorate the racing attitude of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Ferrari and Puma branded logos are proudly displayed throughout the design, which is completely reimagined with an all-black variation that is also available. The midsole of the Scuderia Ferrari ION Speed is crafted from Puma’s lightweight ProFoam and provides instant cushioning and a responsive experience. The all-new Puma x Scuderia Ferrari ION Speed is currently available for $110 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle gear news and releases. Buy From PUMA PUMA Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2022

Discover The $550 Gucci Pen And Interlocking GG Case

Gucci is best known as an iconic fashion brand that highlights its quality and style through a collection of luxury apparel and accessories. As part of its lifestyle sector, Gucci reimagines everyday products using a combination of precious materials and designs. Gucci is proud to release its all-new gold-tone Pen with an Interlocking G case as part of the 2022 Pen & Writing Sets. MUST-READ: Gucci Releases A $10,000 Limited-Edition Xbox Series X Console Package The new Gucci Pen features a vintage design crafted from gold-tone metal that follows sustainable, renewable, and bio-based practices. Providing a luxury writing experience, the Gucci Pen comes available with both black and blue ink refills that beautifully highlight the resilient performance of its design. A Black Demetra case comes included in the packaging, which is made from animal-free raw materials and features a gold interlocking G logo. The all-new Gucci Pen with Interlocking G case is currently available through an authorized retailer for $550. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle gear news and releases. Source: Gucci

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 13, 2022

Leica Unveils The All-New M11 Rangefinder Camera

Get the perfect shot with the new Leica M11. When it comes to the wonderful world of photography, Leica is known as an industry leader that offers a collection of high-end cameras that fit the style of any photographer. Leica is proud to unveil the newest addition to the brand’s line of legendary rangefinder cameras, the all-new Leica M11. Available in a Black or traditional Silver Chrome finish, the Leica M11 construction is crafted from high-quality aluminum with a scratch-resistant coating. The new design of the M11 includes an exclusive new imaging sensor, expanded ISO range, dual memory options, 64% extended battery life, and a streamlined intuitive menu system. MUST-READ: The GearBox: Cavallino Classic 2022 Edition The Leica M11 is a “Made for iPhone and iPad” certified product allowing for reliable data transfer to Leica FOTOS via the included USB-C to Lightning cable. The image quality produced behind the lens of the new Leica M11 separates itself from other competitors on the market, making it a new benchmark system for digital photography. The all-new Leica M11 is currently available through an authorized retailer with a price tag of $8,995. Shop the new Leica M11 and its collection of accessories by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: Leica

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 04, 2022

LEGO Technic Releases The New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 B...

A chance to build an iconic American muscle car with help from LEGO. With the fleet of automotive-inspired buildable LEGO Technic sets growing, enthusiasts looking to add to the latest and greatest releases to their collection. LEGO is proud to announce its newest American muscle addition for 2022, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Seen as a classic in the car community, the Shelby GT500 continues to captivate the minds of car lovers all around the world with vintage and modern renditions of the sports car. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The new LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 set features a 544-piece construction that allows parents and children the opportunity to build their own drag race car. The set includes two pull-back motors that launch the Shelby GT500 across any surface, with the ability to enhance the experience using the LEGO Technic AR app to complete challenges and races. The all-new LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 presents itself in a factory Grabber Green paint scheme and is available for $49.99 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: LEGO Technic

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 03, 2022

Bugatti x Champagne Carbon Reveal La Bouteille Noire at T...

The perfect bottle of bubbly to complement the one-of-one hypercar. The Bugatti brand embodies the epitome of luxury through its fleet of multi-million dollar hypercars that continue to push the boundaries of design, technology, and performance. Along with hypercar development and manufacturing, Bugatti surrounds itself with other industry leaders to help incorporate its vision into an array of products and accessories. Bugatti is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the professionals at Champagne Carbon to release a commemorative bottle to pair with one of the most expensive hypercars in the world. The all-new La Bouteille Noire revealed itself at an exclusive private event at The Londoner Hotel in England, which sat proudly next to the iconic Bugatti La Voiture Noire. MUST-READ: This Man Has Driven Nearly Every Bugatti Since 2004 The one-of-one La Bouteille Noire is accompanied by a bespoke case that is designed to mimic the body lines of the $13.4 million Bugatti. La Bouteille Noire rests upon an illuminated vivid red base that has been recast in the exact design of La Voiture Noire’s elegant rear light, one flowing lit panel, with no joints. A sumptuous interior is trimmed in fine Havana Brown grain leather, the very same found in La Voiture Noire. Ensuring the perfect climate conditions for the ultra-luxury bottle, Champagne Carbon equips the case design with 314 individual sheets of carbon fiber and a solid-state thermodynamic cooling cell that holds 14 high-end fans to circulate cool air. The La Bouteille Noire from Champagne Carbon expresses the endless opportunities of customization within the fundamental Bugatti experience. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Click the link below to view all current Bugatti models for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

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