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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 15, 2021

Lamborghini Squadra Corse x Master Dynamic Release Its Ma...

A true luxury listening experience brought to you by Automobili Lamborghini x Master & Dynamic. Since its successful partnership began, the Lamborghini x Master & Dynamic Collection continues to blend the aspects of luxury Italian design and performance into the world of premium audio devices. The dynamic duo is proud to announce its new upcoming additions to the Master & Dynamic x Lamborghini Squadra Corse Collection featuring two new products that provide a one-of-a-kind listening experience for any automotive enthusiast. As part of the new collection, Master & Dynamic includes the popular MW65 wireless headphones and MW07 PLUS True Wireless earphones with a unique Lamborghini Squadra Corse Mantis Green livery. The MW65 wireless headphones, equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 technology supporting AptX and SBC, feature two ANC (Active Noise-Cancelling) modes so that each user can adjust the sound according to the listening environment, and battery life up to 24 hours. The MW07 PLUS True Wireless earphones, equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology supporting AptX and SBC, boast 10 mm, beryllium drivers, for optimal sound quality and a stainless steel charging case that provides a full 40 hours of battery life. The new Mantis Green Master & Dynamic x Lamborghini Squadra Corse wireless headphones and earphones are currently available starting at $249 by clicking the link below. Shop Lamborghini Squadra Corse x Master & Dynamic Source: Automobili Lamborghini

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2021

Melin x John Hunter Nemechek Release The New Odyssey Mind...

Head to the race track in style with help from Melin x John Hunter Nemechek. When it comes to offering a lineup of premium headwear that can withstand any conditions, Melin is a perfect choice. The fashion specialists at Melin incorporate the vision of industry leaders like American stock car racing driver John Hunter Nemechek. Melin is proud to announce the release of the new Odyssey Mindset x John Hunter Nemechek hat. The special edition Odyssey Mindset features Melin’s famous waterproof design in a stealth-like black and red colorway. The center patch of the hat includes ‘Head Up, Elbows Down’, a motto that John Hunter Nemechek takes to the track when racing at speeds of 200+ miles per hour. The lightweight design and modest styling make it the go-to option to pair with any automotive enthusiast’s fit. The all-new Melin x John Hunter Nemechek Odyssey Mindset hat is set to release on November 12th through the Melin website. Click the link below to prep for the highly-anticipated upcoming release and to shop the other premium collections by Melin. Shop Melin Source: Melin

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2021

McIntosh Debuts Its New $15,000 Retro-Style MC3500 Amplifier

With its moment stamped in live music history, McIntosh re-imagines the iconic audio system. When it comes to the most celebrated music events in history, the 1969 Woodstock music festival of Bethel, New York sits at the top of the list with over 400,000 spectators in attendance. One of the reasons for its success attributes to the music quality that surged through the sea of music lovers, which came from the original McIntosh MC3500 amplifiers. The audio professionals at McIntosh are proud to unveil the newly re-designed MC3500 1-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier MkII, a state-of-the-art system that pays homage to the original design from 1968. The retro-style amplifier features a 350-watt monoblock that uses McIntosh’s Unity Coupled Circuit output transformer, which delivers perfect sound output regardless of the speaker and if it has 2,4, or 8-Ohm impedance. Both a balanced and unbalanced input are included for connecting to your preamplifier and the rest of your home audio system. Balanced and unbalanced output is also included for multi-amp configurations, such as bi-amping or tri-amping. The MC3500 Mk II is both a thoroughly modern and thoroughly retro amplifier. It's inspired by the amplifier that helped inspire a generation. The all-new MC3500 1-Channel Vacuum Tube Amplifier MkII is currently available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $15,000. Shop Now Source: McIntosh

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 26, 2021

Discover The McLaren Ultimate Gift Guide This Holiday Season

Delight McLaren fans of all ages with exciting gifts available from luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive. As the upcoming holiday season approaches, car enthusiasts of all kinds are hoping to find a new McLaren 765LT in the garage on Christmas morning. Although not the most realistic option for most, McLaren is happy to announce its new Ultimate Gift Guide for this season. For the traveler in your life, TUMI and McLaren developed a capsule collection of luggage and travel accessories focusing on unparalleled quality, technical innovation, and excellence in design. Great for children, teens, and adults alike, McLaren Automotive and the LEGO Group have collaborated to create both the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren Senna GTR and the new LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Elva. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now For sports enthusiasts, McLaren Automotive has collaborated with premium sportswear brand Castore. Inspired by the design and engineering of McLaren supercars, the collection uses lightweight, technically superior performance fabrics and manufacturing techniques to create a range that feels as luxurious to wear as a McLaren does to drive. Every piece in the collection has been precisely engineered using quality, high-stretch fabrics for a full range of motion, with a sharp, automotive-inspired cut that adapts to any occasion. The all-new McLaren Ultimate Gift Guide is now available just in time for the holiday season by clicking the link below. Shop The McLaren Ultimate Gift Guide Media/Information Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 22, 2021

The All-New Motorsport Collection Is Available Now

Express your passion for racing with the new apparel and accessory collection from Motorsport. While the automotive and motorsport world continues to drive inspiration into fashion collections, enthusiasts of all kinds look for apparel to show support on and off the track. The new Motorsport Collection features premium apparel and accessories designed to complement anyone’s style modestly. The collection highlights its simplistic style. The silhouettes of racetracks and Motorsport brand name seem to be the main focus for design inspiration, making its theme clean and simple. The new line includes jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, sweatpants, and hats. The graphic designs within the Motorsport Collection highlight Formula 1 with commemorative pieces that feature images of an F1 race car hitting the perfect apex. The accessories portion of the collection by Motorsport includes baggage, backpacks, small leather goods, and adjustable face-masks. The all-new clothing and accessory line from Motorsport is now available by clicking the link below. Shop The Motorsport Collection Media Source: Motorsport

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2021

The New Adidas x Limited Edt EQT Sneaker Is Inspired By T...

Adidas takes to the track in Singapore for the EQT sneaker release by Limited Edt. The Adidas brand continues to separate itself as an industry leader in sportswear and footwear since its beginning. In light of celebrating its 30th anniversary, Adidas sourced specific retailers to help take part in the special occasion by creating their own rendition of the performance-focused EQT sneaker. The team at Limited Edt in Singapore is proud to unveil its take on the EQT featuring a one-of-a-kind design that pays homage to the Singapore Grand Prix track that hosts the iconic night race. The Adidas x Limited Edt EQT sneakers include glow-in-the-dark piping on the upper that complements the matching bottoms. Each of the limited 500 pairs released will come with a lanyard access pass that is reminiscent of the Formula 1 Paddock passes. Once scanning the QR code on the pass, the lucky owners are introduced to a list of privileges like $150 off Adidas products, $30 in vouchers for NewEra, $10 off $50 purchases at Zoukshop, and more. The launch of the Adidas Consortium x Limited Edt Equipment Race Walk takes place on the 25th of October. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more news on the collaboration between Adidas and Limited Edt of Singapore. @limitededt_sg Media/Information Source: @limitededt_sg

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2021

Bang & Olufsen Releases The New Nordic Ice Collection

Share an unforgettable moment. Select active noise cancelling headphones, punchy portable speakers or classic connected speakers as a gift this holiday season. When it comes to providing a premium listening experience at home or in a luxury vehicle, the audio professionals at Bang & Olufsen offer industry-leading technology and design. Bang & Olufsen is proud to launch its new Nordic Ice Collection just in time for the upcoming holiday season. The design inspiration behind the collection follows a Scandinavian color palette consisting of contrasting cool and warm tones. The aesthetically pleasing colorway is featured on the Beoplay A9 4th Gen, Beosound Balance, Beosound A1, Beoplay H95, Beoplay EQ Headphones, and Beosound Stage. The wide selection allows you to experience all that Bang & Olufsen has to offer at home and on the go. All the products featured in the Bang & Olufsen Nordic Ice Collection are compatible with Android and iOS platforms. The Bang & Olufsen Nordic Ice Collection is now available through an authorized retailer starting at $399. Shop the newest collection release from Bang & Olufsen by clicking the link below. Shop The Bang & Olufsen Nordic Ice Collection Media/Information Source: Bang & Olufsen

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2021

The Medford Knife & Tool M&P Scout Liner Lock Knife

Presented by The Medford Guy A premium easy to carry option brought to you by the professionals at Medford Knife & Tool. With a vast collection of American-made products, Medford Knife & Tool offers premium knives designed to take on any challenge thrown its way. It’s the same inspiration incorporated into the Scout M&P Liner Lock Knife, a stand-alone model that the brand continues to carry after years of success. The M&P Scout shares the same build quality, form, and size as the more expensive counterparts, however, that is where the similarities end. MUST-READ: Discover The Medford ‘Tuxedo’ M48 By Medford Knife & Tool Designed as a sub-compact service essential for any weaponry enthusiast, the M&P Scout features a rugged PVD treated titanium handle engraved with a Betsy Ross American Flag. The stealth-like styling is paired with thick G10 scales for better grip control, making the model a safe and functional piece for the uncommon man. Alongside a more efficient chassis, Medford Knife & Tool adds a titanium liner lock for quick deployment and a secure lock-up. Once fully deployed, the Medford Knife & Tool Scout M&P displays a full-size 3.75-inch Praetorian blade that measures .190-inches thick. A coated hardened glass breaker is incorporated into the base of the handle to make the M&P Scout a fully functional multi-tool. The Medford M&P Scout models are available in two configurations with expertly heat-treated D2 steel, PVD six-shooter pivot, pocket clip, hardware, and breaker. The Medford Knife & Tool M&P Scout Liner Lock Knife is now available through an authorized dealer starting at $475. Shop the M&P Scout and the other premium products from Medford Knife & Tool by clicking the link below. Shop The Medford Knife & Tool M&P Scout Media/Information Source:Medford Knife & Tool

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2021

Bowers & Wilkins Release The New Zeppelin Wireless Smart ...

Beautiful design meets best-in-class sound. When configuring a supercar or luxury vehicle, a key area for most consumers to focus on is the sound system. The brand name incorporated with high-line automotive manufactures is Bowers & Wilkins, because of its premium listening experience and attention to detail. Alongside being an upgraded option for automotive brands, Bowers & Wilkins prides itself on offering an array of lifestyle products to create the best listening experience for any home. Bowers & Wilkins is proud to release the newest addition to its at-home collection, the Zeppelin wireless smart speaker. The Zeppelin features an aesthetically pleasing oval design with a comprehensive range of smart, connected features and services. The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is controllable through the ‘Music App’ available for iOS and Android devices. With built-in access to a wide range of streaming services, you can enjoy your favorite music in up to 24-bit high-resolution quality from Deezer, Qobuz, TIDAL, and more. You can access podcasts and radio stations too, all with seamless control via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. The all-new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is now available for $799 by clicking the link below. Shop The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Speaker Media/Info Source: Bowers & Wilkins

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

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