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 – June 29, 2021

New Fast & Furious Apparel Collection Released by Dumbgood

Celebrate the Fast & Furious F9 with the nostalgic collection. With its most recent release, Fast & Furious F9 is making a nostalgic comeback for car enthusiasts around the world. The iconic automotive movie saga is likely the main inspiration for a large portion of the car enthusiast community. The team at Dumb Good is celebrating the launch of F9 with an apparel collection featuring graphic t-shirts, long-sleeves, and sweatshirts. Some of the characters included in the designs of the Fast & Furious Collection are Dominic Torretto, Letty, and Tran Pepper. The images depicted in each piece take you back to the moments that made the series what it is today. The Fast & Furious apparel collection by Dumb Good is currently available to purchase by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media Source: Dumb Good For more Gear news , Check out Koenigsegg Unveils The All-New Gemera Luggage Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 29, 2021

Omega Releases New Summer Style Sunglasses

While you grab the Speedmaster Professional, don't forget the matching Omega sunglasses. While timepieces are viewed as an essential accessory, it’s key to remember that a pair of sunglasses should also be a part of your everyday carry. Omega is one of the only brands to feature both luxury timepieces and eyewear as part of its collection. The brand is now proud to announce that three new head-turning styles are being added to the lineup, featuring new frame shapes and lens colors. The new Omega Eyewear Collection is presented as a sport-focused lineup including a rectangular geometric design with a lightweight metal structure; a classically inspired panto design; and a fierce pilot design with an aluminum frame, double bridge and clean-cut geometries. Also included is an updated pilot-style defined by customized milling of the metal rims. Again, all styles are offered in a variety of colors and lenses. The all-new Omega Eyewear Collection is currently via waitlist with availability for pre-order through an authorized dealer or on Omega’s website. For more Gear news, Check out The Ferrari x Ray-Ban Summer ’21 Eyewear Collection Is Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 29, 2021

Koenigsegg Unveils The All-New Gemera Luggage Collection

Pack up your Koenigsegg suitcase, and take the Gemera on a road trip. The Koenigsegg brand continues to push the limits of design and performance within the automotive industry, especially with the all-new Gemera. The Koenigsegg Gemera is constructed as a 4-seater hypercar, launching the brand into a new market for the industry. With its new incentive as a daily driver, Koenigsegg teamed up with the luggage professionals at Db to release a dedicated collection for the Gemera. The Koenigsegg x Db Collection features four perfectly shaped cases designed to match and fit perfectly throughout the hypercar. Each suitcase is made using lightweight premium materials to reflect the attention to detail and performance-focused vision behind Koenigsegg. Although availability and pricing are yet to be released, the Koenigsegg x Db Gemera Luggage Collection is sure to be an anticipated release for owners and enthusiasts. Check back in for more information on the all-new Koenigsegg x Db Gemera Luggage Collection. View all current Koenigsegg listings on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Koenigsegg For Sale Koenigsegg Instagram For more Gear news, Check out Essentials for Porsche Owners

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 28, 2021

The Ferrari x Ray-Ban Summer '21 Eyewear Collection Is Av...

Drop the top on the 488 Pista Spider, and grab your new Ferrari x Ray-Ban sunglasses. As we continue our transition into the summer months, it means time for the Ferrari to come out of the garage. Alongside keys to an Italian beast like the 488 Pista Spider, the next essential accessory for the weather is a pair of stylish sunglasses. This summer season the professionals at Ferrari x Ray-Ban have you covered with its all-new Summer 2021 Collection. The Ferrari x Ray-Ban Collection features an array of styles and color options for all to enjoy, especially behind the wheel of a 711-horsepower supercar. The styles included display versatility behind each design, making them the perfect accessory for any occasion. Made from premium materials, the Ferrari x Ray-Ban sunglasses are constructed to be a lightweight performance-driven option for any owner or enthusiast. Shop all of the new sunglass styles featured in the Ferrari x Ray-Ban Summer 2021 Eyewear Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Ferrari x Ray-Ban Media Source: Ferrari Store For more Gear news, Check out Essentials for Porsche Owners

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2021

Porsche Design Releases The All-New P'8928 Sunglass Colle...

Choose your favorite frame and lens color to match the Porsche of your dreams. While most car collectors and enthusiasts have a favorite supercar, all can agree that options for different models with various performance levels are just as important. It’s a way of thinking that Porsche incorporates into its line of high-performance cars. The brand is continuing this thought with its newest Porsche Design P’8928 sunglass release. Crafted from 100% ultra-lightweight titanium and made in Japan, these sunglasses offer exceptional comfort, despite their commanding size. The collection is presented in four unique frame colors with the ability to swap four different lens colors. Whether you’re looking to match your sunglasses with your Porsche, or wanting to compliment a head-turning outfit, the Porsche Design P’8928 sunglass collection has you covered. Experience the all-new interchangeable lens system with the additional lenses that come prepped in the packaging. Shop the newest sunglasses from Porsche Design starting at $695 by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design P'8928 Sunglasses Media/Information Source: Porsche Design For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Head-to-Toe In The Huracán EVO

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

Porsche Design Adds New 911-Inspired Colors To Its Luggag...

Now you can match your travel luggage to your Porsche's color. While Porsche continues to design and manufacture some of the leading sportscars in the industry, Porsche Design is there to help create luxury apparel and accessories to complement them. Alongside the growing collection of products, Porsche Design is proud to unveil its newest addition to its luggage collection. The new Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase Trolley S is inspired by Porsche 911-inspire colors like Dark Blue, Lava Orange, White, Dark Grey, and Black. The luggage line features a protected plastic outer layer, while a numerical coded lock is incorporated to add a sense of security and safety, just as their vehicles do. The new colors released as part of the Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase Trolley S are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Luggage https://www.instagram.com/p/CQa_PaTqpSM/ For more Gear news, Check out L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE x Beats Set To Release A Limited-Edition Pills+ Speaker

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

L'ART DE L'AUTOMOBILE x Beats Set To Release A Limited-Ed...

Whether it's in the car or outdoors with friends, take your KAR AUDIO SYSTEM. As automotive worlds collide with other industries, it opens the door for creative collaborations that tie into our love of cars. French automotive dealer and fashion brand L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE is bridging the gap even closer with its newest collaboration with Beats. The vision behind the partnership takes shape as a L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE x Beats Pill+, the portable Bluetooth speaker features premium technology to ensure the perfect listening experience. The Pill+ is finished in matte black, while the speaker cover reads 'KAR AUDIO SYSTEM' in vibrant red paint. The commemorative packaging features L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE logos, making it look like a retro car stereo. The limited-edition KAR ADUIO SYSTEM Beats Pill+ is available this Saturday online and at the L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE pop-up in Paris. Check back in for a ‘How To Buy’ special on the newest release from L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE x Beats. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbYJX4iasv/ For more Gear news, Check out Watch Magnus Walker x Ishod Wair Talk Porsche And New Nike SB ‘277’ Release

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 15, 2021

The New McLaren x Castore Summer '21 Sportswear Collectio...

Match the performance-focused McLaren with the perfect Castore activewear. McLaren is known as a brand built on the pursuit to become a leader in performance through its line of supercars and hypercars. The focus is always set on performance, whether it’s fine-tuning the new McLaren 765LT or picking out the correct attire for a track day. McLaren is proud to announce its newest release with British performance sportswear brand Castore, presenting an all-new summer apparel collection. Following a successful autumn/winter collection in 2020, the collaboration between the two performance brands introduces a new line of technical clothing suited to performance amid the rigors of everyday life. The McLaren x Castore Collection features lightweight performance tops and bottoms made from premium materials that will go the distance. The minimalistic design incorporates both brand’s logos, while the line-up is made up of sweatshirts, zip-ups, polos, t-shirts, pants, and shorts. The McLaren x Castore Collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. Shop McLaren x Castore Summer Collection For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide Media Source: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2021

Magnus Walker Announces Nike SB '277' Dunk-Hi Sneaker Rel...

From the skatepark to the race track, do it in a Porsche. In the past, we’ve seen collaboration projects from Porsche x Nike SB that pay homage to some of the unique characteristics that make the brand who they are today. This time Porsche decided to bring a friend along for the ride, but only if he brought his 1971 Porsche 911 T ‘277’. That’s right, Magnus Walker and his iconic 277 Porsche are the new inspiration behind Nike SB’s newest collaboration with professional skateboarder Ishod Wair. Magnus took to his Instagram to announce the Nike SB Dunk-Hi release, as well as to share some images of the wear and tear on his personal pair. The design of the Nike SB is meant to mirror the exactly livery of Mangus’ infamous race car, making the release highly desirable for sneakerheads and Porsche enthusiasts. The Nike SB x Magnus Walker x Ishod Wair ‘277’ Dunk-Hi will be available in-store on June 19th and on Nike’s SNKRS platform on June 21st. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the new automotive-inspired Nike SB Dunk-Hi. View All Porsche 911T For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8mlbOpefw/ For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 09, 2021

Lamborghini x Culti Milano Release Its First Italian Frag...

Lamborghini x Culti Milano reinvent the new car smell for your home. It's safe to say that everyone enjoys that new car smell, including Automobili Lamborghini, but the Italian manufacturer set out to create its own scent. After collaborating with the luxury professionals at Culti Milano, Lamborghini is proud to announce its newest fragrance. The Lamborghini x Culti Milano best depicts the quality and attention to detail that each Italian brand incorporates into its line of products. The fragrance is a cohesive expression of the talents of the two brands in which design, innovation, and comfort coexist in an exclusive narrative that develops with the typical traits of an essence. The citrusy opening is accompanied by a lively heart and an enveloping base that expresses a refined, intense, and vigorous spirit, which swings with a fresh sprint that brings out the notes of grapefruit, bitter orange, bergamot, vetiver and finally converges in an enveloping base of cedarwood and sandalwood. The product will be available on the digital channels of Culti and Automobili Lamborghini, at the Lamborghini flagship store in Sant’Agata Bolognese and the CULTI HOUSE shops in Milan, Turin, Forte Dei Marmi, Rome, Naples, and Bari. Shop the newest collaboration release from Automobili Lamborghini x Culti Milano by clicking the link below. Shop Now Automobili Lamborghini For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

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