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 03, 2021

Bang & Olufsen Announces The New Anthracite Oxygen Audio ...

A new style to compliment Bang & Olufsen's state-of-the-art technology. Bang & Olufsen is best known for fitting some of the most luxurious automobiles on the market with premium sound systems to ensure a pleasurable driving experience. The luxury audio brand also takes the same technology on the go with its sports collection of wireless speakers, earbuds, and headphones. Bang & Olufsen is proud to announce its newest colorway to the lineup of premium listening devices. The Anthracite Oxygen design features Oxygen Blue accents to provide contrast against the black anthracite color. The two products featured in the new colorway are the Beosound A1 speaker and Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds. Boasting up to 18 hours of playtime, Beosound A1 has a true 360-degree omnidirectional powerful sound, built-in Alexa, and a three-microphone array giving a great speakerphone experience. Beoplay E8 Sport stands out by bringing world-class audio and design to a set of sports earphones housed within a wireless charging case. With IP57-certified waterproofing, the earphones are completely resistant to water, allowing you to focus solely on your training. The new Anthracite Oxygen Collection by Bang & Olufsen is currently available starting at $350. Shop the Bang & Olufsen collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Bang & Olufsen For more Gear news, Check out Lamborghini Presents The New Moleskine Special Edition 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 03, 2021

Lamborghini Presents The New Moleskine Special Edition 2021

Automobili Lamborghini and Moleskine have commissioned Emiliano Ponzi to create a cover illustration and interior design for the 2021 notebook, bringing to life a new and exciting Special Edition. This follows years of collaboration that spawned many customizations of the famous notebook, both for the annual edition and for a number of Lamborghini events. The collaboration between Automobili Lamborghini and Moleskine arose from a careful evaluation of the graphic approach, staying consistent with the brands' values both in terms of the evocative design projects and prestige at the international level. Emiliano Ponzi's graphic style perfectly reflects these characteristics. The Moleskine notebook for Automobili Lamborghini, Special Edition 2021, is available at Lamborghini dealers, the boutique in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and the e-commerce channel Lamborghinistore.com. Shop the newest release from Automobili Lamborghini x Moleskin x Emiliano Ponzi by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Automobili Lamborghini For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Apocalypse 6×6 Hellfire Essentials

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 28, 2021

ICON 4X4 Announces Custom Bag Auction To Support The Go C...

A chance to buy a one-of-a-kind example, while supporting a great cause. With the past year being an unfortunate situation for all, it's refreshing to see people lending a helping hand. The automotive industry is continuing to do its part, as brands focus resources towards creating a healthier and safer environment for all. ICON 4x4 is proud to announce that they will be auctioning off a custom version of the popular GTFO Bag, with proceeds benefiting the Go Campaign. In the most recent ICON 4x4 Instagram post, the brand explains its close ties to the children’s charity which is dedicated to helping build a better future for vulnerable children around the world. The luxury hand-crafted GTFO Bag was created in partnership with Orion Calf and Fiorito Leathers to create the one-of-a-kind example. This bag is crafted in Excelsior leather, the most environmentally responsible leather available, tanned with materials that fall from the tree. The auction for the ICON 4x4 x Orion Calf x Fiorito Leathers GTFO Bag to benefit the Go Campaign is currently live, click the link below to bid and support the cause. View Auction https://www.instagram.com/p/CPZGzpOhpWy/ For more News, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 18, 2021

Discover Callum Designs' Automotive-Inspired Luxury Loung...

Bring luxury automotive comfort to your home. Day by day, the automotive world continues to influence the inspiration behind luxury products that are less seen on the track, and more commonly viewed in a household setting. Ian Callum is now taking that approach after contributing to the design process for Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin. Callum Designs is proud to announce its entrance into high-furniture with the new Callum Lounge Chair. The chair is anything but ordinary as it follows a similar production process as some of the luxury vehicles designed by Ian Callum. Its use of premium materials like genuine leather and carbon fiber help transition the luxury feel of the sport seat for any home office or living room. The minimalistic design and vibrant color of the Callum Lounge Chair make the perfect modern addition to any setting. The Callum Lounge Chair is available for inquiry through the Callum Design website. For more Lifestyle news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6×6 Accessories

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 18, 2021

Brumos Racing Releases 'An American Racing Icon' Box Set ...

Relive the automotive motorsport history of Brumos Racing. In the world of motorsports, Brumos Racing continues to fuel the adrenaline for racing fans as a pioneer and leader since the earliest day of the 20th Century. With so many success stories and industry milestones throughout time, it’s only right to document the iconic motorsport brand. Brumos Racing is proud to announce the release of a special three-volume box set titled ‘Brumos: An American Racing Icon’. Documented through 1,500 pages of high-resolution images and information sourced from industry leaders, the series is broken doing into three publications highlighting The Brundage Era, The Peter Gregg Era, and 1980 Through 2020. The material also features prologues from automotive icons like Roger Penske and Patrick Dempsey. Along with the box set, Brumos Racing included a Numbered Collector’s Edition and an Ultimate Collectors Edition, which both include additional volumes, as well as commemorative accessories to compliment the collection. The new Brumos: An American Racing Icon box set collection is currently available starting at $559.59 by clicking the link below for more information. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Brumos Racing For more Gear news, Check out The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Motorsport Footwear Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The New McLaren x Gulf Apparel Collection Is Available Now

Two infamous motorsport brands come together as one. With the iconic 2021 Monaco Grand Prix right around the corner, the team at McLaren F1 recently unveiled its new look featuring its historic partnership with Gulf Oil International. We continue to see the cars and drivers decked out in the infamous Gulf livery colors through posts on Instagram. The one question all fans and enthusiasts had was when the same gear would be offered to the public? McLaren x Gulf Oil International is proud to announce the release of the 2021 Collection featuring apparel and accessories to show support during one of the most iconic races in F1 history. The lineup includes outerwear, polos, t-shirts, and hats all sporting a combination of logos from the leaders in motorsports. The styles commonly seen on drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris are now available for fans to cheer on both McLaren race cars to victory. Made from premium materials, the performance-focused products add comfort and functionality to ensure the perfect wear during all races. The new Mclaren x Gulf Oil International apparel collection is currently available by clicking the link below for more information. View the Best Gulf Livery Cars Shop Now Media/Information Source: McLaren For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6×6 Accessories

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

Watch The Porsche x Amié Leon Dore 911 SC Take On The Bac...

There's no road a Porsche can't drive on. The news of the highly-anticipated collection release from Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore continues to leave fashion and automotive enthusiasts wanting more. In perfect fashion, a teaser video was released to both Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore’s Instagram pages. The short film displays the fully functional aspects of the vintage Porsche 911 SC, which is presented as a daily driven road trip vehicle with hints of Aimé Leon Dore incorporated. Porsche is a versatile brand that is able to be displayed in multiple forms, from a sophisticated 911 Turbo S to the weathered 911 SC shown in the video, the German automotive manufacturer can take shape and highlight the vision behind the art. Although media and information are yet to be released, Check back in for more updates on the newest collaboration from Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore. For more Porsche news, Check out The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Footwear Available Now https://www.instagram.com/p/CO-SrGQhz7I/

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Motorsport Footwear Availab...

Performance footwear for on or off-track use. What do you get when you combined two of the leaders in motorsport? The answer is a lineup of performance-focused products meant to help break lap times. Puma Motorsports and Porsche continue is a long-lasting relationship with a collection of premium footwear for on and off-track use. In this special, we compiled a list of the best Porsche-inspired footwear by PUMA available now. Shop the products featured in this special by clicking the links below for more information. Porsche Legacy Leadcat Slides PUMA Slip right into these cool Porsche slides. Featuring a padded and molded footbed and sleek Porsche branding, these slides bring a high-octane edge to casual everyday style. Price: $40 Shop Now Porsche Legacy Ridge Cat Motorsport Shoes PUMA The Ridge Cat lives on the edge with a design inspired by extreme ridge roads and the breathtaking views that make it all worth it. Porsche Legacy bring their intelligent racing design to these classic motorsport shoes, with a sleek, aerodynamic upper and luxuriously low profile outsole for just the right amount of comfort and speed needed to hug those curves and corners. Price: $100 Shop Now Porsche Legacy RS-Fast Sneakers PUMA Meet the icons of fast. Faster and fresher than any of our RS kicks yet, RS-Fast from PUMA and Porsche Legacy combines early 2000s design with sleek motorsport elements, including a special edition keychain that pays tribute to the legacy of the 911 Turbo. Price: $120 Shop Now Porsche Legacy RS-Connect Sneakers PUMA RS-Connect from Porsche Legacy reimagines our retro RS silhouette with an art-meets-track aesthetic. Borrowing shapes and textures from hype art, its fluid, dynamic design features classic colors and authentic Porsche branding. Price: $120 Shop Now Porsche Legacy Clyde All-Pro Basketball Shoes PUMA The legacy of Walt "Clyde" Frazier meets the legacy of the Porsche 911 in this dynamic collab court shoe. We’re soaring into this season with this lightweight pair of kicks that are ready to dominate the court, the track and everything in between. All-Pro features ProFoam+ for added stability and cushioning as well as PUMA’s lightweight yet durable Matryx material for insane speed and support. A high-energy hue and Porsche 911 hangtag will be the last thing they see before you put 'em in the rearview mirror. Price: $140 Shop Now Porsche Design Speedcat Pro Sneakers PUMA Born for speed. Raised in style. The Speedcat returns over 20 years later, this time with elevated Porsche Design detailing. The signature low profile silhouette features a sleek mid-top collar, plus an authentic rounded driver's heel and understated Porsche Design branding. Taking iconic track style to the streets. Price: $450 Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6×6 Accessories

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Cohiba Royale: The Epitome of Luxury

Presented by Cohiba - Like a handcrafted Swiss watch, Cohiba Royale is a finely-tuned, meticulously crafted, and precise blend for those with extravagant tastes and who demand only the finest. It starts with a beautiful, Nicaraguan broadleaf wrapper grown in the remote Jalapa Valley – considered one of the most prized tobacco growing areas in the world. The valley offers a rare combination of a moist microclimate, high elevation, and reddish-brown soil all contributing to an elegant tobacco that is very flavorful and unique due to the rich and complex aroma it creates. The binder is Piloto Cubano, delivering a complexity and style suited for a rich, flavorful, and distinctive final product. Lastly, the fillers are a combination of tobaccos hailing from renowned regions such as Estelí and Jamastrán which provide a dark and rich flavor profile and strong, full-bodied smoking experience. Cohiba Royale is the epitome of luxury. Visit Cohiba.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6x6 Accessories

A stealthy design is meant to fly under the radar, while still maintaining a presence. The Apocalypse Sinister 6 6x6 does exactly that with its fully customized 4 rear-wheel extension and massive 707-horsepower Hellcat performance upgrade. In this week’s EveryDrive Carry, we have compiled a list of the best high-end products and accessories to keep a low profile without losing reliability. Shop all of the products featured in this EveryDrive Carry special by clicking the links below. For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: 911 GT2 RS Gear Apocalypse 2021 Apocalypse Sinister 6 6x6 MSRP $150,000 View All Apocalypse For Sale 6.2 Liter Supercharged V8 – 707 HP Hellcat Powerplant Aluminum Roll Cage With Full Size Displayed Spare Tire Cube LED Lights On Windshield 8’ Truck Bed Three-Part Kevlar Protective Coating Watches of Switzerland OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon 44.25mm $12,000 Buy From Watches of Switzerland This remarkable version of the Moonwatch is presented on a black nylon strap, secured with a new ceramic and titanium foldover clasp. Protected by a sapphire crystal lens, the polished black dial showcases blackened sub-dial rings, diamond-polished 18ct white gold hands, 18ct white gold applied indexes and a polished rhodium plated seconds hand with a red tip. '47 Brand Operation Hat Trick OHT Black '47 Franchise $30 Buy From '47 Brand The '47 FRANCHISE is fitted, relaxed and curved with raised embroidery on the front and flat embroidery on the back. Made from garment washed rPET cotton twill. Carhartt Carhartt Cotton Blend Face Mask $5.99 Buy From Carhartt The Carhartt Face-mask features a 100% moisture-wicking cotton inner lining keeps you comfortable when you're out there keeping busy. Pit Viper Pit Viper Sunglasses $119 Buy From Pit Viper The Pit Viper Blacking Out Sunglasses have an ANSI Z87+ safety rating, roomier fit, rubberized black frame, and redesigned ear and nose pieces. Leatherman Leatherman Black & Silver Signal $119.95 Buy From Leatherman Leatherman prides itself on manufacturing a multi-tool designed for adventure with a fire starter, hammer, one-handed blade and an emergency whistle. ANKER ANKER PowerCore III 10K Wireless $49.99 Buy From ANKER The convenience of wireless charging is no longer confined to your home or office. Qi-certified charging up to 10W lets you fully charge an iPhone 11 in less than 4 hours no matter where you are. With wireless, USB, and USB-C charging all available, PowerCore gives you unprecedented choice over how you charge. You can even use all of them at once to charge 3 devices simultaneously. Bellroy Bellroy Slim Sleeve Premium Edition Wallet $115 Buy From Bellroy The original slim design has been upgraded with innovative leather and custom textures. Exclusively sourced leather, stitching embellishments and contrasting textured finishes all work to elevate the look and feel of this wallet. 4WD Rockagator Hydric Series 40L Waterproof Backpac $119.52 Buy From 4WD Rockagator's latest 40-Liter Waterproof backpack takes everything you loved about the original model and added some enhanced modifications that will make this bag stronger and more functional. At 40 Liters, This pack provides an enormous amount of storage and more impressively, it will keep all of your gear 100% quick-submersion waterproof. Backcountry Barbour Wax Holdall Duffel $250 Buy From Backcountry Barbour has been creating rugged, high-quality cotton goods for 120 years, and the Wax Holdall Duffel is certainly no exception. Made from robust, weather-resistant waxed cotton with genuine leather handles and trims, this bag is brilliantly built and timelessly stylish, Tartan lining and antique brass fittings lend a classic look, while two internal zippered pockets store valuables or small items.

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