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 – March 19, 2021

McLaren F1's New Hawaiian Tropical Shirt Is Daniel Riccia...

Just in time for the Season 3 premiere of the popular Netflix series “Drive To Survive”, McLaren F1 just announced the release of a Hawaiian Tropical Shirt to its web-store. Naturally, the vibrant McLaren orange and blue floral top is enjoyed by fun-spirited team driver Daniel Ricciardo, who has already posted a picture of him in the shirt to Instagram. The collar button-down shirt is made from premium materials, ensuring a comfortable wear while supporting McLaren F1. The McLaren F1 Hawaiian Tropical Shirt is currently available for $85.50 by clicking the link below. Shop Now McLaren F1 For more Gear news, Check out Shop The New Bugatti Lifestyle Collection Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2021

Shop The New Bugatti Lifestyle Collection Available Now

The Bugatti brand made its grand entrance into the automotive world as a manufacturer looking to push the boundaries of luxury, performance, and comfort. Bugatti is proud to announce that it is celebrating its line of vehicles with a commemorative lifestyle collection. The merchandise collection features jackets, t-shirts, hats, bags, and accessories sporting the powerful Bugatti logo. Made from premium materials, the merchandise line incorporates the same attention to detail as each vehicle assembled. Whether you are the lucky owner or a Bugatti enthusiast looking to add some performance to the closet, the Bugatti Lifestyle Collection has you covered. Shop the sleek black apparel and accessories from the Bugatti Lifestyle Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Bugatti Lifestyle Image Source: Bugatti For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Lamborghini Lifestyle

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2021

Hot Wheels Announces Its 2021 Legends Tour Competition

Hot Wheels by Mattel is happy to announce that the ever-popular Legends Tour competition will be returning for 2021. In partnership with Mobile 1, the event will be traveling to 14 countries and 5 continents offering global fans the unique opportunity to have their one-of-a-kind life-size car creations forever immortalized as the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends 1:64 die-cast toy. The live and virtual events kicking off in April with Livestream stops in New Zealand (April 15), Australia (April 22), and the U.S. and Canada (April 29), with future stops to be announced soon. At each stop of the tour regional winners and a Mobile 1 Fan Favorite will be chosen, which will then enter them into a semi-final round before the Grand Final event in November. In addition to being immortalized as a Hot Wheels 1:64 scale die-cast, previous winners will soon be available for purchase and play through the Forza™ Horizon 4 video game through the Hot Wheels Legends Car Pack on Xbox, Windows 10, iOS, and Android devices. Look out for a Hot Wheels Legends Tour in partnership with Mobile 1 stop near you and shop Hot Wheels by clicking the link below. Shop Hot Wheels For more Gear news, Check out Lewis Hamilton Joins LG SIGNATURE As Its New Brand Ambassador

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 17, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: St. Patrick's Day Style

St. Patrick’s Day is the time for everyone to grab some green gear to celebrate with friends and family, as well as the ultra-green Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R. The performance-focused coupe made its entry to the automotive world in its vibrant green launch color. This week’s Wheels x Wardrobe features a list of the best green apparel and accessories to bring to the festivities. Shop all of the products featured in this special Wheels x Wardrobe by clicking the links below. Vehicle Mercedes-Benz AMG Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R MSRP $162,900 View All Mercedes-AMG GT-R For Sale Watch Jomashop Rolex Submariner "Hulk" Green Steel 116610LV $21,995 Buy From Jomashop Top Nordstrom VISVIM Lumber Uneven Dye Cotton Twill Shirt $493.50 Buy From Nordstrom Sak's Fifth Avenue Commes des Garçon PLAY Red Heart Tee $123 Buy From Sak's Fifth Avenue Bottom Rag & Bone Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Linen Rinse $225 Buy From Rag & Bone Footwear Puma Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Future Rider Sneakers $90 Buy From Puma Accessories Sunglass Hut Ray-Ban RB3689 Sunglasses $204 Buy From Sunglass Hut F1 Store Mercedes AMG Petronas Racer Cap $36 Buy From The F1 Store F1 Store Mercedes AMG Petronas Sports Bottle $179.99 Buy From The F1 Store Mulberry Mulberry Green Silky Calf 8-Card Coin Wallet $288 Buy From Mulberry Away Away Nylon Green Backpack $165 Buy From Away The St. Patrick's Day Style Breakdown Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-R MSRP $162,900 Rolex Submariner "Hulk" Green Steel 116610LV $21,995 VISVIM Lumber Uneven Dye Cotton Twill Shirt $493.50 Commes des Garçon PLAY Red Heart Tee $123 Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Linen Rinse $225 Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Future Rider Sneakers $90 Ray-Ban RB3689 Sunglasses $204 Mercedes AMG Petronas Racer Cap $36 Mercedes AMG Petronas Sports Bottle $30 Mulberry Green Silky Calf 8-Card Coin Wallet $288 Away Nylon Green Backpack $165 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: F8 Fashion

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 17, 2021

Puma Motorsport Releases New Apparel & Accessories For Sp...

Puma Motorsport continues its 2021 collection featuring top manufacturers and teams like BMW M Motorsports, Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, Porsche Design, and Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Puma is proud to announce its most recent release featuring apparel, footwear, baggage, and accessories that are performance-focused for all drivers and enthusiasts of the sport. Throughout the new lineup, factory team branding is found stamped proudly on each piece. Using premium materials and state-of-the-art technology, Puma creates the perfect style for on and off the track. Shop the newest releases from the Puma Spring/Summer 2021 Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Puma Motorsport Image Source: Puma For more Gear news, Check out Discover The New Bugatti La Voiture Noire Lifestyle Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 15, 2021

Porsche x LEGO Announce The New Porsche Owners Pack Colle...

Porsche continues to pioneer new ideas to reimagine historic milestones on its journey to produce the perfect sports car. Many of the models that continue to hold relevance in the automotive industry are re-created in small-scaled by the LEGO Company, adding interest to collectors and enthusiasts. Porsche x LEGO are now using the detailed DIY models to modernly re-create vintage marketing ads like the 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo, and the 1985 Porsche 911 Turbo. Each example is part of a limited-edition LEGO x Porsche owners club pack featuring commemorative packaging, media printouts, and a certificate of authenticity to complete the special collaboration. The collection is meant to shine a light on the original 911 models that paved the way for the future of motorsports, using a summary of the past 50-plus years of Porsche advertising. Although release and price information has yet to be released, the limited-edition LEGO x Porsche Owners Pack is sure to be a high-anticipated release for owners, enthusiasts, and collectors. Check back in for more information on the newest release from LEGO x Porsche. Shop LEGO Image Source: Porsche For more Porsche news, Check out Porsche Awarded First Place in J.D. Power Customer Service Index

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 12, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Lamborghini Lifestyle

The perfect supercar best blends the ability to crush lap times on circuits, while still providing a comfortable driving experience as a commuter vehicle. Lamborghini encompasses this motive with the Huracán Evo, presented in endless colors with available options to best suit your lifestyle. This week’s EveryDrive Carry features luxury products and accessories to best compliment the Italian supercar on and off the track. Shop all of the products shown by clicking the links below. For more EveryDrive Carry news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: M-Performance Packed Lamborghini 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Evo MSRP $208,571 View All Lamborghini Huracán Evo For Sale Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Huracán EVO: the next generation V10 super sports car, based on the prowess and performance of the Huracán Performante and incorporating next-generation vehicle dynamic control and aerodynamics. Jomashop Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph $8,995 Buy From Jomashop Black ceramic case with a two-tone (black and orange) rubber strap. Uni-directional rotating coin edge black and orange ceramic with galvanized rubber bezel. Black dial with luminous silver-tone arrow-shaped hands and index hour markers with minute markers around the outer rim. Master Dynamic Master Dynamic MW07 Plus Automobili Lamborghini $349 Buy From Master Dynamic Master & Dynamic has partnered with Automobili Lamborghini on a collection of high-performance sound tools inspired by the design and materials of the iconic Italian super sports cars Nike Nike Air Max 90 $120 Buy From Nike The Nike Air Max 90 stays true to its OG roots with the iconic Waffle outsole, stitched overlays and classic TPU accents. Fresh colors give a modern look while Max Air cushioning adds comfort to your journey. Nordstrom Tumi Tahoe Finch Backpack $360 Buy From Nordstrom Modern style meets maximum utility in the spacious Tumi Tahoe Finch backpack featuring a padded laptop compartment and convenient waterproof cover. Persol Persol PO3264S Sunglasses $345 Buy From Persol Designed and crafted in Italy, Persol - from the Italian "per il sole" meaning "for the sun" - is a favorite among tastemakers and celebrities for its impeccable fit and incredible clarity. The brand's patented Meflecto temples offer a secure fit, while crystal-tempered sunglass lenses provide protection with distortion-free vision. Puma PUMA x NEMEN Men's Full Zip Racing Top $200 Buy From Puma The debut of PUMA x NEMEN draws inspiration from motorsport and military gear. With high-quality materials, premium executions and functional racing elements, this elevated racing layer is ready for action. Nordstrom Tumi Alpha Global Removable Passcase Wallet $140 Buy From Nordstrom Tough ballistic nylon and finely textured leather define a smart travel wallet with a removable pass case for added convenience. LARQ LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle, 25 oz. $118.25 Buy From LARQ The LARQ Bottle PureVis is the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It uses UV-C LED light to eliminate up to 99.9999% of bio-contaminants from your water and bottle. Overstock Tumi Congo Alpha 3 Double Expansion Travel Duffle Bag $340 Buy From Overstock A dedicated exterior shoe compartment means extra convenience in the Tumi compact gym and travel bag built from tough ballistic nylon.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: Supersports Style

The Bentley Supersports model continues to play the role of best of both worlds, in the categories of comfort and performance. While its luxurious interior amenities are casually enjoyed by passengers, the 6.0L V12 makes enough power to set a track record. In celebration of the Bentley Continental Supersports this week’s Wheels x Wardrobe features all of the products needed to successfully conquer anything thrown your way by blending comfort and performance. Shop all of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking on the links below. Vehicle Bentley Bentley Continental Supersports MSRP $293,300 View All Bentley Supersports For Sale Watch Ernst Benz Ernst Benz Traditional Jewel Chronoscope GC10131D $22,775 Buy From Ernst Benz Top Nordstrom Barbour Ashby Wax Jacket $415 Buy From Nordstrom Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt $69.99 Buy From Ralph Lauren Bottom Rag & Bone Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Silver Yarn $250 Buy From Rag & Bone Footwear Allen Edmonds Allen Edmonds Nomad Suede Chelsea Boot $375 Buy From Allen Edmonds Accessories Persol Persol Steve McQueen 24K Gold Sunglasses $790 Buy From Persol Backcountry Smartwool Intraknit Face Cover $15 Buy From Backcountry Best Buy Ember Temperature Control Smart Travel Mug² - 12 oz $179.99 Buy From Best Buy Sak's 5th Avenue Montblanc Meisterstuck Sfumato Wallet 6cc $440 Buy From Sak's 5th Avenue Ferrari Store Shinola Runwell Leather Laptop Backpack $995 Buy From Nordstrom The Supersports Breakdown Bentley Continental Supersports MSRP $293,000 Ernst Benz Traditional Jewel Chronoscope GC10131D $22,775 Barbour Ashby Wax Jacket $415 Ralph Lauren Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt $69.99 Rag & Bone Fit 2 - Silver Yarn $250 Allen Edmonds Nomad Suede Chelsea Boot $375 Persol Steve McQueen 24K Gold Sunglasses $790 Smartwool Intraknit Face Cover $15 Ember Temperature Control Smart Travel Mug² - 12 oz $179.99 Montblanc Meisterstuck Sfumato Wallet 6cc $405 Shinola Runwell Leather Laptop Backpack $995 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: F8 Fashion

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 09, 2021

Porsche Design Release Exclusive P'8685 Titanium Sunglasses

The Porsche Design Eyewear Collection was recently unveiled with the help of brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey and features an array of luxury performance sunglasses. The exclusive eyewear just got more luxurious with the release of the new Porsche Design P’8685 Hexagon. The iconic sharp design features a titanium frame and RXP temples, ensuring a lightweight yet strong construction. The polarized lenses provide UV400 protection, anti-glare, impact resistance, and hard coating for functional daily wear. The Porsche Design P’8685 is available in a gold or natural titanium finish in size 60. Shop the exclusive Porsche Design P’8685 Sunglasses by clicking the link below. Shop Now Image Source: Porsche Design For more Porsche news, Check out How To Buy: Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack Spring/Summer ’21

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 09, 2021

How To Buy: Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack Spring/S...

As an iconic motorsport brand, Porsche not only continues to thrive in the automotive industry but also in the art and fashion world. Puma Motorsport embraces the performance and beauty behind the wheel with its Porsche Legacy Statement Pack of Spring/Summer ’21. The re-invented vintage look of the collection is inspired by one of Porsche’s most coveted models of all time, the 911 Carrera RSR 3.0. Using period-correct logos, colors, and designs, Puma created the clothing and footwear line, which features sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, sneakers, and accessories. Puma x Porsche followed vintage color themes, proving that Porsche design is a timeless fashion trend . The Puma Porsche Legacy RS-Fast is the newest sneaker added to the Puma Porsche Legacy Statement Pack, complementing the rest of the apparel with the low-cut casual lifestyle silhouette. The Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack of Spring/Summer ’21 is currently available by clicking the link below. When: March 9th, 2021 (Now Available) Where: Puma Website Price: $35 - $150 Image Source: Puma For more Gear news, Check out Top 10 Best Luxury Sunglasses For The Driver

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