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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 – December 08, 2020

Apple Releases The AirPod Max Headphones

Apple just released the newest addition to its audio line up in the form of wireless over the ear headphones, a first for the tech conglomerate. The Apple AirPods Max takes on a completely new design featuring materials of all kinds to help ensure a quality and comfortable listening experience for the user. The design takes on a minimalistic approach, from the breathable knit mesh headband to the stainless-steel frame/telescopic arms, and anodized aluminum ear cups. The technology of the previous Apple AirPod Pro earbuds finds itself into the headphones with functions like noise-canceling and transparency modes available at the touch. The simple Bluetooth pairing process has also been transformed to make switching to other devices seamless. The Apple AirPod Max comes in an array of color options including Silver, Space Grey, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green with the ability to choose custom engraving. The new Apple AirPod Max headphones are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

The New Porsche Design x Bric's Roadster Backpack Collect...

Whether it is head to toe fashion or sport-inspired clothing and accessories, Porsche Design has the collection for any owner or enthusiast. Porsche Design’s close partnership with Bric’s, a leader in luxury luggage, is just one of the many collaborations that result in high-quality premium products for the public. The newest release from Porsche Design x Bric’s is the Roadster Backpack collection, a series of both nylon and leather backpacks sized to help with daily or weekend commutes. The sizes for each style include extra small and medium, with all the necessary space for laptops, cell phones, planners, etc. Made from durable materials, the Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster collection not only looks great but also performs as a long-lasting accessory with the branding of German excellence. The Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster Backpack Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

Porsche Design x Type 7 Release A New T-Shirt And Hoodie

Type 7 is known for highlighting all that Porsche has to offer in past, present, and future forms, with complete backing from the manufacturer itself. The partnership continues with a Porsche Design x Type 7 merchandise release, featuring a minimal t-shirt and hoodie. Each style proudly sports the iconic Type 7 logo, ensuring that anyone wearing the collection is a Porsche enthusiast. The Porsche Design x Type 7 t-shirt and hoodie are currently available, with more product teased to release soon. Shop the Porsche Design x Type 7 clothing collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

EveryDrive Carry: Work Days With The AMG GT63

The things that everyone grabs when heading out the door are classified as essentials because they are tools needed to get through the day, whether it is a day at work or a weekend adventure. The EveryDrive Carry highlights the essential products and accessories to keep in your vehicle, depending on the weekday occasion. This week, we are focusing on pairing the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 4-Door with the essentials needed to help get through the work week efficiently. Click the links below to shop any of the products featured in the special. Mercedes-Benz AMG 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 MSRP $140,250 View All AMG GT 63 For Sale The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door model delivers driving experiences in new dimensions and extends the AMG model family. The coupé is the first four-door sports car from Affalterbach and draws directly on the legendary SLS and AMG GT models of success. Neiman Marcus Dolce & Gabbana Reusable DG Logo & Heart Print Cloth Mask Face Covering $90 Shop Now Dolce & Gabbana unisex face covering in overall DG print with heart is a comfortable reusable mask that features comfortable cloth straps. The non-medical grade face mask comes as a one size fits most. Huckberry Ember Travel Mug $179.95 Shop Now From the first sip to the inevitable last, the Ember Travel Mug keeps your coffee exactly as hot as you like it. Translating the technology from their regular mugs into a leak-proof, go-anywhere travel version, Ember has upped the battery life to three hours and added LED temperature controls to the exterior. Ssense Burberry Black Logo Folding Umbrella $190 Shop Now Collapsible umbrella in black. Logo printed in white at face. Wraparound press-stud fastening. Engraved logo and multicolor wrist-strap at black handle. Logo-engraved silver-tone hardware Goal Zero Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Power Bank $199.95 Shop Now Charge quickly on the move, Fast-charging Power Delivery gives you more power in less time. Charge USB-C laptops, phones, and tablets using the 60W USB-C Power Delivery port. Ssense Gucci Black 'Gucci Signature' Keyring $250 Shop Now Buffed leather keyring in black featuring embossed logo pattern. Logo plaque at face. Logo-engraved lobster clasp and keyring fastenings. Silver-tone hardware. Ssense Gucci Black Animalier Bee Wallet $395 Shop Now Grained leather bifold wallet in black. Signature hardware and gold-tone logo stamp at face. Eight card slots, four note slots, and embossed logo at interior. Tonal textile lining. Antiqued gold-tone hardware. Bloomingdales Mont Blanc PIX Blue Ballpoint Pen $225 Shop Now Inspired by the Bauhaus architecture movement and named after the historical PIX trademark, this writing instrument offers a puristic design and a high simplicity of use. Blue precious resin cap and barrel with elegant platinum-coated details. Smythson Smythson Portobello Notebook $295 Shop Now The classic Portobello notebook is handcrafted in England from the finest leather and makes the perfect desk companion. Our signature gilt-edged, pale blue featherweight paper and a grosgrain bookmark are elegant finishing touches Nordstrom Tumi Alpha Bravo Aviano Slim Briefcase $450 Shop Now Durable ballistic nylon means lasting appeal for a slim, stylish briefcase trimmed with rich leather. A smart Add-A-Bag strap means you can easily attach it to the handle of a rolling suitcase for added convenience. Amazon Escort MAX360C Radar Detector & Escort M1 Dash Camera Bundle $767.48 Shop Now High Definition video coverage of your drive, partnered with long range accurate radar protection creating one of the safest and most well informed driving experiences on the road. IWC IWC BIG PILOT’S WATCH EDITION “LE PETIT PRINCE” $12,900 Shop Now The Garmin Instinct is a GPS smartwatch built to break convention, conquer the elements and endure longer. It’s now taking battery life to a new level by harnessing the power of the sun.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 03, 2020

Watch BMW Unveil "M-Town" As Part Of A New Merchandise Co...

It is nothing new to say that the BMW M community is derived from passionate individuals that circulated aspects of their lives around the obsession with M performance, whether it be the car used for commuting or the clothes and accessories in the closet. If any BMW enthusiast could live in a town full of M cars with individuals that share the same desire, it would be a perfect world. BMW brought that vision to the screen, with its most recent video of M-Town unveiling the merchandise shop that provides an array of clothing options. The inspiration behind the project is to blend the successful historic past of the BMW M-Division with the future endeavors of chasing the quest for design and performance. Throughout the video, BMW places a few surprising cameos in the form of both people and vehicles. Shmee150 makes an appearance as a fan that is more than excited to take his own trip to M-Town. A very special BMW M3 Wagon also has its 5 seconds of fame as the camera pans across, giving the public an ever so small glimpse at the anticipated release. The collection features graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts sporting the iconic M colors, as well as vehicle timelines back to when the E30 M3 made its first appearance. The BMW M-Town Merchandise is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop M-Town Merchandise " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Discover The Santoni For AMG Collection

When you are a car enthusiast, it is easier to want to find footwear and accessories that pair well with your personal or dream car. Mercedes-AMG has collaborated with luxury shoemaker Santoni to make it easier for owners and enthusiasts to shop products with inspiration from supercars. The main aspect of the partnership is to blend the quality and performance of each brand into comfortable daily footwear for men and women. The styles in the Santoni For AMG Collection include both formal and casual silhouettes, making the transition from the track to a daily routine effortless. The craftsmanship that goes into each sneaker produced mimics the production process of a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, which is why the collaboration between the two pairs so well. The Santoni For AMG Collection is currently available to shop by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Rockstar Senna

The Rockstar lifestyle can open doors to obtaining some of the rarest luxury items in the world, but there is one man who stays true to being himself while splurging on some gifts for the garage and closet. Post Malone is the definition of staying humbly successful, styling himself in only what he feels is a true extension of himself while filling his garage with rare collectible vehicles. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe special focuses on Post Malone’s McLaren Senna XP Master of Monaco for sale, as well as an outfit to go along with the rockstar lifestyle. Click any of the links below to shop the products featured in this special. Vehicle Post Malone's 2019 McLaren Senna XP Master of Monaco Call For Price View McLaren Senna For Sale Watch Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull $500,000 Learn More Top AN4279 Post Malone X Arnette Sunglasses $79.84 Shop Now AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket $499 Shop Now Posty Co. Live From LA Photo Long Sleeve $50 Shop Now Bottom AMIRI MX1 Skinny-Fit Distressed Leather-Panelled Stretch-Denim Jeans $1,090 Shop Now Footwear Crocs Duet Clog Post Malone $83 Shop Now Accessories Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones $299.95 Shop Now Maison 9 French Riviera Rosè 750ml $21.99 Shop Now Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar $1,499 Shop Now Posty Co. Guitar Pick Set $20 Shop Now The Rockstar Senna Breakdown Post Malone's 2019 McLaren Senna XP Master of Monaco Call For Price Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull $500,000 AN4279 Post Malone X Arnette Sunglasses $79.84 AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket $499 Posty Co. Live From LA Photo Long Sleeve $50 Mr. Porter MX1 Skinny-Fit Distressed Leather-Panelled Stretch-Denim Jeans $1,090 Crocs Duet Clog Post Malone $83 Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones $299.95 Maison 9 French Riviera Rosè 750ml $21.99 Gibson SG Standard Electric Guitar $1,499 Posty Co. Guitar Pick Set $20

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

Rolls-Royce Pursuit Seat Makes A Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Usually, you can have style and functionality but not simultaneously. That is why our favorite English marque has a bold new accessory. The Rolls-Royce pursuit seat makes a perfect stocking stuffer because it is practical and built to last. Leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber have been combined into a contemporary design. Rolls-Royce ‘Neon Lights’ Limited Editions Announced The press release mentions it a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for live performances, trackside, or an extra spot in your office. A hidden pouch offers storage for cash and cards while the RR logo hides an LED flashlight. The leather surface is offered in the same shades as their car interiors, and pricing starts at 6,581 GBP ($8,785 US Dollars). Click the button below to order one from our dealers and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

How To Shop Puma Motorsport Cyber Monday Deals

Puma Motorsport is best known for collaborating with automotive manufacturers and Formula 1 teams on unique collections for fans. The Cyber Monday Sale has hit the Puma Motorsport store and features track-focused clothing and footwear styles. The Motorsport collections offer an array of products for all in the family of car enthusiasts. Footwear is a highlight of the brand, with models ranging from comfortable everyday sneakers to aggressive racing boots that sport iconic teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, and more. The Cyber Monday Sale by Puma Motorsport is happening now, prepping enthusiasts for the upcoming holiday season. When: Available Now Where: Puma Motorsport Puma Motorsport

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 24, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Thanksgiving With The Ford Bronco

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for, and in the automotive industry, we are thankful for Ford bringing back the Bronco platform. The rugged design of Ford’s new addition pairs best with clothing and accessories that can withstand the same climate and terrain. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on what to wear and carry when pulling up to your Thanksgiving celebration in the new Ford Bronco. Shop all of the styles featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle Ford Bronco MSRP $26,660 View All Ford Bronco For Sale Watch Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 MCMLIX $3,260 Shop Now Top Melin A-Game Scout Thermal $79 Shop Now Smith TR90 Polarized Sunglasses $143.20 Shop Now Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Highland Jacket $275 Shop Now Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley $52 Shop Now Bottom Joe's The Asher Slim Fit Jeans $129 Shop Now Footwear Clark's Desert Boot Beeswax $150 Shop Now Accessories JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker $69.95 Shop Now The James Brand Hells Canyon Knife $295 Shop Now Yeti V Series Hard Cooler $800 Shop Now Traeger Ironwood Series 885 Pellet Grill $1,499.99 Shop Now Sunnydaze Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit $185 Shop Now YETI Trailhead Collapsible Camp Chair $299.98 Shop Now The Bronco Thanksgiving Breakdown 2020 Ford Bronco MSRP $26,600 Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 MCMLIX $3,260 Melin A-Game Scout Thermal $79 Smith TR90 Polarized Sunglasses $143.20 Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Highlands Jacket $275 Buck Mason Prima Curved Hem Henley $52 Joe's The Asher Slim Fit Jeans $129 Clark's Desert Boot Beeswax $150 JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker $69.95 The James Brand Hells Canyon Knife $275 Yeti V Series Hard Cooler $800 Traeger Ironwood Series 885 Wood Pellet Grill $1,499.99 Sunnydaze Cast Iron Outdoor Fire Pit $185 YETI Trailhead Collapsible Camp Chair $299.98

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