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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2020

EveryDrive Carry: Off The Grid With The Ford Raptor

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 an off-road adventure. The EveryDrive Carry highlights the essential products and accessories to keep in your vehicle, depending on the situation and road conditions. This week, we are focusing on pairing the Ford Raptor with the essentials needed for going off the grid. Click the links below to shop any of the products featured in the special. Ford 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor MSRP $53,455 View All Ford Raptors For Sale Huckberry Dissim Inverted Lighter $48 Shop Now Enter the Inverted Lighter. Specifically designed to be flipped upside down, the combo of a circular grip and angled flame port direct the fire at the wick of your candle or the tinder in your campfire with your fingers safely out of the way. Papier Papier Custom Pine Green Notes Journal $49.99 Shop Now The Papier Pine Green Notes cover is crafted from beautiful, upcycled leather with traditionally pressed foil details in a choice of colours. Inside, find 96 pages of lined paper to jot special plans, daily thoughts or notes and ideas. Blade HQ Boker Plus Tactical Pen CID .45 CAL Bolt Action $54.71 Shop Now This tactical self defense pen from Boker Plus is an ingenious design by Rainer Wenning and knifemaker Thomas Braunagel. It features a "bolt action" mechanism. The "click" open and close is quite fun, making this a tough one to put down. Home Depot Streamlight Stinger Pro Flashlight $108.53 Shop Now This NEW STINGER LED raises the standard to a whole new level. It features multiple lighting options, including a strobe and super bright, white hot, long range beam with a wide circle of light that increases your peripheral vision. Blade HQ Benchmade Mini Bugout AXIS Lock Knife $119 Shop Now The Benchmade Bugout offers a lightweight, ergonomic build designed with everyday carry and general outdoor use in mind. Its high-performance CPM-S30V blade sports a partial swedge to provide a finer point, and comes fitted with orange anodized dual thumb studs for easy one-handed operation. VSSL VSSL First Aid Kit $125 Shop Now This isn't your typical first aid kit; completely waterproof, a sleek compact design, adventure-ready durability, and a curated set of outdoor specific first aid components that are perfectly organized in our custom first aid roll for easy access. You can count on your VSSL First Aid to be ready when you need it most. Hammacher Schlemmer Hammacher Schlemmer Leather Glove Box Organizer $129.95 Shop Now This is the leather organizer that keeps a car’s glove compartment organized and clutter-free. Eliminating the frustration of rummaging through a jumbled heap, this organizer, crafted from deluxe genuine leather, keeps a driver’s essentials readily accessible for quick retrieval. Leatherman Leatherman MUT EOD Multi-Tool $169.95 Shop Now The Leatherman MUT EOD has everything you need in an easy-access configuration for your specialized line of work. Accomplish your mission, maintain your field gear and lighten up your kit. All in a day's work. 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. Garmin US Garmin Instinct Solar Watch $299.99 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. B&H Photo Video Leica D-Lux 7 Digital Camera $1,195 Shop Now Poised as the ideal pocket camera, the black Leica D-Lux 7 is a svelte, compact camera characterized by its large sensor design, versatile lens, and sleek styling. The 17MP Four Thirds MOS sensor offers impressive performance with a sensitivity range up to ISO 25600 along with an 11-fps continuous shooting rate and UHD 4K30p video recording to suit multimedia shooting applications in a variety of conditions.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: BRABUS Built

On special occasions, a vehicle will roll off the production floor and make a significant impact on the automotive world, whether it is for mind-blowing performance or breathtaking design. The BRABUS G V12 900 is the result of a perfect combination of both factors, making it one of the fastest SUVs to touch the tarmac. The success of the model has lead BRABUS to create a clothing collection inspired by not only the brand itself but the G V12 900 as well. This week’s Wheels X Wardrobe focuses on pairing the perfect style by BRABUS for when you are behind the wheel of the super-SUV. Click the links below to shop any of the products and accessories featured in this special. Vehicle BRABUS G V12 900 MSRP $668,000 View All BRABUS For Sale Watch HYT FLOW Black Fluid $79,000 Shop Now Top BRABUS Cap "All Black" $70.77 Shop Now Maison Margiela Black Mykita Edition $575 Shop Now BRABUS Track Jacket $377.44 Shop Now BRABUS T-Shirt "Sketch" $153.33 Shop Now Bottom BRABUS Track Pants $353.85 Shop Now Footwear Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers $975 Shop Now Accessories GUCCI Red Quilted GG Wallet $395 Shop Now Neil Barrett Black Eco-Leather Backpack $655 Shop Now Away The Expandable Large Suitcase $345 Shop Now The BRABUS Built Breakdown 2020 BRABUS G V12 900 MSRP $668,000 HYT FLOW Black Fluid Watch $79,000 BRABUS Cap "All Black" $70.77 Maison Margiela Black Mykita Edition Sunglasses $575 BRABUS Track Jacket $377.44 BRABUS T-Shirt "Sketch" $153.33 BRABUS Track Pants $353.85 Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers $975 Gucci Red Quilted GG Wallet $395 Neil Barrett Black Eco-Leather Backpack $655 Away The Expandable Large Suitcase $345

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2020

The 2020 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Features A $255,000...

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is a yearly published list that includes over 400 extraordinary gifts for everyone. This year marks its 94th edition, which features a bespoke edition of a Bowlus Endless Highways Performance Edition luxury travel trailer. Bowlus is known for manufacturing high end riveted aluminum trailers since 1934, carrying the tradition of exploration through the open road. The trailer can be completely redesigned using yacht-grade finishes to reflect the vision of the individual looking to travel in style. The RV also includes a state-of-the-art electrical system that allows you to remain off-grid from L.A. to NYC and back on a single charge. Bowlus will be donating $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with the purchase of the Bowlus experience. Click the link below to learn more about the bespoke edition Bowlus trailer, as well as the rest of the products in the 2020 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2020

The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team Debuts Its 2021 Clothin...

Whether it is land or sea, racing embraces the passion for competition between participants and fans as a whole. The growing popularity has allowed for unique collaborations between companies to help celebrate the art of racing. The Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team will be taking to the sea for the 36th annual America’s Cup, but not before releasing its 2021 team clothing collection. The clothing line includes top to bottom styles for men, women, and children using premium materials from traditional Prada collections. An array of options is available for all weather conditions. So fans can support the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team at all times. The simple designs highlight the notorious brands that have come together to chase victory. The collection is currently available through America’s Cup website. Click the link below to shop the 2021 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team collection. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 05, 2020

Adidas Originals Drops Fall/Winter 2020 Eyewear Collection

Adidas Original continues to play a key role in the athletic sportswear industry since the brand began in 1972. The inspiration behind the brand is to celebrate the heritage as both a sport and lifestyle using premium materials and designs. Adidas Originals has released the Fall/Winter 2020 Eyewear Collection featuring unique styles for both men and women. Inside the new collection are an array of style options that include different lens shapes and colors. The design team at Adidas Original took characters from sport and fashion to create the perfect blend, allowing for the styles to be, dressed up or down. The Fall/Winter Eyewear Collection by Adidas is currently available through Nordstrom’s website, with the Adidas’ website launching at the end of the month. Shop all the Adidas Originals sunglass styles by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Sonos Unveils the Arc Smart Soundbar

Before the virus, we could find entertainment at pubs, taverns, clubs and bars. However, since they have been closed it has made many reevaluate their life choices. Being quarantined and binge-watching new series has made me realize how inferior my home audio system truly is. So if you really want to make a change for the better, stay away from the bars and upgrade to the new Sonos Arc Smart Soundbar. It is the first soundbar to be compatible with Dolby Atmos, the new standard for HD audio. Potent processors run proprietary software that was written for Sonos by leading Hollywood Sound Engineers. That is how it can transform 2-channel stereo inputs like Bluetooth or even a record player into room-filling 3D sound. What's more, it has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, along with voice control of all functions. Multiple woofers, mids, and tweeters have a 270-degree arc of fire. Having nearly every input available, it can play anything at any time, regardless of the TV being on or off. It has modes for night, action, vocals, instrumental, and many others. Most TVs made after '09 have an ARC-compatible HDMI port, and it will allow the Sonos Arc to replace your receiver, pre-amp, sub, and every other part of your 7.1 system. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your home theater news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2020

Nighthawk Custom: One Gun, One Gunsmith

Nighthawk Custom was formed in 2004 by a group of four talented individuals who had a true passion for the 1911 platform. As the company grew from those original employees to approximately 65 full- time employees today, our selection and assortment of 1911s has also grown. Nighthawk Custom has expanded the product line from the original two models, the GRP and Talon, to over 40 unique and custom versions of 1911. In addition to 1911 pistols, Nighthawk Custom also manufactures top-of-the-line tactical shotguns based on the world’s most popular shotgun platform, the Remington 870. Finally, Nighthawk Custom began offering a line of revolvers in 2016. These top-tier revolvers were the result of a collaboration with Korth-Waffen of Lollar, Germany. Because Korth revolvers are known worldwide for their unrivaled quality and value, a partnership between Nighthawk Custom and Korth was a natural fit. At Nighthawk Custom, each pistol is built from start to finish by one of our talented gunsmiths. Our slogan and philosophy, “ONE GUN, ONE GUNSMITH,” is the direct result of how we build our guns. Once a pistol is built, the builder test fires the pistol to ensure that it exceeds both The Nighthawk Standard, and his own. He then uses a metal stamp to imprint his initials under the left grip panel. This shows the highest level of ownership, and it signifies the pride and commitment our gunsmiths take in the work they do. Nighthawk Custom also uses the highest quality parts and components to build each gun. All parts used are fully machined from bar stock steel. This is the FM, Fully Machined Series of parts. Each part used is oversized and must be fit to each gun by hand. When the highest quality parts are combined with the most talented gunsmiths in the industry, the resulting quality is unparalleled. " width="680"> Nighthawk Custom seeks to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His many blessings over the years. Visit Nighthawk Custom Firearms We would love to have your business and it would be our pleasure for you to own one of our firearms so you can experience the Nighthawk Difference. Presented by Nighthawk Custom We at Nighthawk Custom strive to provide Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and everyday citizens superior firearms that allows them to perform their duty, protect their home, or win their competition.

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2019

Ferrari and Armani are Teaming Up for Fashion

Two iconic Italian brands are teaming up for the sake of fashion: Ferrari and Giorgio Armani. This news comes to us today from Ferrari NV as they report their quarterly earnings. It was Sergio Marchionne's goal to transform Ferrari into a luxury brand. Unfortunately, Marchionne passed away in 2018 and could not see the transformation happen. Chief Executive Louis Camilleri has picked up where Marchionne left off and is making sure that it does happen and this collaboration with Armani proves it. In fact, Ferrari is aiming for luxury goods to make up around 10 percent of their profit within the next seven to ten years. SEE ALL FERRARIS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2018

Overfinch Unveils New Accessories For Summer

If you want the latest in British fashion, Overfinch would like a few minutes of your time. Working with Kirk Originals, Overfinch sunglasses are handmade in vintage styles. Each one is named for a classic Overfinch automobile, and they are perfect for a sunny drive. 500EIn 1988, buyers who wanted more from their English 4x4 could order the Overfinch 500E. It combined a 5.0 liter Chevrolet V8 and the Corvette's 700R4 automatic. This bulletproof drivetrain was a cost-effective alternative to 570, which had the 350 ci (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8. The Overfinch 570 debuted in 1983, and it was the beginning of a two-decade partnership with GM. 630RIntroduced in 2000, the 630R featured projector headlights and a plush interior to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Overfinch. The engine was a 6.3 Liter Chevrolet, which is a 383 to our muscle car fans. They are a popular combination of the 400 ci crankshaft and the 350 ci engine block. The 630R made 360 horsepower to all wheels and is one of their most celebrated models. 460iIn 1998, Overfinch decided to offer a more economical engine upgrade than the Chevrolet 5.7. So they decided to use the 4.6L Rover V8 with upgraded internals. The 4.6L V8 was a logical choice because the external dimensions are identical between the factory Rover 3.5L engine. The all-aluminum design was much lighter than a Chevrolet, while still offering great performance. If you weren't aware, the Rover V8 was originally the 1960 Buick 215. GM sold the design to Rover in 1965, and it was standard equipment until 2006. Color ChoicesOk, these have nothing to do with engine choices. These are close-ups of their colors. And of course, every pair comes with a handmade leather case. Overfinch Bespoke Luggage SetThe Overfinch luxury should not end as you exit your vehicle. With Overfinch bespoke luggage sets that are handcrafted to match lifestyles as well as vehicles, all aspects of a journey can be considered a destination. Overfinch luggage is made to same exacting standards as the Overfinch vehicles. The 6-piece collection comprises touring cases, weekend cases, vanity case and business case. A light but strong aluminium frame is trimmed in the finest British hides to match or contrast with a vehicles interior. Hides, stitching patterns, piping and embroidery can all be specified to individual requirements. Pricing for Overfinch accessories is available on application. Click the link below for more information.Click Here To Visit Overfinch USAFYI: Overfinch didn't simply swap Corvette engines into 4x4s, the suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, and every stitch of leather was all new. Here is a history lesson for you to enjoy- Cheers!

By Andrew Nabors – March 15, 2018

Ferrari Store: Puma Transform Collection

In certain situations, your clothes should be as dynamic as your car. That's why Ferrari turned to Puma for a limited run of color-changing accessories. The Transform Collection features heat and water-reactive colors and prices that won't break the bank. Each piece is emblazoned with the colors of the Italian flag along with Scuderia shields.Men's Technical JacketIf you are looking for style in all weather, this hooded jacket sports jacket hides a wild reflective motif that comes alive in the rain. It is available in Medium to XXL for $110.View DetailsMen's Transform T-ShirtThis wild T-Shirt features a blur of a Ferrari F1 car. It is temperature sensitive, becoming fluorescent when cold. It is available in Small to XXL for $27.50.View DetailsPuma Transform BackpackIf you need something unique to carry your gear, the Puma Transform Backpack reacts to body and air temperature to reveal a bright red pattern. $100View DetailsPuma Transform CapTranslated from Italian, TestaRossa literally means Red Head. This straight-bill black cap hides a red pattern that is heat activated. The double-stiched design has a drawstring closure for the ultimate in comfort. $22View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Transform Low SneakersImagine the perfect heel-toe downshift in a 275 GTB/4. It needs a shoe that can handle the heat, and these Evo Cats turn fire red when exposed to heat. The thermochromic color will make you stand apart from the crowd. $79.75View DetailsMen's Evo Cat Mid SneakersFeaturing the same heat reactive pigments as the low tops above, these mids offer more support and great styling. $90.75View DetailsBe sure to stay with us for more great deals on the hottest Ferrari gear!.

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