Gear

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 29, 2021

Koenigsegg Unveils The All-New Gemera Luggage Collection

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 28, 2021

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

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

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2021

Ferrari Customers Can Now Get a Replica of Their Car Than...

A must-have for new Ferrari owners. Amalgam Collection has been working with Ferrari since 1998, creating incredible replicas of models that roll out of the Maranello factory. Now, they're taking their cooperative efforts to the next level as they will now be offering new Ferrari owners something very special: replicas of their exact specific at 1:8 or 1:12 scale. " width="680"> When customers visit their Ferrari dealership to order their new car, they will have the option to order a replica from Amalgam. Ferraris available to be ordered with an Amalgam model include the new Ferrari Roma, 812 Superfast, 812 GTS, Portofino M, SF90 Stradale or SF90 Spider. These 1:8 and 1:12 scale models will mimic the customer's spec down to fine details. Thanks to the cooperation between the two brands, Amalgam's models are fully supported by the design and specification team at Ferrari. This ensures that these models are spot on. Of course, Ferraris scale models from the F430 all the way up to the latest creation to roll out of Maranello can be supplied direct from Amalgam. For fans of motorsports, Amalgam has also been offering 1:8 scale models of Ferrari Formula 1 cars each year since 1998. To see what Amalgam Collection has to offer, be sure to click the button below. Visit AmalgamCollection.com Source: Amalgam Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2021

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

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

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

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

Bang & Olufsen x Saint Laurent Announce Its New Audio Col...

Premium sound meets luxury design for the Bang & Olufsen x Saint Laurent Collection. Art can take on many shapes, whether it's the body lines of a 2004 Ferrari Enzo or the crystal clear sound of your favorite musician. The idea of combining multiple avenues of art helps instill the quality and significance of the artists themselves. The audio professionals at Bang & Olufsen are teaming up with Saint Laurent Image Director Anthony Vaccarello to create a true work of art using its lineup of premium audio products. The luxury duo curated a new limited-edition collection for Saint Laurent Rive Droite. The Bang & Olufsen x Saint Laurent Collection features a line of the brand’s most iconic products highlighting the minimalistic vision from the Italian artist. Along with the aesthetically pleasing Beosound Edge at-home speaker, Bang & Olufsen added several other devices to the luxury Saint Laurent Collection. As part of the extremely limited releases, the Bang & Olufsen x Saint Laurent Collection is only available at Saint Laurent Rive Droite in Paris, Saint Laurent Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, and on ysl.com. Shop all of the current products and collections from Bang & Olufsen by clicking the link below. Shop Bang & Olufsen Media/Information Source: Bang & Olufsen For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Gear For The M8 Competition Gran Coupe

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

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

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

By Edward Jones – June 21, 2021

New Bentley Fanatec Steering Wheel Works For Both Real an...

This wheel will take you to victory in the virtual and real world. When you're practicing a sport or hobby, it's best to do it with something that is very similar to what you'll be using when it comes time to put your skills to the test. This most definitely goes for motorsports where drivers will spend time in simulators before heading out in their real-life cars. For those simulators, you can now use a steering wheel that can be used in a real car thanks to a collaboration between Fanatec and Bentley Motors. The new Bentley GT3 steering wheel from Fanatec will allow drivers to practice with the same wheel they race with, making that time in the simulator even more productive than before. This wheel is filled with features, including a circular digital display that shows vital telemetry and information regarding their current performance. There are also plenty of switches, buttons, paddles, and more that can be configured. What's more, this wheel was designed for the Bentley Pikes Peak GT3 race car. That means you can have the same wheel as the one that will be used in an insane race car that's aiming to break the record for the hill climb course. You can learn more about this new steering wheel by clicking here. Shop Steering Wheels at Gamestop

By Edward Jones – June 17, 2021

BendPak Multi-Level Lift Gives You Room to Grow Your Coll...

Presented by BendPak - When an exotic car you’ve had your eye on for some time becomes available, you don’t want to have to let it pass you by because you don’t have enough space to store it. A multi-level car stacker lets you maximize your garage space. But will a multi-level system work for you? Many of these systems use chain or cable tethering systems with fixed-level platforms that aren’t ideal for vehicle collections that mix cars, trucks, and SUVs. Plus they often have to be custom engineered to work in your space. Not ideal. BendPak’s HD-973P gives you room to grow your collection. There is a better way. Global lift manufacturer BendPak offers a cost-effective solution that helps move “I wish” to “I have.” The BendPak HD-973P four-post lift stores three vehicles in a single parking space. Its platforms operate independently, so vehicles of various heights can fit comfortably on one lift. The upper platform accommodates vehicles weighing up to 7,000 lbs., and the lower deck handles up to 9,000 lbs. Anything heavier can go underneath. We’re talking about a commercial-grade product for your garage. The HD-973P is constructed of heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coat finish. The platforms feature full-length aluminum decking and non-skid runways. A compact and powerful electro-hydraulic lift system and multi-positioned safety locks spread four inches apart provide almost unlimited parking arrangements between the upper and lower decks. HD-973P has sturdy locks that engage every four inches. Redundant spring-loaded safety catches immediately halt downward movement. And you don’t need sky-high ceilings to make it work. BendPak’s proprietary and patent-pending design uses shortened height columns that enable the HD-973P to fit in low spaces where other systems can’t. Plus, the specially designed base frames distribute the load making this unique lifting system suitable for virtually any residential or commercial concrete floor. It can even be installed on asphalt when equipped with concrete footers. The HD-973P is engineered with redundant spring-loaded safety catches that immediately halt downward movement of either platform in the unlikely event of cable failure. A padded trip bar and limit switch system prevents the platforms above from making contact with the vehicle below. These features provide you with the peace-of-mind that your valuable vehicle collection is protected. Visit BendPak.com The HD-973P is commercial grade product for your garage.

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2021

Osmium: The Revolutionary Precious Metal You’ve Never Hea...

Presented by Osmium-Institute - Osmium, the 76th element of the periodic table, is the most valuable precious metal on Earth. Over 1,500 times rarer than gold, the metal is mined in conjunction with platinum, to a yield of roughly one ounce of osmium for every 10,000 tons of platinum extracted. It has the highest density, compression modulus, and abrasion resistance of any element. It is also absolutely stunning to behold. So why do so few people know about it? Up until 2014, osmium was available only in its powdery, toxic raw form. Due to its rarity and toxicity, raw osmium had few scientific uses, and even fewer industrial applications. Only when Swiss scientists discovered the process required to crystallize the raw form into solid bars was osmium able to be handled safely. Since then, the market for crystallized osmium has boomed. In the past three years alone, the price for one gram of osmium has gone from $970 to $1,851. Investors who acquired osmium in March of 2020 have already seen a 26% increase in the value of their pieces. What has been driving these surges? The metal is beautiful, for one thing, and demand has been increasing for collectors who wish to insert osmium into luxury jewelry pieces, watches, and accessories. Its reliable performance attracts investors who are used to dealing with precious metals and who see a safe long-term option. However, what makes osmium a truly revolutionary precious metal is its security. Like a human fingerprint, every single piece of crystallized osmium has a unique crystal structure, one that is logged and stored in the Osmium World Database. Thanks to is digital tag, every sale of osmium is logged and tracked, and any the verified identity of every piece of Osmium can be instantly called up with a quick scan of its assigned QR code. Furthermore, its natural density means that it cannot for falsified the way that false gold bars have been created with lead or tungsten cores. Osmium is the world’s first and only unforgeable tangible asset. Visit Buy-Osmium.com

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