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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 – January 13, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: BMW M Sport

The BMW enthusiast community is a tight-knit group dedicated to all things driven by M Sport, including apparel and accessories sporting the iconic M Division colors. The automotive world is excited for the release of the newly redesigned BMW M3. The M3 blends the functionality of daily commuting with track-inspired performance, making it an all-around perfect vehicle. This week’s Wheels x Wardrobe focuses on the 2021 BMW M3 Competition and the M-Division gear to go with one of the fastest production sedans on the market. Click any of the links below to shop the products featured in this special. For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Best Dressed in The Bugatti Chiron Sport Vehicle BMW Group 2021 BMW M3 Competition MSRP $72,900 View All BMW M3 For Sale Watch Amazon Seiko 5 Sports SRPD61 $199 Buy From Amazon Top Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Jacket $150 Now $79.99 Buy From Puma Motorsport Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Hoodie $100 Buy From Puma Motorsport Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Men's AOP Polo $60 Buy From Puma Motorsport Bottom Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Pants $90 Now $69.99 Buy From Puma Motorsport Footwear Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Pure Sneakers $120 Now $69.99 Buy From Puma Motorsport Accessories Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Street Cap $30 Buy From Puma Motorsport Amazon BMW B6518 Square Sunglasses $157.78 Buy From Amazon Amazon KRR Unisex BMW M Face Mask $13.99 Buy From Amazon Puma Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Duffel Bag $75 Buy From Puma Motorsport The BMW M Sport Breakdown 2021 BMW M3 Competition MSRP $72,900 Seiko 5 Sports SRPD61 $199 BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Jacket $150 Now $79.99 BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Hoodie $100 BMW M Motorsport Men's AOP Polo $60 BMW M Motorsport Street Men's Pants $90 Now $69.99 BMW M Motorsport Pure Sneakers $90 Now $69.99 BMW M Motorsport Street Cap $30 BMW B6518 Square Sunglasses $157.78 KRR Unisex BMW M Face Mask $13.99 BMW M Motorsport Duffel Bag $75

By Edward Jones – January 13, 2021

Medford Knife & Tool’s Praetorian Ti: Made for the Elite

Presented by The Medford Guy - During the Roman Republic and dating back to the second century B.C., Praetorian Guards were an elite group of soldiers selected to protect generals and famed Roman leaders. When Augustus became Rome’s first emperor in 27 B.C., he established an army of guards who would endure as a symbol of imperial might for more than 300 years. The MKT Praetorian Ti is aptly titled to reflect this show of force. Designed for the modern warrior, Medford Knife & Tool’s next iteration of knives from the Elite Emperor’s Guard suite is constructed with rigidity like no other. With a .260-inch thick blade, .187-inch thick frames made of solid Titanium and .250-inch pivots and hardware, the oversized structure is built with the intent to get any job done. All Praetorian knives are finished with a D2, NPS coated tempered-glass breaking pommel. Extensive testing has been conducted on these blades and resulted in 100 percent functionality findings. Its design acts as an emergency lifesaving tool, though its visual appeal is arguably just as mesmerizing. The MKT Praetorian Ti is unmatched in its form and function. If ever a situation arises where you find yourself in a tight spot and in need of help, ask the guy with the Medford Knife clipped in. He will surely be prepared. Visit TheMedfordGuy.com

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2021

Sony Announces the New Airpeak Drone

Sony has announced their entry into the drone arena and its name is Airpeak. This new drone project from Sony is designed for video creators and seems to tilt more towards the professional side. In fact, Sony is will soon be searching for professional partners to take part in the Airpeak project ahead of its launch in Spring 2021. While details are scant, what we do know is that the drone can be equipped with one of Sony's Alpha cameras to capture photography and video. Sony also notes that Airpeak will be able to safely handle environments that were difficult in the past. It will be interesting to see the remote and software that Airpeak utilizes so be sure to stay with us for more information as it's released. In the meantime, you can also shop DJI drones.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2021

The Ferrari Store Winter 2020 Sale Now Offering Up To 35%...

As the seasons begin to change, we look for new designs and collections from our favorite apparel brands, just as we do with the newest supercars. Ferrari will continue production that exact way, but not without offering huge savings on its Winter 2020 Apparel Collection. The Ferrari online store is proud to offer premium clothing and accessories for any Italian supercar enthusiast in the family looking to spruce up the closet. Whether it's a pair of sneakers to match the 488 Pista in the garage or just a t-shirt to support the brand, Ferrari has you covered. Shop the Ferrari Store Winter 2020 Sale by clicking the link below. For more Gear news, Check out Porsche Design’s Fashion and Sport 30% Off Seasonal Sale Is Happening Now Shop Now

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2021

Rocket League Now Has a Ford F-150

Ford and Psyonix have teamed up to create a new vehicle to play Rocket League in and it's an F-150 truck. Named the "Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition" (no surprise there), this new vehicle will be able to be purchased in-game February 20-28. The bundle comes with the truck, chairman decal, two sets of F-150 wheels, F-150 Rocket League Edition engine audio, F-150 boost and F-150 player banner. See All Ford F-150s For Sale Ford has also announced that they will be the presenting sponsor of the Rocket League Championship Series Winter Majors esports tournament. The schedule is as follows: South American Winter Major: Feb. 13-14 European Winter Major: Feb. 20-21 Ford + Rocket League Freestyle Invitational: Feb. 24 and Feb. 28 North American Winter Major: Feb. 27-28 “As opportunities in gaming continue to grow, we’re really looking at this as its own marketing channel,” said Scott Denby, strategy manager, Ford brand content and alliances. “It’s the same way you would look at social media or TV and film integration. We’re identifying authentic ways to be involved in gaming and to do it in a meaningful way. We want to make sure we’re adding to the player communities’ experience.” Shop Rocket League Gear

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Packed Up Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

As car enthusiasts, there are times when we realize that cargo space is more essential than having a track-focused car as a daily driver. Luckily, Porsche is always one step ahead, especially with the Panamera Sport Turismo. This EveryDrive Carry focuses on the Porsche products that pack well in the sports wagon for weekday and weekend travel. Shop all of the products featured in today’s EveryDrive Carry by clicking the link below. Porsche 2020 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo GTS MSRP $135,500 View All Porsche Panamera GTS For Sale At the heart of both of the new Panamera GTS models is a four-litre V8 engine with 338 kW (460 hp) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience when combined with the standard sports exhaust system. Porsche Design Porsche Design CL2 3.0 H4 Blindfold Wallet $110 Buy From Porsche Design Crafted from smooth black leather this compact billfold is sleek, streamlined and destined to become one of your favorite accessories. A discrete metal plate with lasered Porsche Design logo creates the finishing touch to this exclusive CL2 3.0 BillFold H4. Porsche Design Porsche Design Grooves 2.0 Carbon Keyring $225 Buy From Porsche Design For the Porsche Design Grooves 2.0 Keyring Carbon, the distinctive clasp of the Grooves series – inspired by the form of a piston – was transformed for the first time into a striking functional element made of 100% carbon. Porsche Design Porsche Design Shake Pen Bundle + 911Pen Holder (Limited Edition) $225 Buy From Porsche Design Dynamic form and performance – and limited to 911 pieces. The Porsche Design Shake Pen LIMITED EDITION brings two remarkable icons to your desk: the high-gloss Shake Pen, with a unique grooved surface for an enhanced grip, and a shiny silver-white pen holder in a 911 silhouette. Porsche Design Porsche Design Lighter P'3643 $225 Buy From Porsche Design The most exclusive lighter in the Porsche Design Collection: the noble Porsche Design P'3643 Candle Lighter combines lean lines and an elegant design. The adjustable flame on this stick lighter allows for versatile use. The gas tank has a maximum filling capacity of 2.4 grams. Porsche Design Porsche Design Roadster 4.1S Backpack $310 Buy From Porsche Design To meet the demands of fast-paced urban lifestyles, modern bags and backpacks like the Porsche Design Roadster 4.1 BackPack S need to satisfy multiple requirements – from rugged performance to comfort and intelligent solutions. Porsche Design Porsche Design P'8695 Sunglasses $430 Buy From Porsche Design The Porsche Design P’8695 sunglasses interpret the octagon trend with perfectly engineered elegance. The extraordinary lens shape and unique frame design with an angular double bridge make these sunglasses striking and unique. Porsche Design Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase 4W Trolley (L) $680 Buy From Porsche Design Ultra lightweight and inspired by the colors of the Porsche 911: the Roadster Hardcase collection. The case series in polycarbonate designed by Studio F. A. Porsche is the perfect fusion of form, function and design. Porsche Design Bell Racing Advanced Series HP7 Helmet $1,699 Buy From Porsche Design Compact, versatile, unmistakably exclusive: the high-end nature of the Porsche Design Acer BOOK RS Business & Travel Notebook is hard to overlook. The A-cover crafted from high-performance carbon, a material valued in motorsports, is not only visually unique but also incredibly light. Porsche Design Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback $6,700 Buy From Porsche Design This has been the objective of all Porsche Design timepieces since 1972. And, since 2018, of the new Chronotimer Flyback Special Edition. Its fine, matte black carbon dial with white indices and hands create a sporty look in combination with optimal readability.

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2021

Sony Has Just Announces 4K TVs With "Cognitive" Processors

It seems that TV manufacturers are looking at other ways to push the limits of television as 4K and 8K resolutions seem to be a happy place for now. Sony, for instance, has announced their new Cognitive Processor XR. This new processor will change the way we see and hear our favorite shows and movies. The way that this processor is simple, in a sense: it will replicate the way humans see and hear. To do this, it analyzes what's on screen to deliver the perfect sound. By finding the focal points of the picture, the processor will then send out audio that is as realistic and immersive as it gets. Each scene is also adjusted for the best picture possible. What's more, this is all done simultaneously and instantaneously. Sony will be launching this processor in a wide range of TVs. Pricing and availability will be announced in Spring 2021. Shop SONY TVs Source: Sony

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 07, 2021

Puma Launches The New Fuse Training Sneaker

Puma continues to drive the footwear market for motorsport with track-focused silhouettes like the Speedcat Pro, unfortunately, not everyone can be a world-class Formula 1 driver. Those looking to get physical, Puma created the Fuse training sneaker. The inspiration behind the sneaker is to provide grip and cushioning for high impact activity, making the long days at the gym more comfortable. The bottoms feature durable PUMAGRIP, which provides all-purpose traction while a TPU heel clip offers a boost of support. The Puma Fuse currently comes in a black, white, and multi-color colorway, with a unique blue version coming soon for the price of $90. Shop the new Puma Fuse training sneakers by clicking the link below. For more Puma news, Check out Puma Motorsport x Mercedes AMG Petronas Tease A New 2021 Sneaker Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 07, 2021

How To Buy: Nike By You Custom Dunk Low Configurator

The sportswear and fashion industry are made up of countless companies that offer unique styles to ensure a product version for anyone’s style. Nike has ended the search for a perfect colorway with its Nike By You program featuring the iconic Dunk low silhouette. The new program allows for sneaker enthusiasts to design and order a customized pair of Nike Dunk Lows using a configurator. An array of pre-loaded colors is available to choose from on ten different areas of the sneaker, including one for personalized text and logos. Along with the Dunk Low, other sneaker models are available to customize. Shop and Design a Nike By You sneaker by clicking on the information below. For More Sneaker News, check out Porsche Inspired Nike SB Dunk Low “Pink Pig” Is Rumored For Early 2021 When: January 7th at 12pm EST Price: Starting at $120 Where: Nike By You

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 07, 2021

Hot Wheels Has Gone HypeBeast, Addressing Its Streetwear ...

In the world of collectibles, collaborations tend to draw not only the most attention from enthusiasts but also the highest bid. It is a trend typically seen in the streetwear industry, which has recently made its way into the Hot Wheels market. The long-time collector toy company took to Instagram to address its ties to streetwear culture, including past projects with Supreme New York, Period Correct, Anti-Social Social Club, and Illest. The inspiration for these collaborations is to continue to establish Hot Wheels as a pop culture icon, just as it has brought small scale dreams into the homes of young car enthusiasts. Hot Wheels' goal is reaching new industries while remaining true to highlighting the automotive credit behind each collaboration. Check back in for news on Hot Wheels collaboration releases and information. For More Collectible News, check out The Best Lego Car Sets You Can Buy Today

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