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 – July 27, 2022

The GearBox: An M3 Wagon Wardrobe

Finally answering the demands of all car enthusiasts around the world, BMW made a scene in the automotive market by launching the all-new M3 Touring. The performance wagon blends the comfort of a storage-pleasing wagon with the track-like performance that every generation of M3 is known for producing. This week’s GearBox special focuses around putting together the perfect comfort fit that also incorporates a performance feel for any competitive occasion. This list features head-to-toe styles made using premium materials with graphics supplied by the creative team at BMW. Shop all of the products and accessories in this special by clicking on the links below for more information. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle news and Check The Spec specials. BMW M3 Touring BMW The first-ever BMW M3 Touring combines authentic motor sport feeling with a very distinct character and a broader spread of practical qualities. Its powertrain technology is focused wholly on delivering beguiling performance and brings together the 510 horsepower version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Price: MSRP $105,000 View All BMW M3 For Sale Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ulysse Nardin The latest edition to the Ulysse Nardin’s diver collection, Diver Chronograph 44mm Limited Edition "Great White" comes to the surface in titanium and withstands 300 meters’ depth. In honor of the timepiece, Ulysse Nardin introduces its newest brand ambassador, 12-feet male Great White Shark, Ulysses. Price: $13,300 Buy From Ulysse Nardin BMW M Motorsport RE: Collection Baseball Cap PUMA Straight from PUMA's RE: Collection (reduce, reuse and recycle), a breathable baseball cap made of a recycled cotton blend with an adjustable closure for supreme comfort. A woven RE: Collection logo on the rear tells the world your good intentions, while the premium silicone BMW M Motorsport badge on the front speaks to your taste in luxury automobiles. Pair it with an Oxford button-down shirt and tailored chinos for a preppy, smart-casual look. Price: $40 Buy From PUMA BMW M Motorsport Graphic Hoodie PUMA The world of motorsports is filled with passion, excitement and adrenaline. Become a part of the BMW M Motorsport family in this head-turning hoodie featuring bold graphics on the front and back that celebrate the brand's most iconic performance cars. Price: $60 Buy From PUMA Porsche Design Active Polo PUMA Kick your style game into high gear with this BMW M Motorsport Essentials Polo. It's soft, comfortable, and features a modern three-button placket and ribbed collar. The real showstopper is the BMW M Motorsport branding on the chest. Pair it with tailored track pants for a turbo-charged look. Price: $45 Buy From PUMA FRAME L'Homme Slim Fit Jeans Nordstrom Lightly sanded and whiskered FRAME L'Homme jeans cut in a slim, straight-leg fit flatter with a slender profile while keeping things comfortable through the midsection. Price: $129.99 Buy From Nordstrom Persol PO3269S Sunglasses Persol This sun frame is characterized by emblematic retro elements and an iconic appeal. Featuring the iconic Arrow, Meflecto System in a sophisticated soft champagne tone with opaline acetate effect offering the perfect seasonal colorway. Price: $307 Buy From Persol BMW M Motorsport SPEEDFUSION Motorsport Shoes PUMA Slip into SPEEDFUSION and slip into pole position with these stylish shoes that throw it back to the classic era of motorsport. Complete with go-faster PUMA Formstrip and unmistakable BMW M Motorsport branding, these shoes are engineered for modern comfort while sporting a retro style twist that's guaranteed to turn heads at the track and on the street. Price: $90 Buy From PUMA RIMOWA Aluminum Case for iPhone 13 Pro RIMOWA Made in Germany, the RIMOWA iPhone 13 Pro Case combines premium protection with our iconic groove design. Made to match the signature suitcases, this lightweight, slim case is made from aluminum and shockproof TPU that provides good grip and comfort while helping to protect your phone against the scuffs and scratches that might happen while on the go. Price: $160 Buy From RIMOWA Bellroy Tokyo Totepack Nordstrom Casual yet professional, versatile yet simple – the Bellroy Tokyo Totepack is a subtle chameleon that fits in wherever your day takes you. Price: $179 Buy From Nordstrom For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: Old Soul

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 05, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: M-Performance Packed

The BMW M3 continues to assert its dominance as a leader in the M-Division line up, and with its redesign in 2021, its become a highly-anticipated release. All the changes made have helped adapt the super-sedan to future performance baselines. This week’s EverDrive Carry includes all of the essential products and accessories needed to increase performance on or off the track. Shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. For more EveryDrive Carry news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Weekend Excursions With The Rezvani Tank BMW 2021 BMW G80 M3 MSRP $69,900 View All BMW G80 M3 For Sale The new M3 is powered by an M TwinPower inline-six engine that’s capable of producing a healthy 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for a spirited drive, especially when the engine is mated to the optional six-speed manual transmission. Watch Station BMW Chronograph Leather Watch $250 Buy From Watch Station Best compliment the BMW in your garage with the BMW Chronograph. The 44mm stainless-steel case houses performance-styled dial with kidney grille sub-dials. The genuine leather strap is available in black and brown. Puma BMW M Motorsport Heritage Cap $30 Buy From Puma Amp up your everyday outfit in this cool, racetrack-ready cap. Featuring bold BMW M Motorsport branding and a sophisticated silhouette, you'll rock motorsport chic style everywhere you go. Nike Nike Utility Speed Backpack $62.97 Buy From Nike The Nike Utility Speed Backpack keeps your gear close, secure and organized when commuting to and from training sessions. Cushioned straps give you comfort on the go, and the pack opens flat for easy access to must-have items. The Medford Guy Medford Knife and Tool - Gentleman Jack $375 Buy From The Medford Guy Another first for us. A new breed of the ubiquitous gentleman’s folder. A Ti slip joint with all the usefulness, elegance and build quality you’ve come to expect. Launching exclusively in three configurations. Persol Persol PO2455S Sunglasses $172.50 Buy From Persol The Persol PO2455S feature a squared pilot sun shape, distinctive double bridge with shaped top bar and new integrated flex arrow hinges offer a stylish take on new metal generation. Puma BMW M Motorsport Men's Hooded Sweat Jacket $110 Buy From Puma The BMW M Motorsport Hooded Sweat Jacket combines comfort and style with functional elements and authentic branding. Made from our classic double-knit fabric, structured surface panels provide an elevated motorsport look and feel. Huckberry The Ridge Titanium Money Clip Card Case $105 Buy From Nordstrom Supreme minimalism and industrial-grade style define a high-quality metal card case featuring an external clip for cash and other sundries. The interior can hold up to 12 cards without straining, and it features RFID shielding to protect your personal information. Yeti Purist Collective Mover 18oz with Scope Top $46 Buy From Backcountry Whether you like your fluids room temp, hot, or ice cold the Mover 18oz Bottle is sure to keep it the same temperature all day long. We really appreciate the convenience of the Scope top because it allows you to sip from any angle, and prevents you from getting distracted behind the wheel while searching for a tiny spout. Backcountry Backcountry Spruces Merino Face Mask $12.95 Buy From Backcountry Designed to meet the challenges of our new world, this machine-washable, fully adjustable face mask comes with 3 filters and a protective storage pouch. In accordance with ASTM test standards, these US-made filters prevent the passage of 95% of virus, bacteria, and other particles, reducing your risk of contaminant transmission.

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

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe