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 – March 19, 2021

McLaren F1's New Hawaiian Tropical Shirt Is Daniel Riccia...

Just in time for the Season 3 premiere of the popular Netflix series “Drive To Survive”, McLaren F1 just announced the release of a Hawaiian Tropical Shirt to its web-store. Naturally, the vibrant McLaren orange and blue floral top is enjoyed by fun-spirited team driver Daniel Ricciardo, who has already posted a picture of him in the shirt to Instagram. The collar button-down shirt is made from premium materials, ensuring a comfortable wear while supporting McLaren F1. The McLaren F1 Hawaiian Tropical Shirt is currently available for $85.50 by clicking the link below. Shop Now McLaren F1 For more Gear news, Check out Shop The New Bugatti Lifestyle Collection Available Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Watch McLaren Unboxed Featuring Daniel Ricciardo

A new team means new gear as Daniel Ricciardo transitions to McLaren Racing for the 2021 Formula 1 season. A video released on the McLaren YouTube channel follows Daniel’s trip to headquarters to get fitted for his race suit and seat for the new car looking to dominate on the track. Throughout the experience, it gives fans insight as to how the smallest details can make or break a driver's focuses during the high-speed competitions throughout the season. All have to be perfect for Daniel Ricciardo’s comfort and seating position, although changes are made given all variables. If this does not get fans excited for the 2021 Formula 1 season, we aren’t sure what will. Watch McLaren Unboxed featuring Daniel Ricciardo by clicking the video link below. For more McLaren news, Check out McLaren Releases New F1 Team U-Mask Facemask Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 02, 2021

McLaren Releases New F1 Team U-Mask Facemask Collection

In the past, we covered McLaren’s Formula 1 Team releasing a limited supply of the popular We Race As One facemask, commonly seen worn by drivers and team members during the 2020 season. The supercar manufacturer and top-ranked F1 team are excited to announce the release of a new collection of Official Team U-Mask facemasks in new colors sporting the McLaren F1 Team logo. Each mask uses four specific layers of protective yet breathable fabric, making it as safe as possible for anyone wearing it. The Official McLaren F1 Team U-Masks are currently available for $45 by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Essential Big Game Gear

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Period Correct Preps To Release The Reds Collection Inspi...

Period Correct continues to provide vintage motorsport enthusiasts with apparel and accessories that pay homage to anything iconic in the automotive racing world. The upcoming collection is inspired by Team Marlboro, which holds ties to legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Aryton Senna. The Period Correct Reds Collection not only blends the automotive and fashion world but categories of motorsport racing. The line incorporates inspiration from vehicles with different racing backgrounds like the Team Marlboro Formula 1 McLaren, BMW M1, and Lancia Stratos. The Period Correct Reds Collection will be available on January 23rd, so check back in for a How To Buy special. For more Gear news, Check out McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For ...

In the past, we covered McLaren launching a limited-edition 765LT apparel collection as an in-dealership release. Fast forward to now, the supercar manufacturer is partnering with Los Angeles Design Venture, RHUDE, on a collaboration clothing collection set to release Summer 2021. The McLaren x RHUDE collection will pay homage to race legend Bruce McLaren, as seen through the lens of modern luxury and founder of RHUDE, Rhuigi’s respect for Formula, resulting in a unique fusion of sport and fashion. Although there is no release day set, a selection of pieces from the collection will be featured at the 2021 Paris Fashion Week in the RHUDE Fall and Winter Collection. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the McLaren x RHUDE Summer 2021 Collection. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPU0Afjmkr/ For more Automotive Gear news, Check out Puma Unveils Spring/Summer 2021 Motorsport Partner Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Track Day With The McLaren 600LT

Whether you are participating in a first-ever track day, or are already considered a seasoned expert, having all the essential gear in order is a tall task in itself. This week on EveryDrive Carry, we have compiled a list of the necessary items to take the McLaren 600LT to the track. All products featured in this special align with the premium quality that McLaren puts into its six-figure priced supercar. Shop all of the products presented in this special by clicking the links below. McLaren Automotive 2020 McLaren 600LT MSRP $256,500 View All McLaren 600LT For Sale The new McLaren 600LT epitomizes the McLaren philosophy of producing lightweight supercars that deliver extreme performance and are exceptionally rewarding to drive. Dents Dents Copper Island Driving Gloves $193 Buy From Dents Gloves Copper Island is the newest addition to The Suited Racer x Dents collection. This cashmere lined hairsheep leather driving glove features padding on the palm and striking padded ‘x’ knuckles. A practical glove that’s not without The Suited Racer’s signature touch! Klipsch Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport (McLaren Edition) Was $299 On Sale $199 Buy From Klipsch Klipsch teamed up with McLaren Racing for this special edition of their TG II true wireless sport earbuds.The streamlined design and striking color scheme were inspired by the famous British Formula 1 team. Montblanc Montblanc StarWalker Precious Resin Ballpoint Pen $355 Buy From Montblanc The new StarWalker is about walking amid the stars. It's about exploring the cosmos and foreign galaxies, about being part of one of the most mysterious and powerful of human kind’s adventures: space exploration. Nordstrom Saint Laurent Pebble Grain Leather Wallet $385 Buy From Nordstrom This Saint Laurent Wallet is crafted from luxurious pebble-grained calfskin and is formed into a classic bifold wallet well crafted to the highest of standards for lasting use. Montblanc Montblanc Sartorial Notepad Large With Zip $695 Buy From Montblanc The Montblanc Sartorial Collection speaks the language of modern elegance. With its iconic Saffiano leather print, the notepad large provides an elegant holder for business cards, notes, papers and one writing instrument the size of a Meisterstück Classique or LeGrand; it includes the A4 Montblanc notepad. FarFetch A Bathing Ape Lens-Decal Square Sunglasses $829 Buy From FarFetch Black lens-decal square sunglasses from A BATHING APE® featuring a logo decal on the lens, square frames, a straight bridge, straight arms with angled tips and silver-tone metal. This item comes with a protective case. Ssense Saint Laurent Black Nuxx Duffle Bag On Sale $995 Buy From Ssense Coated nylon ripstop duffle bag in black. Twin webbing carry handles with press-stud grip pad at top. Detachable and adjustable webbing shoulder strap with sliding strap pad and lanyard clasp fastening. Zippered pocket and logo printed in silver-tone at face. Two-way zip closure at main compartment. Leather logo patch and zippered pocket at interior Summit Racing Bell Racing Advanced Series HP7 Helmet $3,499.95 Buy From Summit Racing Bell Racing Advanced Series HP7 helmets were developed through close collaboration with leading F1 drivers and teams. They're as aerodynamically sleek, lightweight, and efficient as possible for the intense demands of open-wheel, open-cockpit forms of racing that compete at higher speeds. Jomashop Richard Mille RM028 $117,000 Buy From Jomashop The Richard Mille RM 028 uses variable geometry to optimise the rotor’s winding motion. This exclusive Richard Mille design makes it possible to effectively adapt rewinding of the mainspring to the user’s activity level, in sporting or non-sporting environments.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2020

The Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Apparel Collection Is ...

In the past, Period Correct teamed up with the British supercar masterminds at McLaren Automotive on their first collaboration, the 2018 McLaren F1 Inspired Capsule Collection. The duo is proud to announce a second limited-edition collection release highlighting the 720S and all-new 765LT, two models that have launched McLaren to the top of the automotive industry. The inspiration behind the collection is certainly around the vehicles, but also the companies as well. Period Correct and McLaren are pioneers pushing boundaries to illustrate the vision behind all that they do. Although images of the entire collection have yet to release, the apparel line will include premium t-shirts, a hoodie, hat, and long-sleeved shirt sporting the iconic McLaren Orange and logos. The limited-edition pieces will be available to purchase at selected McLaren retailers including Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Charlotte, Greenwich, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, North Jersey, Long Island, Miami, McLaren Florida. Prices start from $40MSRP. Once the collection has sold out, Period Correct x McLaren will not be restocking or reproducing any products. Stay up-to-date with the Period Correct x McLaren 720S/765LT Collection release by checking back in with us.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 10, 2020

Holiday Gift List For The Modern Day Supercar Enthusiast

As the holiday season approaches, many are scrambling to put together the perfect gifts for the loved ones in their lives. Buying the perfect gift for something is hard enough, let alone shopping for a car enthusiast that has an expensive taste for super and hypercars. Until the day where you can hand that special someone the keys to a McLaren 765LT for the holidays, we have compiled a list of gifts that will impress and not break the bank. The holiday gift list for the supercar enthusiast is the best one-stop-shop for the one in the family with expensive supercar taste. Shop all the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Puma Puma X Porsche Legacy Baseball Cap $40 Shop Now Go everywhere in this classic baseball cap from Porsche Legacy and PUMA. With all-over graphics inspired by GPS mapping, bold 3D textured Turbo wording at the front and sleek Porsche branding, this cap celebrates racing style in its finest form. Amazon Top Gear Ultimate Supercars Book $47.95 Shop Now Supercars are the purest and most extreme expression of automotive performance there is - and no one knows the territory better than the TopGear team. With ever-increasing power outputs, radical new designs, and eye-popping price tags, this book is a celebration of the supercar in all its fabulous glory. B&H Photo Klipsch T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones (McLaren Edition) $249 Shop Now Combining a rugged design with audio clarity and deep bass, the T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones from Klipsch are an ideal set of earbuds for those with an active lifestyle. Amazon Ferrari Pilota Evo Stainless Steel Quartz Watch with Leather Calfskin Strap $250 Shop Now As the name suggests, the Pilota Evo collection elevates the design and functionality of the original Pilota, enhancing and refining the sophisticated character and unique, sporty styling of the family. Lego LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 $379.99 Shop Now This 3,696-piece LEGO Technic 1:8 scale model car brings you closer than ever to the real Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 Exotics Racing Ultimate Exotic Car Racing Las Vegas Motor Speedway Starting at $1395 Shop Now Get ready for the Ultimate Exotic Car Racing Experience of a lifetime and drive 5 of the world's most high-performance exotic cars in a day you'll never forget!

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Wheels X Wardrobe: Rockstar Senna

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Kids Supercars For Sale

In the past, children would hang posters of their favorite hyper or supercar, hoping to one day have one in the garage. Nowadays, technology in the toy industry allows children of all ages to have a chance at driving their own, under parental supervision of course. Companies of all kinds are stepping it up this holiday with accurate mini-scale creations featuring some of the world’s best hyper and supercars for kids. In this special, we have compiled a list of The Best Super Cars for Kids available through Amazon for the holidays. Click any of the links below to shop the products featured. Bugatti Bugatti Divo Kids Ride On Car $239.99 Shop Now Bugatti Chiron Kids Ride On Car $229.99 Shop Now Ferrari Ferrari 458 Ride On Push Car $49.99 Shop Now Ferrari LaFerrari Kids Electric Ride On Car $549 Shop Now Lamborghini Lamborghini Urus Kids Ride On Car Electric Vehicle $199.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Huracán Electric Ride On With Remote Control $169.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Aventador SV Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now McLaren McLaren 570S Push Sports Car $84.99 Shop Now McLaren Senna Ride On Sports Car $399.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz AMG Electric Ride On Car $199.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Maybach G650S Electric Ride On $299.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz C63S Electric Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now Porsche Porsche 918 Battery-Powered Ride On Car $249 Shop Now

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