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 – January 13, 2022

Leica Unveils The All-New M11 Rangefinder Camera

Get the perfect shot with the new Leica M11. When it comes to the wonderful world of photography, Leica is known as an industry leader that offers a collection of high-end cameras that fit the style of any photographer. Leica is proud to unveil the newest addition to the brand’s line of legendary rangefinder cameras, the all-new Leica M11. Available in a Black or traditional Silver Chrome finish, the Leica M11 construction is crafted from high-quality aluminum with a scratch-resistant coating. The new design of the M11 includes an exclusive new imaging sensor, expanded ISO range, dual memory options, 64% extended battery life, and a streamlined intuitive menu system. MUST-READ: The GearBox: Cavallino Classic 2022 Edition The Leica M11 is a “Made for iPhone and iPad” certified product allowing for reliable data transfer to Leica FOTOS via the included USB-C to Lightning cable. The image quality produced behind the lens of the new Leica M11 separates itself from other competitors on the market, making it a new benchmark system for digital photography. The all-new Leica M11 is currently available through an authorized retailer with a price tag of $8,995. Shop the new Leica M11 and its collection of accessories by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: Leica

LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Main

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 04, 2022

LEGO Technic Releases The New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 B...

A chance to build an iconic American muscle car with help from LEGO. With the fleet of automotive-inspired buildable LEGO Technic sets growing, enthusiasts looking to add to the latest and greatest releases to their collection. LEGO is proud to announce its newest American muscle addition for 2022, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Seen as a classic in the car community, the Shelby GT500 continues to captivate the minds of car lovers all around the world with vintage and modern renditions of the sports car. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The new LEGO Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 set features a 544-piece construction that allows parents and children the opportunity to build their own drag race car. The set includes two pull-back motors that launch the Shelby GT500 across any surface, with the ability to enhance the experience using the LEGO Technic AR app to complete challenges and races. The all-new LEGO Technic Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 presents itself in a factory Grabber Green paint scheme and is available for $49.99 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: LEGO Technic

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 03, 2022

Bugatti x Champagne Carbon Reveal La Bouteille Noire at T...

The perfect bottle of bubbly to complement the one-of-one hypercar. The Bugatti brand embodies the epitome of luxury through its fleet of multi-million dollar hypercars that continue to push the boundaries of design, technology, and performance. Along with hypercar development and manufacturing, Bugatti surrounds itself with other industry leaders to help incorporate its vision into an array of products and accessories. Bugatti is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the professionals at Champagne Carbon to release a commemorative bottle to pair with one of the most expensive hypercars in the world. The all-new La Bouteille Noire revealed itself at an exclusive private event at The Londoner Hotel in England, which sat proudly next to the iconic Bugatti La Voiture Noire. MUST-READ: This Man Has Driven Nearly Every Bugatti Since 2004 The one-of-one La Bouteille Noire is accompanied by a bespoke case that is designed to mimic the body lines of the $13.4 million Bugatti. La Bouteille Noire rests upon an illuminated vivid red base that has been recast in the exact design of La Voiture Noire’s elegant rear light, one flowing lit panel, with no joints. A sumptuous interior is trimmed in fine Havana Brown grain leather, the very same found in La Voiture Noire. Ensuring the perfect climate conditions for the ultra-luxury bottle, Champagne Carbon equips the case design with 314 individual sheets of carbon fiber and a solid-state thermodynamic cooling cell that holds 14 high-end fans to circulate cool air. The La Bouteille Noire from Champagne Carbon expresses the endless opportunities of customization within the fundamental Bugatti experience. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Click the link below to view all current Bugatti models for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – December 23, 2021

Five New Lamborghini Countach Posters Now For Sale

Bring back the old days and decorate your walls with the new Lamborghini Countach. Are your walls looking a bit bare? Then Lamborghini has the perfect solution for you and they're a callback to the days of the 90s. Lamborghini has unveiled their last entry into the Countach LPI 800-4 poster series. Each of these five posters is unique and created by a different artist or illustrator. The contributing designers include Omar Aqil, Yegor Zhuldybin, Shy.Studio, Andreas Wannerstedt and LRNZ (Lorenzo Ceccotti). You can shop the collection on Lamborghini's online story by clicking the button below. Shop Now Source: Lamborghini

By Edward Jones – December 23, 2021

Versatile and Portable Car Lift for the Home Garage

Presented by QuickJack - Did you know you can have a commercial-quality car lift in your garage that’s completely portable and easy to store when not in use? You can with a QuickJack™ lift. In 2015, QuickJack revolutionized lifting at home, the track, and the shop by giving customers a faster, safer lifting alternative to floor jacks, stands or ramps without the expense or massive space requirements of a permanently installed lift. The new QuickJack TL series is taller and now provides a full 2 feet or more of ground clearance. Many vehicle owners want the flexibility to perform vehicle maintenance, upgrade parts, detail their cars or swap wheels at home, but using standard floor jacks is a real hassle. QuickJack lifts compact, frame-engaging models with an open-center design that gives you full access underneath and around the vehicle. You can use a QuickJack lift for vehicle maintenance and repair, including servicing the brakes, wheels, and suspension. The new QuickJack TL Series lifts recently debuted at the 2021 SEMA Show. These models offer an additional 3 inches of lifting height over the outgoing SLX models to provide a full 2 feet or more of ground clearance. QuickJack, a versatile and portable commercial-quality lift for your garage The new QuickJack TL line includes four models to handle everything from cars to light trucks with a lifting capacity up to 7,000 pounds. QuickJack is self-contained, and with an available power supply, it can operate both indoors and outdoors. Set up is easy and once it’s assembled, moving and positioning QuickJack is breeze. The unit rides on smooth moving urethane wheels, and its zero-leak quick-connect fittings means you’ll be ready to lift your vehicle in no time. Once your vehicle is lifted, you’ll have peace of mind that both you and your vehicle are securely supported by QuickJack’s automatic locking bars. All QuickJack TL models feature pendant controls for one-handed operation, dual-position automatic safety locks and durable urethane wheels to make it easy to roll the lift wherever it’s needed. Each lift reaches its full height in just 30 seconds. When the job is done, the frames lower to 3 to 3.5 inches high and can hang on a wall, slide under a toolbox, or go into the trunk until next time. Visit QuickJack.com QuickJack is a faster, safer lifting alternative to floor jacks, stands or ramps.

20211216 TWU 7048 CASH PlateBroker duPont

By Edward Jones – December 22, 2021

In California, CASH Is King and Your Car Can Wear the Cro...

Presented by ThePlateBroker.com - This is the chance to own the most valuable plate ever sold in the United States. For the first time in 53 years, the California license plate CASH is available for transfer and registration to a new owner. License plates, by design and function, must be one of a kind in order to link a vehicle to its owner. As an owner's tastes change over time, so do their cars. However, the plate can remain with the owner indefinitely. Thus is the case with a recently retired attorney in California who purchased the special plate CASH in 1968. For over half a century, the 4-character configuration adorned his cars, all while becoming rarer and rarer as the number of registered vehicles in California ballooned to over 35 million. Now, as he settles into retirement, he feels it’s time for a new bumper to feature CASH. California is the heart of entertainment and technology, where fame and fortune are on constant display. CASH is a word that’s featured in song lyrics, artist names, and business enterprises; synonymous with success. At an asking price of $2,000,000, it’s certainly for a select few. “The person who acquires this plate will have a collection of cars, homes, or artwork, but they don’t shy away from public expression,” says Michael Modecki, the founder of ThePlateBroker.com. “They want to be seen, and owning the most valuable plate in the country would be very appealing to them.” The aftermarket sale of license plates isn’t a new concept. States like Delaware and Texas sell coveted plate messages at auction while Massasschusettes holds a lottery for low-number plates. The highest price ever publicly paid for a plate in the USA is $625,000 in Delaware. Around the world, in places like the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, license plates can reach 8-figure price tags, with the most valuable selling at $14,300,000 in 2009. Since 2017, California regulations have allowed the transfer of plates from owner to owner. “California is the perfect place for the aftermarket to thrive,” Modecki explains. “The rising popularity of NFTs has put unconventional collectibles in the spotlight. They are reaching record sales because of their rarity. License plates are always 1-of-1, and instead of showing them off on a computer screen, they go with you wherever your car goes.” He’s not dismissing the value of NFTs, however. He has also listed the first-ever license plate/NFT pairing. “NFTs are the future of guaranteed value. The pairing of digital assets with tangible ones is inevitable.” Visit ThePlateBroker.com Image Source: ThePlateBroker.com and TacticalFleet.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 17, 2021

Shop The Entourage Of 7 Sunglasses From The Ford vs Ferra...

Style yourself like Matt Damon in Ford vs Ferrari. The Ford vs Ferrari movie production captured the hearts of not only automotive enthusiasts, but also anyone in the theater watching. Depicting the true story of Carol Shelby and Ken Miles’ journey to take down Ferrari with Ford backing them, actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale accurately embody the lifestyles of the motorsport icons. MUST-READ: The Hottest News of This Week You Might’ve Missed Throughout the motion picture, period-correct styles and accessories make appearances to help authenticate the scenes being portrayed using Hollywood magic. The Los Angeles eyewear specialists at Entourage Of 7 were happy to have its Beacon model worn by Matt Damon during filming. The Entourage Of 7 Beacon sunglasses features a Vintage Amber color frame with three unique lens colors to choose from. The Entourage Of 7 Beacon sunglasses from Ford vs Ferrari is currently available for $399 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: Good Seed Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

PUMA Celebrates F1 Champion Max Verstappen With A Gold Sp...

PUMA brings the gold after Max Verstappen clinches the F1 Championship. Following the action-packed Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen took the victory and clinched the 2021 Formula One Championship for the RedBull Racing Honda Team. The close battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton left fans on the edge of their seats, while both drivers left it all on the track for the final race of the season. The proud sponsors at PUMA are happy to congratulate Max Verstappen on his winningest season with a commemorative gold version of his professional race boot. The PUMA Speedcat Pro model features a Pale Gold colorway, paying homage to the first Formula One Driver’s Championship of Max Verstappen. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Automotive-Inspired Sneakers By Puma Motorsport Available Now The lightweight upper includes classic PUMA styling with personalized touches like Max Verstappen’s race number. Once presented with the commemorative kicks, Max shared his appreciation for the PUMA brand saying, “Thanks so much to PUMA for supporting and supplying me with the best race gear since the very first day I joined Red Bull Racing Honda in 2016.” The PUMA Speedcat collection continues to offer the premium support needed on track, no matter what level of driving experience. Shop the extensive PUMA Speedcat Collection by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury automotive gear news and releases. Shop The PUMA Speedcat Collection Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

LEGO Releases The New Toyota GR Supra Building Set

Build one of the most iconic sports cars with help from LEGO. While most automotive enthusiasts find their passion for cars at a young age, it's a long wait until the day comes that you get the chance to get behind the wheel. The creative professionals at LEGO understand the anticipation for aspiring race car drivers and mechanics, which is the reason behind its dedicated collection of automotive-inspired build sets. Featuring some of the most popular vehicles on the market, LEGO offers an accurate representation of these models and incorporates a hands-on experience for all to enjoy. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now LEGO is proud to present the Toyota GR Supra as its newest addition to the Speed Champions Collection. The Toyota GR Supra set features a 299-piece construction that includes accessories like a Toyota driver mini figure, an extra set of wheels, and commemorative packaging. The all-new LEGO Toyota GR Supra set allows the opportunity to build and explore one of the world’s most iconic high-performance sports cars. Shop the newest LEGO Speed Champions release just in time for the holidays by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop The LEGO Toyota GR Supra Source: LEGO

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2021

Pirelli Design x Blossom Skis Release The P ZERO Winter S...

Hit the mountain with the latest race technology in your skis. For the world of motorsports, Pirelli is best known for creating contact between high-performance race cars and track tarmac. Off the track, Pirelli incorporates its rubber technology into industries and products that venture far from the automotive world. While some of the circuits close for winter, Pirelli is heading for the slopes with leading ski manufacturer Blossom Skis. Pirelli Design x Blossom Skis is proud to announce the release of its newest collaboration project, the limited-edition P ZERO Ski Collection. The new P ZERO Ski Collection features two models that cater to the experience of any skier for a more enjoyable session on the mountain. MUST-READ: Montblanc x Pirelli Announce The New Meisterstück Great Masters Writing Utensil Collection The P ZERO Winter Ski uses a construction that includes a top layer of Titanal, with its inner portion lined with Pirelli rubber to provide a comfortable damper during high impact. The two new P ZERO Ski models from Pirelli Design x Blossom Skis are in limited production with 151, 158, 164, 170, 170, and 181 sizes available. Along with an extensive size range, the skis are also available through an authorized retailer in an array of color combinations to match your winter style. Shop the all-new Pirelli Design x Blossom Skis P ZERO Ski Collection by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Pirelli Design x Blossom Skis Source: Pirelli Design

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe