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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 Edward Jones – May 12, 2020

Specialized Debuts New Lightweight E-Bike

Bicycling has come a long way since the mode of transportation came into the world in the 1800s. More recently, we've been seeing the technology within electric bicycles becoming more and more advanced. A perfect example of this is Specialized's new Turbo Vado SL. This new e-bike has the ability to assist the rider at speeds of up to 28 mph and it has a range of 80 miles. You'd expect a bike with these kinds of capabilities to have a massive battery pack, but not here. The internal battery is lightweight, as is the E5 aluminum frame, bringing the total weight to just 33 lbs. If you're looking for more range, they also offer an optional Range Extender that adds an additional 40 miles of pedaling assistance. This pack can be removed in an instant for easy charging. Riders will also have the ability to sync their bike with the Mission Control app, allowing them to control the power output, diagnose potential service needs, record rides and more. The cherry on top? Built in lights. Check it out for yourself by clicking the button below. Prices range from $3,350 to $4,500. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2020

Porsche Design's New Limited Edition Sunglasses Now Avail...

Porsche Design's new pair of limited edition sunglasses called the Porsche Design P'8685 Hexagon (Iconic) are the perfect accessory for any driver. These new shades are limited to just 911 examples, making them quite limited but that's all the more reason to pick them up as soon as possible. As for the design of the sunglasses, they were designed after a race car's engine with eight hex bolts holding the solid milled titanium front in place. It's a brilliant looking design, to be quite honest and it would go perfectly with a Porsche sports car. They come in one color, Titanium, and feature polarized lenses. Porsche design also used lightweight high-performance RXP® for the temples. The entire construction of these sunglasses ensures that they will stand the test of time and be a perfect way to block out the sun for many drives. They're available now and you can purchase your own pair now by clicking the button below. The price is set at $1,150. As a reminder, only 911 pieces are to be created so act fast while you can! Buy Now Source: Porsche-Design.us

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2020

8JS x Formula 1 Collection Debuted

8JS, a clothing brand inspired by famous racing tracks, announced that they have become official licensees of Formula 1. With the new partnership, they have launched a new collection of clothing that revolves around Formula 1 and its 70th anniversary. There are shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets in the collection, as well as items for both men and women. Each of the shirts and sweatshirts is made of 100% cotton and they look as comfy as ever, but that's expected from 8JS. Click the button below to view the entire collection for yourself and maybe pick up some gear to help you show your love for Formula 1! Shop Now Source: 8-js.com

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2020

Bid on Michael Jordan's Famous 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1s

Sotheby's is currently auctioning off an incredible pair of shoes unlike any others. The shoes I'm talking about are the Nike Air Jordan 1s that Michael Jordan wore back in 1985. These specific shoes were custom-made for Jordan in sizes 13 and 13.5, and he wore them during his Rookie of the Year season. This accomplishment would not only launch Jordan into the history books but it also cemented the Air Jordans as the most iconic shoes you can still buy today. On the right shoes, Jordan's signature can be found in black sharpie. The auction for these shoes is running until May 17 on Sotheby's online platform. An estimated price of $100,000 to $150,000 was given, but as of writing this, they have a current big of $160,000. To view this historic auction lot for yourself, be sure to click the button down below. View Auction Lot Source: Sothebys.com

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2020

JS Surfboards and Ferrari: Built for Speed

If there's one thing people know about Ferrari, it's that they make fast cars. Very fast cars. JS Surfboards, founded by Jason Stevenson, is also in the business of speed, creating surfboards that launch surfers down the line. Their ability to create such speedy boards allows for surfers to punt some of the biggest airs possible. The acrobatic ability of these boards was on display down under at the URBNsurf Melbourne wave pool. Pro surfers on the JS Surfboards Traktor Team were flying down the line, carving the waves to bits and boosting unspeakable aerials. So what had them so hyped up for this session? It just so happened to be that Ferrari was on site for the launch of the new F8 Spyder. With this supercar on their minds, these surfers used all the horsepower they could muster to put on one heck of a show at the wave pool. Thankfully, you can't get pulled over for speeding on a surfboard. Click the link below to see JS Surfboards' lineup and find the right board for you. They have a lot of different shapes, so there's no doubt in my mind you'd find the right board for you. Shop JS Surfboards

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By Edward Jones – May 08, 2020

New Puma Motorsport Replicat-X Scuderia Ferrari Colorway

Even though the Formula 1 season has been put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, we can still support our favorite teams. For those who wave the Scuderia Ferrari flag, Puma Motorsports has some new perfect sneakers for you. The Replicat-X Scuderia Ferrari sneakers come in three different stylish colorways, with each sporting the famous Scuderia shield. The Replicat-X silhouette is a fantastic one, offering plenty of comfort and grip for those who wear these as driving shoes. The new colorway that was unveiled is the White Peacoat on White. This colorway joins the two others, including Black and Rosso Corsa. Check them out for yourself by clicking the link below and also see all of the other motorsport gear Puma has to offer. Shop Now - $120 Source: PUMA

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2020

Dirt 5 Officially Unveiled for Xbox Series X

During the recent livestream showcasing games for the upcoming Xbox Series X, Codemasters revealed their new Dirt 5 video game. This new installment into the adrenaline-pumping series has been optimized for the powerful Xbox Series X. If you don't believe me, check out the video down below to see how incredible the graphics are on the new console. You'll also see, in the video, the different kinds of racing that you'll be able to partake in. From autocross races to cross country open-wheel sprints, there's going to be a lot of dirty racing to be had. The trailer also reveals the games release window of October 2020, and it will release for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X. If you happen to buy the game for Xbox One because you don't have an Xbox Series X, but buy the new console in the future, you'll be able to play the game on your newer console without paying any extra money. This is through Xbox's new 'Smart Delivery' function, allowing players to download their games on the version of their games that matches their current console. You can learn more by clicking here. Shop Xbox Deals Source: Xbox.com

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2020

URWERK Unveils New UR-100 Gold Edition, Inspired by 'Star...

Coming in as the fourth example in URWERK's UR-100 collection is the stunning Gold Edition. This watch has heavy sci-fi cues, borrowing mostly from 'Star Wars." For example, the gold is reminiscent of the lovable C-3PO and the asymmetry of the watch was done to pay homage to Millennium Falcon. I should note that this watch cannot measure parsecs. "Science fiction has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration since the creation of URWERK," explains co-founder Martin Frei. “I have been a sci-fi geek since childhood. My father was an engineer and worked on incredible projects, including the Apollo Lunar Rover. He was my hero and left me his love of the cosmos and his dreams. " Now, onto the mechanics and materials of the watch. The UR-100 Gold Edition is cut out of a solid blotch of 2N yellow gold with a satin-finish. Housing the beautiful UR 12.01 caliber is a sapphire crystal bubble. As for the telling time, there are rotating satellites that display the hours and minutes in an incredibly unique and sci-fi fashion-- the engineering behind this kind of movement is staggering. And while it may now measure parsecs, the UR-100 does measure the Earth's rotation and orbit around the sun. URWERK is also doing something very charitable with the example of the UR-100 Gold Edition, called "C-19." This watch will be auctioned off and the money raised will benefit organizations helping fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about the auction by clicking the button below. Learn More Source: URWERK

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2020

New Louis Vuitton Foosball Table Debuted

Playing foosball is a lot of fun, no doubt. The act of spinning the little guys on the table as fast or precisely as you can never gets old. For those who live for the game of foosball, it's time to step it up with the new Louis Vuitton Le Babyfoot. No, it's not a babyfoot, that's just the name that was given to the game by its inventor, Lucien Rosengart. As you'd expect from Louis Vuitton, this table is very luxurious. It features the monogram leather around the table, hand-painted "players," handles wrapped in leather, and more. This is just about as luxurious as the game of foosball can get, so it's no surprise that it has a price of $75,500. Louis Vuitton is offering the table in two different monogram colors, as well as graphite. Check it out for yourself by clicking the button down below. Shop Now Source: LouisVuitton.com

By Edward Jones – May 06, 2020

Forza Street Launches for iOS and Android

Playing either Forza Motorsport or Forza Horizon on your console or PC is an absolute blast. But what about when you're on the go and still want to get your Forza fix in? For that, there's Forza Street, which has launched as a free-to-play game on both iOS and Android phones. The game is simple enough, having you hold the gas down to go but release around the corners. There is, of course, plenty of nitrous boosting to go around. When races go well, you eventually earn new cars in different categories like super, muscle, street and more. It's an addicting game if you're a car enthusiast. Let's face it, everyone loves filling up their virtual garages, especially when the graphics are this good. No joke, this game is downright beautiful. If you click the buttons below, you'll be taken to the respective stores to download the game. Again, it's free-to-play so you can download it and try it without spending a penny. Download for Android Download for iOS

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