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 07, 2021

How To Buy: Nike By You Custom Dunk Low Configurator

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

The Porsche Inspired Nike SB Dunk Low "Pink Pig" Is Rumor...

The Dunk Low by Nike continues to be a staple silhouette for the skateboard branch of the athletic footwear and apparel conglomerate, just as the Pink Pig livery for Porsche holds significance within the company’s race heritage. The two iconic creations are the inspiration behind the newest collaboration between Nike SB and Porsche. The Nike SB Dunk Low Pink Pig pays homage to the Porsche 917/20 debuted during the 1971 24-Hours of Le Mans race, presented in a vibrant pink and red accent livery. The Pink Pig livery is one of the most unique and popular designs in Porsche racing history, which makes it obvious to feature it on one of Nike’s most popular sneakers. The sneaker mirrors the bright pink paint job using suede with matching red contrast stitching. The sneaker inspired by vintage Porsche racing is sure to be a sought-after pair for sneaker collectors and Porsche enthusiasts. The Nike SB Dunk Low Pink Pig is rumored to release in the early months of 2021. Keep up with news from Nike and shop all the available collections by clicking the link below. Shop Nike Source: zSneakerHeadz Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2020

The All New Nike Road Warrior Design Will Definitely Turn...

The technology in footwear design and manufacturing is geared towards creating something with a purpose. It includes silhouettes and features that cater to specific areas, whether it be basketball, training, or running. Nike has created the Road Warrior with innovation deriving from all aspects of the footwear industry. The result is an incredibly unique design using an array of materials and colors. The Road Warrior upper, made from multi-colored nylon featuring various cross straps and pull tabs. A split-toe column is added for stability giving the Nike Road Warrior a barefoot stance feels. The midsole uses a geometric construction with a floating heel separating the outsole. The bottoms layered in treaded rubber that provide traction in any situation or weather climate. The Nike Road Warrior releases in the Clear Jade color-way on October 23rd for the price of $500. Click the link below to learn more and to shop Nike’s newest sneaker when it releases. Learn More

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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2020

Nike Adapt Auto Max “Motherboard” Released

Nike’s Air Max silhouette has always been a classic look that is better defined as timeless. It has been the forefront for Nike since the first release on March 26th, 1987. So, the question becomes, how do you implement new ideas to an already successful line of sneakers? Nike’s response is the all-new Adapt Auto Max “Motherboard”, a futuristic rendition of a classic. The key difference being Nike’s self-lacing technology. The power-driven laces allow you to set and save the perfect fit using the buttons placed on each shoe. Nike has also integrated the ability to connect each pair to smartphones and smartwatches using their app, giving everyone the ability to personalize their settings. The shoe is made from a soft synthetic grey upper, while the bottom uses a gum-lined bottom embedded with LED lights. This is Nike’s third self-lacing shoe release and most definitely will not be their last. For more information click below and check in for more news from Nike! Shop Now Images via Nike.com

By Edward Jones – January 27, 2020

New Nike Air Max 2090 Shoe Inspired by Italian Sports Cars

Nike is bringing the Air Max 2090 out to celebrate the Air Max 90 and the future of the shoe. This new shoe features a colorway that was inspired by Italian sports cars. In fact, Nike points out that the coloring on the front and back of the shoe is meant to mimic headlights and taillights. As for the build of the shoe, it features a large Air unit with a 200 percent larger window than the traditional Air units, original Air Max 90 Mudguard, a heel logo, transparent materials and more. Nike will be launching the new Air Max 2090 this Spring. SHOP NIKE.COM Source: Nike

By Edward Jones – June 17, 2019

Nike Air Jordan 14 "Reverse Ferrari" Coming Soon

In 2014, the Nike Air Jordan 14 "Ferrari" was released in a bright red color with a yellow emblem on the sides and "carbon fiber" trim on the midsole. Now, Nike is revitalizing this colorway, but are throwing the color into reverse. The result is the new Air Jordan 14 "Reverse Ferrari" sneakers. These new sneakers have a yellow/gold upper with a black/yellow emblem and red detailing. The faux carbon fiber midsole is carried over from the 2014 sneakers. On the product listing for the sneakers on Nike.com, they note that they were inspired by Michael Jordan's love for Italian sports cars. Given that love for Italian sports cars, the "Ferrari" name is perfect. These shoes drop on June 22 at 10AM. Click the button below to get notified about the release. shop now - $200 Source: Nike

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe