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

Acer-Porsche-Design-Acer-Book-RS-AP714-51-High_08

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2020

Porsche Design x Acer Reveal Carbon Fiber New Laptop

Porsche design and Acer have just unveiled a new laptop that combines the finest qualities from both brands. The new Porsche Design Acer Book RS is an exceptional piece of technology that's as powerful as it is stylish. Protecting the laptop is a carbon fiber cover that aids in it's low weight of just 2.65 lbs while also adding a rigid exterior. Inside are some pretty impressive internals, including the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU, and 16 GF of memory (RAM). Whatever these components conjure up will be displayed on a stunning 14-inch FHD IPS touchscreen with a layer of Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass. Joining this laptop are a bevy of accessories that complete the Porsche Design x Acer experience, like the wireless Porsche design Acer Mouse RS with carbon fiber reinforcement for the left-mouse button. The Porsche Design Acer Book RS comes with a $1,399 starting price tag. Shop Acer Laptops

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2020

What To Wear In The Bentley Continental GT

The Breakdown 2020 Bentley Continental GT MSRP $202,500 Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Centenary Limited Edition $10,200 Bonobos The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat $498 Bonobos Washable Merino V-Neck Sweater $98 Mizzen+Main Leeward Dress Shirt $125 Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos $138 Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford $375 Tom Ford Tortoiseshell Lionel Sunglasses $475 The Outlierman Tailored Silk Face Masks $104.28 Magnanni Catalux Leather Belt $150 Shinola Slim Leather Computer Briefcase $795 Vehicle Bentley is introducing two new versions of its third generation Continental GT and GT Convertible models this year. The definitive luxury Grand Tourer is now available for US customer order with a powerful V8 petrol engine, ensuring a lively and engaging drive that complements the unparalleled levels of luxury and cutting-edge technology. Both V8 models are equipped with a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged engine developing 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft (770 Nm) of torque. It combines immense power with greater range, plus a characterful V8 burble though the stylish quad exhaust pipes. View All Bentley Continental GT For Sale Watch The Bentley Centenary Limited Edition in stainless-steel is presented on a brown quilted calfskin strap. It is also available with a stainless-steel bracelet. The watch has the unique brown burl elm dial, which is inspired by the wooden dashboard of the legendary 1929 “Blower” Bentley, the nickname given to the 4 ½ Litre Supercharged race cars driven by Sir Tim Birkin and the legendary Bentley Boys in the 1920s. Shop Now Top The Stretch Italian Wool Topcoat by Bonobos is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It features a water repellent fully lined interior making it perfect for any weather condition. The available color options include Dark Camel (shown) and a sophisticated Charcoal Herringbone. Shop Now The Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater is made from a comfortable merino wool that offers the ability to be thrown in the wash without the need to worry. It offers an upscale look and feel for the cooler months with an easy care plan. Shop Now Mizzen+Main created the Leeward Dress Shirt to bridge the gap between business casual attire and comfortable performance driven apparel with its unique blend of fabric. The lightweight, quick dry, and wrinkle resistant button down has all the properties needed for a comfortable daily wear. Shop Now Bottom The Bonobos Refined Stretch Chinos feature a unique style, blending both a dress pant and chinos together. The chinos are made from comfortable stretch materials and are available in a wide array of colors. Shop Now Footwear The Magnanni Segovia Cap Toe Oxford feature a Bologna Flex construction and cushioned arch support that ensure all-day comfort in a fine Spanish oxford built from rich Italian leather. Shop Now Accessories The Tom Ford Lionel Sunglasses feature an Aviator-style acetate and metal-frame sunglasses in tortoiseshell and rose gold-tone. Double bridge. Brown lenses with 100% UV protection. Adjustable metal nose pads. Shop Now The Outlierman has released multi-layer masks (non-medical) made for covering the face with the best comfort: external and internal layer made of 100% Silk and filter pocket for one time use filter. The masks come in a set of 3 pieces, featuring some of the most iconic Outlierman designs: Posh, Type 75 Atlantic and World Beater. Shop Now Magnanni's finely grained leather elevates a sleek, upscale belt crafted in Spain and fitted with tasteful hardware. Shop Now Baggage Slim and lightweight, this handsome leather briefcase from Shinola stores all your office essentials and features a detachable shoulder strap for a hands-free commute. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2020

PUMA Motorsports Releases The New Scuderia Ferrari Race R...

Puma Motorsports has teamed up with Scuderia Ferrari to release a new version of the RS-X3, a low-cut bulky retro RS driven silhouette. The upper portion of the sneaker is made from mesh with leather and suede overlays. Comfort is found in the midsoles of the Puma Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3, where a thick yet lightweight RS cushion is added for daily wear. The bottoms are layered in rubber with unique grooves for maximum traction both on and off the track. The logos of both Puma Motorsports and Scuderia Ferrari are placed throughout the sneaker, the most obvious being the Ferrari Emblem found on the heel. The RS-X3 is available in Rosso-Corsa Red and Puma White for $120. Shop the new Puma Motorsport Scuderia Ferrari Race RS-X3 sneakers by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 20, 2020

LG's New Rollable 65-inch OLED TV Costs $87,000

LG has just announced that their new Signature OLED R (model RX) TV is available for sale in South Korea. This new TV has been teased for quite some time, but it's now here and it's quite insane. Its stylish design allows the TV to fit in no matter how lavish its surrounding. With a brushed aluminum casing and wool speaker cover by Kvadrat of Denmark, it's a looker. But what's more important than its looks is the technology behind the TV itself. Instead of having a standard TV screen that's always there and in the way, the screen on this one is rollable. That means the 65-inch OLED screen can roll up or tuck itself away with the press of a button. Could this be the next “The seamless marriage of technological and design innovation demonstrated in LG SIGNATURE OLED R is an unprecedented feat that genuinely deserves to be called a work of art,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of LG Home Entertainment Company. “This is a true luxury product that reimagines what television can be, this unique TV delivers a differentiated user experience and a new way of thinking about space while once again confirming LG’s leadership in the premium TV market.” Will rollable screens be the future of TVs? I sure hope so. The ability to hide a TV and clear up space in a living room or game room would be a blessing. Shop TVs on BHphotovideo.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Leica Camera AG X WhiteWall Global Retail Store Fronts An...

Anything captured through the lens of a Leica camera gives a new meaning to a picture is worth a thousand words. The quality of materials and technology that goes into the design of each camera is what makes it a professional tool. Once the perfect photo is taken, what comes next? The answer is WhiteWall. A professional photo lab created in 2007 by Alexander Nieswandt that allows for complete control of the photographer to create gallery-quality prints. The two international companies have collaborated on opening new stores globally that hold both ventures. These storefronts will provide areas to both acquire Leica products and services with access to WhiteWall services to create and order prints. The first Leica x WhiteWall store will open at the end of October 2020 in Munich, Germany, and added locations in Los Angeles, Rome, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Wetzlar soon to come after. The high caliber product offerings from Leica and WhiteWall will surely excite anyone with a passion for photography. Source: Leica AG

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Period Correct Collaborates With IWC Schaffhausen On In-S...

Period Correct is proud to announce that they have teamed up with the world-renowned watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen to collaboration collection. IWC holds significant roots in the automotive racing world with a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, a similar vision that Period Correct helps portray with their clothing line. The newest collection features sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, and accessories that share branding with the international watch company. The racing works division of IWC celebrates the historic journey of automotive racing through commemorative examples. The Period Correct x IWC Schaffhausen collection is currently available exclusively at the IWC Flagship Boutique in Zurich. Shop previously Period Correct collections by clicking the link below. Shop Period Correct Source: Period Correct

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2020

Bruce Willis is John McClane Again in "DIEHARD IS BACK" A...

It hasn't been since 2013 that we saw Bruce Willis take up his role as John McClane in a Die Hard film. This is a travesty. And while the world waits for another incredible Christmas movie like "Die Hard," we at least have a new short film to hold us over. Coming to us from Advanced Auto Parts is a two-minute long commercial for the DieHard battery called "DIEHARD IS BACK." In the film, we see Willi playing John McClane alongside De’voreaux White as his limo driver Argyle. It's an awesome quick watch that needs to be seen by fans of the Die Hard series who have been waiting for some new content. Of course, this is an advertisement so there is most definitely an emphasis on the DieHard battery but don't let that turn you away. Shop Advanced Auto Parts

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

The New Reebok X KANGHYUK Collaboration Features The Prem...

Reebok has announced a sequel collaboration with South Korean design visionary KANGHYUK featuring a new sneaker. The Reebok x KANGHYUK Premiere Road Modern uses car parts as inspiration for the uniquely designed silhouette. The white and red color-way is layered throughout the synthetic upper and cushioned midsole. The automotive thought makes its way to the outsole of the sneaker, where a rugged reg rubber bottom is added to provide maximum traction for daily use. The Reebok x KANGHYUK Premier Road Modern will release globally at select retailers on October 23rd. Source: KANGHYUK

121510487_671205610465936_6205355743340839822_n

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2020

L'Art de L'Automobile Collaborates With Vans On A Sneaker...

Update: They've been unveiled in full. Check them out in the gallery up below. The automotive dealer L’Art de L’Automobile is more than just a place to shop for some of the finest exotics and classic vehicles. It is a brand that celebrates the passion for all cars that have played key roles in the fundamental learning of early car enthusiasts as well as seasoned collectors. Arthur Karakoumouchian is the man behind the wheel of the operation and responsible for the apparel that sports the dealer’s nostalgic style. News of the L’Art de L’Automobile x Vans collaboration released through Instagram gives a sneak peek of the project. Source: L'Art de L'Automobile The low-cut silhouette is teased through up-close photos highlight the meticulous details featuring Alcantara materials and L’Art de L’Automobile’s logos. The sneakers are to release in both a white and black style on October 17th. Stay up to date with the L’Art de L’Automobile x Vans collaboration by clicking the link below. Shop L'Art de L'Automobile https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGZhQDYoQwC/?igshid=18khzcp1471fm Source: L'Art de L'Automobile

XPEL-FUSION-PLUS-Ceramic-Coating-Wheel-Caliper-Install

By Edward Jones – October 15, 2020

XPEL Announces Complete FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating Lineup

XPEL knows how to keep a car protected, whether it's the exterior or interior. With a fantastic selection of protective films and tools, XPEL has everything you need to keep your car looking like it did the day you got it. Now, XPEL has announced their new FUSION PLUS Ceramic Coating. This new coating, according to XPEL, "bonds at the molecular level to seal and protect surfaces from environmental contaminants, harmful UV rays, and insect acids." The benefits of the FUSION PLUS coating doesn't end there as it's also resistant to light scratches and fading, and can also repel dirt and liquids thanks to its hydrophobic properties. Within the FUSION PLUS lineup is a long list of options. These include Paint & PPF Ceramic Coating, Wheel & Caliper Ceramic Coating, Glass Ceramic Coating, Upholstery Ceramic Coating, Plastic & Trim Ceramic Coating and even Marine Ceramic Coating. To learn more or to find your local installer, be sure to click the button below. Visit XPEL.com https://players.brightcove.net/5776687555001/BJi3THPCM_default/index.html?videoId=6190637874001

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe