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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 Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2020

Porsche Design Fall/Winter 2020 Collection

Whether someone is in the market for a wardrobe to match their new 992 Turbo S or just in need of comfortable and stylish apparel, Porsche Design is assured to help. The fall/winter 2020 collection has just been released and features comfortable style options for everyday use during the colder months. The clothing line emphasizes simplicity and comfort, all while adding small personal touches to signify that it's a quality product by Porsche. The style selections vary from comfortable everyday options to pieces that can be dressed up for business casual occasions. It's the thought of everyday use for the consumer that goes into the creation of both Porsche vehicles and lifestyle products. The fall/winter 2020 collection consists of jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polos, t-shirts, sneakers, and accessories. Porsche Design prides itself on incorporating quality materials such as leather, lightweight nylon, and cotton combined with an assortment of color options. Shop The Collection Jackets Porsche Designs jacket options are sure to keep you warm while the GT2RS's are getting garaged and the Cayenne's come out to battle the cold. The star of the jacket line is a mixed black leather and neoprene full zip that lets the stitching design do the talking. On the inside zipper line is the only spot that will sport the Porsche Design logo. The second option is a comfortable full-zip hooded cardigan, which is presented in black as an active sport alternative. Sweats For the days when its more comfortable to hang the keys up and take a personal day, Porsche Design's sweatshirt and sweatpants are key. The set is sold separating, but they match so well that it will be best to grab both while you can. They are made of a soft and lightweight viscose material in a dark grey. Each of the sweats features a rubberized seatbelt material that travels down the arm and pant leg of each side with the Porsche Design logo imprinted. This is truly Porsche's "Luxury Tracksuit" for both owners and enthusiasts. Shirts Porsche Design's shirts for the fall/winter 2020 collection mirror the personalities of their current vehicle fleet. They are offered in a casual sports t-shirt for more performance-based activities, such as the GT series vehicles used as track-focused machines. They are offered in both a V-neck and a crew neck with a small Porsche Design logo on the chest. On the other end, they offer polos for more comfortable business casual situations, just as if was a comfortable ride to work in a Taycan Turbo S. Color options for the shirts and polos include red, blue, grey, and black. Sneakers The newest sneakers released for the Porsche Design collection vary in style, material, and color. The resemblance that they do share is the functionality to have a grip over the accelerator and brake pedal, as well as the ability to feel confident that they deliver comfort throughout the day. Porsche Design offers four different styles: minimalistic, traditional sneaker, high top sneaker, and lace-less driver. All styles are made if genuine quality leather combined with soles that provide extreme grip for both on and off-track use. Accessories The saying "It's the little things that count" must have come from the Porsche Design facility because they have added a few unique pieces to include in the fall/winter collection. This includes a beautiful genuine leather belt that comes in dark blue, brown, and black paired with a brushed metal buckle engraved with the Porsche Design logo. They also include a polished small metal set that includes cuff links, a key chain, and a money clip. Finally, they have added an atheistically pleasing rubber bracelet that features a brushed metal hook clip that comes in four colors. Shop the Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2020

Hublot's Special Edition Classic Fusion Limited to 50 Pieces

Hublot has announced the limited release of a classic fusion model that pays homage to the city of Rome. The Italian watch company celebrates one year since the inauguration of their boutique located in the heart of Rome, and what better way than to create a timepiece solely around the anniversary. The piece is named the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Boutique Rome and will be limited to 50 examples sold specifically in boutique located on the Piazza di Spagna. The timepiece features a 45mm created in brushed black titanium driven by Hublot’s HUB1143 chronograph movement that has a 42-hour power reserve. Engraved on the back of the case is “Special Edition / Boutique Roma xx/50” to signify the meaning behind the milestone. The strap is made from a combination of rubber and genuine leather with grey contrast stitching. The worn look of both the case and strap is meant to show honor to the old history of Rome. The inspiration behind this project shows great appreciation by Hublot which we believe will result in the 50 examples finding new owners as soon as they are released. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2020

Land Rover Launches New Cell Phone

Anyone that has experienced a Land Rover through weathered conditions recognizes that the brand stands for rugged reliability. The company recently redirected its resources and teamed up with Android to create a new mobile device named the Land Rover Explorer R. The new cell phone has been constructed to standards of Land Rover, which means no more low impact drops that shatter screens or exposure to moisture that results in shorting the device. The Explorer R will feature an HD 5.7” display protected by Gorilla glass operated by an Android 9 operating system. A high-quality 12-megapixel camera has been added to the rear as well as an 8-megapixel front-facing camera to capture the best shot. Land Rover has tested its product vigorously through both impacted drops and water submersion to ensure it can withstand day to day use. The Land Rover Explorer R is now available through the Land Rover product website. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 31, 2020

Period Correct Drops New K/V Collection

Period Correct has always been a step ahead of bringing light to past historic automotive excellence, in the form of stylish clothing and accessories. The automotive clothing company is known for highlighting the true art behind some of history’s greatest vehicles. This does not mean the multi-million-dollar latest supercar, but instead vehicles that still hold significant relevance because they were simple good at what they were designed to do. The most recent K/V collection features Kremer Motorsports, the iconic Porsche racing team. The main design of the newest release features the 1976 Porsche 934 RSR Turbo, along with the vibrant teal based Vaillant livery. The team responsible for winning both the 24-Hours of Le Man as well as the 24-Hours of Daytona surely deserves to be forever celebrated. The current clothing line includes short and long-sleeved shirts, a hooded sweatshirt, a 6-panel hat, and a sticker pack. The collection offers a graphic driven appearance for the Kremer Porsche enthusiast that enjoys the notorious styling of the 934. There are also more simplistic styles that silently scream the heritage of Kremer using its vibrant magenta, yellow, and red colors that can be found on every panel of the racecar that continues to impact the automotive industry. The current collection embodies the past, celebrating what racing used to be and how even though it’s been quite some time since these cars have seen a track, that they are still very much alive. So, we have to tip our K/V collection 6-panel hats to Period Correct for continuing to embrace the past and educating people that may not know the great automotive history throughout time. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 28, 2020

Project Cars 3 is Now Available

The current pandemic has put a damper on the track days of many. If you'd like to experience motorsports from the comfort of your house while social distancing, there's no better way than with Project Cars 3. This new game is now available for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. This new game will allow you to start a racing career of your own. While Project Cars 3 isn't as much of a simulator as its predecessor, it does offer quick races and a multitude of classes to race in. Driving in this gameis also a bit more acecssible and is much more forgiving than the previous entries of Project Cars. There are over 200 cars to choose from and over 140 track from around the world to race on. It also features true-to-life dynamic all-season and all-weather racing. To purchase a copy today, be sure to click the button below. Shop Now " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 28, 2020

QuietKat Jeep E-Bike Has Insane Climbing Abilities

The new Jeep E-Bike by QuietKat takes after its namesake when it comes to trails. In a new video, which you can find down below, we get a chance to see the Jeep E-Bike's climbing capabilities. Making the climb happen is QuietKat's 750W-1500w electric motor. This motor can pump out a very impressive 118 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for a steep trail. Connected to the motor is a 10-speed drive train that will guarantee perfect pedal power for any situation. To control the motor itself, the rider can utilize the pedal assist or the removable thumb throttle for when you want that extra push. Of course, this bike's electric drivetrain would make no sense if it wasn't properly equipped with off-road equipment. For that, QuietKat has loaded the Jeep E-Bike up with plenty of goodies. For tires, the bike comes with CST Roly Poly 26" x 4.8" tires that have a 300 lbs capacity. And, being a mountain bike, it features front and rear suspension with plenty of travel. Check it out in action by clicking play below or click the button to order yours today. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – August 28, 2020

The New DJI OM 4 is the Best Car Show Accessory

If you've been to a car show before and filmed the action with your phone, you know how difficult it can be. Your hands can get shaky or you bump into someone, which causes your prized footage to be ruined. It's the worst. That's why we suggest picking up the new DJI OM 4. This new accessory will make filming car shows, or anything for that matter, a breeze. The most exciting feature that the OM 4 packs is its magnetic docking capability. After attaching the ring holder or metal clamp to the back of your phone, you can stick it to the new OM 4 gimbal through the magic of magnets. This makes setting up for a shot or stopping for a call effortless. It also packs a slew of other features like the ability to easily switch between portrait and landscape, SpinShot mode, 3x3 Pano images, ActiveTrack 3.0, gesture control, dynamic zoom and more. It's truly impressive and for $149, it's a no brainer. Shop Now " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 28, 2020

Ulysse Nardin Launches the New Blast Watch

Ulysse Nardin has unveiled the Blast model as the latest introduction to their lineup. This new watch was inspired by the forces of nature like glaciers and eruptions of magma, and modeled after stealth jet fighters. Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now Buy Now The first thing you'll notice about this watch is the amount of transparency is offers. The open-worked body is made possible thanks to the UN-172 movement with the new automatic silicium tourbillon and a three-day power reserve. This movement is housed in an X-shaped cage, similar to the "X" design found in the Diver X, Freak X and Skeleton X. Resting above the X cage is a rectangular frame, a design cue found in many other Ulysse Nardin watches. At the 12 o'clock, the barrel is seen, while the flying tourbillon rests at the 6 o'clock. The Blast model was designed after the sharp lines found on stealth jets. Ulysse Nardin actually reworked their signature three-horned strap fixture to have a geometric design that mirrors the wings of a stealth aircraft. " width="680"> Ulysse Nardin is releasing the Blast watch with three different models: Blue Blast ($44,000), Black Blast ($46,000), White Blast ($46,000) and Rose Gold Blast ($54,000). Each comes in the same 45 mm diameter but don different colorways that were inspired by the elements. You can learn more about this new and incredible Ulysse Nardin watch by clicking the button below. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Edward Jones – August 27, 2020

Sanuk and Airstream Team Up for New Footwear Collection

Airstream has been creating travel trailers for decades. In fact, the Airstream has almost been around for an entire century. Because of this, the Airstream trailer has been synonymous with travel and adventure, and they're are undoubtedly the most recognizable travel trailers out there. This is why Sanuk and Airstream have teamed up for a collection of footwear that's perfect for a road trip. The footwear in the collection for both men and women, and includes sandals, yoga slings and shoes. Being Sanuks, you know that each pair will be extra comfortable on the feet, no matter where your adventure takes you. On the footwear, you can find small embroidered Airstream trailer patches, a flamingo or rivet details. You can shop the entire collection by clicking the button below. Shop Now Source: Airstreamsupplycompany.com

By Edward Jones – August 27, 2020

Breitling Debuts the New Endurance Pro Watch

Breitling has just launched a new watch that's designed with everyday athletes in mind. Introducing the new Breitling Endurance Pro. As part of the brand's Professional range, this sporty watch is a lightweight way for athletes and sports enthusiasts to enjoy Breitling's timekeeping excellence on the go. The Endurance Pro's Breitlight case measures in at 44mm. Breitlight is Breitling's proprietary material that's 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel. What's more, it's durable, being very resistant to scratches, traction and corrosion. Inside this case is the Breitling Caliber 82 with SuperQuarts tech, which is ten times more accurate than your typical quartz. On the dial, you can find the 1/10th second and 30-minute chronograph counters that Breitling has ensured are easy to read, even when you're on the run. Breitling is launching the Endurance Pro in five different color variations, each with a black dial and black bidirectional rotating bezel. The colors include white, blue, yellow, orange and red. Each comes with a matching Diver Pro strap and a price of $3,000. For more information and to shop these watches, be sure to click the button below. Shop Now

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