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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 11, 2021

Get Ready For The Period Correct x Hot Wheels Rally Legen...

Recently, Period Correct teased an upcoming collaboration with Hot Wheels using a blurred-out photo of a small die-cast model. Fast forward ahead, Period Correct x Hot Wheels announced the release of two Rally Legends in 1:64 scale, as well as a clothing collection dedicated to the collaboration. The release pays homage to the early days of rally racing, more specifically, the Ford RS200 and 037. The RS200 and 034 lines incorporate the livery colors into each product, even using period-correct fonts to help hold authenticity. Premium materials and vintage imagery best displays the art of rally racing and the impact these race cars have on the automotive industry. The Period Correct x Hot Wheels collection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and hats. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the collections will be available exclusively online with a limit of one 1:64 scale model per customer/order. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the Period Correct x Hot Wheels Rally Legends Collection release. For more Gear news, Check out Valentines Day Gift Guide For The Car Enthusiast In Your Life

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2021

Get Ready For Period Correct x Hot Wheels Newest Release

Period Correct took to Instagram today to tease its 3rd collaboration with Hot Wheels on a limited edition die cast model. The slightly blurry photo is only decipherable by the trained eye in vintage motorsport vehicles. Previous posts hint that the mystery Hot Wheels is a Group B racing Ford RS200 from the late 1980s. The Period Correct x Hot Wheels releases prove that the partnership results in highly-collectible small scale examples of motorsport history. Release information has yet to be announced, but stay tuned in for a How To Buy special on the Period Correct x Hot Wheels model. For more How To Buy news, Check out How To Buy: Period Correct Reds Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2021

How To Buy: Period Correct Reds Collection

Recently, we covered the announcement that Period Correct would be releasing the Reds Collection, a motorsport clothing and accessory line inspired by Team Marlboro. Since then, more photos surfaced via Period Correct’s Instagram of the designs that feature vintage race cars sporting the Marlboro livery. The collection includes sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, tees, hats, and accessories paying homage to the team home to drivers like Niki Lauda and Aryton Senna. The Period Correct Reds Collection will be a popular release for all motorsport enthusiasts looking to relive the past or learn about the team that dominated racing. Shop the Period Correct Reds Collection by reviewing the release information below. Date: January 23rd, 2021 Time: 12PM EST Where: Period Correct Website For more Gear news, Check out McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Period Correct Preps To Release The Reds Collection Inspi...

Period Correct continues to provide vintage motorsport enthusiasts with apparel and accessories that pay homage to anything iconic in the automotive racing world. The upcoming collection is inspired by Team Marlboro, which holds ties to legendary drivers like Niki Lauda and Aryton Senna. The Period Correct Reds Collection not only blends the automotive and fashion world but categories of motorsport racing. The line incorporates inspiration from vehicles with different racing backgrounds like the Team Marlboro Formula 1 McLaren, BMW M1, and Lancia Stratos. The Period Correct Reds Collection will be available on January 23rd, so check back in for a How To Buy special. For more Gear news, Check out McLaren x RHUDE Announce A Summer Apparel Collection For 2021

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2020

The Period Correct x McLaren 765LT Apparel Collection Is ...

In the past, Period Correct teamed up with the British supercar masterminds at McLaren Automotive on their first collaboration, the 2018 McLaren F1 Inspired Capsule Collection. The duo is proud to announce a second limited-edition collection release highlighting the 720S and all-new 765LT, two models that have launched McLaren to the top of the automotive industry. The inspiration behind the collection is certainly around the vehicles, but also the companies as well. Period Correct and McLaren are pioneers pushing boundaries to illustrate the vision behind all that they do. Although images of the entire collection have yet to release, the apparel line will include premium t-shirts, a hoodie, hat, and long-sleeved shirt sporting the iconic McLaren Orange and logos. The limited-edition pieces will be available to purchase at selected McLaren retailers including Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Charlotte, Greenwich, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, North Jersey, Long Island, Miami, McLaren Florida. Prices start from $40MSRP. Once the collection has sold out, Period Correct x McLaren will not be restocking or reproducing any products. Stay up-to-date with the Period Correct x McLaren 720S/765LT Collection release by checking back in with us.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 06, 2020

How To Buy The Period Correct Fiberglass Plate Frame

Inside the Period Correct collection, one can find an array of clothing and accessories that are inspired by the heritage of early automotive racing. The company recently released a lightweight fiberglass plate frame for enthusiasts to add to their vehicles. The new accessory reflects the weight savings technology that went into the design and construction of early motorsports racing parts. The Period Correct Fiberglass Plate Frame is the most updated version of the best-selling traditional frame. Each unit is hand made at the headquarters of Period Correct, and when finished, weighs only 3 ounces. It's a great way to offer a unique touch to any vehicle that supports the meaning behind Period Correct. When: Available Now Where: Period Correct Website Price: $90 Source: Period Correct Instagram

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 Jordan Aquistapace – September 21, 2020

Period Correct Launches Rothmans P.C. Collection Featurin...

The iconic Rothmans livery has made its appearance on some of the world’s most infamous racing vehicles throughout time. Whether it was an endurance race that went through the night or a rally through treacherous courses, a Rothmans car was sure to be on the grid. As a staple in automotive racing history, it’s no surprise that Period Correct has released a collection dedicated to the infamous team. The Rothmans P.C. Collection features the Porsche 956 as the inspiration behind some of the pieces created, each sporting a graphic design of the race car. The clothing line includes t-shirts, long sleeves, a sweater, a hoodie, and a classic nylon hat. All made from premium materials to provide comfort while subtly showing appreciation for a notorious competitor in the world of motorsports. The Period Correct Rothmans P.C. Collection is available through the company’s website. Shop all the collection has to offer by clicking the link below. Shop The Rothmans P.C. Collection

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 03, 2020

Period Correct Drops New 009 030 Collection Inspired by t...

While we still wait for a real Apple Car to be released, we can still reminisce about the iconic and classic Porsche 935 K3 race car that donned an Apple Livery. This race car came to life after some pretty awesome circumstances. Long story short, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak went to a shop new their headquarter in Cupertino back in 1980 to have Jobs' 935 worked on. After talking to the owner, Bob Garretson, for some time, Apple ended up sponsored his race team. The Apple livery on a Porsche made perfect sense considering Jobs was a huge fan of German design. Period Correct knows just how important the 935 K3 Apple Car is to automotive and motorsports enthusiasts and that's why they've dropped a collection surrounding its mythos. The collection includes shirts, a jacket and hat, all of which feature the colors of the iconic livery in some way. Check it out for yourself by clicking the button below. Shop the Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CDK7-ejjs1a/

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