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 – March 17, 2022

Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Showcase A Porsche 911 Turbo...

Two automotive icons that are not afraid to get dirty. After announcing their most recent collaboration, Daniel Arsham and Stone Island Official are back with more sneak peek images of the upcoming collection release. As part of the special project, a 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo 930 and Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 have been reimagined with bespoke upholstery by the fashion experts at Stone Island. The two classic icons take shape as functional designs that find the inner beauty behind vintage styling. The Porsche 911 Turbo 930 is a model that Daniel Arsham holds close to his heart, having incorporated the sportscar in an array of artistic projects. As for the Unimog, the once multi-purpose truck now staples itself as an off-road expert and collector example. Each vehicle's interior design features Daniel Arsham and Stone Island branded logo patterns made from repurposed materials like Tela Stella. MUST-READ: Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Announce The Upcoming Porsche Safari Collection Release The photoshoot uploaded to the Stone Island Instagram page also includes shots of the upcoming apparel line, which includes rugged outdoor styles that showcase its military green theme. The pieces included in the highly-anticipated release are jackets, t-shirts, baggage, and accessories. Along with the collection release, Daniel Arsham and Stone Island are proud to be unveiling a documentary film in collaboration with filmmaker Jeremy Elkin that releases on March 18th. View all of the current Porsche 911 Turbo 930 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming release news on the upcoming Daniel Arsham x Stone Island Collection. View All Porsche 911 Turbo 930 For Sale Source: Stone Island IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2022

The New Porsche Design 50Y Coffee Table Book Is Now Avail...

Discover the history of Porsche Design through its art-inspired publication. After recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, Porsche Design commemorates its journey within the luxury lifestyle market with a new coffee table book. The Porsche Design 50Y book highlights the story behind founder Prof. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and his dedication to creating legendary designs. MUST-READ: Porsche Design Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary The 280-page publication features excerpts from interviews, portraits by journalists, personal memories from friends and family, and unseen photos that take enthusiasts on a journey to the beginning of Porsche Design. The all-new Porsche Design 50Y Coffee Table Book is currently available for $65 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle news and gear releases. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 07, 2021

The New Porsche Design Carbon Backpack Is Available Now

The high-tech material from motorsport gives the Porsche Design Carbon Backpack its unmistakable design DNA. The Porsche Design brand is responsible for incorporating aspects and materials from modern-day Porsche models into collections of lifestyle apparel and accessories. The products featured use weight-saving materials to help add a luxury look and feel to everyday useful products. The fashion specialists at Porsche Design are proud to release the all-new Carbon Backpack, featuring a modern minimalistic design meant to complement the Porsche 911 Turbo S in the driveway. MUST-READ: Makes & Movements: Porsche Design GT4 RS Chronograph x Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS The Porsche Design Carbon Backpack is an exclusive style crafted from carbon fiber and Nappa leather, with a spacious interior layout that includes a compartment for laptops and notebooks up to 13-inches. The integrated business organizer with key fob and compartments for mobile devices, cardholders, and cables provides perfect structure and quick accessibility. Comfortable, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a trolley link ensure that the high-tech backpack not only looks unique on trips and during leisure time, but is also just as comfortable to wear. The all-new Porsche Design Carbon Backpack is now available for $1,400 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury Porsche Design gear news and releases. Shop The Porsche Design Carbon Backpack Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 22, 2021

Porsche Design Tests The eBike Collection With Pro Mounta...

Porsche steps off the track and into the bike lane with the Porsche Design eBikes. Since its release to the Porsche Design lifestyle collection, the eBike lineup incorporates the same design and technology qualities that go into the performance vehicles being rolled off the production line. Professional mountain-biker Kathrin Baumann and former cycling professional Tarek Rasouli put the Porsche eBikes to the test in a video released to the Porsche Design Instagram page. As the collection features two models that cater to both road and trail riding, Kathrin breaks down the Cross version while explaining her love for the features like the powerful Shimano electric motor and attentive disk brake system. MUST-READ: The All-New Porsche Electric Sport and Cross eBikes Are Now Available The Porsche eBike collection is the product combination of Porsche and the bicycle professionals and Rotwild, which embodies the quality and performance of the two German brands. The collection is being recognized as a key feature at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany. The new Porsche eBike series is currently available through the Porsche website starting at $8,550. Shop the collection and decide if the the Porsche Design eBike Sport or Cross fits your lifestyle by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche Design eBike Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFu_u_q2Eg/?utm_medium=copy_link

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 06, 2021

Porsche Design Releases The New P’2330 Roadster Hardcase ...

Pack your Porsche with the purpose-built Porsche Design luggage collection. Whether it’s packing your favorite essentials for the trip of a lifetime or grabbing the keys to start the perfect road trip, Porsche is always a leading contender. The Porsche Design luggage collection highlights the same use of premium materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that goes into each performance-focused vehicle that rolls off the production floor. Porsche Design is proud to announce the new P’2330 Roadster Hardcase 4W Business Trolley S, a new sleek luggage collection constructed for safe travel. Along with a series of sizes made to match your lifestyle, the new Roadster Hardcase 4W features a locking system as well as a rechargeable USB port for selling on the go. The newest luggage collection is presented in an array of classic Porsche paint codes, making it essential for any owner or enthusiast. The new Porsche Design P’2330 Roadster Hardcase 4W Business Trolley S is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Luggage https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_CUGbq5GC/ For more Gear news, Check out The Top 10 Luxury Driving Shoes For Car Enthusiasts

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2021

Porsche Design Releases The All-New P'8928 Sunglass Colle...

Choose your favorite frame and lens color to match the Porsche of your dreams. While most car collectors and enthusiasts have a favorite supercar, all can agree that options for different models with various performance levels are just as important. It’s a way of thinking that Porsche incorporates into its line of high-performance cars. The brand is continuing this thought with its newest Porsche Design P’8928 sunglass release. Crafted from 100% ultra-lightweight titanium and made in Japan, these sunglasses offer exceptional comfort, despite their commanding size. The collection is presented in four unique frame colors with the ability to swap four different lens colors. Whether you’re looking to match your sunglasses with your Porsche, or wanting to compliment a head-turning outfit, the Porsche Design P’8928 sunglass collection has you covered. Experience the all-new interchangeable lens system with the additional lenses that come prepped in the packaging. Shop the newest sunglasses from Porsche Design starting at $695 by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design P'8928 Sunglasses Media/Information Source: Porsche Design For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Head-to-Toe In The Huracán EVO

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

Porsche Design Adds New 911-Inspired Colors To Its Luggag...

Now you can match your travel luggage to your Porsche's color. While Porsche continues to design and manufacture some of the leading sportscars in the industry, Porsche Design is there to help create luxury apparel and accessories to complement them. Alongside the growing collection of products, Porsche Design is proud to unveil its newest addition to its luggage collection. The new Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase Trolley S is inspired by Porsche 911-inspire colors like Dark Blue, Lava Orange, White, Dark Grey, and Black. The luggage line features a protected plastic outer layer, while a numerical coded lock is incorporated to add a sense of security and safety, just as their vehicles do. The new colors released as part of the Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase Trolley S are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Porsche Design Luggage https://www.instagram.com/p/CQa_PaTqpSM/ For more Gear news, Check out L’ART DE L’AUTOMOBILE x Beats Set To Release A Limited-Edition Pills+ Speaker

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2021

Magnus Walker Announces Nike SB '277' Dunk-Hi Sneaker Rel...

From the skatepark to the race track, do it in a Porsche. In the past, we’ve seen collaboration projects from Porsche x Nike SB that pay homage to some of the unique characteristics that make the brand who they are today. This time Porsche decided to bring a friend along for the ride, but only if he brought his 1971 Porsche 911 T ‘277’. That’s right, Magnus Walker and his iconic 277 Porsche are the new inspiration behind Nike SB’s newest collaboration with professional skateboarder Ishod Wair. Magnus took to his Instagram to announce the Nike SB Dunk-Hi release, as well as to share some images of the wear and tear on his personal pair. The design of the Nike SB is meant to mirror the exactly livery of Mangus’ infamous race car, making the release highly desirable for sneakerheads and Porsche enthusiasts. The Nike SB x Magnus Walker x Ishod Wair ‘277’ Dunk-Hi will be available in-store on June 19th and on Nike’s SNKRS platform on June 21st. Check back in for a How To Buy special on the new automotive-inspired Nike SB Dunk-Hi. View All Porsche 911T For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CP8mlbOpefw/ For more Gear news, Check out Shop The Father’s Day Luxury Gift Guide

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

Watch The Porsche x Amié Leon Dore 911 SC Take On The Bac...

There's no road a Porsche can't drive on. The news of the highly-anticipated collection release from Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore continues to leave fashion and automotive enthusiasts wanting more. In perfect fashion, a teaser video was released to both Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore’s Instagram pages. The short film displays the fully functional aspects of the vintage Porsche 911 SC, which is presented as a daily driven road trip vehicle with hints of Aimé Leon Dore incorporated. Porsche is a versatile brand that is able to be displayed in multiple forms, from a sophisticated 911 Turbo S to the weathered 911 SC shown in the video, the German automotive manufacturer can take shape and highlight the vision behind the art. Although media and information are yet to be released, Check back in for more updates on the newest collaboration from Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore. For more Porsche news, Check out The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Footwear Available Now https://www.instagram.com/p/CO-SrGQhz7I/

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The Top Porsche-Inspired PUMA Motorsport Footwear Availab...

Performance footwear for on or off-track use. What do you get when you combined two of the leaders in motorsport? The answer is a lineup of performance-focused products meant to help break lap times. Puma Motorsports and Porsche continue is a long-lasting relationship with a collection of premium footwear for on and off-track use. In this special, we compiled a list of the best Porsche-inspired footwear by PUMA available now. Shop the products featured in this special by clicking the links below for more information. Porsche Legacy Leadcat Slides PUMA Slip right into these cool Porsche slides. Featuring a padded and molded footbed and sleek Porsche branding, these slides bring a high-octane edge to casual everyday style. Price: $40 Shop Now Porsche Legacy Ridge Cat Motorsport Shoes PUMA The Ridge Cat lives on the edge with a design inspired by extreme ridge roads and the breathtaking views that make it all worth it. Porsche Legacy bring their intelligent racing design to these classic motorsport shoes, with a sleek, aerodynamic upper and luxuriously low profile outsole for just the right amount of comfort and speed needed to hug those curves and corners. Price: $100 Shop Now Porsche Legacy RS-Fast Sneakers PUMA Meet the icons of fast. Faster and fresher than any of our RS kicks yet, RS-Fast from PUMA and Porsche Legacy combines early 2000s design with sleek motorsport elements, including a special edition keychain that pays tribute to the legacy of the 911 Turbo. Price: $120 Shop Now Porsche Legacy RS-Connect Sneakers PUMA RS-Connect from Porsche Legacy reimagines our retro RS silhouette with an art-meets-track aesthetic. Borrowing shapes and textures from hype art, its fluid, dynamic design features classic colors and authentic Porsche branding. Price: $120 Shop Now Porsche Legacy Clyde All-Pro Basketball Shoes PUMA The legacy of Walt "Clyde" Frazier meets the legacy of the Porsche 911 in this dynamic collab court shoe. We’re soaring into this season with this lightweight pair of kicks that are ready to dominate the court, the track and everything in between. All-Pro features ProFoam+ for added stability and cushioning as well as PUMA’s lightweight yet durable Matryx material for insane speed and support. A high-energy hue and Porsche 911 hangtag will be the last thing they see before you put 'em in the rearview mirror. Price: $140 Shop Now Porsche Design Speedcat Pro Sneakers PUMA Born for speed. Raised in style. The Speedcat returns over 20 years later, this time with elevated Porsche Design detailing. The signature low profile silhouette features a sleek mid-top collar, plus an authentic rounded driver's heel and understated Porsche Design branding. Taking iconic track style to the streets. Price: $450 Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out EveryDrive Carry: Apocalypse 6×6 Accessories

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