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 09, 2021

Porsche Design Release Exclusive P'8685 Titanium Sunglasses

The Porsche Design Eyewear Collection was recently unveiled with the help of brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey and features an array of luxury performance sunglasses. The exclusive eyewear just got more luxurious with the release of the new Porsche Design P’8685 Hexagon. The iconic sharp design features a titanium frame and RXP temples, ensuring a lightweight yet strong construction. The polarized lenses provide UV400 protection, anti-glare, impact resistance, and hard coating for functional daily wear. The Porsche Design P’8685 is available in a gold or natural titanium finish in size 60. Shop the exclusive Porsche Design P’8685 Sunglasses by clicking the link below. Shop Now Image Source: Porsche Design For more Porsche news, Check out How To Buy: Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack Spring/Summer ’21

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 09, 2021

How To Buy: Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack Spring/S...

As an iconic motorsport brand, Porsche not only continues to thrive in the automotive industry but also in the art and fashion world. Puma Motorsport embraces the performance and beauty behind the wheel with its Porsche Legacy Statement Pack of Spring/Summer ’21. The re-invented vintage look of the collection is inspired by one of Porsche’s most coveted models of all time, the 911 Carrera RSR 3.0. Using period-correct logos, colors, and designs, Puma created the clothing and footwear line, which features sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants, sneakers, and accessories. Puma x Porsche followed vintage color themes, proving that Porsche design is a timeless fashion trend . The Puma Porsche Legacy RS-Fast is the newest sneaker added to the Puma Porsche Legacy Statement Pack, complementing the rest of the apparel with the low-cut casual lifestyle silhouette. The Puma x Porsche Legacy Statement Pack of Spring/Summer ’21 is currently available by clicking the link below. When: March 9th, 2021 (Now Available) Where: Puma Website Price: $35 - $150 Image Source: Puma For more Gear news, Check out Top 10 Best Luxury Sunglasses For The Driver

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2021

Wheels X Wardrobe: An Outfit Upgrade For The 2022 Porsche...

As time goes on, we learn to adapt to our changing surroundings with updates to stay current, whether it be in the case of automotive manufacturing or fashion. Porsche unveiled the 2022 922 911 GT3 yesterday, the newest version of the already iconic GT series model, making slight changes to improve performance and functionality. In this week’s Wheels x Wardrobe, we compiled a Porsche-friendly list of clothing and accessories to update your closet before delivery of your 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3. Shop the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. Vehicle Ferrari 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 MSRP $145,650 View All Porsche GT3 For Sale Watch Porsche Design Porsche Design Custom Sports Chronograph Starting at $5,150 Buy From Porsche Design Top Porsche Design Porsche Design Hooded Leather Blouson $2,250 Buy From Porsche Design Porsche Design Porsche Design Crew Neck T-Shirt $89 Buy From Porsche Design Bottom Nordstrom Duer Performance Slim Fit Denim Jeans $129 Buy From Nordstrom Footwear Happy Socks Happy Socks Dressed Dimension No Show Sock $16 Buy From Happy Socks Porsche Design Porsche Design Lace Up Velours Sneaker $360 Buy From Porsche Design Accessories Puma Porsche Legacy Low Curve Cap $35 Buy From Puma Porsche Design Porsche Design Sunglasses P'8688 $635 Buy From Porsche Design Ssense Gucci Blue Off The Grid Card GG Eco Wallet $370 Buy From Ssense Nordstrom Tumi Arrivé Larson Backpack $850 Buy From Nordstrom The GT3 Breakdown 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 MSRP $145,650 Porsche Design Custom Sports Chronograph Starting at $5,150 Porsche Design Hooded Leather Blouson $2,250 Porsche Design Crew Neck T-Shirt $89 Duer Performance Slim Fit Denim Jeans $129 Happy Socks Dressed Dimension No Show Sock $16 Porsche Design Lace Up Velours Sneaker $360 Porsche Legacy Low Curve Hat $35 Porsche Design Sunglasses P'8688 $635 Gucci Blue Off The Grid Card GG Eco Wallet $370 Tumi Arrivé Larson Backpack $850 For more Wheels x Wardrobe, Check out Wheels X Wardrobe: Valentine’s Day Date Night In The Ferrari LaFerrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 17, 2021

How To Buy: Lüftgekuhlt Luft Book Volume 2

Porsche will always continue to stay current by increasing performance and technology in the development of each new vehicle while staying humble about past milestone creations. Lüftgekuhlt embraces this mentality, celebrating the early years of Porsche excellence through its iconic event displaying the best examples. The company announced the release of its Luft Book Volume 2, an encyclopedia of illustrations that help Porsche enthusiasts of all kinds re-live the memories of early vintage Porsche vehicles. The book was created by some of the biggest names in the Porsche world, including an intro piece by Porsche Factory driver Patrick Long. The Lüftgekuhlt Luft Book V2 is the perfect way to take a look back on Porsche history while looking forward to future releases. When: Now Available Where: Lüftgekuhlt Price: $140

By Edward Jones – January 28, 2021

LEGO Announces 2-1 Porsche 911 Kit: Turbo or Targa

LEGO has just unveiled a new way to celebrate the Porsche 911 Turbo and Targa. Their new LEGO Porsche 911 (10295) kit allows builders to choose between building either a Turbo model with a turbocharged engine or a Targa with a removable hood that can be stored under the hood. Features of the kit also include the flat-six engine, working steering, gearshift, emergency brake and tilting seats. In total, it measures over 4 inches tall, 13.5-inches long and 6-inches wide. If you or someone you know is a massive Porsche 911 fan, then this is a perfect gift. It will go on sale on March 1, 2021 for $149.99 on LEGO.com. Shop LEGO.com Source: LEGO.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 10, 2021

EveryDrive Carry: Packed Up Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

As car enthusiasts, there are times when we realize that cargo space is more essential than having a track-focused car as a daily driver. Luckily, Porsche is always one step ahead, especially with the Panamera Sport Turismo. This EveryDrive Carry focuses on the Porsche products that pack well in the sports wagon for weekday and weekend travel. Shop all of the products featured in today’s EveryDrive Carry by clicking the link below. Porsche 2020 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo GTS MSRP $135,500 View All Porsche Panamera GTS For Sale At the heart of both of the new Panamera GTS models is a four-litre V8 engine with 338 kW (460 hp) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience when combined with the standard sports exhaust system. Porsche Design Porsche Design CL2 3.0 H4 Blindfold Wallet $110 Buy From Porsche Design Crafted from smooth black leather this compact billfold is sleek, streamlined and destined to become one of your favorite accessories. A discrete metal plate with lasered Porsche Design logo creates the finishing touch to this exclusive CL2 3.0 BillFold H4. Porsche Design Porsche Design Grooves 2.0 Carbon Keyring $225 Buy From Porsche Design For the Porsche Design Grooves 2.0 Keyring Carbon, the distinctive clasp of the Grooves series – inspired by the form of a piston – was transformed for the first time into a striking functional element made of 100% carbon. Porsche Design Porsche Design Shake Pen Bundle + 911Pen Holder (Limited Edition) $225 Buy From Porsche Design Dynamic form and performance – and limited to 911 pieces. The Porsche Design Shake Pen LIMITED EDITION brings two remarkable icons to your desk: the high-gloss Shake Pen, with a unique grooved surface for an enhanced grip, and a shiny silver-white pen holder in a 911 silhouette. Porsche Design Porsche Design Lighter P'3643 $225 Buy From Porsche Design The most exclusive lighter in the Porsche Design Collection: the noble Porsche Design P'3643 Candle Lighter combines lean lines and an elegant design. The adjustable flame on this stick lighter allows for versatile use. The gas tank has a maximum filling capacity of 2.4 grams. Porsche Design Porsche Design Roadster 4.1S Backpack $310 Buy From Porsche Design To meet the demands of fast-paced urban lifestyles, modern bags and backpacks like the Porsche Design Roadster 4.1 BackPack S need to satisfy multiple requirements – from rugged performance to comfort and intelligent solutions. Porsche Design Porsche Design P'8695 Sunglasses $430 Buy From Porsche Design The Porsche Design P’8695 sunglasses interpret the octagon trend with perfectly engineered elegance. The extraordinary lens shape and unique frame design with an angular double bridge make these sunglasses striking and unique. Porsche Design Porsche Design Roadster Hardcase 4W Trolley (L) $680 Buy From Porsche Design Ultra lightweight and inspired by the colors of the Porsche 911: the Roadster Hardcase collection. The case series in polycarbonate designed by Studio F. A. Porsche is the perfect fusion of form, function and design. Porsche Design Bell Racing Advanced Series HP7 Helmet $1,699 Buy From Porsche Design Compact, versatile, unmistakably exclusive: the high-end nature of the Porsche Design Acer BOOK RS Business & Travel Notebook is hard to overlook. The A-cover crafted from high-performance carbon, a material valued in motorsports, is not only visually unique but also incredibly light. Porsche Design Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback $6,700 Buy From Porsche Design This has been the objective of all Porsche Design timepieces since 1972. And, since 2018, of the new Chronotimer Flyback Special Edition. Its fine, matte black carbon dial with white indices and hands create a sporty look in combination with optimal readability.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2021

Porsche Design's Fashion and Sport 30% Off Seasonal Sale ...

The best way to ring in the new year is to decorate the garage with a brand-new Porsche 992 911 Turbo S. If you are a future owner or enthusiast, then starting with the closet may be the best bet until you get a set of keys. Porsche Design is offering up to 30% off through its seasonal sale on head-to-toe clothing and accessories for all Porsche lovers. The fall/winter 2020 fashion and sports collection are part of the sales event, incorporating an array of casual and formal styles for the family. Porsche Design encompasses the same quality in both design and manufacturing using premium materials, just as the German automobile manufacturer does with each vehicle. The Porsche Design Seasonal sale is currently available through the website by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2020

Holiday Gift List For The Motorsport Enthusiast

In a world with so many motorsport divisions, teams, and manufacturers, it is unlikely that everyone in the family cheers on the same driver. This makes shopping for holiday gifts more of a rivalry when you have a Lewis Hamilton fan and a Scuderia Ferrari fan in the same household. Lucky enough, Puma has all corners of the motorsport industry covered with head-to-toe fashion featuring everyone’s favorite team and manufacturer. In today’s special, we compiled a gift list of Puma Motorsport products for every race fan in your family. Shop any of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. BMW M Motorsport BMW M Motorsport Street Cap $30 Buy From Puma BMW M Motorsport Street Hoodie $100Buy From Puma BMW M Motorsport Graphic Tee $45 Buy From Puma BMW M Motorsport RS-X³ Sneakers $120 Buy From Puma BMW M Motorsport Street Backpack $120 Buy From Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas Mercedes-AMG Petronas Baseball Cap $30 Buy From Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas MCS T-Shirt $40 Buy From Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas RS-X³ Sneakers On Sale $69.99 Buy From Puma Mercedes-AMG Petronas Sweatpants $80 Buy From Puma Scuderia Ferrari Scuderia Ferrari Fanwear Trucker Cap On Sale $24.99 Buy From Puma Scuderia Ferrari Race MCS Sweat Jacket $110 Buy From Puma Scuderia Ferrari Race Sweatpants $80 Buy From Puma Scuderia Ferrari R-Cat Motorsport Shoes On Sale $69.99 Buy From Puma Porsche Design Porsche Legacy Baseball Cap $40 Buy From Puma Porsche Design evoKNIT Active Midlayer $220 Buy From Puma Porsche Design Graphic Tee $60 Buy From Puma Porsche Legacy RS-2K Sneakers $130 Buy From Puma Porsche Legacy Backpack' $120 Buy From Puma Red Bull Racing Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Lifestyle Flat Brim Cap On Sale $19.99 Buy From Puma Red Bull Racing Street Jacket On Sale $94.99 Buy From Puma Red Bull Racing Graphic Midlayer $90 Buy From Puma Red Bull Racing X-Ray Sneakers On Sale $49.99 Buy From Puma

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2020

These Are the Best Lego Car Sets You Can Buy Today

The LEGO Company continues to participate in millions of holiday celebrations with the array of collections offered for family fun. The sets have transitioned from simple children designs to complex builds that involves the entire family. LEGO collaborates with all sorts of companies and categories, ensuring a set for everyone with a passion to create. We have compiled a list of the Best Automotive LEGO Sets for the car enthusiast family members. Click the links below to shop any of the products featured in this special. Amazon LEGO Technic Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 $72.30 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Creator Expert Ford Mustang $149.99 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen T1 Camper Van $159.95 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender $199.99 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Creator Expert James Bond Aston Martin DB5 $238.98 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron $349.95 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 $379.99 Buy From Amazon Amazon LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS $669 Buy From Amazon

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2020

The New Porsche Design x Bric's Roadster Backpack Collect...

Whether it is head to toe fashion or sport-inspired clothing and accessories, Porsche Design has the collection for any owner or enthusiast. Porsche Design’s close partnership with Bric’s, a leader in luxury luggage, is just one of the many collaborations that result in high-quality premium products for the public. The newest release from Porsche Design x Bric’s is the Roadster Backpack collection, a series of both nylon and leather backpacks sized to help with daily or weekend commutes. The sizes for each style include extra small and medium, with all the necessary space for laptops, cell phones, planners, etc. Made from durable materials, the Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster collection not only looks great but also performs as a long-lasting accessory with the branding of German excellence. The Porsche Design x Bric’s Roadster Backpack Collection is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

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