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 Edward Jones – December 10, 2019

Bentley Skis are Coming Just in Time for Winter

Bentley is heading into the winter with a new partnership that was just announced. Both Bentley and Bomber Ski will be teaming up to create new ski equipment. Helping the two companies out with the designs for the skis is Body Miller, the former Olympic skier and Bomber co-owner. The Limited Edition Centenary Skis are inspired by the EXP 100 GT concept car and will have just 100 examples created. They will also come with 24-karat gold-plated diamond-shape inspired. Bentley and Bomber Ski will also introduce the Black Diamond Edition ski, which will have 200 examples created. These ones come in gloss black and have a diamond motif that makes its way across the skis. You can purchase these skis at BomberSki.com or at Bomber retailers in January 2020. SEE ALL BENTLEYS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2019

New 'Bentley:100' Book Celebrates the English Automaker's...

In 2019, we celebrate Bentley Motors' 100th anniversary. This momentous milestone has been met with a multitude of magnificent limited-edition models and more. Now, Assouline has announced a new book that celebrates 100 years of Bentley. Called 'Bentley:100', this new volume shows off and details the 100 most important Bentley models of the past century. Stunning historical photos are found throughout the pages, as well as detailed explanations. The author is Andrew Frankel, a prominent British car journalist. Keeping all of the pages together is a hand-stitched leather-bound construction and a linen clamshell presentation case. Each book comes with a price of $1,450 and can be pre-ordered by clicking the button below. SHOP NOW Image Source: Assouline

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2019

Bentley Adds New Fragrance to Collection

Bentley Fragrances has just announced a new addition to Bentley Beyond - The Collection. This new scent is called Rich Pimento and was inspired by Havana, Cuba. Rich Pimento is a fragrance created by master perfumer Karine Dubreuil-Sereni. The inspiration for her new fragrance was the "sensuous appeal of Cuba." To create the rich note of the fragrance, she blended scents such as grapefruit, red pimento, cedarwood, tonka bean, bergamot, black pepper and more. This blend results in a deep and rich scent that's reminiscent of a dark rum's aroma. Here's a breakdown of the notes: Head Notes: Bergamot from Italy, Rhubarb, GrapefruitHeart Notes: Pink and Black Pepper, Red Pimento, Geranium, Bourbon, OlibanumBase Notes: Patchouli Indonesia, Cedarwood China, Tonka bean, Amber You have to admit, that sounds like it smells lovely. This unisex fragrance is available for purchase at Bentley-Fragrances.com and at Harrods in London. SEE ALL BENTLEYS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2019

Porsche Driver’s Selection Holiday Gifts

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Tequipment Summer Wheel Sets For areas of the country where warm weather is a constant, good temperatures and smooth roads go hand-in-hand to bring out the best Porsche vehicle performance, all year. Tequipment Summer Wheel Sets help complete the experience, with light-alloy rims and Porsche N-spec tires designed for your Porsche vehicle’s optimum handling, cornering, acceleration and response times. And their styles accentuate your Porsche vehicle’s design lines and contours. To refresh your vehicle’s look or increase its performance, stop in to order and get installation by factory-trained technicians at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Taycan Lifestyle Merchandise from Porsche Driver’s Selection Soul. Electrified. The new Porsche Taycan spells “thrilling” in an especially electrifying way and our Taycan lifestyle merchandise for men and women fits the theme of this ground-breaking new vehicle. With clear lines, smart details, urban looks and functional features, our newest collection from Porsche Driver’s Selection makes clear what the new Taycan brings to the streets: intelligent technology, uncompromising design, and enthusiasm. See page 8 of our Fall 2019 PDS Online Flipbook for Taycan Collection merchandise. Then place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Porsche Driver’s Selection Holiday Gifts for Women Women’s apparel items from Porsche Driver’s Selection this Holiday Season include sporty shirts, elegant blouses, warm jackets and attractive accessories from our current collections. In a variety of cuts and colors, Porsche Driver’s Selection apparel suits your Porsche lifestyle, whether you are going to the track, the beach or shopping in town. To order, click this link: Porsche Online Shop/ For Her. Or place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. MORE INFORMATION

By Edward Jones – December 03, 2019

Air Jordan 14 SE "Black Ferrari" for Sale Now

The new Air Jordan 14 SE "Black Ferrari" sneakers are now up for sale on Nike.com. These come in after the "Reverse Ferrari" Air Jordans that were released earlier this year. These new shoes come with an all-black style that's contrasted by red "trim." Carbon fiber accents are also prominent on the mudguards. The sides of the shoes are covered in both perforated leather and quilted wool. Altogether, they give off the same kind of style you'd expect from the cabin of a Ferrari supercar. They're for sale now with a price of $200, but they're going quick. Click the button below to see if they still have your size available. SHOP NOW Source: Nike.com

Large-11572-McLaren-announces-TUMI-as-official-luggage-partner

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2019

TUMI is Now McLaren's Official Luggage Partner

McLaren and TUMI have juts announced a new partnership, making the luggage brand the official luggage partner of the famous English automaker. Tumi will be creating business and travel essentials for the McLaren brand. They say the first luggage collection will be released in late 2020. "McLaren supercar owners the world-over value the experience of travel with a clear emphasis on performance, luxury and style," says Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. "We see that echoed by TUMI who, like McLaren, pursue a like-minded focus on the innovative use of lightweight materials and optimized performance all brought together by a holistic design-led approach." SEE ALL MCLARENS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2019

Motorsport Treasures For Race Lovers At No Reserve

Presented by RM Sotheby's - The greatest moments of the modern era in Formula 1 racing are represented in this outstanding collection of memorabilia and collectibles. From large-scale handmade models, to racing helmets and suits, there is a particular emphasis on the late-’80s, ’90s and early 2000s, as well as the legendary achievements of FIA Formula One World Championship drivers, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Hosted on RM Sotheby’s new online auction platform, this remarkable selection of lots offers F1 fans and enthusiasts the chance to acquire their very own piece of motorsport and automotive history through the 103 exceptional lots on offer. Bidding for the collection was open at 1:00 pm ET on Friday, 22 November, and will run through Monday, 2 December at 1:00 pm ET. The following are a few of the exciting highlights for those who want to take away a priceless piece of automotive art: McLaren Honda Signed Helmet, 1988 (Est. $50,000 - $70,000) This iconic racing helmet, bearing the colors of the Brazilian flag, is from the first championship year of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna. Signed by Ayrton Senna. The signature is believed to be authentic. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM McLaren Honda Racing Suit, 1988 (Est. $10,000 - $20,000) This iconic racing suit is from Ayrton Senna’s first Formula 1 championship season with McLaren Honda in 1988. It is hardly worn, if at all, and is thought to have possibly been used for promotional purposes. During that incredible year, Senna rewrote the record books en route to his first of three World Championships. His eight wins beat the record of seven held by Jim Clark (1963) and teammate Alain Prost (1984). His 13 pole positions also handily beat the nine by Nelson Piquet (1984). LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari Signed Helmet, 1998 (Est. $15,000 - $20,000) Signed helmet from the 2nd-place contestant in the 1998 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, Michael Schumacher. Signed by Michael Schumacher. The signature is believed to be authentic. Includes carrying bag. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari Signed Helmet, 2001 (Est. $15,000 - $20,000) This signed Michael Schumacher Ferrari helmet is from his 2001 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship season. Signed and dated on the visor by Michael Schumacher. The signature is believed to be authentic. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Michael Schumacher Racing Suit, 1996 (Est. $10,000 - $20,000) In 1996 Schumacher joined Ferrari, a team that had last won the Drivers’ Championship in 1979 and the Constructors’ Championship in 1983. Schumacher finished 3rd in the drivers’ standings that year and helped Ferrari to 2nd place in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of his former team, Benetton. That year he won three races, including the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Ferrari’s first win on its home soil since 1988. Presented here is a racing suit from Michael Schumacher’s inaugural year with Scuderia Ferrari, an incredible 11-season career that earned him five Drivers’ Championships and a title as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers ever. Framed and mounted in a large display case. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Ferrari F2002 Tipo 051/B/C V-10 Engine, 2002 (Est. $50,000 - $70,000) Designed by Paolo Martinelli, the Ferrari Tipo 051/B/C engine was the heart of one of the most successful Formula 1 cars of all time, the F2002. Campaigned in 19 races in 2002 and 2003, the F2002 won an astonishing 15 grands prix with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello behind the wheel. This earned Scuderia Ferrari back-to-back Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2002 and 2003. The Ferrari Tipo 051/B/C is an over-800 hp, 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-10. While not the strongest engine on the grid in 2002, its lighter, compact design and low center of gravity gave the F2002 excellent handling. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Gilles Villeneuve and Jody Scheckter Ferrari 312 T4 Wings, 1979 While Ferrari’s 312 T4 wasn’t introduced until the third round of the 1979 Formula 1 season at Kyalami, the car quickly proved to be a fierce contender. With Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve behind the wheel, the 312 T4 clinched six wins that season, three each for both drivers. A key aspect of what made the car so competitive was its new “ground effect” design and revised aerodynamics, and this front and rear wing certainly played an important role in the team’s success. These are must-have pieces for any fan of Scuderia Ferrari. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Michael Schumacher 2001 Ferrari F2001 Model (Est. $4,000 - $6,000) The F2001 was campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari for the 2001 Formula 1 season and was highly successful. Piloted by Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, the team won an astounding nine grands prix, with at least one driver achieving a podium finish at each race. The season earned Scuderia Ferrari the coveted Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. However, it was at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza that the team showed their true colors. The race was held on 16 September 2001, and as a sign of respect, Ferrari stripped their cars of all advertising, leaving only the racing number and Prancing Horse, and painted the nose cones black. This large 1:5 scale model by Bell Sports Models features the unique no-logo livery as driven by Michael Schumacher at that solemn race. He would finish in 4th, which, aside from two earlier retirements, was the only race he did not finish on the podium. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM Ayrton Senna Lotus Renault 98T Signed Steering Wheel and Racing Gloves, 1986 (Est. $5,000 - $10,000) Ayrton Senna started the 1986 season well, finishing 2nd in Brazil and then winning the Spanish Grand Prix by a hair over Nigel Mansell. However, Senna’s second and final win of the season would come at the U.S. Grand Prix at Detroit. He would ultimately finish 4th in the drivers’ standings again. Offered is an exceptional piece of F1 memorabilia from Senna’s time in the Lotus Renault 98T. Mounted and framed in an attractive display case is a used Momo steering wheel along with a pair of well-worn Stand 21 driving gloves. The steering wheel is signed by Ayrton Senna in gold pen, while the left-hand glove is signed across the knuckles. The signatures are believed to be authentic. Also included is a framed correspondence confirming the authenticity of the pieces. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM “the flying finn 2” by Thierry Thompson, No. 45/500 This limited-edition print captures the second coming of the “Flying Finn,” Kimi Räikkönen, en route to his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix. Included is also a 1:43 scale model commemorating Kimi Räikkönen’s first F1 win. The print is signed by Kimi Räikkönen and the artist. The signatures are believed to be authentic. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM

By Edward Jones – November 25, 2019

"Shelby American": Adam Carolla and Nate Adam Tell the St...

Adam Carolla and Nate Adams have released their new documentary that tells the story of the legend known as Carroll Shelby. The trailer, which can be seen below, gives us a glimpse of the documentary's incredible footage. A lot of historical footage and imagery are used in "Shelby American" that you've probably never seen before. If you loved the "Ford v Ferrari" film, this new film will give you an even deeper look into the life, career and legacy of Carroll Shelby. You can learn more and purchase "Shelby American" by visiting Chassy.com. https://vimeo.com/371727046 Featured Image via Vimeo Screenshot

By Edward Jones – November 22, 2019

Porsche Gifts: For the Porsche Enthusiast in Your Life

Presented by Porsche Cars North America - Log more miles, even from a standing start. Finish strong with our new Motorsport Trainer Shoes from PDS. These lightweight trainers provide maximum stability and optimum grip: the perfect fit for winning at home or on the go. With our integrated Engineering Stability Zone in the two-layer midsole for optimal balance, this shoe has highly effective, breathable cushioning. Stop in today to order at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information Race-ready Fanwear Whether you’re trackside on race days or street side on off days, our Motorsport FANWEAR Hoodie is the perfect shield from the cool winter winds... sportswear for those who share a passion for performance. Order in grey or black at the PDS Online Shop. Or place your order at your authorized Porsche dealer. MORE INFORMATION Here’s to the victory lap! Prepare for the victory and then celebrate the success with our new Martini Racing Long Drink Glasses. With the same sleek design you’d expect from Porsche, keep these on hand for all of life’s winning moments. See page 72 of our Fall 2019 PDS Online Flipbook for this and other Porsche Martini merchandise. Then place your order for Martini Racing Long Drink Glasses at your authorized Porsche dealer. more information

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

Puma Motorsport x Porsche Design Hybrid Shoes Released

Puma Motorsport and Porsche Design have just dropped their new Hybrid Runner Style shoes just in time for the holidays. If you have any Porsche fans that also happen to be sneakerheads, these are a perfect gift. These new shoes are comprised of a combination of breathable mesh, IGNITE foam and NRGY beads. Each of these materials combines to create an comfortable shoe that's also quite stylish. They are available in either black or tan, each of them coming with carbon inserts and a roughened leather surface. Click the button below to order a pair for yourself or someone you know. SHOP NOW Source: Porsche-Design.us

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe