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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 02, 2022

Formawerx Releases The All-New Custom Legends Heritage De...

Update your classic Land Rover key with a proper replacement from Formawerx. In the wonderfully vast world of Land Rover aftermarket parts lies a wormhole of accessories and add-ons that help transform any example into an off-road excursion specialist. The team at Formawerx art focuses on reimagining the simplicity of a car key as a true piece of art, incorporating state-of-the-art design with premium materials. Formawerx is proud to announce its release of the new Legends Heritage Defender, the key built to commemorate owners and the special adventure vehicles that keep them on the road. The Legends Heritage Defender is machined completely from Perpetua Stainless Steel and features a nearly indestructible lightweight and reliable construction. MUST-READ: Amalgam Debuts Its New Limited-Edition 1:12-Scale Ferrari Portofino M Model With a stealth-like matte black finish, the Formawerx key adds a personal touch by including a brass plate with custom engravings of each owner’s vehicle specs. The Formawerx Legends Heritage Defender comes compatible with all Land Rover Defender models from 1983 to 2017, along with various early-era Austin Mini, Lotus, and Maserati models. Packaging for the luxury accessory includes the key piece, authenticator placard, key preservation capsule, and a polishing cloth. The all-new Formawerx Legends Heritage Defender key is currently available for $450. View all of the current Land Rover Defender examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and automotive news. View All Land Rover Defender For Sale Source: Formawerx

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 02, 2022

Amalgam Debuts Its New Limited-Edition 1:12-Scale Ferrari...

The model that looks just as good as the actual Italian supercar. While the goal of owning a pristine Ferrari continues for most automotive enthusiasts, the art of collecting small-scale models proves to be a lifetime hobby no matter your age. The creative professionals at Amalgam pride themselves on offering a growing collection of fine car models that present the most accurate details aside from the actual vehicles each represents. Amalgam is proud to introduce a new addition to its fleet of luxury scale models, the 1:12 scale Ferrari Portofino M. After a recent approval from the design team at Ferrari, the model now enters its production life for its bright future as an artistic stand-alone piece to complement any garage, office, or home. The 1:12 scale Ferrari Portofino M by Amalgam is a part of a limited 199-piece release, which is available to be built as bespoke models to match an owner’s specification. MUST-READ: View the Insane Details of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Model by Amalgam Collection The exterior and interior achieve their spec styling with a 2,000-hour development process that includes precisely engineered parts, castings, paint codes, and original CAD designs directly from Ferrari. Each Amalgam 1:12 scale Ferrari Portofino M goes through a 200-hour build, incorporating every last detail of the Italian supercar down to its 612-horsepower 3.9-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 engine. As production begins for the new Amalgam release, the 1:12 scale Ferrari Portofino M will be available for bespoke configuration exclusively through Ferarri Dealerships starting at $3,209. Click on the link below to check out the Ferrari Portofino M model from Amalgam, as well as their collection of other luxury vehicle models. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and supercar news. Shop Now Source: Amalgam

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2022

Shop The Exclusive Santo x Mercedes-Benz Gallery Collecti...

Discover artistic excellence through the Santo x Mercedes-Benz Collection. While the automotive industry continues to grow with new supercar additions that sport state-of-the-art design, performance, and technology, collectors and enthusiasts celebrate the early examples that help pave the way for leading manufacturers. The fine art professionals at Santo Gallery specialize in encapsulating iconic models through exclusive high-resolution prints made to complement any home or office. Santo is proud to announce its newest collaboration collection with the legacy automotive brand Mercedes-Benz. MUST-READ: Shop The Magnus Walker Collection By Santo Gallery Available Now The collection series highlights three iconic variations of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL including a light blue metallic 1954 Gullwing Coupe, a white 1955 Gullwing Coupe, and a black 1963 Roadster. With a combined value of over $7.8 million, each vehicle was handled by specialized transporters and drivers to Los Angeles, CA for a private photoshoot with photographer Daniel Malikyar. Malikyar’s relationship with Mercedes-Benz began when he was selected as their youngest director to create a branded short film for the 2021 Oscars. The series launches on Friday, January 14th at 9 AM EST and is available exclusively on Santo’s website for a limited time only. All images arrive framed and are offered in 5 sizes, with prices ranging from $225 - $1,625. Click the link below to shop all of the artwork from the limited-edition Santo x Mercedes-Benz Collection. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Shop Santo x Mercedes-Benz Source: Santo

By Edward Jones – April 12, 2022

Experience Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems' New Momen...

Presented by Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems. The Momentum HD Preamplifier and Momentum M400 MxV Mono Amplifiers combine to create the foundation of a reference-level music system capable of rendering voices and instruments with an intoxicating lushness and richness. Fine-grain details and delicate musical shadings are fully extracted from any record, disc, or streaming source. Coupled to this resolution, the Momentum System delivers musical dynamics with a visceral impact that is thrilling to experience. Achieving the Momentum System performance level requires an approach that borders on the fanatical. Every area of design from mechanical integrity, construction materials, and electrical isolation is evaluated, refined, and optimized to achieve the engaging music playback that defines the Momentum System. The heart of the Momentum System is the Momentum HD Preamplifier. Executed using two structures, the power supply circuitry is isolated in the lower chassis with the sensitive audio circuitry in the upper unit. Custom-designed components, circuit boards, and mechanical assemblies are featured throughout the unit including a Bluetooth remote control that eliminates line of sight requirements and extends operating range. Machined from a solid block of Aluminum, the core of the Momentum M400 MxV Mono Amplifiers houses a 400 Watt powerhouse of an amplifier that is surprisingly compact for this power output. A large power reserve and output capability is crucial to speaker performance and ultimate sound quality. Starting with a custom-designed power transformer and culminating in a unique output stage circuit, the Momentum M400 MxV delivers the perfect signal to any connected loudspeaker. Copper heatsinks aid in cooling the amplifier with an elegant solution that is unique in the industry. Altogether, the Momentum System is the centerpiece of a reference caliber audio system. As with all Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems' components, the Momentum models are hand-built in their Arizona facility by a team of dedicated technicians and craftspeople. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2022

LEGO Technic Releases The New 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Bu...

Take the new LEGO x Mercedes-Benz creation off-road. The fleet of automotive-inspired LEGO build sets continues to grow as manufacturers release new and improved models. LEGO is taking its newest creation from the race track to the off-road circuit with a Mercedes-Benz as the main focus. The all-new LEGO 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck offers an engaging build for collectors and fans of trial trucks, featuring a 2,129-piece design that includes functioning parts and authentic styling. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros includes a life-like 4x4 suspension that works in unison with other components like the detailed gearbox, locking differential and engine. LEGO adds a race-themed sticker set and accessories to mimic the actual race truck that participates in the grueling desert excursions. The RC app-controlled LEGO® Technic™ truck is powered using a Bluetooth-controlled smart hub, 3-large motors, and one medium motor included in the set. The all-new LEGO Technic 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros is currently available for $299.99 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury gear news and releases. Shop Now Source: LEGO Technic

By Edward Jones – March 28, 2022

View the Insane Details of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport...

Hard to believe this isn't the real car. Bugatti is known for their exquisite craftsmanship when it comes to building their vehicles, whether they be the classic Type 57 SC Atlantic, new Chiron hypercar and everything in between. From the interior to the exterior, nothing is overlooked and everything is immaculate. And it's that reason why Amalgam Collection's 1:8 scale model of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is so impressive. On Instagram, Amalgam Collection posted a gallery of new photos taken of their 1:8 scale Veyron Grand Sport model. If you take a glance at the images, found below, you'll think you're looking at the real car but it actually measures in at around 24-inches in length. To ensure that the model is a faithful recreation, the team at Amalgam Collection used the original CAD design and took a digital scan of the original car. This allowed them to recreate even the most minute details, like the stitching pattern and even the grille. It's extraordinarily impressive, but to Amalgam Collection, this is just what they do. Click the button below to learn more about this model and even pick one up for yourself. The 1:8 scale Veyron Grand Sport model is limited to just 99 pieces, so act quick if you're interested. View On AmalgamCollection.com View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amalgam Collection (@amalgamcollectionmodels)

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 25, 2022

Lamborghini and 24Bottles Release New 2022 Clima Bottle a...

Lamborghini is collaborating yet again with 24Bottles on two new special edition Lamborghini products. Last year, in celebration of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Lamborghini partnered with 24Bottles to create a special-edition version of the brand’s Clima Bottle that pays homage to the car by evoking the car’s camouflage pattern in its design. For 2022, Lamborghini and 24Bottles have decided to collaborate again, now with two products, a travel tumbler, and a Clima Bottle, with a new design for the 2022 edition products. MUST READ: The GearBox: Lamborghini Super SUV Style This new design uses the iconic Lamborghini hexagon as its inspiration, and displays repeated Lamborghini hexagons with an iridescent effect on them. The bottles are made of 18/8 stainless steel and are able to keep drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. The travel tumblers also feature the ability to be 100% airtight and leakproof, which makes them perfect for people who are on the move and need their drink to keep up. If you want to take a sip of the Lamborghini lifestyle, now is your chance. Source: Lamborghini

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 22, 2022

Gunther Werks Releases A Limited Edition 1:10 Carbon Fibe...

The 911 spirit shouldn’t stop at your garage door. Gunther Werks is a coachbuilder, known for its incredible recreations of the final air-cooled generation of the 993 Porsche 911. It’s a brand that expresses the spirit of classic Porsche 911s and 911 history in a way that is only exceeded by Porsche itself, and along with those coachbuilt 911s, the brand also produces carbon fiber accessories and other 911-related accessories that offer aerodynamics and style for your car, as well as your home. MUST READ: The GearBox: Turbo S Attire GW9, Gunther Werk’s accessories outfit’s latest effort, is a 1:10 scale Gunther Werks Speed Form of a classic 911, constructed purely of carbon fiber. It’s a striking piece of home decor, finished in gloss black and perfect as a conversation starter or accent piece for any coffee table, desk, or shelf. To add to that, the Gunther Werks Speed Form is a limited edition, making it all the more rare, unique, and collectible. At $250, a passionate Porsche 911 enthusiast would be hard-pressed to find a better way to bring their love for one of the world’s most prolific sports cars beyond their garage. Source: Gunther Werks

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2022

LEGO Announces A New Back To The Future DeLorean DMC-12 B...

Build one of the most famous automotive movie cameos in history. The DeLorean DMC-12 first hit the automotive market in 1981, but ultimately made its fame as the star car in the popular movie series Back To The Future. The motion picture trilogy starring actors Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the DeLorean is reimagined as a futuristic time machine that runs specifically on radioactive plutonium. The creative team at LEGO Creator Expert is proud to present the Back To The Future Time Machine as the newest addition to the collection of automotive-inspired build sets. The limited-edition set presents three individual build configurations that accurately recreate the DMC-12s from each movie, which include the original time machine, the future is here, and back to the ol’ west. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The 1,812-piece set is part of a range of building sets designed for adult building fans who love stunning design, intricate details, and elegant architecture. Alongside functioning doors and light-up features, the LEGO DeLorean DMC-12 also includes Marty McFly and Doc miniature figurines and other key movie accessories. Commemorating the special release that celebrates the iconic DeLorean, LEGO Technic adds an authenticity plaque that highlights the specs of the time machine. The all-new LEGO Creator Expert Back To The Future Time Machine build set will be available for purchase on April 1st for $169.99. Click the link below for more details on the new LEGO set and to prep for the highly-anticipated release. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. LEGO Back To The Future DeLorean DMC-12 Source: LEGO

By Edward Jones – March 18, 2022

What Will Your Supercar Capsule Look Like?

Presented by Supercar Capsule. Luxury experience, extravagant cars and extraordinary design are synonymous with Supercar Capsule. The Italian architecture firms ASZarchitetti and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN* have seamlessly combined these symbols of success and created the trademark SuperCar Capsule. SCC is a bespoke turnkey collection of state-of-the-art displays that showcase limited-edition supercars at home. Each high-tech supercar capsule outfitting provides a statement centerpiece that allows owners and their guests to appreciate the fine craftsmanship of one or more supercars. ASZarchitetti and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN* have effortlessly blended essential garaging into the interior design of a private home to create a prominent display space for the car to be admired in everyday life. Supercar Capsule designers will remodel an existing garage or design a new space to house a supercar. The bespoke designs include an impressive array of finishes, fully controllable lighting effects of extraordinary quality. Various color schemes will highlight each supercar’s individual personality and aesthetics. Each capsule can seamlessly include a plethora of lifestyle trappings to create an immersive and highly unique experience. Designers can incorporate video walls, generative music, a wine cellar or mini bar, a cigar humidor and a barista-inspired coffee machine. The capsules are perfectly climatized with accoustic panels for the supercar owner and friends to enjoy the pure throaty sound of its engine. The architects and designers carefully consider each capsule, vehicular access and overall spatial value of each villa to ensure each supercar is viewed from the most conspicuous and appealing angle. Each supercar is showcased as a prized possession and asset in a sculptural form to accentuate its curves, design appeal and uniqueness. For over two decades, ASZarchitetti and SUPERFUTUREDESIGN* have provided multi-award-winning and novel design solutions for their exacting clients. Each supercar capsule has boundless opportunities for personalized design, individuality and customization. The capsules are all designed in situ and made to measure. The design process includes dialogue with the owners to ensure that the capsule aligns with their needs, style, property peculiarities and, of course, the garage or carport space available. SCC has created various blueprints with predefined configurations to maintain efficacy throughout the design and build process. Buyers have the option to merge their capsule into their living space so that it becomes part of the interiors and adds an entirely new dimension to the luxury car ownership experience. If their home has a garage, the designers can remodel the interior to give it a refreshing appeal with new finishes, lighting effects, and color schemes. Entirely separate capsules can also be constructed as detached showrooms and positioned in pride of place in the heart of a garden, close to a swimming pool or in another favorite location of a property. The external-use standalone capsules are pre-engineered and configured for tech, studio or loft usage. Contact us via email to consult with Supercar Capsule’s designers to realize your supercar dream. Visit Website

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