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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 Edward Jones – July 21, 2020

New Hublot Big Bang Sky Blue is a Breath of Fresh Air

A new Hublot Big Bang is here and it's like having a Greek vacation on your wrist. Introducing the new Big Bang Sky Blue. The light blue color of the case and white accents on the dial and strap mimic the blue waters of the Aegean Sea against the lime-washed houses. If you've been looking for a new watch for summer, this is a perfect fit. The bezel and case of this watch are made of ceramic that's been polished and satin-finished. This material allows both of these components to be scratch-proof, so they won't get scuffed up during your summer adventures. If you happen to find yourself in the water during these hot months, the Big Bang Sky Blue is rated for 100m of water resistance. And let's face it, this watch would look fantastic in crystal clear waters. The Hublot Big Bang Sky Blue is limited to just 100 examples, so click the button below to contact Hublot if you'd like this stunning watch for yourself. Visit Hublot.com

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2020

Urwerk Debuts the New EMC Time Hunter in Desert Sage

Swiss watchmaker Urwerk has just debuted a new EMC Time Hunter in a stylish Desert Sage variant. This military beige finish on the case matches the design of the watch amazingly, accentuating the strong properties of it even further. The case is made of steel, while the caseback is comprised of titanium. Covering them is the ceramic-type lacquer treatment that allows the watch to be that more sturdy and it also gives the watch a matte finish that's befitting of military equipment. At the heart of the watch is the UR-EMC2 caliber that's crafted, finished, assembled and adjusted by Urwerk. Interestingly enough, the movement of this watch is a hybrid one that is both electronic and mechanical. The electronic 'control unit' measure the amplitude and deviation of the mechanical 'engine', and keeps it as precise as possible. With this movement, Urwerk ensures that the watch is always telling the correct time. It also boasts an 80-house power reserve. Only five pieces of this watch will be created. For more information, click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2020

Audemars Piguet Debuts New Code 11.59 Models

Audemars Piguet had launched a new lineup of Code 11.59 models a year after the official launch of the watch. This includes five new Selfwinding date, hour, minute and second references and five new Selfwinding Chronograph models. These new models consist of five different colors, blue, burgundy, purple, light grey and dark grey. Each watch measures 41 mm and is designed for both men and women. Coming with each watch is a hand-stitched alligator strap that matches the color of the dial, completing the look. You can see the entire collection in the gallery below and can learn more by visiting AudemarsPiguet.com when you click the button right down below. Visit AudemarsPiguet.com

By Edward Jones – July 10, 2020

New G-Shock x HondaJet Collaboration Watch Revealed

Casio G-Shock and HondaJet have just unveiled a new watch that's the result of a collaboration between the two famous brands. The new watch is called the GWR-B1000HJ-1A, which was designed off of the base model Triple G Resist Gravity Master. Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, was on-hand to oversee the design of the watch. He did a fantastic job overseeing because this watch is terrific. The carbon fiber construction of the watch is clearly visible, giving it a sporty appearance while also reducing weight and increasing its overall strength. One feature that many will notice right away is the indicator at 12 o'clock that is shaped like a HondaJet. Other notable features include the flight specs of the HondaJet on the band and a crown finish that mirrors the fan blades of a HondaJet engine. As for the overall color scheme, its white and metallic hies were chosen to mirror the latest HondaJet Elite. To learn more about this brand-new G-Shock, be sure to click the button below. Learn More on G-Shock.com Source: G-Shock.com

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

Zenith DEFY 21 Black Ceramic Boutique Edition Arrives in ...

Zenith once again reinvents the chronograph with its 1/100th of a second automatic chronograph movement, raising the bar of precision to unprecedented heights. Specially treated in a Zenith Blue tone, the 1/100th of a second chronograph movement visible through the open dial contrasts beautifully against the black ceramic case. A high-frequency revolution. The El Primero 21 is the culmination of over 50 years of perfecting the automatic chronograph at the Zenith manufacture. Equipped with two regulating organs and escapements, one beating at 5Hz for timekeeping, and the other at an incredible 50Hz to offer a true 1/100th of a second chronograph display, the El Primero 21 is the chronograph calibre of the 21st century. " width="680"> MOVEMENT El Primero COMPONENTS 293 FREQUENCY 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) POWER RESERVE min. 50 hours All about versatility, the DEFY 21 Black Ceramic Boutique edition comes with three straps: alligator leather with rubber, cordura-effect rubber and textured rubber. Exclusively available on their newly launched U.S. online boutique. Visit Zenith-Watches.com

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2020

Introducing the Hublot Big Bang Millennial Pink

Hublot has teamed up with Lapo Elkann, the founder and creative director of Garage Italia to create the new Big Bang Millennial Pink. The idea behind this watch was to create something that's gender-neutral. To accomplish this, they went with the Millenial Pink color which Hublot says can be described as powder pink, pastel, or even a blend of beige and salmon, apricot and grapefruit. "Millennial Pink takes its place today as a pink which is not in the exclusive realm of women, nor that of men, but truly a symbol of a completely new generation," notes Hublot. " width="680"> The 42 mm case is made of lightweight aluminum that's been anodized, satin-finished and through-tinted with the the Millennial Pink color-- Hublot's engineers actually achieve the pink color through anodization. Within this case is the Unico chronograph movement that boasts a 72-hour power reserve. As for straps, the Big Bang Millennial Pink comes with two: one made of rubber with a titanium-covered deployant buckle and one that's a mix of Velcro and knitted PES fabric with a sporty buckle. Only 200 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Millennial Pink will be produced, each coming with a price of $20,900. Learn More at Hublot.com

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2020

OMEGA Launches New 2020 Constellation Gents' Collection

OMEGA has just debuted their new Constellation Gents' collection, building upon the popular line's style. These new 41 mm watches include the features that have been found on the previous Constellation collection, like the claws and half-moon facets. As for material, the models can be comprised of either stainless steel, 18k gold or even a combination of the two. There is one of the watches in the collection that has a special stainless steel bezel with blackened Roman numerals that's quite stylish. One update that some may notice for these watches is that the hands have been given a slight slimline update and the indexes now draw inspiration from the Manhattan skyline. OMEGA says the Freedom Tower was most notably the inspiration behind the new design for the indexes. Straps included with the watches will either be made of leather with a rubber lining. For more information, click the button below. View Collection

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2020

Land Rover x Elliot Brown Watch is One of the World's Tou...

A new tough and stylish watch has been unveiled thanks to a collaboration between two brands who create gear for the adventurer. The new Land Rover x Elliot Brown Holton Professional watch was created to be the official timekeeper for theRow GB Challenge. This challenge will see four rowers setting off from Tower Bridge in London to row all the way around Great Britain. In total, they will row 2,000 unassisted miles. The Land Rover x Elliot Brown watch is perfect for this event as it's based on a watch built to withstand hard environments and even extreme military tests. In fact, the original Elliott Brown Holton Professional watch was developed alongside a specialist branch of the UK armed forces. See All Land Rover Defenders for Sale As for the watch and what makes it so tough, let's dig in. First, the case and strap bars are crafted out of marine-grade 316L stainless steel. To keep the internals of the watch safe, it has a bolted-down compressor caseback system as well as tripled-sealed crowns. This allows the watch to survive being submerged to depths of 200m. Elliot Brown also notes that the watch can survive the impact of a 6.6 lbs stainless mallet that inflicts around 5000G of force. The new Land Rover x Elliot Brown Holton Professional watch will be available in the U.S. later this year as part of Land Rover's "Above and Beyond" collection. Visit ElliotBrownWatches.com

By Edward Jones – July 06, 2020

Richard Mille Debuts Watch With a Brand-New Material Call...

With the launch of the new Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Winding Flyback Chronograph GMT, the watchmaker has introduced a new material to be used in their timepieces called 'Cermet.' This new grey material is exclusive to Richard Mille, as they were the ones who researched and created it. According to Richard Mille, this new material "combines the lightness of titanium and the hardness of a high-performance ceramic." What's more, it's density is also less than titanium but it's almost as hard as diamond. Because of these properties, Cermet is a perfect choice for a watch's bezel as they are so prone to be scratched and scuffed during daily wear. As for the watch that is debuting the Cermet material, the RM 11-05 Automatic Winding Flyback Chronograph GMT, it's limited to just 140 pieces. It features an orange and light blue color scheme that's similar to that of a Gulf Oil Livery. The automatic winding movement is skeletonized, making the dial look downright extraordinary. And, as the name suggests, this watch features a Flyback Chronograph. This function allows the wearer to reset the chronograph without have to stop it first. The new RM 11-05 Automatic Winding Flyback Chronograph GMT by Richard Mille is truly an extraordinary watch, so be sure to click the link below to learn more. Visit RichardMille.com Source: RichardMille.com

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2020

Laurent Ferrier Celebrates 10th Anniversary With the Clas...

Laurent Ferrier is celebrating their 10th anniversary with the new Classic Origin Opaline watch. This classical watch's sporty 40 mm case is made of Grade 5 titanium which houses the hand-wound Calibre LF 116.01 that can be seen through the case back. The movement is comprised of 150 components and 21 jewels and carries a power reserve of 80 hours. Displaying the time are Assegai-shaped hour and minute hands rotating above classic silvery-white opaline dial. Along with the seconds hand, the three hands are made of 18-carat white gold. Laurent Ferrier's new Classic Origin Opaline is truly a classical watch that would be a stylish addition to any collection. For more information, click the button below. Learn More

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