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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 – June 10, 2020

New Ulysse Nardin Diver X Cape Horn & Nemo Point Watches ...

The new Ulysse Nardin Diver X Cape Horn and Diver X Nemo Point watches were unveiled as watches dedicated to the explorers of the world. More specifically, these watches are a tribute to the Vendée Globe race, which takes sailors around the world. These sailors pass through Nemo Point, a location in the ocean that's the furthest from land, and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America. Because of that route, Ulysse Nardin has named these two watches after them. The Diver X Cape Horn has a yellow/black color scheme while the Diver X Nemo Point has a blue/red color scheme. These special edition watches are extremely limited and come in two different color styles, but both have the UN-118 movement for the most accuracy no matter where the winds take you. While these watches are incredibly special in their own right, what's more special is that they are actually available for sale right now, online. You can click the buttons below to shop these watches on Ulysse-Nardin.com. The Diver X Nemo Point has a price tag of $8,900 while the Diver X Cape Horn is priced at $9,900. Shop Diver X Cape Horn Shop Diver X Nemo Point

By Edward Jones – June 08, 2020

HYT Soonow Instant Rainbow: A Beautiful Display of Gems a...

HYT Watches has a new take on their Soonow watch that's utterly brilliant. And when I say brilliant, I mean it. The new Soonow Instant Rainbow takes the design and fluidic design of the Soonow and adds in a rainbow of gems. For the fluid module, there's a combination of blue and yellow that trace around the skull in the center of the dial. Within the skull are 313 18-carat yellow gold pins that stick out, giving it a three-dimensional visual. Surrounding the skull are 688 sapphires, amethysts, and tsavorites in 14 color combinations. These gems, along with the violet anodized titanium dial, create a stunning display that is truly brilliant. HYT also added color to the eyes of the skull. Both eyes have colorful designs that run through the color spectrum, but the right eye shows the power reserve while the left is the seconds indicator. To learn more, click the button below to visit HYTWatches.com Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 05, 2020

New Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic Revealed

Alpina, a Swiss watch manufacturer that was in 1883, has just unveiled their new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line. The word "Gyre" is a reference to the start-up Gyre Watch who sources recycled material and gyres, circular ocean currents where a vast majority of the plastic waste in the ocean can be found. With this partnership, they have made the new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic's case out of fishing nets that have been recycled. Alpina has created the new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range in five different variations, including three men's models and two ladies' models. Each of these watches is powered by the AL-525 automatic movement that includes hours, minutes, seconds hands and it also tells the date. Each of the editions will be limited to just 1,883 pieces, a reference to the year that Alpina was founded. Each will come with an eco-friendly box that includes recycled material. Alpina will be launching this new line on June 8th, 2020, which happens to be World Oceans Day. A coincidence? Absolutely not. Alpina is aiming to draw attention to the major ocean cleanups that need to take place if we want to preserve our oceans. Additionally, Alpina is supporting the Surfrider Foundation Europe with the launch of this new watch. To learn more, be sure to click the button below. View the Seastrong Collection Source: AlpinaWatches.com

By Edward Jones – June 04, 2020

Richard Mille RM 020: A Tourbillon for your Pocket

The pocket watch has long been forgotten by many, but not by Richard Mille. The watchmaker has unveiled their new RM 020, a manual winding tourbillon pocket watch that's the perfect accessory for your pocket. It maintains not only the of Richard Mille watches, but also the incredible ingenuity and engineering. One of the craziest facts is that the RM 020 has a power reserve of about ten days, thanks to the two directly engaged winding barrels.Holding the calibre in place is the carbon nanofiber baseplate, that's not only light, but it also ensures the movement's integrity no matter the situation. Richard Mille has also made the bridges, case and screws out of Grade 5 Titanium, which is not only durable but stylish. For more information about Richard Mille's extraordinary RM 020 pocketwatch, be sure to click the button below. Visit RichardMille.com Source: RichardMille.com

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2020

MB&F x H. Moser & Cie. Announce Two New Collections

MB&F has teamed up with H. Moser & Cie. to launch two new collections, but their relationship has been going on for just about a decade. In fact, Precision Engineering, a sister company of H. Moster, has been supplying hairsprings to MB&F for the past several years. Because of the closeness between the two, they have collaborated in a way where we see a collection launching from each brand but they both feature the DNA from each other. First is the LM101 MB&F X H. MOSER from MB&F. This new timepiece features floating time and power reserve subdials, and it features H. Moser's double hairspring beats for the first time in an MB&F. It's available in four different fumé dials: Funky Blue, Red, Cosmic Green and – exclusively for our retail partners in Dubai, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons – an Aqua Blue edition. Each of these are limited to just 15 examples. Learn More Next is the Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser x MB&F from H. Moser. Just like how the new LM101 features DNA from H. Moser, this watch has been injected with MB&F DNA. This comes in the form of the titled dial that's used in MB&F's LM FlyingT and LM Thunderdome. It also features a cylindrical hairspring that controls the tourbillon. This one comes with five different colored dials, all limited to 15: Funky Blue fumé dial, Cosmic Green fumé dial, Burgundy fumé dial, Off-White fumé dial and Ice Blue dial. Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 03, 2020

TAG Heuer Launches New Smartwatch Made for Golf

Golfers can add a new item to their course loadout when its tee time as TAG Heuer has just launched their new Golf Edition Connected watch. This new watch utilizes TAG Heuer's golf app which offers a myriad of features that are built around golf. For example, it includes 3D mapping, hazard distance, shot tracking, scorecards, pro scores and the new Driving Zone feature. With this new watch, the Driving Zone is a new feature that can show wearers the best zone to target when teeing off, all depending on their previous rounds. This app can display 99% of golf courses around the world (40,000 maps) with 3D mapping and regular updates. To tell time, TAG Heuer has included five custom-designed digital watch faces that include both mechanical or digital-inspired designs with emerald green to match the watch's accent color. Onto the construction, it comes in a 45-mm titanium case with a matte black ceramic bezel. Matched with the case is a white rubber strap with green stitching and a dimpled texture similar to that of a golf ball. This watch not only acts as the perfect golfing companion, but it's great for everyday wear as it's powered by Wear OS by Google. This means it can support Google Assistant, Google Translate, Google Pay and more. Coming with the watch is a travel pouch and accessory box with TAG Heuer-branded tees, divot tool, golf balls and an extra black rubber strap. You can purchase this watch now for $2,550 on TAGHeuer.com. Click the button below for more information. Shop Now Source: TAG Heuer

By Edward Jones – May 29, 2020

G-Shock Frogman Gets Analog Display for the First Time

G-Shock's popular Frogman watch is getting a new variant that is set to be a first for the model. Now, you'll be able to purchase a G-Shock Frogman with an analog display. This new model is called the GWFA1000-1A2 and it continues the tradition that was set by the series since it all began in 1993. Now, the watch comes with multiple features display in an analog manner, like home time, dual time, tide information, and dive time. As for the construction, it has a carbon monocoque structure that includes the case and back cover. Because of its sturdy construction, it's rated with ISO 200m diver-level water resistance. Even though it may be analog, it still includes some technology. Wearers can use an always-connected Bluetooth system that allows them to configure the watch's setting from their phone instead of the watch buttons. The G-Shock Connected app that's used for this can also provide tide information and diving log records as well. You can learn more about this incredible watch by clicking the button below. It's for sale at a price of $800. Shop Now Source: GSHOCK.com

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2020

Bell & Ross Reveals New Limited Edition White Camo Watch

Bell & Ross is back again with a new limited edition watch that features a stylish white camouflage design. Called the BR 03-92 White Camo, this watch features the Bell & Ross calibre BR-CAL.302 automatic movement that includes hours, minutes, seconds and date functions. As for the dial, it dons the black camo pattern with black Super-LumiNova®. The case has a width of 42mm and comes in matte black ceramic that's paired with either the black rubber strap or calfskin white camo strap. Bell & Ross knows just how popular this camo design is and they hit it out of the park with this new watch. If you're looking for a modern and eye-catching watch that would pair well with a monochromatic outfit, here you go. It comes with a $3,800 price tag and can be purchased by clicking the button below. Shop Now Source: Bell & Ross

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2020

Jacob & Co. Unveil New 'Scarface' Timepiece

Jacob & Co. have been hard at work creating a complex and magnificent timepiece that honors the film 'Scarface'. Within this watch are so many details that cannot be overlooked if you want to truly appreciate it. Called the Scarface Opera, it follows the path of the other Opera timepieces in Jacob & Co.'s collection. This path is one of music. Yes, this Scarface can actually play a song but not just any song. Jacob & CO. worked with NBC/Universal Pictures to be able to use not only the image of the title character Tony Montana but also the song "Bolivia" from the movie. The integrated Swiss music box can play the 120-note song when activated by the pusher at 10 o'clock. In total, there are 658 individual parts that make up the Scarface Opera, including an incredibly complex triple-axis high-speed tourbillon. There are two different variations of this watch, one with a Black DLC Grade 5 Titanium case and the other with an 18k Rose Gold case. You can learn more about this phenomenal timepieces by click the button below. View Collection

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2020

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Announced

Omega has made two very special announcements, both being related to each other. The first is that they will be the Official Timekeeper of the 36th America's Cup, the third time that they have served this role. On top of this, Omega has also announced the new Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition watch. This new watch has a blue ceramic diving bezel that includes white and red liquid ceramic that marks a 5-minute countdown for racing. On the white dial, the name of the competition can be found to commemorate the event. Omega also included the America's Cup logo as a counterweight for the central seconds hand. If you turn the watch around, you'll also find the competition's logo on the sapphire crystal. If you're a fan of sailing, contact your local boutique to inquire about this watch or shop online and be sure to watch the 36th America's Cup when it sets sail in March 2021.

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