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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 – April 08, 2026

Bianchet's UltraFino Maserati Turns Supercar DNA Into a Watch

Whether exploring the unknown depths of the ocean or setting serious lap times on an open circuit, watches have long been engineered as tools first and luxury accessories second. The connection between haute horology and motorsports has always been historic and influential, only further evolving as the cars get faster and watches get more complex. That crossover continues, as Maserati partnered with Bianchet to debut the UltraFino Maserati at Watches and Wonders 2026, celebrating 100 years of the Trident. The UltraFino Maserati takes inspiration from the Maserati MCPURA, which first debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as a study in lightweight performance. With its carbon-fiber monocoque and twin-turbo Nettuno V6 pushing 630 horsepower, the MCPURA is really about balance and efficiency, similar to Bianchet’s approach to watchmaking.The open-worked dial mirrors the MCPURA’s wheel design, specifically its triple split-spoke design, which naturally forms a trident shape. Structurally, it’s all very much in line with what you’d expect from a modern luxury sports watch, like titanium for the bridges, carbon fiber for the case, and a focus on keeping weight down. Even the shock resistance, rated to 5,000 G, is a subtle nod to the forces a car like the MCPURA is engineered to deal with.The movement, Bianchet’s UT01, is where things get more interesting. At 3.85 mm thick, it’s pushing into slim territory for something that still features a flying tourbillon. It’s made of 225 components, all hand-finished in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The watch measures at just under 10mm thick and weighs 36 grams without a strap, which, given the materials involved, is part of the story. Limited to 100 pieces, Maserati and Bianchet’s new UltraFino Maserati Flying Tourbillon is engineered to celebrate racing heritage while inspiring the future. All Maserati Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2026

DITA Lancier x Maserati LSA 333 Sunglasses

Performance isn’t always about what’s under the hood. Sometimes it’s the small things, like a good pair of sunglasses on a long drive, that make the driving experience better. That idea sits behind the new collaboration between DITA-Lancier and Maserati, who’ve teamed up to create the LSA-333, a limited-edition pair of driver's sunglasses. The design pulls inspiration from Maserati’s long history of Italian GT cars while tapping into DITA’s reputation for luxury eyewear.The LSA-333 keeps things lightweight with a half-rim design built from titanium. DITA’s signature coin-edge detailing is incorporated subtly into the frame, while nylon-based TR90 lens rims help keep the overall weight down without sacrificing strength. Titanium temples and soft-touch anti-slip tips keep the glasses comfortable during long drives, and adjustable nose pads provide a more tailored fit. The real standout is the lens technology, which is specifically engineered for driving and other land-based activities. Anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings, along with full UVA and UVB protection, help reduce glare and sharpen visibility.The LSA-333 is available in three colorways, including Rose Gold with Matte Black, Matte Black with Copper Flash, and Brushed Antique Silver paired with Matte Navy accents. Each pair is made in Japan, continuing DITA’s long-standing focus on precision manufacturing. More than anything, the collaboration feels like two brands meeting somewhere in the middle, one known for building performance cars, the other for crafting luxury eyewear designed for real-world wear. Shop Maserati x DITA-Lancier

A woman walks beside a vintage brown Maserati parked by a waterfront, with colorful buildings and hills in the background, embodying the elegance of Acqua di Parma’s new collection.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 16, 2025

Maserati x Acqua di Parma Launch New Collection

Maserati expresses its unique Italian luxury through scent. Maserati’s vehicles are known for their combination of gorgeous design, compelling performance, and decidedly Italian luxury, with a signature approach to executing driving joy that has captivated fans and owners. Now, a new collaboration with another established name in Italian luxury has added a new facet to Maserati’s proud Italian heritage and rich history, and that is its new partnership with Acqua di Parma, a famed Italian fragrance house known for its luxuriously crafted scents. Combining their ‘Made in Italy’ legacies, the new Acqua di Parma x Maserati collection bears a theme of ‘The Art of Travel,’ embodying the inspiration of Italy’s natural beauty in Acqua di Parma’s fragrances and the grand touring excellence of Maserati’s most iconic vehicles. The collection includes a bespoke Andiamo Car Diffuser, finished in the fragrance house’s iconic yellow with Acqua di Parma’s logo and Maserati’s Trident, along with a Passepartout Leather Charm with a 12ml Colonia Eau de Cologne, and the Art of Travel Coffret, which comes in Acqua di Parma’s iconic hat box. Inside the Coffret, the Andiamo Car Diffuser comes with a Luce di Colonia refill and a set of special nappa leather driving gloves. The diffuser easily attaches to a ventilation grill, allowing for gorgeous scent to be dispersed throughout the interior when the ventilation system is on. Only 100 Coffrets will be made, which will be available at Acqua di Parma boutiques in Milan, Rome, Saint-Tropez, and Paris. Meanwhile, the car diffuser will be made available at Maserati showrooms and online. Enhancing everyday journeys with Acqua di Parma’s venerated fragrances and Maserati’s signature automotive luxury, two Italian icons are coming together in this very special collaboration. Shop Acqua di Parma Image Source: Maserati

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 20, 2022

The GearBox: Maserati MC20 Hyper Style

The Maserati MC20’s announcement and release shocked the automotive world, as the Italian automotive manufacturer checked into its motorsport heritage to develop its newest hypercar. Creating the chassis around the idea of a daily functioning hypercar, Maserati blends track-inspired performance with easy-to-use driving dynamics to ensure a pleasurable driving experience for anyone to enjoy. This week’s GearBox focuses on building a style around the Maserati MC20, incorporating a sense of luxury and comfort through a wardrobe of hand-picked apparel and accessories. Shop any of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. Maserati MC20 Maserati Maserati presents the MC20, an engineering and styling masterpiece that opens a new era for the Trident brand. With the MC20, Maserati returns to a stage where it has always starred, that of Supercars that combine luxury and performance with the unique Maserati Style. The MC20 is a Maserati with mind-blowing aerodynamic efficiency. Its superb looks conceal an uncompromisingly sporty soul, with the new 630 horsepower V6 Nettuno engine that delivers 0-60mph acceleration in under 2.9-seconds and a top speed over 200mph. A patented, 100% Maserati engine, benefiting from the MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology, the innovative combustion system developed by the Brand, evolved from the pre-chamber technology used on Formula 1 powertrains. Conceived, designed and built entirely in-house. Price: MSRP $220,000 View All Maserati MC20 For Sale Rolex Day-Date 40 Platinum Baguette Watches of Switzerland The Rolex Day-Date made its debut in 1956. Available only in 18 ct gold or platinum, it was the first wristwatch chronometer to display the date and the day of the week spelt out in full in windows on the dial. With the President bracelet, originally created specially for it, the Day-Date continues to be the watch par excellence of influential people. Price Upon Request Buy From Watches of Switzerland Saint Laurent Logo-Print Cotton Sweatshirt Farfetch Saint Laurent proves that even the most casual of pieces can look sleek. This crew-neck sweatshirt is accented with a distressed version of the brand's monogram at the chest. Price: $690 Buy From Farfetch Comme des Garçon Play Heart Patch Shirt Buck Mason Preppy and playful, this crisp Comme des Garçon Play cotton shirt has a signature heart appliqué peering out from the chest. Price: $264 Buy From Nordstrom A.P.C. Martin Jeans A.P.C. Heavily stonewashed blue straight-leg jeans with 90's-spirit cut. Soft denim. Japanese denim canvas. High rise. Straight leg, vintage cut. Slightly loose-fitting at waist. Hip-hugging. Zip fly. Caramel-colored topstitching. 100% Cotton. Japanese material. Price: $265 Buy From A.P.C. Givenchy Black 4G Release Buckle Belt Ssense The Givenchy Black 4G Release Buckle Belt features paneled nylon webbing and grained faux-leather belt in black, along with logo hardware at adjustable press-release buckle fastening. Price: $350 Buy From Ssense Tods City Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede Tods City Gommino driving shoes in rich suede with exposed stitching, woven tie, stamped Tod's monogram and an iconic rubber outsole with embossed rubber pebbles. Price: $545 Buy From Tods Ray Ban Stories 48mm Round Smart Glasses Nordstrom Long a symbol of new ideas and self-expression, this signature style brings the latest in connectivity to your look. Ray-Ban’s first generation of smart glasses integrates Facebook technology to give you a new way to capture and share your adventures with your social community on the go and without missing a beat. Use the dual 5MP camera to take clear, crisp photos and hands-free videos and stay immersed in the moment. With touch control you can capture, pause music and answer calls in a single gesture. The discreet open-ear speakers deliver rich voice and sound quality while the three built-in microphones capture sound in all directions. Price: $329 Buy From Nordstrom Montblanc Meisterstück Soft Grain Geometry Wallet Montblanc The fine craftsmanship and leather paneling are hallmarks of this capsule collection. Made from soft grainy leather in black and blue colors, inside it can fit up to six credit cards in the dedicated slots, banknotes in the two compartments and other documents in the two additional pockets. Price: $440 Buy From Montblanc RIMOWA Flap Backpack Large RIMOWA Crafted out of premium materials like durable canvas and full-grain leather, the drawstring RIMOWA Never Still Flap Backpack Large in Navy blue & Black features two side zipped pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back for added comfort, and a flap-top secured by a bespoke magnetic buckle emblazoned with the RIMOWA logo. Inside, a large drawstring compartment and a 16-inch laptop-sized padded pocket easily accommodate daily essentials. Includes a complimentary removable leather address tag. Price: $1,680 Buy From RIMOWA For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: Electrified GT

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2021

Maserati Announces A New Apparel Capsule Collection With ...

Maserati is joining streetwear fashion with an iconic brand by its side. Automotive collaborations with prominent streetwear brands are becoming more popular, with desirable collections offered to owners and enthusiasts. The newest partnership between Maserati and world-renowned brand Fragment Design is next to hit the streets. With help from Japanese artist Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Italian supercar manufacturer will be releasing a collection of premium apparel and accessories displaying both brands’ iconic logos. The collection announcement was teased through an Instagram posted by Maserati, featuring a sneak peek at a new hoodie design that will be included in the apparel line. Although product information and pricing are yet to be released, we can promise that this collection will be highly anticipated for streetwear and automotive enthusiasts. Check back in for more news and a ‘How to Buy’ special on the new Maserati x Fragment Design Capsule Collection release. View all of the current Maserati models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Maserati For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_J1Mso15U/ For more Gear news, Check out PUMA x BMW M Motorsports Release The Autumn/Winter ’21 Collection

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