Lifestyle

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 Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

2021 Beechcraft King Air 260 Is Everything You Need

Kansas is known for rapidly changing weather. When cold Canadian fronts meet humidity from the Gulf, the 2021 Beechcraft King Air 260 is everything you need. Not long ago, our friends at Textron Aviation unveiled the King Air 360. As the flagship of the Beechcraft lineup, it debuted with the latest in cabin pressurization, electronics, and luxury amenities. But for those of us who don't need to transport an entire boardroom, the new 260 easily handles 9 passengers. " width="680"> Starting with comfort, the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar can spot potentially dangerous storm conditions over the horizon. As this allows the pilot to anticipate changes in altitude, the digitized pressurization system works in the background to offer an atmosphere lower than any commercial flight. Configured for IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle, every event from takeoff to landing is optimized for fuel economy, noise abatement, and a smooth ride. No details were overlooked, as every seat was mapped to reduce pressure points over a journey of 1,720 nautical miles. We are on the verge of a renaissance in private aviation, and Beechcraft is leading the way. Stay with us for all your Textron Aviation updates. Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

BIG Holiday Discounts, 10% OFF at Skip Barber Racing Sch...

Presented by Skip Barber Racing School - The green flag is waving at Skip Barber Racing School with an incredible 10% discount on all 2021 Racing and Driving Schools and Gift Certificates. From the Hagerty Driving Academy through the 2 Day Advanced Racing School and everything in between. From teen drivers learning to handle the everyday challenges of driving to serious competitors who want to learn from the racing school that has trained champions in every major racing series, we have a program for you. Experience the thrill of the most iconic racetracks in North America, including Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, Lime Rock Park, and the only Formula 1 track in the United States, Circuit of the Americas. Close the gap! Make your move! Deep discounts on Gift Certificates and Schools from Skip Barber Racing School are only available from Tuesday, November 24 to Monday, November 30. That’s it! Accelerate! This is the gift they’ll value every day, every mile, every turn. Use code “HOLIDAY20” to redeem this once-a-year discount! Visit SkipBarber.com

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2020

MonsterMax Chevrolet Silverado vs HCB 53 Sueños

Indiana doesn't have many boat ramps to the Gulf of Mexico. That's why WhistlinDiesel chose to set sail last weekend, pitting his MonsterMax Chevrolet against an HCB Sueños. Mr. Diesel is rising to fame around the world thanks to incredible fabrication skills and hijinx related to his builds. Since social media celebrities were in town to film FL2K, he decided to test MonsterMax at Longboat Key. This picturesque location is just a few minutes south of us, so we have had ample time enjoying it with our friends from HCB Custom Yachts. Perhaps the most elegant center console of all time, it makes use of a quartet of 7-Marine 627 outboards. Each packing the power of the Corvette ZR1, they offer an experience you won't soon forget. Should you catch a Silverado in open water, please let it go- they mean you no harm. Here's to @whistlindiesel for another wild upload and to HCB for building amazing boats. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 09, 2020

Porsche Design's New Speaker Makes A Perfect Gift

Nothing beats German Audio when it comes to precision & style. With the Holidays rapidly approaching, its time to give your loved ones something they will enjoy for years, and that is why Porsche Design's new speaker makes a perfect gift. What makes it worthy of such a noble name? Like their iconic cars, this chic design combines every feature you could ask for along with a few that will surprise you. Porsche Design Announces New and Stylish Soundbar Machined from billet aluminum, this obelisk incorporates full-range drivers, LED lighting and a bass reflex port to amplify low-range events. While it looks like 1-piece, lifting the upper portion reveals a wireless charging pad integrated with batteries that offer 20 hours of music. Using the latest Bluetooth protocols, perfect stereo sound can be had by buying a pair of them. Splashes are not a problem as it is IPX4 rated for water resistance. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for the latest in Porsche Design. Visit Porsche-Design.com

Atari Hotels Exterior Front Entrance wMood Image_Gensler 01

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2020

Atari Hotels Announced: The Gamers Dream Vacation

Gaming is becoming more popular with each passing day, finding its way into our lives in many ways. From your phone to even your Tesla Model S, gaming is everywhere. One of the forces that brought gaming to life back in the day, Atari, has recognized gaming's rise in the modern-day world. While Atari is known for games like PONG, Centipede and Asteroids, they will soon be known for their incredible new hospitably adventure - Atari Hotels. The announcement of Atari Hotels was made earlier this year but the project has been given even more promise more partners like GSD Group have signed on. Alongside the announcement of GSD Group joining in, Atari Hotels unveiled brilliant renderings of what to expect. These renderings show off a building with the unmistakable Atari logo stylized into the design and an inside that looks like it came out of a futuristic video game. These hotels will have stylized accommodations, unique experiences and even a gaming arena. If you're a gamer looking for a place to stay, be sure to keep an eye out for the first two hotels to open up in Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. Plans to build in Austin, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle have also been announced after GSD Group secured rights to build in those locations. To learn more, click here.

By Andrew Nabors – October 09, 2020

Moduline Cabinets Are Built To Last

Back in my college days, I was lucky enough to have an NHRA dragstrip not far from campus. So instead of wasting money downtown, I probably spent much more to get my car into to run consistent 11-second passes. Of everything I learned from the fastest professional teams is that organization and attention to detail is everything. As such, their trailers were surgically clean and loaded with Moduline cabinets. Starting to recognize a common trend, I learned that Moduline is the brainchild of Paul Gill, one of the fastest Top Alcohol drivers in the NHRA. He decided to apply his metalworking skills to build a storage solution for his team. The light and strong cabinets are made of aerospace aluminum with American bearings and sliders. That is how they can offer a lifetime guarantee on the entire system. These photos were submitted by a happy customer who is also a Ford fan, and they are inspiring to say the least. Because many racers have an engineering or military background, they took notice of how practical and durable his cabinets proved to be. Not only did other teams ask him to replicate the designs for them, but the modular design of each piece also caught the eyes of exotic car repair shops, aircraft mechanics, and NASA. Much like Legos, each cabinet is attached at several points to the walls and to each other. They can easily be repositioned as your collection changes, and accessories include power, LED lighting, and countertops that can support heavy rebuilds. Even after three decades, there is nothing comparable on the market. Take a look around your garage and imagine organizing and prioritizing your tools and supplies. Your significant other will approve, so you have nothing to lose.The garage of your dreams is only a click away, stay with us for more essential garage gear. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – October 08, 2020

Improve Your Lap Times & Technique With The Garmin Catalyst

Rubber and cash quickly disappear when you hit the track. That's why finding the perfect line through each corner will keep you ahead of the competition. Since you probably don't have a professional racer riding shotgun, you can improve your lap times and technique with the Garmin Catalyst. " width="680"> Truly revolutionary, it combines GPS, GNSS and accelerometers to track your car within an inch of accuracy. Also included is a remote-mount HD camera with a powerful image processer. Because Garmin has high-resolution maps of tracks around the world, it can project the optimal line through each corner. Enable the Bluetooth connection and a voice coach will give you pointers and encouragement. This way you can keep your eyes on the prize, and the video can be instantly played back thanks to the 32GB MicroSD card. It is a perfect gift for any gearhead, so click the button below for all the details and get ready to race. Shop Here

By Andrew Nabors – September 18, 2020

New Bose Sunglasses Are the Ultimate in Portable Audio

Dr. Bose was not only a sound and electrical engineer, he taught both subjects at M.I.T. Pondering the undulating pavement of Boston, he was also the first to develop a production-ready active suspension for Lexus, and his legendary speaker designs are still decades ahead of competitors. Bose was also the first to combine audio with eyewear, so now its time for an encore performance. In keeping with the latest trends in eyewear, the new Bose sunglasses are the ultimate in portable audio. The new frames are the "Tenor" for men and the "Soprano" for women. Their patented Open Ear Audio offers fuller and deeper sound compared to the previous models. The gloss black finish hides a beam-forming (windproof) microphone and a 5.5-hour battery. Polarized lenses eliminate glare, and the temples have tap, touch, and swipe controls for taking & making calls on the go. Mirror Silver and Mirror Blue lenses are also available and easy to swap. Perhaps the best feature is that your prescription is only a click away. Visit your Optometrist for an updated Rx, and Bose will make these to order. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for more practical and posh accessories. Shop Now

By Alyssa Mammano – August 18, 2020

Ryan Reynolds Sells Aviation American Gin for $610 Million

Ryan Reynolds has reportedly sold his Aviation American Gin line to British multinational beverage alcohol company, Diageo for an estimated $610 million. Reynolds will see an upfront payment of $335 million for the deal with the potential for an additional $275 million based on sales over the next 10 years. The alcohol giant also owns Casamigos; George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman's tequila company. Diageo purchased Casamigos for $700 million with the potential for another $300 million based on performance. https://twitter.com/Diageo_News/status/1295341833632059394?s=20 Reynolds will continue to retain ownership in the gin brand. Diageo announced the deal on Monday and Reynolds also released a statement, noting, "I want to thank Diageo for their incredible team and passion. We’re so excited for the next chapter of Aviation Gin, which, I promise, will require just as little reading.” Featured Image via " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

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By Andrew Nabors – August 18, 2020

Gulfstream Unveils High-Speed Internet for G650 Series

Once you travel in a Gulfstream, any other aircraft will be inferior. I didn't believe this until Mr. duPont chartered a flight to the Boca Raton Concours a few years back. While it didn't have internet, that option would have allowed us to keep this blog running from 40,000 feet. Now our needs have been met, as Gulfstream has unveiled high-speed internet for the G650, G550, and GV series. Gulfstream G700 Flight Test Yields Amazing Performance & Fuel Range In collaboration with Viasat, passengers and crew will have broadband speed for streaming movies or video conferences. Derek Zimmerman is the President of Customer Support, and he says: We are pleased to offer this as a retrofit to our current G650 and G650ER customers. With the use of Viasat’s Ku/Ka dual-band terminal that seamlessly switches between satellites, we can provide customers with fast and consistent coverage across the world.” Your jet can be upgraded at any company-owned service center, so click the button below to learn more and stay with us for the latest in luxury aviation. Learn More

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