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 Jordan Aquistapace – August 31, 2022

The GearBox: Fashionable Ferrari SF90 Spider

While the Ferrari SF90 Spider defines itself as the Italian supercar manufacturer’s first production hybrid convertible, the brand prides itself on offering the track monster in a comfortable open-cabin configuration. The SF90 Spider establishes itself as a versatile platform, which is why it is the main focus of our GearBox special this week. All of the apparel and accessories picked for this GearBox style themselves perfectly alongside Ferrari’s powerful super-hybrid. View all of the products featured in this week’s GearBox by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming GearBox specials. Ferrari SF90 Spider Ferrari As the Prancing Horse’s first production plug-in hybrid spider, the SF90 Spider sets new performance and innovation benchmarks not only for the marque’s range, but for the entire sports car sector. The new convertible has the same extreme supercar specification and record-breaking performance as the SF90 Stradale yet also adds further driving pleasure and versatility to the mix, thanks to the latest iteration of Ferrari’s signature Retractable Hard Top architecture. This makes the SF90 Spider the ideal car for owners that demand the very pinnacle of Ferrari technology, but still want the thrill and versatility of open-top driving. Price: MSRP $507,000 View All Ferrari SF90 For Sale Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski Watches of Switzerland The Orlinski edition is inspired by artist Richard Orlinski, and takes on the bold and brilliant colouring that are reminiscient of his work. This bold piece is contstructed from high quality faceted ceramic on the case to create daring design and dimension. The blue dial keeps it simple with batons in place of watch markers, allowing the bold casing to take centre stage. Keeping with the energy of the timepiece, the watch is finished with a smooth rubber strap. Price: $14,400 Buy From Watches of Switzerland Scuderia Ferrari SPTWR Race Baseball Cap PUMA The six-panel baseball cap: an iconic piece of headwear worn by everyone from skaters to presidents. Featuring a bold colour-block design, this one doesn't try to hide its allegiances. A premium Scuderia Ferrari Shield logo on the front and logo on the closure show the world your love of the luxury sports car brand. Paired with the simplest of outfits, this piece says "off duty, but always on point". Price: $35 Buy From PUMA Tom Ford 56mm Square Sunglasses Nordstrom Blocky vintage Tom Ford frames with signature T-logos at the temples define stylish Italian-made sunglasses framed in lightweight materials. Price: $395 Buy From Nordstrom Scuderia Ferrari Race Tonal Shield Tee PUMA Celebrating what is undoubtedly one of the most iconic logos in motorsport history, this is a statement tee for the true Scuderia Ferrari fan. Made from pure, premium cotton with a ribbed two-tone crew neck, the centrepiece of this eye-catching autosport tee is the outsized Scuderia Ferrari crest embroidered across the front. Price: $45 Buy From PUMA A.P.C. Petit New Standard A.P.C. Japanese raw denim. Very stiff fabric that wears in over time. 100% Cotton. Unisex jeans. The Petit New Standard Jeans have a very tight leg fitted at the bottom. Straight mid-rise. Five pockets, button fly. The first button is engraved "A.P.C. rue Madame près du Luxembourg". Price: $240 Buy From A.P.C. RHUDE White & Navy Stripe Logo Socks Ssense Calf-high knit stretch cotton and nylon-blend socks in white. Jacquard knit stripes and logo in navy at rib knit cuff. Price: $45 Buy From Ssence Scuderia Ferrari IONSpeed Motorsport Shoes PUMA If you've seen the latest Scuderia Ferrari GT cars, you'll know where this shoe derives its style inspiration from. This new-look shoe, co-created with Scuderia Ferrari, bridges the worlds of Formula 1 and GT super cars. And just as those cars are engineered for high performance, so have these shoes been, thanks in part to the ProFoam midsole. What that means is you get instant cushioning and a responsive ride, not unlike Scuderia Ferrari's own race car drivers enjoy when they're on the track. Price: $110 Buy From PUMA Montblanc Meisterstück Compact Wallet 6cc Montblanc The Meisterstück Compact Wallet with six card slots is crafted from a new deep shine blue leather. Its new pure geometric inner design enhances the essence of functionality, with multiple cards slots and pockets for cash and receipts. This wallet can be carried comfortably with a neck strap (sold separately) or placed in your pocket. Price: $340 Buy From Montblanc Ferrari Technical Fabric and Leather Travel Bag with Ferrari Logo Ferrari Store Distinguished by sophisticated details with a unique artisanal charm, this travel bag exudes a contemporary urban attitude. Its silhouette is accentuated with elegant leather inserts, red trims and decorative stitching, nodding to the seats inside Ferrari’s legendary cars. The iconic Ferrari logo embellishes the front, whilst a metal Prancing Horse adorns the back. Price: $830 Buy From The Ferrari Store For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: An Italian Classic

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 01, 2022

The GearBox: BRABUS Meets Porsche

Accentuating a modern or classic car with performance upgrades symbolizes a build as an extension of the owner and their personality, incorporating personal touches to differentiate it from all others on the road. It's the same forward-thinking that the professionals at BRABUS have focused on since their start in 1977 as a German aftermarket modification shop. 45-years later, BRABUS is now a proud partner with the performance specialists at Porsche and has unveiled its very own BRABUS 820, based on the 992 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. This week’s GearBox focuses on subtly enhancing your style to complement the new BRABUS 820, and features luxury apparel and accessories from world-renowned brands. Shop all of the luxury products and accessories featured in this week’s special by clicking on the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming GearBox specials. BRABUS 820 - Based On The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet BRABUS The BRABUS 820 is adrenaline on four wheels. The ultimate combination of next-level daily driving fun and limitless power. Based for the first time on the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, this next-level sports cruiser was designed for true high-speed enthusiasts. It is a modern dream car that impresses with its unmistakable signature character, striking Masterpiece luxury and a driving experience of the superlative no matter where your journey may take you. Price: MSRP $425,500 View All Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet For Sale Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition Panerai The brand new design of the Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition is inspired by the new Supeerboat BRABUS Shadow 900 Deep Blue and extends the combination of luxury and comfort. Composed of titanium and shaped using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process, a method of 3D printing technology that is both strong and and lightweight, the case measures 47mm. The construction of the case, which features characteristic Panerai cushion shape and crown protection, offers both performance and a striking matte finish with an assertive presence. Price: $49,200 Buy From Panerai BRABUS Autosport Vintage Cap PUMA The BRABUS cap features an all-black design with a vintage 'BRABUS Autosport' logo that pays homage to the brand's beginning as an aftermarket German tuner. As part of the BRABUS Vintage Collection, this cap includes a quick slide fastening system. Price: $35 Buy From BRABUS Porsche Design Sunglasses P´8935 Porsche Design Modern aviator sunglasses for men in an exclusive design inspired by the Porsche 911. The mix of stainless steel and plastic guarantees comfort and lightness. Price: $550 Buy From Porsche Design Porsche Design Polo Shirt PUMA A polo shirt always adds relaxed polish to a look, but the Porsche Design Men's Polo Shirt takes it to the next level. Let’s start with the double pique fabric – it is packed with technology including TopCool® Yarn for ultimate moisture management and PUMA’s signature dryCELL wicking. The flat knit collar, jacquard hem, side slits and the four-button placket deliver the classic polo flair, while the discreet PUMA x Porsche Design details add a hit of motorsport energy. Price: $110 Buy From PUMA A.P.C. Petit New Standard A.P.C. Japanese raw denim. Very stiff fabric that wears in over time. 100% Cotton. Unisex jeans. The Petit New Standard Jeans have a very tight leg fitted at the bottom. Straight mid-rise. Five pockets, button fly. The first button is engraved "A.P.C. rue Madame près du Luxembourg". Price: $240 Buy From A.P.C. RHUDE Black & White Vertical Logo Socks Ssense Calf-high stretch knit cotton and nylon-blend socks in black. Jacquard knit logo in white at rib knit cuff. Price: $45 Buy From Ssence PUMA x FIRST MILE Porsche Design RCT Nitro Runner Motorsport Shoes PUMA If you've seen the latest Scuderia Ferrari GT cars, you'll know where this shoe derives its style inspiration from. This new-look shoe, co-created with Scuderia Ferrari, bridges the worlds of Formula 1 and GT super cars. And just as those cars are engineered for high performance, so have these shoes been, thanks in part to the ProFoam midsole. What that means is you get instant cushioning and a responsive ride, not unlike Scuderia Ferrari's own race car drivers enjoy when they're on the track. Price: $250 Buy From PUMA RIMOWA x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita RIMOWA The RIMOWA x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita unites the singular expertise of two historic German companies on a limited-edition bespoke suitcase.The RIMOWA x Porsche Hand-Carry Case Pepita in silver is crafted from RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminum and draws design cues from the first generation of the Porsche 911. It can be easily stowed in the boot of a car during weekend jaunts thanks to its highly functional wheel-free design. Price: $2,890 Buy From RIMOWA Porsche Design Urban Eco Backpack S Porsche Design The Porsche Design Urban Eco series doesn't stay in the drawer - it’s perfect for modern everyday life. The slim Porsche Design Urban Eco Backpack S is attractive at first glance with its technically clean design: water repellent polyester with coated fabric patch pocket, laminated zippers and black metal hardware. At second glance, the details catch the eye: like the rubberized logo patch, reflective piping and Porsche model badge-inspired print with the map coordinates of Zell am See, home of Studio F.A. Porsche. Price: $260 Buy From Porsche Design For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: An Italian Classic

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 25, 2021

The GearBox: Stradale Style

The all-new Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the next jump forward into the future of Ferrari supercars by incorporating electric hybrid technology to compliment the performance from its twin-turbocharged 3.9L 8-cylinder engine. With a new body design and performance platform, the Ferrari brand is also shifting new styling efforts into its line of sport and fashion wear. This week’s Gearbox highlights the fresh new styling of the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale with the perfect head-turning outfit to compliment the Italian supercar. Shop all of the products and accessories featured in this special by clicking the links below. Ferrari SF90 Stradale Ferrari Ferrari introduces a new chapter in its history with the introduction of its first series production PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), the SF90 Stradale. The SF90 Stradale is the first ever Ferrari to feature PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) architecture which sees the internal combustion engine integrated with three electric motors, two of which are independent and located on the front axle, with the third at the rear between the engine and the gearbox. Price: MSRP $625,000 View All Ferrari SF90 Stradale For Sale Richard Mille RM 032 Flyback Chronograph Diver WatchBox Pre-Owned Richard Mille RM 032 Flyback Chronograph Diver (RM032RG) self-winding automatic watch, features a 50mm 18k rose gold case surrounding a skeleton dial on a red rubber strap with an 18k rose gold tang buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph, tachymeter and power reserve indicator. This watch comes complete with box and papers. Price: $169,950 Buy From Watchbox Ferrari Denim Bomber Jacket with Prancing Horse Porsche Design The embroidered Prancing Horse on the front gives this men's bomber jacket an iconic personality. The piece’s design features boxy lines, a central button placket and shirt collar. The most emblematic symbol of the Ferrari aesthetics can also be seen on the back of the jacket, in metal with a sophisticated ruthenium finish, as well as in the first button on the front and at the cuffs. This men’s jacket is made in Italy from pure cotton denim and is finished with vertical pockets, breast pockets on the front and one on the right sleeve. Price: $910 Buy From The Ferrari Store Ferrari Cotton T-shirt with All-Over Print Ferrari Store This men’s T-shirt, which offers a fun pop take on the classic traits of Ferrari style, has an easy-going personality. With a modern design featuring a V-neck and loose fit, the piece is decorated with an all-over miniature car print and stands out for the Ferrari logo tape that embellishes half of the neckline. Price: $195 Buy From The Ferrari Store Ferrari Jeans with Ferrari Logo Tape Ferrari Store These men’s five-pocket jeans gain new energy from iconic Ferrari details and modern pop inspiration. With a straight fit, they acquire a unique touch from the Ferrari logo tape on the side, running from the pockets to the cuffs. They are further customized by the 3D embossed metal Prancing Horse button. Price: $350 Buy From The Ferrari Store Ferrari IONF Motorsport Shoes Embedded in our blood, the need to compete, to shift to the 12th dimension, to RACE. Introducing the FERRARI IONF, inspired by the components that make the fastest GT cars in the world. No compromises, no restraints, pure race. Price: $630 Buy From PUMA Persol PO3265S Sunglasses Persol Precious, durable and with enhanced visual clarity, choose to seek the sun with Barberini® and premium glass sun lenses, including 100% UV protection. Price: $396 Buy From Persol Scuderia Ferrari Sportswear Baseball Cap by Puma F1 Store Keep the sun off and flaunt your style. This Scuderia Ferrari hat from PUMA Motorsports is the perfect way to stay cool and strut your stuff like a pro. Price: $35.70 Buy From The F1 Store Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 3rd Gen Bang & Olufsen The newest version of our truly wireless in-ear earphones with an improved battery life of up to 35 hours, a QI-certified wireless charging case and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity ensure a seamless and powerful listening experience. Price: $249 Buy From Bang & Olufsen Scuderia Ferrari Sportswear Backpack PUMA Make a statement on and off the track in this Scuderia Ferrari Sportswear Backpack. Packed with all the functionality you need on the road, including an easily accessible front pocket and an internal laptop compartment, this backpack is made with premium materials for a modern, clean design. Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA branding create a sleek, standout look wherever you go. Price: $100 Buy From PUMA For more GearBox specials, Check out The GearBox: The Touring Package

Lifestyle

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe