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 Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2020

Oakley Teases the 20th Anniversary of Their OVERTHETOP

My mother has been an optician for over 4 decades, and I should always take her advice. Oakley unveiled their OVERTHETOP in 2000 at the Summer Olympics. They were machined from O-metal and featured the latest lens technology to give our athletes the best eyewear. Mom told me to buy a pair, as they would be sought-after by collectors. I laughed it off and missed out....Hindsight is 20/20. Since the Olympic games have been postponed, Oakley will unveil the 20th Anniversary Edition tomorrow at 7 am (Eastern). Only 20 examples will be produced, each with the production number embossed into the frame. If you are looking for a good investment, don't miss this opportunity. Check back tomorrow for all the details and stay with us for the latest in luxury eyewear. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2020

Roger Dubuis Unveils Excalibur Diabolus in Machina

Roger Dubuis has chosen to tune its minute repeater to the sound of the tritone, the famous “Diabolus in Musica” chord outlawed in medieval religious music, the secret key to all clever and complex melodic harmony. A sin of pride is to wear a timepiece that combines a devilish flying tourbillon with a highly sought-after minute repeater. It is the first watch to ever have both features in the same calibre. This is only made possible by the expert watchmakers of Roger Dubuis. Caliber: A minute repeater coupled with a flying tourbillon, the RD107 is a blend of haute horlogerie made possible thanks to the highly skilled watchmakers of Roger Dubuis. Three different indicators - functions, all or nothing, chiming - are displayed on the upper side of the calibre. The RD107 is powered by two micro-rotors visible on the back of the calibre. " width="680"> Specifications: Case Size : 45mm Water Resistance : 3bar (30meter) Strap Material : Interchangeable 3D calf leather strap Clasp Material : Interchangeable titanium cover with titanium triple folding buckle Dial Material : Double surface flange with engraved minute track, transfered texts. Polished hour markers filled with SLN. Features: Type: Mechanical, automatic winding Function: Hours, minutes, minute repeater, function indicator, all or nothing indicator, chiming indicator Power reserve: 72 hours Components: 558 Jewels: 54 Diameter: 36.9 mm Thickness: 10 Frequency : 3 Hz (21’600 Alt/H) That last feature is what would make this forbidden in medieval music. Dividing any musical note by 3 was deemed irreverent to the Holy Trinity. The Church forbade triplet tones because they did not conform to the sacrosanct rhythm of hymns or chants. It's time for a change, and you should be the first to experience this innovation in timekeeping. Shop Roger Dubuis

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

Vyrus Unveils the 2020 Alyen With 205 Horsepower

Ducati builds amazing engines. The desmo-drive offers better valve control at top speed, with a soundtrack unlike any other. That is why Vyrus Motorcycles chose it for something out of this world. You should consider yourself warned, because Vyrus has unveiled the 2020 Alyen with 205 horsepower. This carbon fiber beast stands out for all the right reasons. First off, the front suspension is divorced from the handlebars. Instead of a traditional front fork, it has a swing arm with a drag link. The power steering system takes inputs from the handlebars, removing you and your arms from the impact, resistance, and braking forces. The frame is a mix of magnesium and carbon fiber that proudly displays the Ducati 1199 Panigale. Forged carbon wheels are wrapped in 120/70 ZR 17 front and 200/60 ZR17 rear tires. It has been bored and stroked to 1,285 cc to make 205 horsepower, torque has yet to be listed. The carbon fiber monocoque and inboard suspension make for a clean and aggressive appearance, so stay with us for more updates from Vyrus Motorcycles. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2020

MB&F Unleashes the HM10 'Bulldog'

A rounded, compact body of titanium or red gold, coupled with a generous ration of sapphire crystal. Two prominent aluminium time-display “eyes”, rolling at anyone who dares look its way. A collar studded with projections that allow you to wind the mainspring or set the time. Stout but flexible “legs” that wrap firmly around your wrist. A big heart beating steadily at 2.5Hz (18,000vph). And a massive jaw that opens and shuts, showing you how much power your canine friend has in store: fully closed tells you that he’s wound down and ready for a nap. If you can clearly see the rows of shining teeth, get ready, because Bulldog is full of energy. The manual-winding engine of HM10 Bulldog was designed and developed in-house, leveraging precious experience built up over the years: the flying balance wheel hovering just beneath the central dome of sapphire crystal, the unconventional 3-dimensional power reserve indication, the paper-thin aluminium domes, the dual crown system, separating winding and time setting... HM10 Bulldog is a highly-bred machine. One final piece of advice for those who come across HM10 Bulldog is engraved on its body. The beast may be intimidating, but it ultimately exists in service of another: “Forget the dog, beware of the owner”! HM10 ‘Bulldog’ is available in two launch editions:- Grade 5 titanium body with blue “eyes” (retail price before taxes: USD 105,000 / EUR 92,000 + VAT);- 18k red-gold and titanium body with black “eyes” USD 120,000 / EUR 105,000 + VAT) " width="680"> Learn More at MB&F Here

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2018

Watch How Supercars Go Up Elevator to $40 Million Condo

In Miami, Florida is the new Porsche Design Tower, a building filled with luxury condominiums. This $560 million tower consists of 60 stories and 132 units, ranging in size from 3,415 to 6,684 sq. ft. While the luxuriousness of these condos is enough to catch your eye, it's the massive elevators in the building that steal the show.Built into the Porsche Design Tower are elevators that take the cars of residents up to their respective condos, where they can park them. Yes, that means you can pull your Ferrari up onto the elevator and drive right into your condo on the top floor where it will get a beautiful view of the Miami beaches.Recently, Lamborghini Miami | Prestige Imports had a few of their supercars up on the 56th floor of the tower. The cars included the Lamborghini Aventador SV, Pagani Huayra and more. In the video below you'll see how these cars were taken up to the 56th-floor unit and taken down. It's honestly incredibly interesting to see the elevator in action.

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