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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 – April 07, 2026

Vacheron Constantin Opens Its Largest Boutique in Miami

Luxury watch buying has shifted gears over the past decade. What used to feel like a formal, almost transactional process has become much more relaxed and experiential, thanks to high-end watch brands rethinking how collectors actually want to engage with watches. Boutiques today feel less like stores and more like spaces you can spend time in, part showroom, lounge, and archive. That’s happening with Vacheron Constantin at its newly reopened flagship boutique in the Miami Design District, the largest location in the Americas.The two-story layout leans into its surroundings. From the street, the storefront mixes Vacheron’s Maltese Cross with Miami’s Art Deco, setting the tone before you even step inside. Once inside, it opens into a bright atrium with terrazzo floors and a compass rose design inspired by the Overseas collection.What stands out most is how hands-on the experience has become. There’s an in-house watchmaker on site, not hidden away but on display, and clients can explore strap options, dig into archives, or spend time with pieces from the new “Les Collectionneurs” vintage selection. The private salons each pull inspiration from Miami’s mix of color, culture, and nightlife, while the Art Deco bar adds a social layer that encourages people to stay a little longer. It all reimagines luxury watch retail, and Vacheron Constantin seems to understand that sometimes the best way to sell a watch is to create a space people don’t want to leave.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 06, 2026

Jacob & Co.'s $240,000 Bugatti Table Clock

Since 2019, Jacob & Co. and Bugatti Automobiles have evolved their automotive-driven partnership into a passionate family affair, bridging together the luxury watch world and the hypercar industry. What first began as spirited collaboration watches that commemorated four-wheel milestones for the Bugatti brand and its elite list of owners quickly transformed into an ever-growing collection within Jacob & Co.'s lineup. Whether it's the ultra-complex mechanics of the Chiron Tourbillon or the exclusivity of the all-new Bugatti Tourbillon, Jacob & Co. prides itself on starting from scratch to ensure that every Bugatti creation incorporates an accurate depiction of its four-wheel counterpart. With a strong hold on the hypercar maker's current lineup of modern, multi-million dollar models, Jacob & Co. is proud to embrace the past with the Bugatti Calandre Table Clock. Taking inspiration from the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale, the Calandre features a horseshoe grille front and center as a nod to the iconic Bugatti Macaron. But instead of cooling an engine, it houses a vertical flying tourbillon designed to maintain precise timekeeping even when fixed upright. Adding to the craftsmanship is a 30mm Jacob-cut red gemstone perched like a crown on top. Encased in French crystal and flanked by Lalique-sculpted crystal elephants, the Calandre is powered by Jacob & Co.'s in-house JCAM58 movement, showcasing an 8-day power reserve. This rare collaboration between Jacob & Co., Bugatti, and Lalique took over three years to perfect and stands as a tribute to all three brands' obsession with craft, performance, and luxury. All Jacob & Co. Watches Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 02, 2026

Tudor and Red Bull Take The Black Bay GMT to the Skies

Once designed as precise, functional tools, watches have increasingly become symbols of status in today’s world, making it harder to see them for what they were originally intended to be, actual instruments for the wrist. Born in the sky, most watch brands share a connection to aviation, whether it's a clean, classic GMT for shifting between time zones or a pilot watch with high legibility, perfect for cockpit conditions. Tapping into its aviation roots and following its “Born to Dare” motto, Tudor is taking to the skies with The Flying Bulls and the Black Bay 58 GMT as part of its newest partnership. What began in the late 1980s as a passion for flying and restoring historic aircraft quickly evolved into a dominant force for Sigi Angerer, a Tyrolean Airways pilot, after he met Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Sigi’s collection started with North American T-28B, Grumman G44 Widgeon, and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair, which has grown to a fleet of 45 historical planes and aerobatic helicopters that embody Red Bull’s advertising slogan, “Red Bull gives you wings”. In 1999, as the energy drink began to soar in success, “The Flying Bulls” was created and housed in a new hangar next to Salzburg airport. Today, 12 highly-skilled pilots operate The Flying Bulls' fleet, traveling across the globe to showcase their talents and the capabilities of these aerobatic aircraft through stunts and maneuvers, some of which are more than 80 years old. On the wrist of those pilots is the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, a perfect fit as the two are cemented in a passion for tradition and precision, two crucial keys to their history and success. An icon in its own right, the Black Bay celebrates 60 years of Tudor’s watchmaking legacy, drawing on references from the 1950s and continuing to inspire future models. Whether it's in the skies doing stunts in an aircraft or simply accompanying a day at the office, the Tudor Black Bay 58 fits every lifestyle.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2026

Porsche Design Plants Watchmaking Roots In Switzerland

Since its start, Porsche’s DNA has always been defined by more than just its timeless sports cars, making its mark on the horological world back in 1972 with Ferdinand Porsche’s debut of the Chronograph 1. Just as flagship models like the 911 continued to evolve and reshape the automotive world with new innovations, Porsche Design followed suit in perfect fashion, with watchmakers in-house in Germany expanding its lineup. Today, Porsche Design is proud to take its next leap into the wonderful world of watches by celebrating the official opening of a new timepiece manufacturing facility in Switzerland. It’s the brand’s first real, permanent base inside Switzerland’s watchmaking network, which says a lot about intent. The building itself isn’t new, but what’s been done to it is. It’s been updated into a space that’s both a workshop and a controlled environment, where everything from temperature to airflow is dialed in to keep production precise. Inside, it’s all about process, watchmakers working through assembly at individual stations, moving pieces along like a small-scale operation rather than a mass-production facility. The emphasis is on getting things right instead of getting them done quickly, which aligns with how Porsche has always positioned itself.There’s also a trend toward making the process more visible. Parts of the facility are open to visitors, not in a theme-park kind of way, but enough to give a sense of how the watches actually come together. That extends to the customization side as well, where clients can configure pieces that match car spec with different materials, finishes, and details that make each watch feel personal. By moving production, development, and servicing into one location, Porsche Design has gained a level of independence that speaks volumes. Shop Porsche Design Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 26, 2026

Singer Reimagined’s Caballero Goes Titanium

Following the same meticulous approach of hand-crafting works of art as its automotive counterpart, Singer Reimagined's sole focus remains on combining timeless, iconic designs with modern mechanical thinking. While the small independent atelier operates as its own powerhouse, you can visualize how Singer Vehicle Design’s cars inspire its watches, almost pairing perfectly for a casual Sunday cruise. The same goes for Singer Reimagined’s newest titanium versions of the Caballero, allowing lightweight materials and precise movements to do the talking.The Caballero’s 39mm case is offered in Grade 5 titanium, which changes the watch's production process entirely. A micro-sandblasted finish softens the surface, while sharp, mirror-polished edges trace the Caballero’s signature C-shaped profile, adding contrast between matte and shine. It’s still compact, still wearable, just with a sharper touch of identity. Flip it over, and the open caseback showcases Singer’s Calibre 4 on center stage, a manually wound movement built from the ground up with a four-barrel architecture and a six-day power reserve.The dial continues that clarity and precision with two soft, matte-textured finishes, Cocoa Brown Velvet and Avio Blue Velvet, both of which retain the Caballero’s exposed-jewel display. Fitted with textile straps and leather accents, the Caballero Titanium is lighter on the wrist, a bit more defined, and still grounded in Singer Reimagined’s core DNA. The two new Singer Reimagined Caballero Titanium models are now available at authorized dealers, starting at CHF18’500 excluding VAT and tax.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2026

Inside Audemars Piguet's New AP House in Miami

Where most traditional watch-buying experiences start at a storefront, Audemars Piguet is elevating those moments by taking an experimental retail approach with its AP House concept. Designed to be luxurious and comfortable for clients, newcomers, partners, and friends, the idea is in full motion with current locations, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, London, Milan, Munich, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Zurich, Manchester, and St. Barthélemy. Today, Audemars Piguet officially tapped into another hotbed destination with the opening of its all-new AP House in Miami. The opening celebrates another milestone for the Swiss watchmaker, first making its mark in Miami in 2006 with its Bal Harbor Boutique. The new AP House is nestled in the heart of Miami Beach, with 7,300 sq ft of interior space that takes advantage of South Florida’s classic indoor-outdoor living, welcoming guests with a breathtaking view of the Miami skyline. Audemars Piguet partnered with Studio DADO, a Miami-based design team, on an interior design featuring blush tones, soft edges, and natural materials to pull together a luxurious Florida look and feel.The focus remains on constructing every AP House on the basis of building connections, creating relationships with collectors and enthusiasts in a unique setting with truly unique experiences. Inside, guests move through a micro-museum of Audemars Piguet’s most celebrated watches, a nod to the brand’s passion for the art of measuring time. A watchmaker’s hutch is where visitors can sit down with experts or browse a selection of straps, while the lounges offer a relaxed, almost homey feel. Regardless of where you are in the world, Audemars Piguet is providing a five-star experience with its AP House.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 23, 2026

Richard Mille Wraps RM 07-01 in Color and Gem-Set Ceramics

The Richard Mille RM 07-01 has always done things a little differently, and this final run of the Coloured Ceramics series is the best way to wrap it up. What started back in 2021 as an experiment with color and materials ends here with three exclusive versions, each limited to 50 pieces worldwide, that introduce gem-setting into the design without completely changing the recipe. It still looks and feels like the same eye-catching watch that took over the internet, just pushed a bit further in terms of detail and mechanics.A lot of the appeal of the RM 07-01 and Richard Mille watches as a whole comes down to how everything is layered together. The dials are as expressive as their colorways, combining guilloché, rubber appliqués, and ceramic characteristics in a balanced way. There’s a slightly retro influence in the color combinations, especially in the blush pink, lavender, and powder blue cases, but it doesn’t come off as forced. The gem-set bezels are probably the most noticeable update to the lineup, with diamonds and colored stones worked into the ceramic, which isn’t the easiest material to deal with in the first place.Underneath, movement mechanics stay consistent with what you’d expect from Richard Mille. The in-house CRMA2 movement is skeletonized, built from grade 5 titanium, and designed to be both lightweight and durable. It’s equipped with about a 50-hour power reserve, and the open layout gives you a clear view of how everything works. Like the rest of the watch, it’s modern yet rooted in traditional watchmaking. As a closing chapter, the Richard Mille RM 07-01 collection doesn’t try to reinvent anything. It just refines what was already there.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 20, 2026

The Breitling Navitimer Pays Tribute to the Concorde Era

The Breitling Navitimer has had a strong connection to aviation for over 70 years, so it makes perfect sense to see it tied to one of the most recognizable aircraft ever built, the Concorde. Breitling’s latest limited edition ties itself into that shared history. Both the watch and the aircraft came out of a time when aviation was moving quickly, and there was a sense that limits didn’t really have a ceiling. Pairing the two is less of a marketing move and more about connecting two pieces of the same story.The Concorde itself still carries weight. Flying at twice the speed of sound and cruising at around 60,000 feet, it turned long-haul travel into something faster and, in many ways, more memorable. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it felt like an experience. That idea lines up pretty well with what the Navitimer represented when it first showed up in the early 1950s. Built as a functional tool for pilots, complete with a slide rule for in-flight calculations, it was designed to be used, not just worn. Over time, though, it picked up a broader following, crossing into motorsport, space exploration, and even music culture.This version keeps things fairly calm, cool, and collected. The blue dial takes its inspiration from the color of the sky at altitude, while the white subdials reference the Concorde’s “White Bird” nickname. It’s limited to 593 pieces, a small detail tied back to the aircraft’s engines. In a space where limited editions can sometimes feel forced, this one feels more about recognizing a specific moment in aviation history that still resonates today.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2026

Jacob & Co. Debuts Its Billionaire Double Tourbillon Watch

Inside the world of haute horology, there are watches that subtly flex style with traditional designs, and others that deliver a serious wow factor. For Jacob & Co. and its historic lineup of ultra-luxury creations, the focus has and continues to remain on pushing the boundaries of design while incorporating some of the world’s most precious diamonds and gemstones. As Jacob & Co. celebrates its 40th anniversary, it’s doing more than looking back at the past; it’s introducing something entirely new, the all-new Billionaire Double Tourbillon. Enter the Angel Cut, an exclusive diamond cut developed in-house over several years, designed to reimagine how light moves through a stone. Named after Angela, the wife of founder Jacob Arabo, the cut carries both technical significance and personal meaning, with 37 facets marking their 37 years of marriage.What makes the Angel Cut interesting is the actual engineering behind it. Instead of adding more facets like traditional brilliant cuts, Jacob & Co. focused on geometry, refining proportions and angles to control how light shines inside the diamond. The result is a lozenge-shaped table set within a rectangular look, producing a softer, more continuous glow rather than sharp flashes. In a world where round, brilliant, and emerald cuts represent tradition, the Angel Cut is a deliberate shift toward something more architectural, without losing the expectation of a high-end diamond.To launch it, Jacob & Co. went really big. The Angel Cut makes its debut in the Billionaire Double Tourbillon Angel Cut, a white gold limited-edition piece set with 298 diamonds totaling nearly 80 carats of diamonds. The case and dial are covered in carefully arranged stones, framing a skeletonized movement powered by the JCAM50 caliber, complete with twin flying tourbillons at 12 and 6 o’clock. It carries on the legacy of the classic Billionaire but now with a new layer of innovation baked in. Limited to just 18 pieces, the watch celebrates an anniversary while setting the tone for where Jacob & Co. goes next, with a diamond-cut design unlike any other. Source: Jacob & Co.

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