Marine and Luxury Yachting News

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 Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

Hydro Tec's 65m Vanguard Yacht Concept Revealed With Bril...

In honor of Hydro Tec's 25th anniversary, they have released the new 65m Vanguard yacht concept. The firm notes that this concept " fully represents the spirit of the studio, always pushing for innovation , both in the field of technology and in that of design, with an adventurous and pioneering spirit, but firmly anchored to a solid technical base, deeply integrated into the great Italian shipbuilding tradition." The name Vanguard actually comes from a British tradition where a warship always has the name. What's more, the word "vanguard" means either the first part of a naval force or the forefront of an action or movement. With this yacht, Hydro Tec not only wants to lead the pack but also bring in new ideas and movements to the yachting world. Hydro Tec's design for the Vanguard is quite intriguing. With a displacement platform, they were able to create a bridge that seems "below deck" but above the full load waterline. This allows the vessel to have mobile terraces for the guest cabins above the waterline. With this layout, the lowerdeck becomes a completely accessible deck from the bathing platform at the stern to the bulkhead. Also found towards the stern is a large swimming pool that's completely covered but can be opened up towards the stern. The Vanguard is a very unique boat, so we're excited to see more of what's to come of it. Source: HydroTec.it

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2020

Echo Yachts and MMYD Announces Customizable SP30 Catamaran

Echo Yachts, an Australian custom superyacht builder, has just announced a new customizable 31m catamaran motoryacht that will be added to their lineup. To be more specific, it will be within their 'Design Collection.' The design of the yacht came to be after a collaboration between Echo Yachts and Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design (MMYD). Within this new vessel are loads of amenities and features, including two jet skis and a 6.4m tender, both of which fit perfectly onboard. Inside are either four or five large guest cabins, depending on the customer's order sheet, as well as a large Master Cabin. Thanks to the 13.3 beam on the main and upper deck areas, this new yacht will offer plenty of flexibility in terms of interior options. Underneath is enough room for twin-engine rooms although specific engine specifications have not been noted. Source: EchoMarineGroup.com

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2020

Denison Yachting Sells Stunning 50-meter Project TRITON

Denison Yachting has just announced the sale of the incredible Project TRITON, a 50-meter new construction by Heesen. This new vessel was designed to be a true blue-water yacht that's able to entertain guests in a multitude of ways. With the ability to accommodate up to ten guests and a crew of nine, there are three double guest suites and an additional one twin guest suite. For the owner, there's a lavish Owner's Stateroom. When it comes to entertaining, she has a 98-square-meter sun deck with a jacuzzi, al fresco dining area and comfortable sun loungers to relax on. For power, Project TRITON relies on Twin MTU 8V4000 M63 engines that have a range of 3,800 nautical miles with a cruising speed of 13 knots, further cementing its position as a perfect blue-water yacht. Congratulations are in order for Denison Yachting and the representing broker, David Johnson.

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Cruiser Yachts Debuting 42 GLS at the Fort Lauderdale Boa...

Making its debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is Cruiser Yachts' new 42 GLS, the perfect vessel for entertaining. For guest aboard the 42 GLS, there are plenty of features that make excursions a treat. On the bow is a seating area that can be converted into a sunpad , as well as Rockford Fosgate speakers and plenty of cupholders. The galley is stocked with an inlay sink, fridge, storage and an optional grill and TV can be added to take this area to the next level in terms of entertaining. Down below is a lower salon with u-shaped dinette that converts into a berth, as well as a lower gallery area with a fridge, microwave and optional TV. When its time for a good night's rest or just a nap, the stateroom comes with a custom-sized berth, lights, and more. For those who venture off into the water, Cruiser Yachts has equipped the 42 GLS with dual beach doors and the ability to have both sides lowered for a massive swim platform. When swimmer do hop back onboard, a shower is waiting for them in the standing head. Be sure to check out the Cruiser Yachts 42 GLS for yourself at FLIBS 2020 on the H dock. Visit CruiserYachts.com https://vimeo.com/457044294

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Mangusta GranSport 33 Makes American Premiere at FLIBS 2020

Mangusta Yachts has brought their new GranSport 33 to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2020 where it will be making its American debut. This new vessel is a perfect example of Mangusta's ability to blend both stylish designs with sporty features and comfortable settings. Measuring in with a length of 109'3", there's plenty of room on deck and below deck for amenities. In total, there are five cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests and three cabins for a crew of five. There is also an owner's suite on the main deck that is incredibly spacious. Here there's a massive full bathroom, vanity, couches, work desk, and more. Joining the owner's sweet on the main deck is the main saloon and lobby with plenty of seating for all guests to relax and dine in. On the outside, guests can relax on one of the multiple couches or take a dip in the jacuzzi if the ocean water is a bit too chilly. Honestly, there's a lot to see when it comes to the new GranSport 33 so be sure to check it out for yourself at the FLIBS 2020 at Bahia Mar - Las Olas Marina FACE DOCK 8. For more information about this vessel, click the button below. Visit MangustaYachts.com

By Edward Jones – October 27, 2020

Yellowfin 54 Offshore to Make Public Debut at FLIBS 2020

If you're heading down to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) this week, you're in for a treat: the new Yellowfin 54 Offshore will be making its public debut at the event. This new vessel from Yellowfin comes packed with amenities and features that make it a perfect boat for offshore fishing or just cruising around in local waterways. On the deck is a ton of features fit for a perfect fishing boat. This includes the 150 gallons of livewell capacity, fishbox with over 800 quarts of capacity, more rod holders than you can shake a stick at and even more. Beneath the center console is a cabin with stand-up headroom, full queen berth, kitchenette, wraparound seating and a head. As for power, the Yellowfin 54 Offshore can be equipped with either a quad or quint outboard setup. For more information, be sure to check it out for yourself at the FLIBS in slip G-709 from October 28th to November 1st. Source: Yellowfin/Facebook

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2020

Sea Vee Debuts the New Flagship 450Z Center Console

Sea Vee Boats has just unveiled their new 450Z center console boat, and it is set to be a vessel your slip deserves. With style, performance and functionality, it's a perfect fit for any angler or recreational boater. The first thing most will notice is that the 450Z is a looker. It's design has unmistakable Sea Vee touches and lines expected from their Z line. Its maxi console has a one-piece construction with a molded one-piece safety glass windshield system. Thanks to this windshield, the passengers can be kept safe from heavy rains, wind and the harsh sun. The highlight of this center console, however, has to be the oversized dash that can house a triple 22-inch display setup. Underneath the console is a spacious console cabin, complete with an air conditioning unit, microwave oven, refrigerator, convertible settee, food perp area, stainless steel sink, eclectically operated toilet, vanity, sink and shower facilities. This will be undoubtedly be a perfect area to relax during those long days on the water. Sea Vee is offering customers a wide range of tower and seating options, as well. Do you want a hardtop that can hold all of your gear? How about a second station tower? The Sea Vee 450Z can be equipped with those options. What's more, the spacious bow lounge and molded integral bow seating with reclining headrest options are also available. The 450Z can truly be equipped for anyone's tastes, whether it be leisurely cruises or offshore fishing. I say offshore fishing, because the 450Z is an angler's dream. For starters, it's quad-engine setup combined with its ability to glide across water give it the ability to run out to open waters effortlessly. It's ability to glide across the water is thanks to many features, especially the cross-ventilated twin-stepped hull. A centralized air reservoir pushed the necessary amount of air through the ventilated design, reducing the draw of water flow. Not only does this give the 450Z greater speed capabilities, but also improves its fuel efficiency. Sea Vee has also ensured that anglers will have plenty of storage for their gear, bait and catches. At the bow are 150 and 100 gallon fish boxes, as well as twin rod lockers. The smaller of thw fish boxes can be optioned as a live well, creating a complete fishing station at the bow. The aft cockpit are twin 100 gallon fish bosh boxes and four 40 gallon live wells. Each of the live wells have a pump system that will keep the bait alive and healthy. For rod and tackle storage, that can be found through the boat. Rod holders can also be ordered in just about a limitless number on the gunnel, console, hardtop, tower, transom and more. if you'd like to learn even more about the new and incredible Sea Vee 450Z, be sure to click the button below to visit their website. Visit SeaVeeBoats.com

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2020

Heesen Starts Building 59m Project SkyFall, Their Most Po...

After announcing that Project Skyfall had been sold on September 25, Heesen Yachts has now started construction on the yacht. This new 59m yacht is set to be the most powerful project that Heesen will ever create thanks to the 22,000 horsepower output. Yachts, however, are not all about power and that's why this new vessel is full of amenities. In total, Skyfall will be able to accommodate ten guests in four suites on the lower deck. As for the owner, they have the bridge deck aft as the Owner's deck. It's here that the owner can relax in a large suite that has a private terrace with a whirlpool. On the main deck, guests can take advantage of the conversation area and alfresco dining on the aft terrace. Inside the large sliding doors is a formal dining area with seats for up to twelve, as well as a media room with a cinema and games table. Another touch at the owner's request is the fishing cockpit on the stern due to them being an avid fisher. Expect to see this stunning yacht when it's planned for delivery in Spring 2023. Source: Heesen Yachts

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2020

The New SAY 42 Yacht is a Supercar for the Water

The new SAY 42 yacht is a perfect vessel for those looking to fly across the water like a supercar does on the road. There are a few different engine options that can be selected when customizing this vessel. First up is a low-emission twin Volva Penta V8 setup that creates 860 horsepower and a top speed of 46 knots. Next up is a twin Mercruiser 6.2-liter V8 engine setup that produces 700 horsepower and speeds of up to 40 knots. For those who want serious speed, there's the high-end twin Ilmor MV8 7.4-liter engine setup that creates a total of 966 horsepower for a top speed of 50 knots. Taking advantage of all of the power, no matter the engine picked, is a lightweight vessel. However, the SAY 42 has a lot more to offer than just power. For technology, this vessel packs two Garmin independent displays, CZone CAN Bus Control System, Seakeeper 2 Gyro and more. For comfort, it's packed with amenities that make cruising the seas a true treat. When traveling at high speeds, the racing seats feature adjustable suspension that can dampen any rough rides. These seats can also rotate 360-degrees. The SAY 42 also includes plenty of seating for guests, a bathing ladder, cockpit wetbar, rain shower, sunshade/bimini options, bountiful storage and more. Below the deck is a forward cabin with seating that turns into a bed, a table and even bathroom. For more information, be sure to visit SAYCarbon.com.

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2020

BRABUS Shadow 900 XC Cross Cabin Announced

Just a few months ago, BRABUS Marine won an award in the highly contested Product Design category as part of the annual Red Dot Design Awards. This award was given to them for the Shadow 900 range, which at the time included the Shadow 900 Spyder, Shadow 900 Sun-Top and the ultra-exclusive Black Ops Limited Edition ‘1 of 37'. Now, the Shadow 900 XC Cross Cabin is being added to the lineup. This model stands out with an enclosed cabin that will keep occupants safe from whatever nature throws at them. There are also plenty of comfortable places for passengers to relax on located on both the bow and stern. As part of the announcement of this new vessel, BRABUS Marine also unveiled a handful of the color-combos available for the Shadow 900 XC Cross Cabin. Check them out below and be sure to click the button below to learn more about the company. Visit BRABUSMarine.com

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