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 – April 06, 2020

Tour a Superyacht Engine Room

Do me a favor: open the hood/hatch to the engine of your car, take a good look at it. If you're someone who REALLY takes care of their car - maybe you frequent Concours events or are just someone who just loves their car - then your engine is probably very clean. But, it's probably not as clean as the engine room of this superyacht. Okay, it's a lot easier to clean and engine when you can actually walk around it, but still, the engine you'll see in the video below is spotless. The video is done by TheYachtGuy Official, who walks around Lurssen's Tis yacht, a 115-meter vessel. It also features two helicopter pads, a movie theater, elevator, swimming pool and a lot more. Check it out! And if this reminded you to clean your car, click the button below. Shop Superyachts Featured Image via " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Edward Jones – April 03, 2020

$1 Million Off Riva 88 Bel Sogno

If you're looking to do some social distancing out on the water, then Denison Yachting has just the yacht for you. The 88-foot Riva Bel Sogno is truly marvelous, having everything you'd want from a luxury vessel. It comes powered by twin MTU M96L 16V2000 engines that provide 5,276 horsepower, enough for a top speed of over 40 knots. Inside are four ensuite staterooms and a crew quarters for two. Sure, this is all great, but the best news is that the price of this yacht has just dropped by $1 million. The yacht's listing on DenisonYachtSales.com is now showing an asking price of $3.9 million. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 27, 2020

Denison Yachting Launches Live Virtual Boat Show Experience

One of the great pleasures in life is going to a boat show. Walking in between the vessels really gives you a sense of perspective, and venturing into them gives you a chance to see just how luxurious traveling on the water can be. Because of the current state of the world, boat shows aren't happening. However, that didn't stop Denison Yachting from providing the world with a true boat show experience. Introducing the new "A Social Distancing Boat Show Experience," by Denison Yachting. Denison is not just a leader in the yacht brokering world, but they are also top-not content creators. Don't believe us? Check out their Facebook page that's constantly updated with Live videos and their "Yacht Cast." They're using all of their collective knowledge to put on the best virtual boat show possible. Learn More Set to start on Friday, March 27, from 9 am to 5 pm EST, this live stream will be a must-see. Experts will be live streaming throughout the day, giving virtual boat tours, special boat show pricing and more. Those who are watching can also ask the experts questions during the live stream. As for the virtual tours, you can get a 360-degree view of every corner in the boats. Want to check out the cabin? Go for it. The bathroom? You know it. There are also professionally produced walkthrough videos of the boats that will give you a look at the boats while an expert shows all of the important amenities. If you happen to see a boat you like, there's no need to leave your seat. You can place a deposit from the comfort of your home! Denison Yachting will guide you through your purchase, from start to finish. And, as mentioned before, they're offering Boat Show Pricing on boats from brands like Bertram, Horizon, Beneteau, and Excess Catamarans. If you have a question, be sure to contact Denison Yachting today by clicking here. To get notified when the event goes live, click the button below. Go Live " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2020

It's Here: 12th Special Edition Mercedes-AMG x Cigarette ...

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have unveiled their 12th special edition collaboration boat. Introducing the 59' Tirranna AMG Edition. This new boat made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show. With a length of 59-feet, this boat is impressive in boat size and performance. Powering the boat are six supercharged 4.6-liter V8 Mercury Racing 450R outboard engines. Each of these engines push out 450 peak propshaft horsepower, putting the total up to 2,700 horsepower. This is good enough for a top speed of 80 mph. That will kind of speed will turn your offshore runs into a quick trip. Now, onto this boat's magnificent design. For the interior, it has a Mediterranean color combination of macchiato beige and dark blue. On the upper deck, the upholstery is able to reflect up to 30 percent of the absorbed heat. Because of this, they were able to use the darker colors on the upper deck. Those relaxing on the upper deck can take advantage of the 29- speaker, 5,200-watt sound system, a summer kitchen (grill, sink and food prep station), and a 7-foot electric awning system. There are even tables in the front that can be raised or lowered. Down below is a large sofa, California king-sized bed and a bathroom with a separate shower. On the exterior of the boat, it has a black metallic and gold design. This design is mirrored on the boat's sibling, a new Mercedes-AMG G63. Called the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Cigarette Edition, this SUV is a one-of-a-kind creation. It's also a primarily black vehicle with striking gold accents. If you want to see these two together, you can head to the 2020 Miami International Boat Show which runs February 13-17.

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2020

New Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing Boat Teased

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have been teaming up since 2007 to create incredible one-off boats. Each of the creations that come out of this collaboration is paired with an equally outstanding performance car, and the two of them together is a sight that needs to be seen. For this year's creation, it will be unveiled at the Miami Boat Show on Thursday, February 13, 2020. The exact specifications of this boat are unknown, but we do have some teasers. First is the image from Cigarette Racing Team's Instagram account, found up above, that shows the outline of the new boat with a G-Class acting as a shadow. This points to the boat being paired with a G-Wagen of some sort. Then we have a video found below from AMG that displays past creations. It's time to get excited for this year's Miami Boat Show and the mystery boat! SEE ALL AMG GT R FOR SALLE https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=516067815688914 Image Source: Instagram

By Edward Jones – January 31, 2020

Codecasa Unveils New Incredible Yacht Inspired by Aviation

Codecasa, the Italian shipyard, has just unveiled a one-of-a-kind yacht inspired by aviation. Called the Codecasa Jet 2020, this 70-meter yacht takes the stylistic designs of a jet and transfers it to the body of this incredible yacht. In the front is a design that mimics the cockpit of an aircraft-- even the bow opens up access to the mooring area like a cargo plane. As for luxurious comfort and amenities, there's plenty of that. The sundeck is massive, featuring a lift, massive windows that peer into the salon and dining room, a place to swim, seating and more. In the rear is a helipad for those who need a place to land their helicopter. For cabins, there's an owner's suite, four cabins for guests and crew quarters. Codecasa is planning on the building of the Jet 2020 to start in the first half of 2020. Source: CodecasaYachts.com

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2019

BRABUS Teams Up With Jobe Watersports

BRABUS has announced that they (BRABUS Marine) will be teaming up with Jobe Watersports in order to bring their the Shadow Collection to customers around the world in a new way. This announcement comes after a successful showing of BRABUS Marine vessels at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show. This new collection will revolve around the Shadow Collection and it will launched at BOOT 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Be sure to stay with us for more information regarding this exciting collaboration! SEE ALL BRABUS CARS FOR SALE https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sWu5Rhtdk/

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By Edward Jones – December 02, 2019

Pininfarina and Rossinavi Team Up for 215-Foot Super Yacht

Pininfarina and Rossinavi first collaborated in 2017 with the Aurea concept, but now they're back together again. This time, they have created the Super Sport 65 luxury super yacht concept. This new yacht is a perfect example of how automotive design can translate beautifully onto a sea vessel. Sleek curves and aggressive edges flow together across the exterior, giving the vessel the appearance of motion even when at a standstill. Inside, the luxurious features are endless and perfectly match the stylish exterior. This is a perfect example as to why Pininfarina has been such a successful designer for decades. Pininfarina Battista Hypercar Revealed: 1900 Horsepower! Measuring in at 215-feet long, the Super Sport 65 is bound to be a standout wherever it ventures. And it will travel quickly thanks to the four MTU 16V engines that pump out 2,600 horsepower. This powertrain provides the vessel with 4,000 nautical miles of range, a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. To learn more, be sure to click here. Source: pininfarina.rossinavi.it

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2019

Gulf Craft Unveils New Majesty 140, A 43-Meter Superyacht

Gulf Craft is a UAE-based shipyard that's in the business of creating luxury yachts. Naturally, they made their way to 2019 Monaco Yacht Show and brought their new Majesty 140. It cruised over to the show thanks to its twin MTU 16V 2,600hp engines which can take the yacht up to 20 knots and allow it to cruise at 16 knots. This 43-meter yacht is comprised out of composites such as carbon fiber and GRP (glass reinforced plastic). On the outside, you'll found plenty of balconies, a beachfront deck, sunshades, and even a jacuzzi on the sundeck. Inside the Majesty 140 is where the luxury truly shines. Cristiano Gatto Design Team were behind the yacht's interior and they did an incredible job. The rooms are stylish and modern with plenty of windows to peer at the surrounding ocean through. For the owner's stateroom, there's a private extendable balcony, walk-in wardrobe, bathtub and more. Also Check Out: BRABUS Bringing German Engineering to 2019 Monaco Yacht Show One-of-a-kind: Historic Ferrari Race Boat for Sale Lexus Premieres Their New LY 650 Luxury Yacht Source: Gulf Craft Inc.

By Edward Jones – March 11, 2019

Massive 345-Foot Super Yacht Designed for Exploration and...

Oceanco has just revealed their new yacht and it's one of the most incredible ones we've ever seen, Esquel. This new yacht comes into the world with a length of 345 feet, almost the length of a football field (360 feet). Oceanco, a Dutch company, created the Esquel to be an expedition yacht, meant to explore that oceans. In a press release, they point out that 80 percent of yachty activity takes place in only 20 percent of the world's oceans. The Esquel was designed for that 80 percent of ocean that don't often see yachts. There are a myriad of features of the Esquel that make it a capable vessel for exploration. Just look at the 2475.7 sq. ft. tender garage that can house vehicles, tenders and even some toys for the water. However, Oceanco does note that Esquel was designed and engineer to carry and deploy two submarines, a land vehicle and even motorbikes. Up above the garage is a 2152.78 sq. ft. main deck that Oceanco says could even be turned into a platform for scientific studies. There's even a helipad. Powering Esquel is a sustainable compact diesel-electric system. Oceanco says the Esquel has a cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles and can reach a max speed of 16.5 knots. Esquel wasn't designed just with exploration in mind. In fact, Oceanco had a very specific set of people they wanted to reach with this new yacht: millennials. Oceanco's Group Marketing Manager, Paris Baloumis, told CNN that they worked with a young designer "in order to fully embrace the millennial mindset." “The ambition for the look and feel of Esquel’s interior is geared towards depicting the life, influences and home of a young explorer," says London-based interior stylist Gina Brennan. "Visible will be an eclectic mix of antiques and artifacts collected on his/her travels.” A price for Oceanco's Esquel has not been introduced as of yet, but I'm sure it will cost a very heft sum. Featured Image SourceImages via Instagram

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