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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 Edward Jones – June 09, 2020

Insane Aircraft Carrier Yacht Has Its Own Golf Course On It!

In the world, there are yachts and superyachts, but what we have here is something that is unlike anything on the water today. Mitsi Studio has designed what would be the very first aircraft yacht in the world. While I'm not exactly sure how one would acquire an aircraft carrier for this, there has to be a way because this is just too good of a design. Called the Noahs Twin Carrier, this one-of-a-kind aircraft carrier yacht has all of the amenities you'd expect from a mansion. Yes, a mansion. I say that because it comes with a three-hole golf course that is revealed when the deck is flipped around. There is also an infinity pool, tiki village, helipad, dock for a speedboat, and when the golf course is not revealed, there is a landing strip for jets. On top of that, who knows what's not being shown below the deck. This is a truly remarkable design and if it were to ever be created, it would go down as the most legendary yacht traveling the seas. Be sure to check out the rest of Mitsi Studio's designs by visiting Mitsi.Studio. Source: Mitsi.Studio, Facebook/Crocieristi Italiani

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2020

Iguana Yachts at Prestige Marine: A Boat You Can Drive on...

Owners of boats are used to docking their boats. That's just how it is. You pull up, throw the rope onto the dock, tie the boat up and hope nobody falls into the water after a long day on the water. With an Iguana Yacht, "docking" your boat is changed entirely. These intuitive vessels come with a set of tracks that extend out from the hull and drive the boat onto land. No more anchoring offshore when you can simply just drive onshore. If you want to enjoy a sunny summer with your family and friends get a private boat charter Gold Coast on this website and have fun. When it's time to head out, simply drive the boat back into the water and you're off! It's not everyday you can type the words "drive the boat back into the water..." Prestige Marine is currently offering the Iguana Original Classic and Commuter Sport for sale. Each of these vessels has Iguana Yacht's signature deployable tracks but offer two unique and stylish designs. Each has seating for up to 12 guests, making them perfect for entertaining. Whichever one you choose, you're in for a completely new boating experience. For more information, be sure to click the button below. You can also contact sales@prestigemarine.co or call 305-947-1000 today! Learn More on PrestigeImports.com " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2020

The 80-foot "ARIA" is the Catamaran of Your Dreams

Denison Yachting is offering a very special catamaran for sale. Called "ARIA," she is the first Sunreed 80 Power to be available for sale on the brokerage market. In fact, she was delivered to her owners on February 21, 2020. That makes her just a couple of months old! Because of the catamaran build, ARIA is capable of having the same volume as a yacht measuring in at over 100 ft. This is why there's plenty of room for the four cabins, plus the two separate crew accommodations. Each of those cabins also has best-in-class glass windows so everyone has a view of the ocean. The salon is a stunning highlight of ARIA, which is massive and provides a 360-degree view as well as a glass skylight. For power, ARIA relies on the upgraded MAN 1200 hp V8 engine, which was actually a $450,000+ option. These can propel her to a top speed of over 20 knots and a cruising speed of 13.5 knots. You can learn so much more about this incredible vessel by watching the video down below and through the listing on DenisonYachtSales.com by clicking the button below. View Price and Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 28, 2020

2020 VanDutch 40.2 Now Available at Prestige Marine

Prestige Marine, a division of Prestige Imports, has just announced the availability of the stunning 2020 VanDutch 40.2 yacht. The specific yacht being offered is finished in an incredible Pagani Silver with classy white upholstery. Its design is as sleek as they come, with a 40'11" length that is filled with features and options. The most notable of these features include the refrigerated deck table, JL Audio system, cockpit bar, two-pole aft sunshade, stern thruster, extended swim/boarding platform and more. Powering the yacht are two Volvo D6 435 horsepower engines that can run for 84 hours. VanDutch is just one of the prestigious marine brands that Prestige Marine partners with. Others include Iguana yachts, Midnight Express, Pardo Yachts, SeaBob and Tecnomar Evo. To learn more, be sure to click the button below. Visit Prestige Marine Source: Prestige Marine

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2020

$1 Million U-Boat Worx Nemo Personal Submarine Revealed

If you want to get away from everyone, but the roads or wilderness won't take you where you want to go... we have a solution for you. U-Boat Worx has just launched their new Nemo submarine that costs around $1 million (€975,000 ex. VAT). The Nemo is touted as being the world's only production line submarine. It can seat up to two passengers and is actually the lightest manned submersible ever built with a weight of just 5,511.5 lbs. Because of the Nemo's lightweight, it can actually be towed behind a vehicle for shoreside launching. Yeah, towing a sub is definitely cooler than towing some jet skis. The Nemo has a very contemporary design that's incredibly functional. For the hull, U-Boat Worx installed a fully acrylic pressurized hull that gives passengers a massive viewing area of the ocean's depths. Getting down to its maximum depth of 330 feet doesn't happen without proper training, however. Thankfully, U-Boat Worx provides a 12-day training course at their facility. After the course, the owner will become a certified submersible operator. U-Boat Worx says the Nemo is currently in the final phase of production and it will be available once the demand has been met. If you're interested, click the button below to learn more and contact U-Boat Worx. Learn More Source: Nemo-Submarine.com

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2020

New Dynamiq x Klassen GTM 90 Yacht is Inspired by Supercars

During this year's planned Geneva Motor Show, Dynamiq and Klassen were planning on revealing a new yacht they created together called the GTM 90. This stunning yacht has an exterior that was designed after the sleek lines of supercars. While it may not be able to reach speeds of 200+ mph like a supercar, an impossible feat for your luxury yacht, it can cruise up to a top speed of over 30 knots and has a range of 800nm at 17knots. And what this yacht has that no supercar has is... a lot. How about a beach club, spa, dining area, four guest cabins, and more. This is, without a doubt, a truly remarkable yacht that does a great job taking after the supercar. Dynamiq has also launched its configurator for the GTM 90 so you can spend some time customizing your own example of the yacht and possibly ordering one for yourself. The starting price? 7,500,000 euros. Delivery date? October 2021. Configure Your Yacht Learn More Source: BeDynamiq.com

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2020

One-of-a-Kind Versace Yacht for Sale

Not all yachts are created equally, especially when one has its interior designed in collaboration with a fashion designer. Just take a look at this 100-foot Benetti yacht for sale at Denison Yachting. Its interior was created through a collaboration between interior designer Francois Zuretti and Versace. In the walkthrough below, you'll see just how incredible the result is. Other highlights of this yacht include its VIP Stateroom with a reading lounge, queen-sized bed and full en-suite bathroom with a massive rainfall shower. This vessel also boasts low hours at just 2050. For the outside, there is an enormous amount of space for passengers to walk around, making it perfect for entertaining. If you've been looking for a one-of-a-kind way to cruise around the water, click the button below to learn more about this incredible vessel. View Listing " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 16, 2020

147-foot Cabernet Yacht Gets $700k Price Reduction

If you need to partake in some social distancing out on the water, we have a perfect vessel for you. Denison Yachting has just dropped the price on the stunning Sensation Yachts' 147-foot Cabernet. While the outside of this yacht is beautiful, the inside is out of this world. It comes with an exquisite two-story master stateroom and sky lounge, media room, formal dining room, two twin-bed staterooms, two king bed staterooms, a VIP guest stateroom and, unsurprisingly, a lot more. And you can travel between decks via an elevator. This vessel is no joke because she is loaded to the deck with luxury. Check her out for yourself by clicking the button below. You can also watch the video below of Denison Yachting's professional walkthrough of the yacht. It goes through every room, every hallway and every nook & cranny. It's worth the watch! View Price and More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 08, 2020

Denison Yachts Announces Virtual Boat Show #2

After holding their very first, and very successful, Virtual Boat Show, Denison Yachting is back again with yet another Virtual Boat Show. This event will be happening live live on Thursday, April 9 from 9am-5pm EST. What can you expect? How about over 100 virtual boat tours and professional yacht walkthrough videos? If that's not enough, visitors of the live stream can also watch the livestream and chat with industry experts all day long. To learn more, be sure to click the button below. “Our team of yacht brokers, marketing staff and admins have worked around the clock to make this Virtual Boat Show possible for clients to enjoy in the safety and comfort of their homes,“ said Bob Denison, President of Denison Yachting. “Keeping the boat-buying process safe and easy is important to the Denison Family. With current circumstances making it impossible for everyone to interact in person, we look forward to meeting with current and future clients online and welcoming everyone who is interested in boating to experience this virtual show.” Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2020

New A88 Gransport is an 88-foot Yacht Built for Pure Speed

Officina Armare have unveiled a new yacht that's aiming to be a rocket across the water and look good while doing it. The new A88 Gransport is a performance-oriented yacht that's been designed for speed, aerodynamics and luxury. Its streamlined design gives it an incredibly sharp appearance, like a knife cutting through the wave. For its power, it relies on twin MTU 16V M94 diesel engines that put out 2,600 hp each. With this power, it carries a cruising speed of over 35 knots and a top speed of over 40 knots. For the passengers, it features two guest cabins and a master suite. There's also a space for eight guests on the foredeck and two sun pads with a bimini cover. For more information, be sure to visit OfficinaArmare.com. Images and Info via OfficinaArmare.com

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