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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 – January 12, 2021

Ocean One is a Seven-Deck, 351-foot Superyacht Concept

The Ludes Design Team has just unveiled an incredible superyacht concept called Ocean One. This new superyacht boasts a seven-deck layout and measures in at a whopping 107-meters(351-feet). It's truly a remarkable concept in size, but the features are also just as incredible. From bow to stern, there are three pool, a helicopter landing pad, a hydraulic helicopter garage with glass walls and more. For the guests, there are ten double guest suites that can accommodate up to 20 guests. Meanwhile, the owner's suite takes up an entire deck. There is no denying the fact that Ocean One is an extraordinary superyacht concept and I hope that one day we see it splash down and take to the seas. Be sure to check out all of our other yacht and boat news. Source: OceanOneSuperyacht.com

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2021

Rugged Yet Luxurious Center Consoles Mean You Can Have It...

Presented by Regulator Marine - Once known as rugged machines built for serious sportfishing, center consoles have evolved into powerhouses equipped with yacht-like technology and every creature comfort you seek, making them one of the fastest-growing boat segments for many years running. We caught up with one of the best in the business, Regulator Marine, to talk about what to look for when shopping for your next ride. As one of the premiere center console sportfisher boat builders in America since 1988, Regulator is known as one of the first to say that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort when you’re headed offshore – in fact, you should demand it. “We can be serious fishermen and still have air conditioning at the helm,” says Regulator VP of Sales and Marketing Keith Ammons with a laugh. “But seriously, when you are shopping for a center console, it’s all about the build, the quality and the ride. Look for what you want above deck, but spend some time digging below the surface to be sure you have the best.” Here are Ammons’ top tips. TAKE A SEA TRIAL But don’t go out on a gorgeous, calm day. Go for a ride on a day when sea conditions are a little rough – in fact, go out in every condition you think you’ll encounter on your waterway. And make sure you test all of your options in the same conditions! GET TO KNOW THE MANUFACTURER Look at the fit & finish. Do all doors and compartments close perfectly, with ease? Are there any rough edges or is everything smooth to the touch? The quality of build will make all the difference. Do your research, visit the factory, and talk to the people who engineer, design, and build your boat. You need to know that each detail was designed to last. THE POWER PRINCIPLE Center consoles today have LOTS of power, but you don’t just want to go for max horsepower. You want to pay attention to how that power affects performance, stability and ride. You will also want to consider fuel capacity. Are the engines fuel-efficient for the boat size and range expected? Above all, consider how and where you will use your boat – for sport and for fun. Is there enough deck space? A head? Entertainment electronics? How much seating is on board, and does the boat have a table? These are all factors that may be more or less relevant, depending on how you plan to use your boat. Happy shopping and see you offshore! Visit RegulatorMarine.com

By Edward Jones – January 11, 2021

Wally Announces WHY200, An 88-Foot Yacht That Packs Incre...

Wally has just announced a new 27-meter (88' 9") yacht that contains the spaciousness and style of a superyacht without the massive size. With a full beam salon, the WHY200 boasts 2,153 square-feet of indoor living space. Every foot of this indoor space is used to create a comfortable, stylish and spacious area. The 398 square-foot owner's suite includes a 200-degree uninterrupted view that peers outside. As for guests, there are three to four double guests cabins, depending on the layout option. Crews will also benefit from a surprisingly large 344 square-foot crew quarters that includes a galley and three cabins. Moving outside, the WHY200's 1,550 square-feet of exterior decks has ample room for guests to enjoy the open air. That being said, Wally has ensured that this new vessel provides protection from the elements by ways of features like the extended pillarless overhang above the main deck aft. Other notable features include the beach club area that folds out in three ways for 344 square-feet of space and two concealed garages for water toys. Wally will debut the WHY200 at the Ferretti Group Private Preview in Monaco in September 2021.In the meantime, check out Sea Force's incredible 510 Center Console. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 11, 2021

Volva Penta Announces Assisted Docking Technology

Volvo Penta has just announced their new Assisted Docking technology that will make one of the most difficult aspects of boating a a breeze. Let's face it, no matter how experienced of a captain you are, there are times when docking can get sketchy. Now, with Volvo Penta's new docking tech, docking has never been easier. Controlled by a joystick, the captain can direct any boat equipped with the system in very specific way: forward, sideways and even in 360-degrees spins. When these movements are made, the system takes into account external forces such as wind and current. Calculations are made and the system compensates for these forces, keeping the boat on the directed path even if the wind is blowing hard. Even when the joystick is not being used, the system allows the boat to stay at a complete standstill. Check out the video below to learn more and even see this groundbreaking tech in action. Also check out the Sea Force 510 Center Console, a $2.25 million masterpiece. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 08, 2021

Sea Force 510 CC: The $2.25 Million Quintessential Center...

Presented by Denison Yacht Sales - While there may be center consoles out on the market, none compare to the comfort and speed that the Sea Force 510 Center Console offers. With an incredibly spacious layout that is filled with amenities for both leisure and fishing, the Sea Force 510 CC provides everyone on board with the best center console boating experience out on the water today. With an overall length of 51-feet and a weight of over 40,000 lbs, a lot of power is required to push the 510 CC through the water. For that, this vessel boat relies on a quint-Mercury 450 setup that's good for a max speed of 60 mph and a cruise speed of 30/38 mph. That kind of speed will be needed for those early morning runs out to those deep water fishing spots. Visit DenisonYachtSales.com Speaking of fishing, the 510 CC is packed with fishing features that will make every angler aboard more than happy. From the bountiful amount of rod holders to the four live wells in the aft section, this boat has it all. Other features for fishing include two in-deck fish boxes, Seakeeper 6 stabilizer, bait prepping counter, lockable tackle storage, ice chipper, freezers, rod rack, outrigger controls, and more. Moving from the aft towards the bow will bring you to the helm area. This fully-enclosed helm can be air conditioned or completely opened up for when the weather is just too pleasant to ignore. At the helm station, the captain and one more can sit in the oversized captain's chairs that include shock absorbers. For the captain is a suite of technology that includes a three-Simrad display setup, with one of them being quite massive. Up above is the tower that has a Simrad display and all necessary controls. At the bow is a perfect area for both relaxing and fishing. The bow has a large sunpad and a dinette setup that can turn into either a second sunpad or a walkthrough space for walking and fishing. One thing one will notice is that from aft to bow, the entire deck is fitted with SeaDek. If you've ever been out on the water for an entire day, you know that SeaDek will drastically reduce fatigue from standing all day. Down below deck is a spacious cabin that can sleep up to six. The galley-area includes a sink, refrigerate, freezer, TV, two-burner cooktop and storage. A full head is also included with a standup shower for those who need to rinse off after a long day out on the water. There is also a queen bed aft of the head. Moving to the bow is the owner's suite that has a queen bed, closet, TV and rod storage. Additionally, there is a sofa by the galley that can be converted into a bunk-bed. As you can plainly see, the Sea Force 510 is the quintessential center console that will appease every angler out there. From the 360-degree fishing capabilities to its incredible performance, it's an absolutely stunning vessel. Denison Yacht Sales can assist you with ordering your new construction build of the Sea Force 510. For more information, be sure to visit DenisonYachtSales.com. Visit DenisonYachtSales.com

By Edward Jones – January 07, 2021

See How to Dock a 112-foot Superyacht

When looking at a massive superyacht like the Sanlorenzo SX112, a 112-foot vessel, one can't help but imagine how difficult it must be to dock it. Many are used to docking smaller boats which can you can whip around at will, so this train of thought is only natural. So, how hard is it to dock a yacht? Thanks to Volvo's Penta IPS propulsion system, it's really not hard at all. In fact, it looks incredibly easy. This propulsion system is controlled by a joystick that allows the captain to have 360-degrees of control. The system is truly groundbreaking and makes docking in tight spaces a breeze. In the video below by SuperYacht Times, you can see the system in action. See the SX112 make a 360-degree spin from above is a sight to see. What's more, there's also quick walkthrough of the yacht to give you a taste of what its guests enjoy when out for a cruise. See the latest yacht and marine news. Featured Image: Via screenshot from " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2021

Burger Boat's New 120-foot Raised Pilothouse Yacht Concept

Burger Boats have unveiled their new 120-foot Raised Pillothouse yacht concept, a vessel that was designed alongside Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architects. When designing the concept, Burger Boats ensured that there were a variety of interior configurations available to customers. This allows each owner to create a custom interior that perfectly fits their needs. That being said, the initial design includes an on-deck owner's stateroom, his and hers heads, private office, four guest stateroom, two aft guest cabins, eat-in galley, three ensuite cabins for a crew of six, crew's mess area and a professional galley. Out on the sun deck is room for a 20-foot Novurania Catamaran tender, jet ski and even a jacuzzi. There's also room for a day head, dining areas and more. We can't wait to see the first example of Burger Boat's new concept hit the water. Check out all of our latest marine news. Source: BurgerBoat.com

By Edward Jones – January 05, 2021

Feadship Launches 235-foot Project 819 Superyacht

Feadship has launched their Project 819 (a.k.a. Project Galina) superyacht, a 235-foot vessel, at their Kaag shipyard. This new superyacht doesn't have a ton of details out there, but more will undoubtedly come soon. What we do know is that this new yacht's interior was designed by Nauta Design and the exterior was done by De Voogt. The four decks of the vessel have plenty of room for lounging and entertaining. Inside, there looks to be plenty of room for guests and crew but the exact number has yet to be revealed. Be sure to stay with us for more information as it's revealed. In the meantime, check out the launch video of Project 819 down below by Dutch Yachting. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 01, 2021

Azimut Releases New Details on the 38m Tri-Deck, Their La...

Azimut Yachts have released new renders for their new 38m Tri-Deck, which just so happens to be their largest yacht yet. The tri-deck design allows this new vessel to be perfect for outdoor entertaining. With sun pads and sofas galore, guests will always be able to find a spot in the sun. One interesting addition to the upper deck is the outside dining that's perfect for an al fresco meal. That being said, the interior has a layout that will provide everyone aboard with comfort and cool air. In its entirety, the interior is a perfect reflection of modern design in yachts and while the outside areas are abundant, the work of interior designer Achille Salvagni is impeccable. For more information, be sure to visit AzimutYachts.com. Image Source: AzimutYachts.me

By Edward Jones – January 01, 2021

2021 Regulator 41 is the Ultimate Offshore Boat

It doesn't matter what time of year it is, there's always plenty of fish in the sea. If you want to get out and into the open water, you need a substantial boat and that's why we're here to present you with the 2021 Regulator 41. This boat was designed with offshore needs in mind. An integrated wraparound windshield will protect you while running out to your spots at high speeds. And that will definitely come in handy because this boat can haul thanks to the quad Yamaha 425 engines. Plus, you’ll have extra stability with the Seakeeper® 5 stabilization system. On deck, you’ll find plenty of fishbox and livewell capacity, so you can have plenty of storage for a long day of fishing out in open waters. Anglers will also enjoy the optional Taco Grand Slam 500 outrigger bases that include 20-foot HD carbon fiber telescoping poles. Down below deck is a new cabin complete with a galley kitchen, double berth and head with shower. Not only is the new Regulator 41 great for fishing, but also entertaining thanks to the below deck accommodations and seating arrangements on the deck. You can learn more about this new boat by clicking the button below. You can also check out the walkthrough of the boat that took place at the recent 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Visit RegulatorMarine.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CG_DJXJjIhc/

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