Pininfarina

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 14, 2024

Pininfarina Unveils 'Dieci': A Pioneering Luxury Resident...

The historic automotive designer is making waves in the real estate world. Pininfarina stands out as a true Italian icon, famous for designing some of the most breathtaking cars you've ever seen. But here's the cool part; they're not just about making cars look good. The creative team at Pininfarina is also diving into architecture, teaming up on projects that are all about bringing luxury living to the hottest spots around the world. It's this mix of top-tier automotive design and high-end lifestyle projects that really makes Pininfarina stand out as a design legend. Pininfarina has just rolled out the red carpet to "Dieci," its latest masterpiece in branded residential living, and a groundbreaking entry into Panama's thriving real estate scene. Nestled in the lively Costa del Este, Dieci stands reflects luxury amidst the city's hustle, offering an exclusive retreat that promises a lifestyle unlike any other. According to Samuele Sordi, the Chief Architect Officer, Dieci is envisioned to mesmerize with its aesthetic appeal while elevating daily living through design that embodies Panama's rich ecological spirit. The architecture of Dieci showcases dynamic, three-dimensional designs that incorporate privacy into the visuals. At its core, Dieci fosters community and social connectivity, inviting residents into a world where architecture meets social harmony. Inside, the residences mirror Panama's lush landscapes, with interior materials and color choices ensuring a living experience that transcends beauty. Dieci's exceptional amenities set a new standard in luxury living, blending residential comfort with the finesse of top-tier hospitality. From refreshing gym sessions, and serene spa retreats, to social soirées on the outdoor deck and tranquil moments by the rooftop pool, Dieci curates a lifestyle of unmatched luxury and comfort. View Luxury Real Estate For Sale Source: Pininfarina

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2022

The New Eysing x Pininfarina PF40 E-Moped Is The Future O...

Full of emotion and forward-looking – the Eysing PF40 is changing the concept of urban mobility. Embracing efficiency and excitement, the market for electric bikes and mopeds continues to expand far outside their inteded urban environments. With industry-leading manufacturers like Porsche and Ducati already onboard, there seems to be no limit on what we can expect from the future of two-wheel EVs. Using its reputation as one of the world's finest designers, Pininfarina is proud to collaborate with Dutch company Eysing on a special edition E-Moped unlike any other on the market. The all-new Eysing PF40 is a product of blending Italian and Dutch design, which aims to create something futuristic while paying homage to the earliest forms of two-wheel transportation. MUST-READ: How To Buy: Lamborghini x 3T Bikes New $15,000 Exploro Racemax X Huracán Sterrato Bicycle Its aesthetically-pleasing frame shape presents a perfect finish of matte black and matte gold, with touches of rich brown that beautifully contrast throughout its design. The Eysing Pioneer comes with a state-of-the-art integrated safety system, offering an Eysing Connect App for tracking exact locations. Powered by an Eysing Direct Drive hub motor, the PF40 E-Moped comes ready with two power stages that provide max speeds of 15mph and 28mph. The Eysing PF40 is the perfect everyday commuter with a total curb weight of 132 lbs, equipped to handle a maximum load weight of 385 lbs. Learn more and experience sustainable riding by preordering the all-new Eysing x Pininfarina PF40 E-Moped from the link below. Learn More Source: Eysing

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2022

How To Buy: INKAR x Pininfarina's New $12,000 Limited-Edi...

Together, the dynamic duo created a limited edition of 99 iPhone cases for 13 Pro and 14 Pro each. After recently announcing its first collaboration with the automotive design specialists at Pininfarina, INKAR is now proud to officially release its high-end collection of luxury iPhone cases to the public. Deriving from iconic examples like the Modulo Concept, the collection embraces styles that reflect Pininfarina’s values while adding a sense of customization for the end user. MUST-READ: Pininfarina Battista First Drive Review: More Hyper Than GT The INKAR x Pininfarina Collection features four incredible designs, with the ability to further customize small details that add personality to each case. Among the limited 99 cases, only 5 are exclusive redline silver cases, hand drawn by artisans. These 99 cases are the very first iPhone cases designed by Pininfarina in history. The cases are carefully crafted one by one in Italy, at one of the finest factories that produce luxury goods using the latest technology. When: Available Now Where: INKAR's Website Price: $10,000 - $12,000 Source: INKAR

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2022

Pininfarina Designs A Limited-Edition Collection Of Luxur...

It is hand drawn by Italian artisans carefully made in Italy. If the name Pininfarina doesn’t ring a bell, then you may be familiar with its involvement in designing automotive legends like the Bentley Azur, Ferrari 250 GTB, Ferrari F40, and Ferrari Enzo. Along with its new Battista hypercar, the Italian design company prides itself on offering its talents to an array of other industries. Pininfarina is proud to announce its newest collaboration with INKAR, featuring a collection of limited-edition phone cases that incorporate the finest materials available. Together, Pininfarina x INKAR creates an exclusive line of 99 cases for both Apple iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro models. Among the 99 cases, only 5 are exclusive redline silver cases, hand drawn by artisans. MUST-READ: Pininfarina Battista First Drive Review: More Hyper Than GT Every case is fully customizable and features its own engraved serial number to record its existence and authenticity. For customization, there are 5 colors, 2 lens leathers, and 10 plates made of leather, natural wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum, available for customers to select from. The phone cases are designed and assembled one by one in Italy, and will also come with an NFT issued as a certificate. The digital key will give owners an exclusive membership with pre-order opportunities for upcoming INKAR collaborations. Although pricing has yet to be released, the limited-edition Pininfarina phone cases will be available soon through INKAR. Source: INKAR

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