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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 Jordan Aquistapace – January 22, 2024

Porsche Design Joins F.A.T. International's Legendary Ice...

The iconic Ice Race is back after three years, now covering two continents and partnered with Porsche Design for a unique timepiece. After a thrilling three-year break, the legendary Ice Race is making a grand comeback, promising more excitement than ever before. F.A.T. International is all set to reinvigorate this Porsche-fueled event, overcoming any weather challenges and expanding its reach across the globe. The race's grand return will begin in Zell am See, the heartland of F.A.T. International, before making its way to the majestic Rocky Mountains for an exciting second round. Porsche Design, the event's official timing partner since 2020, is elevating the experience with their recent trip into the deserts of Dubai. In this exotic locale, Ferdinand Porsche himself took a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, adorned with an exclusive F.A.T. livery, for a desert-drifting run. Alongside this display of performance expertise, the latest collaborative creation, the Chronograph 1 Utility - Limited Edition, was also put through its paces. Porsche Design has a legacy of horology dating back to the late 1970s, with the stainless steel Military Chronograph. Originally designed with a matte-black PVD coating for minimal reflection and optimal readability, it was a favorite among international air forces, including the U.S. Air Force. Today, the iconic timepiece is reborn in partnership with F.A.T. International. The Military Chronograph transforms into the Utility model, boasting 100% scratch-resistant titanium carbide, making it an ideal accessory for any adventure. The Chronograph 1 Utility - Limited Edition is an example of Porsche Design's dedication to innovation and style. With Ferdinand Porsche's influential touch, the watch features the iconic F.A.T. Mankei graphic on the case back and dial, and an additional white textile strap marked with the coordinates of the Ice Race in Zell am See. Shop the all-new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility - Limited Edition by clicking the link below. Shop The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 07, 2023

TAG Heuer x Porsche Release The New Carrera Chronosprint ...

In line with the design and performance of Porsche's 911, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosport is the best choice for drivers.

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 02, 2023

Porsche Honors 75 Years With A Limited Edition Chronograph 1

Porsche Design is marking this special anniversary with the launch of the Chronograph 1 – 75 Years of Porsche Edition.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 30, 2023

Porsche Design Celebrates Austria's High Alpine Road With...

The new Chronograph 1 is inspired by the breathtaking Austrian driving roads, perfect for petrol heads and motorsport fans.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2023

Porsche Design Unveils The Owner-Exclusive 718 Spyder RS ...

Made to complement Porsche's newest RS model, the Porsche Design 718 Spyder RS Chronograph stands out as an owner's exclusive piece.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2022

Porsche Design Hits The Ice With Its New Chronograph 1 GP...

Created to perform just as the brand's sports cars, the Chronograph 1 is made with true Porsche DNA. As temperatures drop while winter takes full effect, Porsche is proud to once again participate in the legendary GP Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria. This year’s GP Ice Race features a 650-meter-long race track, a drift circle, and a separate karting track that are constructed from ice. Reviving the tradition of racing spectacular sports cars on the frozen tundra, GP Team leader Constantin Klein and Ferdi Porsche (nephew of F.A. Porsche) prep for the occasion with a special edition luxury timepiece from Porsche Design. The new Chronograph 1 GP 2023 Edition takes shape as a modern rendition of the first Porsche Design watch created in 1972. MUST-READ: RM Sotheby’s Sells The Porsche Design 911 S 2.4 Targa For $1,149,000 The exclusive Chronograph 1 presents a simplistic case design crafted from satin-finished titanium, utilizing a lightweight design that adds strength for daily wear. A chronograph dial configuration proudly showcases a vintage Porsche Design logo, as well as a series of sundials that control its timekeeping functions. The Chronograph 1 GP 2023 Edition gets its power from a COSC-certified Porsche Design Calibre WERK 01.240 movement, offering a high-precision operation and impressive power reserve. The covered backcase displays commemorative engravings that include the Porsche Design logo, GP-Signet, and Yeti laser engravings to signify the limited 250-piece release. Fit with an interchangeable quick-release system, the watch comes equipped with comfortable black and white nylon straps. The all-new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 GP 2023 Edition is currently available for $9,650 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 28, 2022

Porsche Design Introduces A World-First In Watch Case Design

A world first: a watch case made of Titanium Carbide. Built on a passion for improving performance through innovative engineering, Porsche stays successful by constantly introducing new lightweight materials and state-of-the-art technology. Since implementing a new weight-saving DRS aero system on the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the brand decided to take the same forward-thinking approach to its lifestyle division and its line of luxury watches. Porsche Design is proud to announce a new era of chronographs using Titanium Carbide, an entirely new material that offers a comfortable feel and an ever darker appearance over the previous models. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Luxury Chronograph Watches The special material shapes itself as a world-first for Porsche Design, which is why they have chosen to use it on the new Chronograph 1 911 Dakar that commemorates the first rally-inspired production Porsche. The benefits of crafting cases from Titanium Carbide present a lighter, hypoallergenic, and highly scratch-resistant construction for everyday wear on or off the track. While the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Dakar is exclusive to owners of the vehicle, we are excited to see the luxury lifestyle brand incorporate the new material into its entire collection. Shop all of the luxury timepieces from Porsche Design by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Shop Porsche Design Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2022

Porsche Design x Sotheby's Auction Off A 911 S 2.4 Targa ...

Making an appearance at Sotheby's Luxury Week in New York, these two Porsche legends come together as the perfect pairing. At the hands of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Porsche transformed itself from a producer of performance cars to a luxury lifestyle brand that embodies the same traditional values. From luxury watches to premium apparel, the DNA of the German auto manufacturer bleeds throughout its one-of-a-kind designs. As part of its 50th Anniversary in 2022, Porsche Design is pleased to be partnering with Sotheby’s Auction to showcase two designs during its Luxury Week in New York. The two auction offerings come courtesy of F.A. Porsche, taking shape as a Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa from 1972 and Porsche Design Chronograph 1. 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa The 1972 Porsche 911 s 2.4 Targa presents an immaculate restoration done by the experts at Porsche Classic. The Factory One-Off was built as part of the new Sonderwunsch (special request) program, which took over two years to complete. The color black dominates the exterior while its interior is equipped with Sport-Tex in a classic checkered pattern in black and cool gray. View All Porsche 911 S For Sale Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Porsche Design This Porsche Design Chronograph 1 911 2.4 Targa Edition was made exclusively to pair with the sale of the actual vehicle, celebrating the anniversary of the brand and F.A. Porsche's innovative approach to luxury products. The dial, crown, wristband, and case back bear the historic Porsche Design logo. The most impressive characteristic of the watch is the design of the winding rotor on the back of the case, which mimics the historical Fuchs rims of the Targa from 1972. The 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa and special edition Porsche Design Chronograph 1 will be available during Sotheby's Luxury Week auction event in New York on December 14th. Shop all Porsche Design luxury timepieces by clicking on the link below. Shop Porsche Design Timepieces Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 02, 2022

Porsche's New Garmin Epix2 Smartwatch Is Built For Any Ad...

For athletes, adventurers and everyone with an active lifestyle. Since Porsche equips its lineup with sports cars and SUVs built to conquer every lifestyle imaginably, it's no surprise that its Porsche Design division takes the same approach when it comes to luxury watches. While Porsche has worked with industry leaders like IWC Schaffhausen to create horological icons, it is proud to venture into the future of smartwatches alongside its new partnership with Garmin. Porsche and Garmin are proud to present the all-new Epix2 Smartwatch, featuring a Porsche-exclusive design that owners and enthusiasts are sure to love. MUST-READ: These Porsche Design Speakers Add Luxury And Performance To Any Home Or Office The Garmin Epix2 Porsche smartwatch presents a large 47mm stainless steel case shape, fit to house a brilliant 1.3-inch AMOLED display made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Along with customizable watch faces that incorporate twelve model logos like the 911 and Taycan, the Garmin Epix2 also showcases over 60 sports and outdoor activity profiles designed to complement any healthy lifestyle. Thanks to STAMINA data, sports units can be optimized and premature fatigue avoided. The all-new Porsche x Garmin Epix2 Smartwatch is currently available for $1,250 by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

High Quality JPG 2 CBN2016.EB0275 LINES 16 9

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2022

TAG Heuer x Porsche Celebrate The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 With...

The color schemes and case honor this great classic, and the shared values of two great maisons. Since 2021, TAG Heuer x Porsche has established a motorsport-inspired partnership with an array of collectible watches sporting tools for the track. As Porsche celebrates the 50th anniversary of the legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7, TAG Heuer commemorates the occasion by introducing two new limited-edition Carrera watches. The new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 Collection showcases signature features that make the 1972 sports car and 1963 chronograph timeless designs. The Blue Edition (limited to 500-pieces) features a finely polished stainless steel case a sporty fabric strap with the Porsche logo and Carrera markings, as well as an elegant steel bracelet with ergonomic H-shaped links for a more formal look. The even more limited Red Edition (limited to 250-pieces) presents its case in precious 18k 5N Red Gold, which comes fitted on an elegant matching red alligator leather strap. MUST-READ: The Porsche Museum Opens Its ‘Spirit of Carrera RS’ Exhibit For The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Anniversary Each example highlights a smooth white opaline dial, displaying its hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph functions. While the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is powered by Porsche’s 2.7-liter flat-six, the Carrera Chronograph is driven by TAG Heuer’s in-house 02 Automatic movement. A transparent sapphire backcase provides an inside look at the complication in action, with production numerics engraved on the outer portion to signify its exclusivity. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer starting at $7,750. View all current Porsche 911 Carrera RS examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. VIEW ALL PORSCHE 911 CARRERA RS FOR SALE View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

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