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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 27, 2021

How To Buy: Nezumi Studios x RUF Voiture Chronograph

Earlier this week, we covered the announcement that Nezumi Studios x RUF would be releasing a vintage styled Voiture Chronograph limited to 200 pieces. The collaboration celebrates the art of vintage watchmaking and the history of the classic RUF Yellowbird. Inside the case, the RUF logo is stamped proudly in vibrant orange, blending well with a matte dark green and off-white dial. The shine from the stainless-steel case paired with its brown leather strap makes it a small scale RUF for your wrist. The Voiture Chronograph is sure to be a collector’s example for any watch or RUF enthusiast. Shop the release of the Nezumi Studios x RUF Voiture Chronograph by clicking the link below. When: January 27th, 2021 Where: Nezumi Studios Website Price: N/A For more Watch news, Check out Top Luxury Smart Watches To Keep You Connected All Day Image Source: Nezumi Studios

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 15, 2021

First Look At The New Nezumi Studios x RUF Automobile Voi...

RUF Automobiles is a producer of high-performance vehicles using the Porsche platform. The company meticulously hand-crafts parts to differentiate the design and performance from the stock models. The detailed craftsmanship goes hand in hand with luxury timepiece manufacturing, which is why it was an easy decision to create a commemorative watch. Nezumi Studios x RUF Automobiles is proud to present the Voiture Chronograph, the result of an in-depth collaboration between the two luxury brands. The 40mm green dial chronograph uses a blend of vintage designs and colors, making the watch look like it just stepped out of a time machine with state-of-the-art movement technology. The RUF logo is found stamped proudly on the stainless-steel backcase, is just as they are on the three pedals of the CTR “Yellowbird”. The commemorative piece by Nezumi x RUF will be a collectors example for any watch or Porsche enthusiast. Although price and launch date have yet to be released. Check back in for more information on the release of the Nezumi x RUF Voiture Chronograph. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition x Porsche Design Heritage Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2020

Makes And Movements: 2020 Porsche 992 911 x Porsche Desig...

Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do. They just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the automotive industry and even specific cars altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular supercars available through DuPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. 2020 Porsche 992 911 The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic models in automobile history, with the first 901 generation unveiled in 1963. Since then, Porsche has redesigned the platform with more performance and technology. The 992 was announced in 2018 as the eighth generation with updates to launch the 911 into a new era of styling. The exterior redesigned to present a more modern muscular look using a significantly wider wheel housing, new LED headlights, a variable-position rear spoiler, and an elegant rear lightbar. The interior is updated to a modern spec using inspiration from the ‘70s Porsche 911 models. A straight-line dashboard with recessed instruments allows for a balanced driving experience. A larger 10.9-inch display provides comprehensive connectivity for the driver and passenger. The configuration of the Porsche 992 911 is just as personalized as it has ever been, including an array of color options and materials that give customers the ability to create the perfect vehicle. Performance is the key that drives the Porsche 911, with past variations equipped with different levels of performance. The Porsche 992 911 launched with the Carrara S and Carrara 4S, a rear-wheel and all-wheel drive option that produces 443 horsepower. The turbocharged flat-six engine of the 911 is paired with the ultra-responsive 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, making the driving experience effortless. New assistance systems such as Wet Mode are standard equipment, which helps detect water on the road using a camera-based warning and brake assist system. The Porsche 992 911 starts at $113,200 and includes various sub-models with GT chassis on the way. Why To Buy The Porsche 992 generation is a great buy for any Porsche enthusiast that enjoys modern styling and performance that is backed by the brand that continues to lead as a German sports-car manufacturer. The new platform incorporates a performance-focused system with modern technology and safety options, making it a drivable vehicle for anyone in the family. The meticulous configuration process allows for any customer to spec the perfect 911 for the driveway. View All Porsche 992 911 For Sale Porsche Design Custom-Built Chronograph Porsche Design originated as a branch of the automobile manufacturer as a way to deliver Porsche inspired lifestyle products to complement the brand for owners and enthusiast. The watch collection features a Sport Chronograph Configurator that allows individuals to build a watch using the same process as if it was a Porsche 992 911. All components have the ability to be changed using premium materials and color codes that are also incorporated into the vehicles rolling off the factory floors. The Porsche Design Chronograph is a 42mm example that is driven by an in-house WERK 01.100 automatic caliber. The color of natural titanium and black titanium are available for the case, bezel, and optional metal bracelet. Color codes pulled directly from Porsche are used to highlight the dial ring, leather strap, and decorative stitching. A transparent back case and winding rotor display the inner workings of the mechanism. The choice of a Porsche wheel style as a winding rotor is an available option, which includes nine different OEM rim styles. As if that is not personalized enough, Porsche Design added custom engraving for the case back, as well as graphic engraving on the plaque included in the packaging. The Porsche Design Sports Chronograph configurator has over 1.5 million design possibilities starting at a base price of $5,150. Why To Buy The configurator for the Porsche Design Sports Chronograph is the best option for a custom timepiece because it gives the customer the ability to spec the perfect watch for their intended use. The platform has the means to create timepieces that can be dressed up or down while still celebrating a specific Porsche or the brand heritage as a whole. It is the perfect addition to any Porsche owner or enthusiast's collection. Shop Porsche Design Custom Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 22, 2020

Porsche Design Announces New GT2 Smartwatch Partnership W...

An increase in the popularity of smartwatches has traditional timepiece manufacturers going to the drawing board to design their own rendition. Porsche Design is partnering with Huawei to release a GT2 watch, a classic yet luxurious smartwatch using innovative technology. The minimalistic design uses titanium for a light weight comfortable option for sport driven users. The Porsche Design Huawei Watch GT2 provides available functions for smart workouts and health monitoring using a 6-in-1 LED lens located on the case back. The packaging for the new release includes a wireless charger, cable, and a Fluoroelastomer strap. The Porsche Design Huawei Watch GT2 will be available at the end of November 2020. Shop Porsche Design

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2020

Porsche Design Introduces the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Desig...

Earlier, we touched on the new Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition being revealed and now we're back to discuss a bit more about the watch the accompanies this new special edition Porsche. The new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design edition chronograph was unveiled alongside the Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition as a perfect accessory. Its design was inspired by the Porsche 356 and 911 Targa, just like the new limited-edition Targa 4S. Its face, for example, was inspired by the 356's speedometer and tachometer. It features Phosphorous Green rings and numbers, and a font that is in-line with Porsche's design characteristics. Superluminova is used for the hour indices for maximum visibility no matter the time of day. As for the strap, it's made of genuine Porsche interior leather, complete with "911" embossed in it. Controlling the movement and located in the titanium housing is the in-house developed Calibre WERK 01.100, which is COSC-certified (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). From the bad, you can spot the movement through the gaps in the Fuchsfelge-inspired rotor design. This design can be optioned in either black or platinum, and features the Porsche badge in the center, just like the car. Only 992 examples of this extraordinary watch are being created. For more information, be sure to click the button below to visit Porsche-Design.us. View on Porsche-Design.us Source: Porsche

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2020

REC Watches Unveils 901 RWB Stella

When Akira Nakai built his first Porsche 911, it was dedicated to his favorite beer: Stella Artois. The car was such a sensation that it allowed his RWB brand to be noticed by the automotive world, and the rest is history. REC watches unveiled two new timepieces dedicated to his builds a few weeks ago, and they have caused a sensation with 911 enthusiasts. If you want to get in on the action, the time is now. That's because REC has unveiled the RWB Stella. This limited run incorporates steel from the car's last restoration. Diameter: 44mm (46 with body-kit) Height: 14mm Model wrist: 18 cm The sapphire glass is rated to 50 meters and the movement has 40 hours of reserved power. As with all REC watches, delivery is free and it is backed by a 2 year warranty. These won't last long, so click the button below for all the details. Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2018

New Porsche 911 Watch to Celebrate the Next-Generation

Porsche has unveiled the next-generation of their 911 model, the 992 generation, after a lot of teasing and sneak peeks. To celebrate the new model, Porsche Design has unveiled a special edition watch that's limited to just 911 examples. It's called the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition. That's quite the mouthful. Porsche Design took inspiration from the new model when designing this watch. The sleek lines of the case do their best at mirroring the new dashboard found in the next-generation 911. Reading the watch while driving was also important to the designers, so they made sure to use white pointers and indicators so the wearer can quickly tell time while on the move. Other features that mimic the 911 car include the silhouette of the car on the dial and the strap that using genuine Porsche interior leather. Porsche Design will be offering the 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition starting in April 2019 in an exclusive box with a special badge. Shop porsche design Also Check Out These Watches: HYT Watches Introduces the New H4 Timepieces Bentley Renews Breitling Partnership, More Watches Coming Montblanc Unveils Two New Watches at Goodwood 2018

By Caitlin Duffy – June 03, 2015

Porsche Design Chrontimer Series 1 Timepieces Introduced

With a call back to their history and a strong gaze on the future, Porsche Design has unveiled their latest timepieces for men: the Chrontimer Series 1.Though based on the first Porsche timepiece ever created, a design from Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1972, these timepieces have been developed entirely independently by the marque's design house. His principals of design were optimal readability, technical perfection, highest quality materials and puristic design with a focus on function, and each of those has been fully imbued in this new line.Another historic influence comes from the 1980 Titanium Chronograph from Porsche, which was the first timepiece crafted entirely from titanium. This influence is found in the titanium case of each Chrontimer Series 1. And yet a vast array of options are available for bezel, dials and strap materials and finishes, allowing each timepiece to truly reflect its owners tastes.(See Also: Hublot, Kobe Bryant Introduce New Timepiece in Napa Valley)The bezel can be either black, titanium or 18-carat rose gold, while the strap can be high-quality leather, high-tech fabric, titanium or rubber. Dials in black, carbon or deep blue will tie each design aspect together flawlessly.A mechanical ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement powers this piece, with a 48-hour reserve. This timepiece will be available for order in July, so take a moment to look through the options below and pick the design that best suits you. When you're finished, take a minute to browse our exclusive listings of Porsches for sale, and complete your Porsche Design lifestyle with the perfect car to match.Porsches For Sale Gallery (Source: Porsche Design via HypeBeast) See More Watch News

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