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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 Alyssa Mammano – February 11, 2020

Home of the Day: Entertainer's Lakefront Home

Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia Address: 474 Stewart Camp Road Price: $4,900,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 11,829 total square feet View Listing One of the most stunning homes on Lake Blue Ridge located within minutes to downtown Blue Ridge. This masterpiece offers elegant, refined and unmatched lake style living with its five-bedroom, four full and three half bathroom home built for entertaining. The main floor features a formal living room, formal dining room, office, gourmet kitchen with breakfast area and keeping room, master bedroom with fireplace and spa-like bathroom, custom tiled flooring and a large walk-in closet. The second level offers four guest bedrooms with three private bathrooms and a private office/library. The third level offers a custom bar, lounge and cozy fireplace. The terrace level offers a billiard room, wine cellar, theatre room and exercise room. An outdoor fireplace with kitchen is on the main floor, with another outdoor fireplace on the terrace level. A pool and hot tub provide for glamorous lakeside entertaining. A custom boathouse, four-car garage with car lift and elevator access to all levels are also included. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – February 05, 2020

America's Most Expensive Estate is About to Hit the Marke...

Seven years in the making, "The One," is approaching its list date with a price tag of $500 million; America's most expensive home ever to hit the market. The home itself spans over 100,000 square feet, occupying four acres of flat land at the top of a mountain. With 18 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms and a 20-car garage, this audacious estate is the pinnacle of residential luxury real estate within the United States. " width="680"> Video credit: Cinco Días Movie Producer turned mega-developer, Nile Niami, announced the undertaking in 2015 and since then has reportedly experienced a landslide of obstacles during the build. Permits, delays and financing have complicated the process and while some of the original plans have been altered, one thing Niami refuses to change is the list price. Photo credit: Michael Leonard | The SOCIETY Group PR A flurry of attention was sparked by the announcement of the U.S.' most expensive home back in 2015 and according to reports, Niami feels that the $500 million list price is more justified than ever. Recent six-figure sales and new luxury listings hitting the market have solidified a desire for high-end homes of this magnitude and Niami says he already has interested buyers. Top 25 Most Expensive Cars Among the lavish amenities are a nightclub, four swimming pools, a tennis court, multiple game rooms, a theater, gym, library and wine cellar. There are also a pool house and a three-bedroom guest house on the property. The home is exclusively listed with Branden and Rayni Williams of Williams and Williams Estates Group. view california luxury listings Photo credit: Michael Leonard / The Society GroupVideo credit: Skyline DevelopmentListing agents: Branden and Rayni Williams of Williams and Williams Estates Group

By Alyssa Mammano – February 05, 2020

Home of the Day: Scottsdale Sanctuary

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Address: 39602 N Charles B MacDonald Drive Price: $3,499,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 6,421 total square feet View Listing Custom contemporary home on more than five private acres. Pool orientation is northeast with panoramic mountain views. Architectural features include floating roofs and curvilinear elements, treated copper fascias, walls of glass and polished aggregate floors. The open plan main level includes living, dining, kitchen and hearth rooms, office, expansive master retreat with two massive bathrooms and closets, junior master and resort patio. A dramatic floating glass staircase leads to the upper-level game room, additional guest quarters and a sunset and city light view balcony. Exterior amenities include five fire features, three water features, a family-sized pool and two spas. Conveniently located in Lone Mountain Village with additional access through Carefree Ranch gates. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – February 04, 2020

Home of the Day: Canada Castle with Every Amenity

Location: Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada Address: 25 Turtle Lake Drive Price: $4,998,800 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 13,000 total square feet View Listing This custom-built luxury home is located on the prestigious Blue Springs Golf Club, with 13,000 square feet of luxury living space. Master-crafted with the finest workmanship and materials, on offer are a five-car garage, five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. A magnificent kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances will stun guests. The main-floor master bedroom features a spa-like five-piece en suite bathroom, with a laundry suite on the main and second levels. The finished basement with walk-out to the patio has a huge recreational area with a wood-burning fireplace, games room, office, gym, kitchenette featuring walk-in cold storage, temperature-controlled wine cellar and a bathroom. Gorgeous landscaping with a beautiful in-ground pool is highlighted in the backyard. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – February 04, 2020

Work with Aston Martin to Custom Design Your Garage

What better way to display your rarified car collection than in a custom-designed garage gallery or dedicated luxury retreat? Aston Martin pondered the same question and revealed recently Aston Martin Automotive Galleries and Lairs - a design team that works with extremely high-end homeowners alongside local architects to custom create the ideal automotive gallery. Not only will the space display your collection in the best possible way, but it will also allow you to spend recreational time adjacent to your prized possessions. For a door that looks fantastic and will keep your family or business safe, look no further than roller shutters Melbourne. They provide the highest-quality roller doors at competitive prices, so you don’t have to pay top dollar to have the best for your home or business. For collectors who revel in the beauty of these sleek and powerful beasts, the obvious next step is to design a space equally as attractive to house them and, of course, to show them off. Your "Automotive Lair," if you will, is a feat of bespoke architectural design to stage your collection of vehicles, which the experts at Aston Martin have much experience with. “Imagine a home or luxury retreat built around your car,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer. “Picture creating the ultimate space to showcase your own automotive works of art. This is now achievable with this new offering. For the car enthusiast, the garage is as important as the rest of the house and a bespoke auto gallery designed by Aston Martin that either focuses on showing off the car or is part of a larger, integrated entertainment space with simulators and such like, takes Aston Martin ownership to the next level.” Several of these custom designs are well underway, namely at the Aston Martin Residences in Miami, Florida, where Reichman's team of designers has been hard at work on the 66-story residential high-rise. The work of the Aston Martin Automotive Galleries and Lairs design team in conjunction with local notable architects is an exciting opportunity for affluent homeowners and car collectors to take their investments to the next level. Find a mansion to build your lair in Source: Aston Martin

By Alyssa Mammano – February 03, 2020

Home of the Day: Mansion Built into a Cliffside

Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada Address: 3350 Panorama Ridge Price: $7,495,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,704 total square feet View Listing Welcome to Stonecliff Falls; one of Whistler’s most iconic homes. Also known as the Waterfall House, this commercial-grade masterpiece is located in the ever-popular Brio neighborhood of Whistler, which is within walking distance to the diverse offerings of Whistler Village. Privacy is paramount, courtesy of the home being perched high above Panorama Ridge with the main living space being accessed by a magnificent elevator – how unique! Panoramic views can be enjoyed year-round with no obstruction – neighbors seem a mile away. Offering four sizeable, well-appointed bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms across three levels of interior living space. Sit back and enjoy the fresh mountain air in your private hot tub after skiing home from Whistler – the ski home trail is just doors away - how convenient! view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – January 17, 2020

Most Millennial Millionaires Live in this Zip Code

Of the United States’ 618,000 millennial millionaires, most have settled on a zip code in a small town in Michigan four hours from Detriot, called Traverse City. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury together with WealthEngine conducted a study to analyze the lifestyles of America’s wealthies millennials: anyone age 23 to 37 with a net worth of $1 million or more. Of the top 10 zip codes researched in the study, 49685 was found to house the most millennial millionaires. Delving into the area of Traverse City and its surrounding communities, it’s easy to see why so many wealthy young professionals have flocked there. The community offers an abundance of recreational and cultural activities and a location along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. There are several options for diverse dining and drinking brought about by the city’s professional chefs trained at Northwestern Michigan College. It’s also experiencing an uptick in start-up companies. learn more about traverse city Source: Coldwell Banker

By Alyssa Mammano – January 17, 2020

Top 5 Mansions of the Week

All of our Top 5 Homes of the Week happen to be located in Florida and Texas, both desirable states to spend the winter months. With enticing warm weather, waterfront locations and emerging cities for both work and play, Florida and Texas would be ideal destinations for a seasonal property. See our top picks in both states for this week, or explore more properties in any location where you desire to expand your real estate portfolio. If warm-weather coastal living is your style, find a home that fits your vibe among our Top 5 Homes of the Week. Tour inside all five of our top listings this week by clicking the button below! see all 5 listings

By Alyssa Mammano – January 17, 2020

Home of the Day: Golf Course Home Updated with $1.4 Milli...

Location: La Quinta, California Address: 52599 Via Savona Price: $4,850,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,975 total square feet View Listing This stunning modern estate at the Hideaway is a 10-plus featuring Holly Hunt furnishings. Five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, plus office. Approximately 5,975 square feet on a one-half acre lot. The home was purchased new in 2017 and upgraded with over $1.4 million in the finest modern finishes including all flooring, hardscapes, pool and more. Features include a beautiful courtyard entry with water feature, great room with suspended fireplace and custom wet bar. State-of-the-art stainless gourmet kitchen with center island and breakfast bar. Formal dining and wine tasting room with a glass wine display cooler. Large master suite with custom fireplace, sitting area and spa-inspired bath. Sharp office with built-ins and media. Inviting guest suites including two with balcony patio with a custom fire pit. Loggia with stone fireplace, outdoor living and dining room. Incredible infinity zero edge pool with raised spa, custom fire pit with seating area and magnificent panoramic west-facing mountain, lake and golf course views. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – January 13, 2020

Home of the Day: Canadian Cliff-Side Compound

Location: Vernon, British Columbia, Canada Address: 4-315 Kalamalka Lakeview Drive Price: $4,995,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,915 total square feet View Listing This almost brand new home is set perfectly on nearly five acres to enjoy the exceptional views. A mix of modern-day luxury, casual comforts and a layout that begs you to entertain. The extensive windows provide openness to the beauty of the setting. A stamped concrete driveway leads to an upper four-car garage and winds down to the lower oversized one-car garage with lots of room for all the toys. Drama unfolds the moment you open the front door. This lake view is so unique and exceptional. view listing

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