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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 – April 20, 2020

Kevin Durant's Former Rental Hits Market for $6 Million

The home where NBA legend Kevin Durant lived when he helped the Golden State Warriors win their 2017 and 2018 championships has just hit the market for $5.99 million. Contemporary stylings and walls of glass reveal endless unobstructed views overlooking the Bay Area below. Spanning more than 9,000 square feet, the home commands five bridge views and encompasses seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It has also served as a site for corporate retreats an events for brands including Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Apple, Google and Facebook. Presiding way up in the hills over the city below, the property sits at the end of a cul-de-sac behind private gates on nearly an acre of land. The circular drive leads to double glass doors, which open to views straight through the home. Entertaining spaces flow to the outdoor terrace spanning the entire back of the home. Open and airy rooms are drenched in natural light, with impressive soaring ceilings in the great room. Adjacent are the family room and kitchen with glossy red cabinets. Four of the bedrooms are ensuite, with the upstairs rooms also boasting private lanais. Two separate apartments on the lower level have access to the outdoors. This level also houses a screening room adorned in red furnishings. Outside, there is a private half basketball court, a firepit and several seating areas. After the 2019 season, Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets and left the Oakland Hills estate. View Listing Photography via Compass / Christian Klugmann

By Alyssa Mammano – April 17, 2020

Pharrell's New $30 Million Miami Mansion

Just weeks after listing his Beverly Hills estate, rapper and entrepreneur Pharrell has snapped up a massive Miami mansion for $30 million. According to reports, the entertainer moved quickly on the property so that he could spend the quarantine there. El Palmar, as the estate is called, was originally listed in 2018 for $45 million with ONE Sotheby's International Realty. According to public records, it was last sold in 2001 for $4.25 million, making the list price a nearly 960 percent increase. Spanning a whopping 17,000 square feet, the waterfront home has nine bedrooms and 12 total bathrooms in the heart of Coral Gables. Lush, tropical landscaping surrounds the home, making the property feel like a private safari experience. Landscape artist Raymond Jungles crafted the exterior, while renowned architect Cesar Molina designed the home. Native species, a koi pond and pathways of coral harvested on-site evoke a notion of blending with the natural surroundings. " width="680"> The gated drive winds through dense greenery to approach the stately mansion. Inside, an open family room and expansive kitchen will easily hosts guests. Additional features include a library, 2,000-bottle wine cellar, pub-style bar and an elevator. The backyard is stunning with an impressive summer kitchen, magnificent pool and a boathouse. View Listing Photography via ONE Sotheby's International Realty

By Alyssa Mammano – April 16, 2020

Home of the Day: $32 Million Beachfront Bahamas Mansion

Location: Nassau/New Providence, Bahamas Address: Old Fort Bay Price: $32,000,000 Bedrooms: 8 bedrooms Bathrooms: 11 total bathrooms Square Feet: 20,000 total square feet View Listing Welcome to the Krystal House, an extraordinary beachfront masterpiece in the exclusive community of Old Fort Bay, New Providence in The Bahamas. Built in 2016 and designed by Alberto Suighi, this 20,000 sq. ft. residence flaunts Tuscan architecture with modern finishes and appliances, unparalleled ocean views and a plethora of tropical landscape. Grand double doors open to an elegant two storey foyer decorated with marble tiles, stately columns, two custom wrought-iron staircases and a hand-cut Czech crystal chandelier above, from which the home denotes it name. Luxurious furnishings and 12 foot ceilings compliment the spacious living areas. A bar and fireplace grace the living and family rooms. Opening to a circular breakfast room and the formal dining room, the impressive chef’s kitchen offers a large center island, custom cabinetry in neutral tones, granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Krystal House spans three levels and has 6 well-appointed bedrooms, 3 half bathrooms, two family rooms, two kitchens and a home theatre. On the lower level, two large game rooms with billiards invite family entertainment. The ground level has a large-scale wine cellar, while each room on the first level lead to beautiful outdoor patios. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 15, 2020

You Can Now Rent Multi-Million Dollar Properties in Naples

Prestigious Naples real estate enterprise, Gulf Coast International Properties®, is now representing luxurious rental properties available for immediate stays. Specializing in the Naples, Florida luxury real estate marketplace, the expansion to include luxury rentals allows affluent homeowners and renters to experience the same upscale concierge service the brokerage provides to its buyers and sellers. The ultimate luxury experience will be extended to clients of the company's new branch. Vicki Tracy, GCIP’s Chief Operating Officer who has been appointed as the program's Director, states, “We are thrilled to expand GCIP’s luxury offerings and launch Gulf Coast International Properties Luxury Rentals." She notes that the team offers extensive experience in the Naples area, which is of value to their high-end clients. "Unveiling our capabilities of unrivaled client service, uncompromising integrity and an innovative local, national and international marketing strategy for our luxury rental division has been a joy, and continues the foundations of our firm by uniting exceptional properties with the exceptional experience,” she says. Experience the unequaled service of Gulf Coast International Properties® real estate rental, buying or selling in the Naples, Florida marketplace. View listings and contact information by following the link below. View Listings Photography via Gulf Coast International Properties®

By Alyssa Mammano – April 13, 2020

Pricey Paradise Valley Mansion Sold for $17.5 Million

Originally listed late last year for $21 million, this pricey Paradise Valley, Arizona palace has just sold for $17.5 million. The listing was formerly owned by a global investment firm leader. Leading real estate expert in the Paradise Valley marketplace, Joan Levinson represented the listing and closed the deal. Spanning nearly 16,000 square feet with six bedrooms and 12 total bathrooms, the estate is fit for any high-class buyer. Boasting wide views of Camelback Mountain, the home features several sports amenities ideal for an athlete, including a private outdoor basketball court, sunken tennis court and expansive soccer field. Intricately designed on the interior, white paneled walls and walnut flooring embellished an open floor plan with soaring ceilings. The two-story living room highlights tall windows to reveal the mountain views. An attractive feature of the home is two large islands in the chef's kitchen. White cabinets and upscale finishes complete the design, which opens to a circular breakfast room and the comfortable family room. Interior accoutrements also include an expansive game room with billiards table, television, library and a copper bar. The private wine room is set off the dining room. The luxurious master suite is complete with a sitting area, wet bar, white marble ensuite and his and hers huge master closets. Outside, a 75-foot lap pool is surrounded by luscious lawns and fountains. View Sold Listing Photography by Andrew Pielage and Dino Tonn Photography Inc.

By Alyssa Mammano – April 13, 2020

Top 5 Mansions of the Week

Our Top 5 Homes of the Week span the country boasting a variety of styles in architecture and design. Scandinavian minimalist décor is featured in our Park City, Utah listing, while a modern aesthetic is highlighted in our Hillsboro Beach, Florida property. Are you partial to a particular design style? Take your pick among our Top 5 Homes of the Week below! Tour our Top 5 Mansions of the Week and find more listings to suit your style by clicking below. View all 5 Mansions

By Alyssa Mammano – April 10, 2020

Golf Course Communities: Our Top Golf Course Mansions

A serene display of meticulously manicured lawns, glimmering hazard lakes and smoothed sand traps sets the scene for an estate sited within a golf course community. Set on a prestigious course, golf properties are but a saunter away from a friendly round on the greens. For the avid golfer, residing within an established golf course community is surely enticing. What’s more, a community of this nature offers an alluring lifestyle for the whole family. A community of golfers, their spouses and their children makes for an active social calendar with friendly, like-minded neighbors. Social gatherings often take place among the many amenities a golf course community offers, which likely include a clubhouse, options to dine and drink, a salon and a spa. Opportunities for socialization are a golf cart’s ride away. A populous golf community may also make advantageous relationships with local businesses to offer additional services to its residents. Convenience is a coveted luxury of golf course communities, as are the pleasing views and sense of security within what are often guard-gated grounds. For these accommodations, golf course properties are typically a sound investment opportunity that will maintain its value over time. Prestigious golf communities also enjoy highly-rated schools and lessened crime rates. Strategically positioned homes within the community will come at a premium, such as estates in proximity to certain tees, offering desirable views and privacy. Demand for homes on a specific course will inevitably increase property values for the whole community, which is a favorable benefit of owning within that neighborhood. Golf course properties make wonderful vacation homes or full-time residences, depending on preference. When looking to broaden one’s real estate portfolio, an estate within such a community with golf course views is certainly an ideal consideration. In search of your next golf course home? Find your fitting community among the properties to follow! Rocky Mountain Springs, ColoradoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain RealtorsTrish Ingels719.785.4141 | 719.331.7819info@Trish-Ingels.com Bonita Springs, FloridaRoyal Shell Real Estate239.347.0673www.RoyalShellRealEstate.com Palm Beach Gardens, FloridaOld Palm Real EstateConnie McGinnis866.499.6742www.oldpalmgolfclub.com See All Top Golf Course Properties

By Alyssa Mammano – April 08, 2020

Tour Drake's $100 Million Toronto Mansion

Appearing on the cover of Architectural Digest's May issue, Drake invites readers inside his incredible Toronto mansion designed and outfitted by Ferris Rafauli. Executed in only top-of-the-line materials and artful finishes, Drake Manor is unmatched in quality and craftsmanship. The estate spans 50,000 square feet with features such as an NBA regulation-size basketball court, a canary-yellow lounge and a 3,200-square-foot master bedroom. Extravagantly dressed in limestone, bronze, solid marble and exotic woods, Drake's Toronto mansion is an unmatched experience from every angle. He worked closely with Rafauli to conceive a work-of-art that was masterfully executed and stately in scale and feel. Drake said of his passion project, “It will be one of the things I leave behind, so it had to be timeless and strong.” The structure takes cues from a traditional 19th-century limestone mansion with Beaux Arts architecture, however, it seamlessly marries this style with modernizations. Cleaner, more minimal lines classify the home in a category all its own. Rafauli considers the interiors "modern Art Deco," with certain customizations to capture the essence of his work and his famous client's preferences. “Once you’ve chosen a certain style, you can dance within that style,” he says. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-t8YZSlbIY/?igshid=cgqxwlsas71a Drake felt strongly about leaving something behind in his hometown that would last time test of time. He took on the project at 27, and now at the age of 33 he says, “I ... think the house says that I will forever remain solid in the place I was born.” Shop Toronto Mansions Main video via " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>

By Alyssa Mammano – April 07, 2020

Fabulous Florida: Our Top Florida Mansions

As the southeast’s most populous state, Florida attracts more full-time, part-time and visiting residents with every passing year. The state’s subtropical climate and oceanfront surroundings play a key role in its rapid development and appeal to those moving in from northern states. A total of more than 8,400 miles of shoreline abut the Gulf of Mexico and the vast open waters of the Atlantic Ocean along Florida’s coasts. Aptly named “The Sunshine State,” Florida’s temperate weather has long persuaded people to visit and reside within its borders. Some 20 million people make up Florida’s permanent population, while tourism is its main economic contributor, surpassing the agriculture and manufacturing industries in which Florida’s history is rooted. Dating back to the early 20th century, real estate and construction propelled Florida’s tourism to the forefront and eventually led the state to become one of the U.S.’ fastest growing economies. As such, Florida has also emerged as a leader in new job growth. Publicly-funded education operates at a higher level than most neighboring southern states, allowing families the freedom to follow job opportunities while maintaining adequate education for their children. Florida is also known for several of its higher education institutions, including the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida State University and Florida A&M, both in Tallahassee, as well as the University of Miami. For families, students and the ever-growing young professional population, the state of Florida is home to hundreds of public parks and beaches, some historically and naturally significant. The Everglades National Park was established in 1979 as an UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. Saint Augustine is Florida’s oldest town, which has been preserved and restored to its original historic beauty. The quaint city is home to the 17th-century fort Castillo de San Marcos, which is a national monument. Cultural events, museums, theaters and festivals are but a few of the attractions Florida residents take part in. Metropolitan areas also offer an array of dining, drinking and entertainment options for Florida’s wide range of residents. Find the Florida lifestyle you imagine among the properties to follow. Marathon, FloridaJesse Piccolo386.338.2929jesse@Veltracon.com Boca Raton, FloridaMizner Grande RealtyAri Albinder561.702.0413Ari@MiznerGrandeRealty.comwww.miznergranderealty.com Duck Key, FloridaColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.Lisa Ferringo305.797.1221LisaFerringo@aol.comwww.UniqueKeysHomes.com See All Top Florida Properties

By Alyssa Mammano – April 06, 2020

Famed Celebrity Mansion with Rooftop Tennis Court Up for ...

The allure of this hilltop Beverly Hills mansion has drawn several high-profile celebrities to call it home over the years. Prince rented the estate for a time and would perform live here on numerous occasions. Actress Elizabeth Taylor, NBA basketball All-Star Carlos Boozer, executive producer of "Jumanji," Ted Fields and Russ Weiner of Rockstar Energy have also all lived in the home at some point. Today, the listing is for sale with a price tag of $29.995 million, or can be rented for $80,000 per month. The ten-bedroom, 13-bathroom, 18,401-square-foot stately mansion was built in 1953 by contractor Hal Braxton Hayes. Hayes built the home to withstand a nuclear fallout with a bomb shelter accessible by diving into the pool and swimming through an underwater tunnel. Listing agent Jason Oppenheim of the Oppenheim Group believes the bunker may still exist. He shares the listing with colleagues Mary Fitzgerald, Peter Cornell and Brian Stace of Pinnacle Estate Properties. The underground shelter is not the only form of defense against a nuclear attack. The home's exterior is built from fireproof gunite to absorb atomic shock waves. Attractive for its entertaining amenities, the home also once featured a car-turned-bar perched at the edge of a cliff. The car is no longer on the property, however, the home still features a ballroom, wine room and luxurious pool with a swim-up bar and grotto with a slide. There's also an expansive deck overlooking the city and a private rooftop tennis court. The estate sits on 2.15 acres, including two additional adjacent parcels, one with an existing 3,300-square-foot English Tudor home. The land presents a multitude of opportunities for its new owner, including building several new luxury homes, a family compound or corporate retreat. View Listing Photography via The Oppenheim Group

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