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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 – January 08, 2020

Our Favorite Arizona Properties for the Affluent Homebuyer

Vast sand sprawls as far as the eye can see, met only by towering red mountains and the occasional cactus standing steadfastly among wide open scenery. The blazing sun casts its rays across the colorful skyline as it rises each morning and sets in the evenings, transforming the warm days into cooler, breezy nights. Soft, white clouds create contrast against clear blue skies as desert wildlife meander below. In the distance, a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass panels collapses and you emerge from a desert contemporary abode, mug in hand, to slowly sip your coffee and drink in the awe-inspiring Arizona beauty that encircles you. claim a top position in your market 64 E Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, Arizona offered for $5,850,000 view listing 5212 Red Rock, Paradise Valley, Arizona offered for $6,995,000 view listing 10355 E. Robs Camp Road, Scottsdale, Arizona offered for $8,750,000 view listing Later, as the sun sets over the commanding view, you’ll retreat back to your desert oasis, family in tow, for a delicious meal gathered around the outdoor dining table. In the distance, the sun sets over one of the most beautiful settings the west has to offer. view the full list of our top arizona properties

By Alyssa Mammano – January 08, 2020

Home of the Day: Enormous Texas Compound with Every Ameni...

Location: Magnolia, Texas Address: 38262 Windy Ridge Trail Price: $12,000,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 10 total bathrooms Square Feet: 14,377 total square feet View Listing Over 14,000 square feet of a luxurious estate situated on 20.58+/- private acres. Impeccable landscaped grounds behind the gated entrance with landscaped lighting throughout the entire acreage. Attention to extravagant detail in every room. Stunning vault ceiling designs. State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with four refrigerator drawers, microwave drawer, double oven, built-in refrigerator/freezer, Travertine farm sink and a catering kitchen. Climate-controlled wine room with seating. Two story study/library, large adult game room and pub with four TVs, elevator, massive decorative columns inside and out, impressive millwork crown molding, unique chandelier lighting, hand-painted mural ceiling in the dining room, large theater room with his and hers bathrooms. Resort-like backyard with sports sourt, par-three golf hole over pond to a nice green with bunker, three large pools (4-lane 25-yard lap pool, reflective/negative-edge pool and two-tier large main pool with swim-up bar in cave with a TV. Two 1/2-acre ponds stocked with bass. Separate huge man cave. Golf cart path throughout property. view listing

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By Alyssa Mammano – January 06, 2020

Home of the Day: Stunning Lodge Home in the California Mo...

Location: Truckee, California Address: 9518 Dunsmuir Way Price: $5,649,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,500 total square feet View Listing This stunning home is within walking distance to Tennis Pavilion and Springs Park Pavilion and has beautiful views of Northstar's Lookout Mountain. The media room has three big screens and a private, north-facing deck. Its roomy, yet intimate kitchen extends to a patio that wraps around to covered/heated outdoor dining. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – December 13, 2019

Home of the Day: Belle Maison, a One-of-a-Kind Custom Estate

Location: Miromar Lakes, Florida Address: 11781 Via Sorrento Court Price: $6,995,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 6,933 total square feet View Listing Welcome to Belle Maison, a one of a kind custom estate built by Toscana Homes which sits on an oversized 1/2 corner cul-de-sac lot complete with its own private white sand beach. This property represents all the finest qualities in Miromar Lakes, with fine French Provencal design and luxury appointments. Spread over almost 7,000 square feet of living space, there are five bedrooms plus an office and four full and two half baths, making this a true estate by every definition. Upgrades are extensive to fit the presence of this home, including a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets and granite countertops, wood and marble flooring, extensive wood trim and coffered ceilings, a Lutron lighting system, surround-sound audio system, and an expansive master suite with his/her closets and water closets in the bathroom. view listing Photography by: The Wanderlust Photography

By Alyssa Mammano – December 13, 2019

Beverly Hillbillies Mansion Sells for $150 Million: Secon...

The setting of the television series, "Beverly Hillbillies:" The Chartwell Estate in Bel-Air, has sold for a record-breaking $150 million. The home was once the most expensive listing in the United States, originally listed for $350 million in 2017. It is California's priciest sale ever, according to the Los Angeles Times and the second most expensive sale ever recorded in the U.S., according to the Wall Street Journal. Spanning 25,000 square feet with 10 acres of land, the compound features a main house with 18 bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, a guest home, pool house, 75-foot swimming pool and tennis court. View the World's Costliest Cars An underground garage boasts a 40-vehicle capacity. There's also a 12,000-bottle wine cellar and, rumor has it, a secret underground tunnel runs from the basement of the main house to the swimming pool. Originally built in 1933, the Chartwell Estate was owned by media mogul A. Jerrold Perenchio for three decades, during which he purchased three parcels of neighboring land to expand the property. He also bought the adjacent former home of President Ronald Reagan for $15 million. Perenchio originally paid $14 million for the estate in 1946 and developed it into a "Versailles-like palace" over the years until he passed away in 2017 at the age of 86. At that time, the $350 million listing hit the market, but with no immediate interest, the price was dropped to $245 million and then again to $195 million in June 2019. FOX Executive Chairman and CEO, and co-chairman of News Corp, Lachlan Murdoch, is believed to be the new owner of the French neoclassical compound, according to the Wall Street Journal. Reach qualified Buyers for your Luxury listing Photo Credit: PRNewsfoto/Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

By Alyssa Mammano – December 11, 2019

One of Tampa Bay's Most Expensive Homes Back on the Market

Just two years ago in 2017, Century Oaks became one of the priciest listings in the Tampa Bay area when it sold for $11.2 million. Now, the home is back on the market with an asking price of a whopping $13.9 million; a 24 percent increase. 802 Druid Road South is a private compound in Clearwater, which includes a 16,000-square-foot main home, 5,200-square-foot guest house, two pools, a tennis court and an additional sports court. Undeveloped acreage is included in the sale, bringing the total area to 3.5 acres. The waterfront estate overlooks Clearwater Harbor with 304 feet of frontage. Residing in historic Harbor Oaks, the home boasts a desirable location with breathtaking views and resort-style living. A combined 16 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms are present within the property. Million Dollar Cars Additional notable attributes include a grand ballroom, theater room, fitness center, executive office and library. Each meticulous detail within the home was thoughtfully selected and painstakingly kept. The estate is co-listed by Jennifer Zales and Martha Thorn of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, who said in a statement, "This estate would appeal to a buyer who desires privacy and exclusivity, large acreage with a large estate and guest house on-site, stunning water views and storage for 10-plus vehicles." reach buyers for your luxury listing Offered by:Martha ThornThorn CollectionColdwell Banker Residential Real Estate(727) 432-9019Martha@Marthathorn.commarthathorn.com Jennifer ZalesColdwell Banker Residential Real Estate(813) 758-3443Jennifer@JenniferZales.comwww.tampabayluxuryhomes.com Photography by:AF ImagingCary John Photography

By Alyssa Mammano – November 27, 2019

Home of the Day: Mansion has Enclosed Drive-Thru RV Garage

Location: Sisters, Oregon Address: 16700 Old Military Drive Price: $6,475,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 9 total bathrooms Square Feet: 12,515 total square feet View Listing Imagine a place where wildlife and nature abound. Your own private sanctuary where birds soar above deer and elk. Ravens Nest at Wychus Creek is one of these places. This wildlife sanctuary is nestled on 80 acres of Ponderosa pines overlooking Wychus Creek and historic Camp Polk Meadow. Ravens Nest sits on land that is steeped with history and ancient culture. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – November 26, 2019

Home of the Day: Estate with 40,000 sq. ft. Car Barn for ...

Location: Gainesville, Georgia Address: 3595 Tanners Mill Circle Price: $16,500,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 12,500 total square feet View Listing " width="680"> Rare and pristine 446 acres of rolling hills, pastures, a lake and the Walnut River. Exceptionally maintained and fenced property with paved roads from the front gate to back gate, covered bridges and a luxury car facility, offices, bar and entertaining space or use for equestrian riding. The main house is custom-built with materials from all over the world and a very rare red slate roof. Mostly main floor living with outdoor covered patio space. Great entertaining! Media room and bar. view listing

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 22, 2019

Home of the Day: Modern Masterpiece at The Vintage Club

Location: Indian Wells, California Address: 75105 Pepperwood Drive Price: $7,995,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 8,414 total square feet View Listing A newly built modern masterpiece by award-winning architect, Kristi Hanson, at the Vintage Club. Five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms and approximately 8,414 square feet are perfectly positioned on a .7-acre lot. The home features an open modern courtyard entry with fireplace and walls of glass. The great room has a linear fireplace and lustrous custom bar and cocktail area. Backing this is an incredible gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, a sleek breakfast bar and relaxing family room. A formal dining room with a glass wine closet and a sharp professional office frame incredible views. view listing

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 20, 2019

Home of the Day: Excellence in Exclusive Gated Community ...

Location: Coral Gables, Florida Address: 500 Arvida Parkway Price: $23,900,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 15,522 total square feet View Listing Overlooking the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay and located in Gables Estates, one of Miami’s most exclusive, gated communities, this exquisite home exemplifies the epitome of excellent taste for those who want to enjoy the very best of waterfront living. Situated on an acre+/- lot amid rolling, manicured lawns with prime waterfront, this lavish setting, with art walls galore, has everything one could desire. From almost every room in the house, one can enjoy the delightful water views of Gables Estates’ widest and largest lagoon, immediately accessible to Biscayne Bay, unencumbered by any bridge. view listing

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