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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 – September 29, 2020

Home of the Day: Where the City Meets the Shore

Location: Delray Beach, Florida Address: 711 North Ocean Boulevard Price: $11,950,000 Bedrooms: 7 bedrooms Bathrooms: 8 total bathrooms Square Feet: 7,174 total square feet View Listing Ideally situated on one of Delray Beach’s best oceanfront locations, sits a new standard in Coastal Contemporary luxury living. As you enter through the front gates of this home, a complete renovation is revealed, which created a casually sophisticated ”beach house” with over 7,100 square feet of air-conditioned living with spectacular ocean views from all vantage points. This seven-bedroom 7.5-bath home features an additional upstairs “family room,” fitness center and office area. Cool, clean finishes, such as slate and Ipe wood floors, complement the azure waters of the Atlantic and soft sandy beach just outside the door. A lower level master suite and two guest suites are designed for privacy, as well as first-floor convenience. Upstairs features spacious ensuite bedrooms with expansive walkout balconies overlooking the resort-style heated pool, just steps to the sandy beach. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – September 25, 2020

Home of the Day: Bright & Beautiful Beach Home

Location: Inlet Beach, Florida Address: 10780 E County Hwy 30A Price: $4,690,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 8 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,610 total square feet View Listing Nestled in a premier location adjacent to Rosemary Beach, this incredible new construction estate offers over 5,600 square feet. The main residence includes five bedrooms, each with ensuite, plus a one-bedroom carriage home with ensuite over the two-car garage. A stately privacy fence and remote gate surrounds the property, which includes a luxurious outdoor entertaining space with private swimming pool and screened porch with fireplace and summer kitchen. Designed by T.S. Adams Studio Architects, the accommodating floor plan features open-concept living and dining, a multitude of natural light, dual master suites, showcase curved staircase and open-air tower showcasing the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Exquisite finishes throughout include venetian plaster, shiplap walls and ceilings, exposed ceiling beams, bi-fold sliding doors, white oak floors and designer lighting. The gourmet kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, marble backsplash and Wolf and Sub-zero appliances. Other amazing features include an elevator that services all three floors, specialty built-ins, dolomite marble tile and quartz countertops throughout. Just steps away find dining and boutique shopping in Rosemary Beach and 30Avenue and the beach access off South Winston Lane. Don’t miss this magnificent opportunity! View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – September 23, 2020

Home of the Day: 36-Car Picturesque Remodeled Estate

Location: Danville, California Address: 1080 Finley Rd Price: $5,998,800 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 8,000 total square feet View Listing Live grandly without sacrificing comfort in this one-of-a-kind estate tucked in Danville's picturesque Tassajara Valley. Brimming with updated finishes, outstanding amenities, Smart home features and lots of extras, an impressive property like this rarely comes on the market in such a mint condition. Add the masterful craftsmanship of R&J Construction and attention-to-detail and you have a masterpiece that happens to be home. Enjoy utmost privacy on this more than five-acre sprawling, gated estate dotted with multiple 100+-year-old oak trees and a park-like setting, while still having the convenience of shopping and dining at the Blackhawk Plaza three miles away and easy access to freeways, airports and top-rated schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District schools. More than 7,200 square feet of living space on two levels showcases refinished red oak hardwood floors, extensive millwork and trim, plantation shutters, custom cabinetry and more. There are six generous-sized bedrooms, four full and four half baths, elegant living and dining rooms, an executive office, a family room, fabulous home theater and a gourmet eat-in kitchen. A main-level master suite is a sumptuous retreat with a fireplace, sitting room, access to front and back gardens and a custom-designed 230-square-foot dream walk-in closet. A bonus room, flexible loft space and three bedrooms, including a guest suite with a private balcony, are on the upper floor. In addition to a six-car attached garage that includes a gym is a 672-square-foot apartment above the 6,100-square-foot shop designed to accommodate as many as 30 cars. Six commercial-grade roll-up garage doors in addition to a drive-through bay with extra height for RV parking are featured. Behind the gated entry is a park-like setting with lush gardens, sprawling lawns, and even a romantic gazebo overlooking a seasonal creek. Play to your heart's content in the pebble tec pool and spa, the lighted tennis court, the custom-designed playground with play structure and specially planned go-cart racetrack. Multiple venues for entertaining and relaxing include a spacious logia, built-in barbecue and heated pergola, pool cabana with fireplace and an additional pergola adjacent to the courts. View Listing Joujou ChawlaCOMPASS | Chawla Real Estate Team3840 Blackhawk Rd, Suite #100510.406.4836joujou.chawla@chawlarealestate.comwww.chawlarealestate.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – September 16, 2020

Home of the Day: Minimalist Modern Masterpiece

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Address: 21 Clarendon Ave Price: $4,488,000 CAD Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 2,844 total square feet View Listing Nestled on a quiet street off Avenue Road in South Hill, this high-end, minimalist design statement by Montana Labelle, is an essay on how to live simultaneously informally and luxuriously. 21 Clarendon Ave showcases an eye for fine detail with exquisite moments such as ultra-clean, baseboardless walls, and seamlessly integrated blackened steel fireplace surrounds. Every space has been perfected, offering an elevated experience and is filled with natural light. The entertainer’s playground on the main level features a showcase kitchen connected to the dining and living areas, and a substantial outdoor terrace. The completely above-grade lower level, with heated floors, expands outward through immense panels of glass to a serene and private backyard. Three bedrooms on the upper floor with venetian plaster throughout, all have their own ensuite fitted with custom marble vanities. Ascend to the pinnacle of design, without the wait. For a full list of features and elements, or the home inspection please contact the listing broker, Shane Carslake. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – September 09, 2020

Home of the Day: Hawaiian Waterfront Estate Home

Location: Kamuela, Hawaii Address: 69-1532 Puako Beach Drive Price: $19,900,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 8 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,360 total square feet View Listing Puako Bay Lot 1, Kahieluana (a place to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones), is one of the most amazing offerings in the area; a brand new, custom-designed, contemporary, yet comfortable residence on a two+ acre bay-front estate lot. It is the ultimate dream estate with five master bedrooms plus a bunk room/office, a tennis court, swimming pool, a sand volleyball court and a small black sand bay in front! This incredible property is located on a terraced and elevated oceanfront parcel in charming and authentic Puako on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Amazing sea life abounds in nearby reef, including turtle cleaning stations, colorful tropical fish and manta and spotted eagle rays. Beach 69, a local secret, is only a ten-minute walk with waves, white sand, and great snorkeling. The beloved Mauna Kea Resort is only five minute drive away. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – September 02, 2020

Home of the Day: Contemporary Comforts in Paradise Setting

Location: Sarasota, Florida Address: 1886 Prospect Street Price: $1,499,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 3,444 total square feet View Listing If you are looking for a touch of paradise with a dash of serenity, look no further. This exquisite home is located in a highly desirable location: West of the Trail. Upon entering this coastal contemporary home, you will be greeted with an abundance of natural light, soaring ceilings and custom features throughout. The dining room features a dry-bar equipped with dual wine refrigeration and plenty of bottle storage on the decorative wall. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances offering dual ovens, sinks and dishwashers to make for easy entertaining. Solid surface countertops, gorgeous lighting and large windows are just a few upgrades. The great room offers high-end light fixtures, recessed art lighting and a contemporary electric in-wall fireplace and sleek travertine floors throughout. The master bedroom is located on the main floor with an extravagant ensuite featuring dual vanities, walk-through shower with dual shower heads and a soaking tub. The master suite also offers a large walk-in closet with a bonus storage space. The second floor consists of a junior suite and two additional bedrooms and a guest bath. As you step out to your personal tropical oasis, you are welcomed with significant tropical foliage, a stunning pool and spa with the tranquil sounds of nature stemming from the custom water feature. Outdoor entertaining at its finest with a cabana equipped with misters, a wolf grill station, sink and refrigerator. This amazing home is truly one of a kind. View Listing Preferred Shore Real Estate Group - MCW PropertiesMichelle Ward630 South Orange Ave, Suite 102Sarasota, FL 34236941-920-2460michellecward22@gmail.comwww.viewgulfcoastfloridahomes.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – August 25, 2020

Home of the Day: Dramatic Mountain View Mansion

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Address: 20980 N 104th Way Price: $5,495,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 8,417 total square feet View Listing One of the most dramatic golf course and city light views in the Upper Canyon of Silverleaf. A tree-lined private drive leads to this stunning ranch hacienda estate, perfectly positioned on an elevated, south-facing hillside lot. Automated sliding doors blend the indoor and outdoor living spaces with ease. A home theatre, large fenced grass area and separate guest casita create a resort-like feel. The spacious and dramatic outdoor entertaining area includes an infinity pool, water and fire features, built-in patio heaters, outdoor kitchen and dining room. Unparalleled views of the city, golf course and mountain preserve make this estate a rare opportunity to enjoy the best of Arizona living. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – August 20, 2020

Home of the Day: View-Inspired Ski Home

Location: Breckenridge, Colorado Address: 18 Dunkin Drive Price: $3,450,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,327 total square feet View Listing This Dunkin Hill residence raises the bar for Breckenridge view homes. Designed by Suzanne Allen-Sabo, this home rests on 4.95 acres and each of the five bedrooms has breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range, Breckenridge Ski area and four 14,000-foot peaks. The home is well-appointed with high-end kitchen appliances, custom metal hood, lower level family room with ten-foot ceilings, 400+ bottle wine room as well as a water feature that flows around the home, down to the large outdoor flagstone patio. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – August 18, 2020

Home of the Day: Waterfront Estate Ideal for Recreation

Location: Sandpoint, Idaho Address: 374 Flatwater Lane Price: $3,950,000 Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,031 total square feet View Listing Waterfront and Woodlands on the Pend Oreille River. Exceptional custom home by Hope Builders on timbered private 6+ acres. Expansive water views with 280-degree shoreline and panoramic views. End of the road tucked in your own secluded parcel, down your winding driveway to your beautifully landscaped riverfront estate. A 4,031-square-foot custom home built in 2016 with three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Ranch style features open concept living, beamed cathedral ceilings, gourmet kitchen, wet bar, walk-in pantry and stone wood-burning fireplace. Exceptional beach area to relax and play, hot tub, gazebo for dining with gas firebar, covered patio, wood fire pit, concrete pier dock with powered 10,000-pound covered boat lift and the best place to view the sunsets in Northern Idaho. A 40×50-foot detached shop is fully insulated with propane area heating and a 10×12-foot RV door. There is also a 40×50-foot fenced garden area with fruit trees and raised beds, 30KW whole house generator, 8×12-foot firewood storage, auto irrigation yard and garden. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – August 13, 2020

Home of the Day: Iconic Ski Mountain Mansion

Location: Park City, Utah Address: 8557 N Promontory Ridge Price: $6,850,000 Bedrooms: 7 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 8,230 total square feet View Listing Over $150,000 in new landscaping enhancements was added to this refined mountain retreat in the prestigious promontory of the Ranch Club. Renown Otto-Walker designed and Don Craig built. Unobstructed mountain and ski slope views from all areas of this home. Over 2,700 square feet of outdoor deck and patio living space. Seven bedroom suites with private bathrooms. Terraced nine-seat theater room powered by Control 4 AV System. Thirteen additional flat-screen TVs throughout. Five fireplaces. Bunk-room extraordinaire. Steam and sauna, elevator, hot tub. Radiant floor heat combined with gas forced air. Central air conditioning. The coolest of cool family/game rooms complete with fully-equipped wet bar and second kitchen, climate-controlled glass wine cellar. Double laundry areas. Heated four-car garage complete with car lift for stacking one’s priceless toys, fully epoxied and drained floor. Dog run and full dog bath. Circular driveway and porte-cochere. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

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