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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 – May 01, 2020

Top Celebrity Homes of April

Despite the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, celebrities have been as active as ever in the luxury real estate market. High-end homes have been bought and sold throughout the month in idyllic destinations across the country. The global pandemic seemingly hasn't affected celebrities' affinity for purchasing the homes of all of our dreams; from mansions in the sky, to waterfront oases, to hilltop sanctuaries. See all the top transactions from April among the stories below. David Beckham Buys Penthouse at One Thousand Museum in Miami Photography via One Thousand Museum Read More Tom Brady Moving into Derek Jeter’s Tampa, FL Mansion Read More Famed Celebrity Mansion with Rooftop Tennis Court Up for Sale or Rent Photography via The Oppenheim Group Read More Tour Drake’s $100 Million Toronto Mansion Read More Pharrell’s New $30 Million Miami Mansion Photography via ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Read More Kevin Durant’s Former Rental Hits Market for $6 Million Photography via Compass / Christian Klugmann Read More Bill and Melinda Gates Buy $43 Million Beach House Photography via The Guiltinan Group Read More Jeff Bezos Just Bought Another Manhattan Property for $16 Million Photography via 212 Fifth Avenue Read More

By Alyssa Mammano – April 30, 2020

Top 5 Mansions of the Week

From the waterfront of Isle of Palms, South Carolina to the elevations of Beverly Hills, California, our Top 5 Homes of the Week offer supreme privacy ideal for social distancing. Elaborate estates across the nation are on offer for any taste in perfectly-located remote destinations. Priced in the range of $3 million to nearly $6 million, these homes are among the most well-crafted homes available in today’s market. Explore the location of your liking or consider a new property you may have not thought to live among the magnificent listings 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 27, 2020

Home of the Day: Waterfront Home for Exotics Enthusiast

Location: Tierra Verde, Florida Address: 104 9th Street East Price: $1,850,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,644 total square feet View Listing " width="680"> A magnificent waterfront home with rare, direct wide-open access to the Gulf of Mexico. Located in the exclusive Tierra Verde, incredible attention to detail was considered throughout, with nearly every feature being a high-end luxury finish. This home features a master suite on its first floor with a private observation deck, impact windows and doors, Versace Home Collection bathroom features, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, two designer blown glass chandeliers, a high-tech security system and a climate-controlled garage and oversized driveway. Enjoy remarkable panoramic sunset views from the master suite, entertain with the finest indoors and enjoy the warm Florida sun in the refreshing salt water pool and spa. Head out to the water at your pleasure from your superior boat dock. Surrounded by Sands Point Luxury Living. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 24, 2020

Jeff Bezos Just Bought Another Manhattan Property for $16...

Snapping up another apartment within the 212 Fifth Avenue boutique condominium, billionaire Jeff Bezos has just spent $16.13 million to acquire a unit on the 20th floor beneath the top four floors he already owns. In total, Bezos has spent $96.13 million on the penthouse and three additional apartments at the crown of the building. Across from Madison Square Park, the penthouse property includes more than 10,000 square feet over three floors. His newest purchase spans over 3,000 square feet with three bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms. The dining and living space resemble a luxury loft with oversized windows, coffered ceilings and gallery walls. A previous listing for the property noted radiant heated Thassos stone flooring with marble walls and countertops. Looking for a new place to live? You can check out this website where you can just go ahead and click on Show Properties and you will have a wide range of properties to choose from. If you want to have a good home at cheap rates, the best option is to look out for property for sale in Cyprus. 212 Fifth Avenue was formerly a neo-Gothic industrial building with a 100-year long history. Its conversion to residential units was done by the development team led by Robert Gladstone and Joseph Sitt. View Property Details Photography via 212 Fifth Avenue

By Alyssa Mammano – April 24, 2020

Bill and Melinda Gates Buy $43 Million Beach House

Shelling out for one of the priciest listings in Del Mar, California, Bill and Melinda Gates have purchased a $43 million beachfront home considered to be one of the most prominent on the west coast. Designed by world-renowned architect, Ken Ronchetti, the property is a treasured Del Mar Landmark. Spanning 120 feet of ocean frontage, the impressive listing boasts 5,800 square feet with six bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms, in addition to a four-car garage. Indoor/outdoor living is a prominent theme throughout the layout of the home, with wide water views showcased through oversized windows in nearly every room and collapsable doors allowing the outdoors in. An expansive back patio includes several seating areas, both covered and uncovered, a fire pit and a large pool and spa. The listing reportedly changed hands from former owner, Madeleine Pickens, who was married to billionaire oil tycoon, T. Boone Pickens, according to the Wall Street Journal. This is the latest addition to the Gates' real estate portfolio, which also includes properties in Medina, WA, Rancho Santa Fe, CA and Wellington, FL. View Sold Listing Photography via The Guiltinan Group

By Alyssa Mammano – April 23, 2020

Home of the Day: Napa Vineyard and Notable Winery Offered...

Location: St. Helena, California Address: 2900 Spring Mountain Road Price: $29,800,000 Bedrooms: 7 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 10,016 total square feet View Listing Seize the opportunity to acquire a beautiful grand Napa Valley estate on nearly 40 acres with six acres of double-planted premium mountain Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, along with a highly-rated Napa Valley wine brand. Juslyn Vineyards receives accolades of 95-97 point ratings and private and serene 2.25-acre knoll building parcel with panoramic 360-degree views. The winery estate appeals to every sense and satisfies every desire of an oenophile’s ultimate Napa Valley dream. The owner has gained the reputation of being one of the most respected producers of wines in the Napa Valley; a chance to take the next step in growth and create one’s own world-class cult wines. The main residence is beautifully nestled on a knoll with gorgeous views of its own vineyard and neighboring vineyards. Approximately 9,600 square feet with grand scale rooms, seven fireplaces, library, gym, wine cellar/tasting room and splendid chef’s kitchen. Resort-like grounds with multiple patios, splendid terraces, 80-foot pool, immaculate lawns, orchards, stone-terraced organic vegetable/flower gardens, fishponds, outdoor kitchen and separate guest casita. The Spring Mountain AVA’s unique soil and microclimate enables production of the highest quality fruit and the wines express the unique terroir of the distinctive region earthy austerity, soft tannins and underlying dark mountain fruit. Passing the touch! A legacy to be continued.. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 21, 2020

$11.2 Million Penthouse Sells at Brickell Flatiron Buildi...

Despite the current uncertainty of the luxury market, Miami real estate seems to be holding strong with another luxury penthouse sale at $11.2 million earlier this month. The extravagant penthouse is one of the six upper-level units between the 62nd-64th floors of the 64-story building. It spans nearly 5,500 square feet with four bedrooms, six full bathrooms and one half bathroom, according to sources close to the sale. The downtown Miami luxury residences located at 1000 Brickell Plaza are designed by Luis Revuelta and developed by Ugo Colombo. According to Colombo, 98 percent of the tower's 527 total units are sold. Details of the penthouse sale are scarce, as an unnamed buyer registered under Flatiron 6202 LLC is listed as the buying party. Italian influences are prevalent in Brickell Flatiron, with the exterior curvatures clad in walls of glass, while imported high-end materials adorn the interiors. The concept of fluidity between interior and exterior spaces is that of Italian interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghini. https://vimeo.com/225001736 The resort-style residence boasts luxurious amenities including a Sky Spa, Gym and Pool, with the Grand Lobby and retail shops at the ground level. There's also a theater, clubroom, lounge, billiards room, lap pool and children's playroom and pool. Personal concierge services are also available, which include transportation, cleaning and maintenance, dry cleaning and pet care. View Brickell Flatiron Amenities Photography via Brickell Flatiron

By Alyssa Mammano – April 21, 2020

Home of the Day: Experience Florida Waterfront Lifestyle ...

Location: Vero Beach, Florida Address: 1940 South A1A Price: $29,900,000 Bedrooms: 12 bedrooms Bathrooms: 12 total bathrooms Square Feet: 27,588 total square feet View Listing A 7±-acre oceanfront compound with stunning new interiors and furnishings. Inspired by the Cote Sud, this offering icludes a Great House, Pool House, Carriage House and Guest House. Incredible grounds, gardens and a resort-style pool complete the property. State-of-the-art construction, includes geo-thermal air conditioning, a theater and smart-house technology. Nearly $39 million has been invested. Perfectly turn-key, it's a "must-see" for your discerning buyers! View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

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

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