Real Estate

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 – June 04, 2020

The Best Carolina Mansions You Can Buy Today

Among the contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beside the valleys of the two states’ many rivers, you’ll find the diverse, idyllic settings that attract so many to live and prosper in the Carolinas. A temperate climate and a multitude of local entertainment allow residents to enjoy a well- balanced indoor-outdoor lifestyle, year-round. From the many artistic and cultural outlets to hiking, biking and water sports, North Carolina and South Carolina have so much to offer. At the western edge of the state is Asheville, North Carolina’s Crown Jewel, according to Evelyn Zebro of Beverly-Hanks & Associates REALTORS® Downtown Asheville. “Numerous fun and cutting-edge restaurants, music venues and artists, plus their own Symphony and newly redone Art Museum, make this town a sought-after destination for fulltime and second-home living,” says Zebro. Ann Skoglund of Beverly-Hanks & Associates REALTORS® Biltmore Park agrees that the arts thrive in Asheville, adding mention of the River Arts District devoted to studios and galleries and performing arts highlighted by many theaters. Skoglund expands, “Dining is an exciting experience with many James Beard-nominated chefs. Microbreweries abound, offering live entertainment and interesting food. Mission Health Care System has been named one of the Top 15 in our nation.” All of this brings a great sense of community to Asheville and western North Carolina, says Brent D. Russell of Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS® Downtown Asheville. “It is an inclusive community with so many diverse people enjoying the lifestyle, culture and the beauty of the mountains. Asheville is the home where you want to be, so you can thrive and really enjoy the life you deserve,” says Russell. Just south, Billy Harris of Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS® Brevard, South says, “Brevard is located in ‘The Land of Waterfalls’ and is the quintessential small mountain town.” Harris adds, “We are lucky enough to have the world-famous Brevard Music Center, Brevard College and more than 53 percent of the county is state or national forest.” South Carolina shares much of the beauty and ambiance of its northern counterpart, home to soaring peaks, lush valleys, a gorgeous coast and southern hospitality. If a Carolina lifestyle is one you desire, find your next dream home among the North Carolina and South Carolina estates to follow. Asheville, North CarolinaBeverly-Hanks, RealtorsEvelyn Zebro828.450.5189ezebro@beverly-hanks.com Winston-Salem, North CarolinaMitchell Prime PropertiesJohn-Mark M. Mitchell336.682.2552Johnmark@GoMitch.comwww.gomitch.com New London, North CarolinaBreedlove Farms Estates and Land™Julie Breedlove704.528.5575 | 704.661.9619Julie@breedlovecarolinas.combreedlovefarmsestatesandland.com Sapphire, North CarolinaLandmark Real Estate Sales & Vacation RentalsHolly Falls828.482.0986 | 828.508.1530holly@landmarkrg.comwww.landmarkrg.com Banner Elk, North CarolinaCarolinas’ Finest PropertiesRE/MAX ExecutiveJackie Smith704.773.6575Jackie@cltsfinest.comwww.cltsfinest.com View More Carolina Estates

By Alyssa Mammano – June 02, 2020

Supreme Comfort and Design in Harmony with Nature

By Linde Hyder - Rising directly from the valley floor where wildlife roams, lakes sparkle and the terrain undulates, the regal peaks of the Teton Mountain Range are an impressive sight to behold. Photographers and adventure-seekers come from around the world to witness this mountain majesty, anxious to reach the summits where incredible views await. Only one property can stand as a testament to the unmatched splendor of the Tetons; a masterpiece of such intrinsic beauty it defies the imagination. Emerging out of a hillside, this stunning property capitalizes on its unparalleled location with sweeping 270-degree views of surroundings that never cease to amaze. Designed to meet the owners’ meticulous specifications for maximum comfort, the six-bedroom residence offers luxury at the highest level. No detail has been overlooked to create a home of sheer perfection that coexists in harmony with nature. A monochromatic palette, clean lines and an artistic display of natural materials combine for a Zen-like atmosphere throughout the Asian-inspired interior plan. Each aspect of this home has been given a creative tweak that relies on superior finishes of every type, from faucets to fixtures. New Zealand wool carpeting, Christian Liaigre lighting, redwood paneling and a spectacular four-sided fireplace are among the exceptional details that have been carefully selected. Top-of-the-line appliances and an array of up-to-the-minute systems ensure supreme efficiency and convenience. Located in the premier community of Amangani, the strategic layout allows residents to gaze upon an ever-changing landscape where moose, elk and deer wander. Amangani—meaning ‘peaceful home’—is surrounded by protected land at the foot of the Tetons. The height of prestige and privacy, Amangani offers concierge services in addition to a heated outdoor swimming pool, three dining venues, a fitness center and a spa. World-famous adventures of hiking, skiing and backpacking opportunities are minutes away at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the Snake River Range. “Here, you can get away from it all, yet with the touch of a button you have the services of a five-star resort at your disposal,” explains Managing Broker, Ted Dawson. Ted and his team of associates served as the development team for Amangani. With two offices on-site, they are able to deliver service that caters to the individual needs of each client. View Listing Ted Dawson(o) 307.732.8180 (c) 307.690.8170ted@c21jh.comteddawson.c21.com

By Alyssa Mammano – June 01, 2020

A Paradise for Family Living and Grand Entertaining

By Linde Hyder - Built to fulfill the desires of a family seeking the best in life, this elegant Mediterranean estate offers every imaginable luxury in a storybook setting located within the premier golf club community of High Meadow Ranch. More than 20 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds and a forest of trees envelop the home in privacy and peacefulness. European influences grace the interior plan and combine with outdoor accouterments to make this offering as ideal for entertaining as it is for comfortable family living. Greek columns, arched windows and elegant glass and wrought-iron front doors are an indication of the extravagant attention to detail spent on this home. Numerous architectural refinements within the 14,000-square-foot plan include an imperial staircase in the grand foyer, a hand-painted mural ceiling in the formal dining room, a distinctive groin vault ceiling in the kitchen, along with handcrafted millwork and travertine floors throughout. Gatherings with family and friends are well hosted in the theater room, featuring his and hers bathrooms or in the pub-style game room outfitted with four televisions. Quiet moments are best enjoyed in the stunning two-story library with its floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry, while fun times are sure to be had in the privately situated man cave. The state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen easily serves up any occasion with four refrigerator drawers, double ovens, a catering kitchen and a climate-controlled wine tasting room. A paradise for kids of all ages awaits in the resort-style backyard where a sports court, in-ground trampoline, grilling pavilion, stocked pond, four-lane lap pool, reflection pool, main swimming pool with a swim-up bar and a par- three hole over the lake with a greenside bunker are among the highlights. Winding throughout the completely fenced property is a golf cart path and special lighting that facilitates evening gatherings. Private accommodations comprise five bedrooms, each equipped with private balconies and bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. An elevator, generator, two laundry rooms and a five-car garage including a golf cart garage complete this Mediterranean masterpiece. Located near shopping, dining and major thoroughfares, High Meadow Ranch offers golfing opportunities at one of Houston’s top-rated golf clubs as well as a nine-mile equestrian trail. View Listing Lisa CarswellCarswell Real Estate Co, Inc.(o) 281-351-2606 (c) 713-206-8345lisac@carswellrealestate.comcarswellrealestate.com

By Alyssa Mammano – May 29, 2020

Pharrell Williams is Selling Another Architectural LA Man...

Pharrell Williams' impressive real estate portfolio has made headlines several times this year. First, his glass-clad Beverly Hills hilltop mansion hit the market for a whopping $17 million. Then, Williams reportedly purchased a private Miami mansion in which he intended to spend the quarantine. Now, another one of his properties in Hollywood Hills is up for sale for nearly $12 million. The syle of the home resembles that of his other Los Angeles mansion in that it boasts a unique architectural design wrapped in walls of windows and set on a hilltop overlooking the city below. Williams reportedly purchased the home for $7.1 million about five years ago. It is a Hagy Belzberg design sited on 1.5 acres in Laurel Canyon. The 5,800-square-foot home has six bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half baths. According to the listing agency, Westside Estate Agency, the home has won several awards. The open floor plan is styled in a contemporary modern design with views from every room. It also has a two-story guest house with one bedroom and its own kitchen. Rare 280-degree views of the city and valley can be enjoyed from the infinity pool, which seems to hang over the mountainside. The front garden also features a movie projector screen. View Listing Photography via Westside Estate Agency

By Alyssa Mammano – May 27, 2020

Home of the Day: 10-Bedroom Beachfront Oasis

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Address: 139 Highland Avenue Price: $12,500,000 Bedrooms: 10 bedrooms Bathrooms: 13 total bathrooms Square Feet: 8,985 total square feet View Listing Located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida along Scenic Hwy 30-A, this stunning Gulf-front home includes ten bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and four half baths. Newly constructed in 2019, with a sprawling 8,985 square feet of air-conditioned living space, this premier property sits on 0.475 acres of land and boasts 100 linear feet of pristine beach frontage. Six of the ten bedrooms are located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, each with a private bath and direct access to a balcony providing the opportunity to take in the view and enjoy the warm sea breeze. Three separate bunkrooms and a guest house with an additional bedroom add up to sleeping quarters for 28 people. Expansive balconies on two levels, an outdoor kitchen, an infinity-edge pool, and a spa are all just steps away from the white sandy beach. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – May 22, 2020

Home of the Day: Exquisite Estate with Picturesque Surrou...

Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Address: 8660 Richland Place Price: $1,849,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,047 total square feet View Listing This exquisite estate in picturesque North Saanich is an architectural masterpiece. A visually stunning interior captivates with vaulted ceilings and large picture windows framing garden vistas. The grand foyer leads to the living room with a statement fireplace. The modern kitchen boasts superior appliances, white cabinetry, a waterfall marble island and an eating nook. The formal dining room accommodates large gatherings. An office, bedroom, gym and a three-piece bath complete the main level. Above is a master retreat with a walk-in closet and five-piece ensuite. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – May 21, 2020

Another Penthouse at One Thousand Museum has Sold for $11...

David Beckham has a new neighbor. An undisclosed New York City buyer purchased an 11,544-square-foot penthouse at the One Thousand Museum tower in Miami, Florida for $11 million. Unit 5301 spans the entire floor with five bedrooms and six and one half bathrooms. Karen Elmir with the Elmir Group, a Cevera Group brokerage firm represented the buyer and Harvey Daniels with One Sotheby's International Realty represented the developer. According to theflpools.com, the buyer decided to relocate due to the quarantine and will now primarily reside at the penthouse in much warmer weather. He had previously toured the home in person before the pandemic outbreak, and again on a virtual tour. He reportedly purchased in One Thousand Museum for his appreciation of Zaha Hadid's design, in addition to the 62-story building's location at 1000 Biscayne Boulevard and the units grand size. You can visit montrealmovers.com website for more information about this company and how they can help with this process of moving. The penthouse unit at 5301 was originally listed for $16 million, however, was sold at a 31 percent price reduction because the buyer reportedly offered to pay in cash. It went under contract about two weeks ago and was closed on Friday. View One Thousand Museum Photography via One Thousand Museum

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By Alyssa Mammano – May 20, 2020

Home of the Day: $20 Million Palatial Estate with Exotic ...

Location: Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada Address: 246 Pine Valley Crescent Price: $19,900,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 11 total bathrooms Square Feet: 22,695 total square feet View Listing Opulence and grandeur on a scale never before seen. Nestled on the most exclusive Pine Valley Drive, this renowned Ferris Rafouli design and build is known for the ultimate in luxe. Classic timelessness in modern form is displayed throughout, with fashion-inspired finishes. A gated limestone palatial estate is enhanced with Hollywood-style landscaping, a pool and cabana. Over 22,695 square feet of living space boast dramatic interiors with absolutely no detail overlooked. Sumptuous suedes, leathers and mirrors, exotic woods and slab stone are infused throughout. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – May 19, 2020

Elon Musk Lists More California Mansions for Combined $97...

Just two weeks after Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, seemingly listed two of his Los Angeles, CA mansions after claiming on Twitter his intentions to own no physical possessions, he has now listed five more California properties for a combined total of $97.5 million. This is in addition to the $39.5 million worth of estates he listed weeks ago. Again, the listings appear on Zillow.com as for sale by owner. A multi-home listing includes four properties, which Musk alludes to owning for a future project, perhaps to combine the parcels to house one larger structure. The four homes at 10947 Chalon Road, 954 Somera Road, 955 Somera Road and 958 Somera Road are listed for $62.5 million. Another mansion at 891 Crystal Springs Road is listed for $35 million. Photo via Zillow.com Per the listing for 10947 Chalon Road, it appears Musk purchased the property for $20 million back in 2015. As the description states, the combined properties are a "project for the big thinker" and are designed to showcase one of the best views in Los Angeles. Views include the city, ocean and beyond. Further specifications of the project and of each existing home individually will be provided to qualified buyers upon request. Photo via Realtor.com The listing for 891 Crystal Springs Road states that the parcel is one of the largest on the San Francisco peninsula. With approximately 47 acres, the estate presents a rare and unique opportunity to own this amount of land. The existing estate in more than 100 years old and has a pool, hiking trails, canyons and a reservoir on the grounds. The home also boasts a pool and unobstructed Bay views. Inside, the historic home has a ballroom, banquet dining room and a preserved but updated gourmet kitchen. A detached three-car garage, eight-car carport and a tremendous motor court all provide ample parking. The home is just eight miles to the San Francisco airport and private jet center. Historical pricing reflects Musk's 2017 purchase of the home for $23 million. Shop All Mansions

By Alyssa Mammano – May 18, 2020

$100 Million Bel Air Estate is Most Expensive New Listing

We've touched on the benefits of Wellness Real Estate in the past, but this new-construction spec home in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood takes wellness to a whole new level. The $100 million home has a regulation indoor basketball court that transforms into a ballroom with the touch of a button, an amenity-packed wellness center with a sauna and steam room, a 75-foot indoor salt-water lap pool and a workout facility. And it doesn't end there. Many of today's most luxurious resorts don't offer all of the accoutrements that this home has. Dubbed, UNICA, the enormous estate includes every nicety a discerning buyer can imagine within its 41,000+ square feet. Not only does the one-of-a-kind trophy estate encompass eight bedrooms and 21 bathrooms, it also incorporates a decadent multi-level wine tasting room with 1,200-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar, 36-person theater room with tiered seating and a concession galley, eight bars and a 20-car auto gallery with electric car charging ports. World's Most Expensive Cars https://vimeo.com/411482690 Only the finest finishes were curated from around the globe, including marble from Antolini Italy, American black walnut and burl walnut floors, Amendoa Limestone and honed and flamed black basalt. Premium La Cornue appliances are featured in the gourmet show kitchen, which also highlights a custom petrified wood center island. The highest quality technology is incorporated throughout, including multiple Samsung wall video boards, Circadian Rythm lighting, Lutron light and shade control, Crestron audio and video distribution, Savant automation control and commercial-grade WiFi. View Listing Photography/video via www.unicabelair.com

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