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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

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 19, 2019

Home of the Day: Ultimate Ski Home with Mountain Views

Location: Park City, Utah Address: 2415 E Canyon Gate Road Price: $3,550,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 6,346 total square feet View Listing One of the best homes in Promontory recently built, turn-key and with sweeping views to the ski runs and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared to be impressed. There are soaring windows taking in the views and an amazing great room with a stone fireplace, beautiful kitchen with high-end stainless appliances and stunning light fixtures. The main floor master includes a bathroom with a tub taking in the views, a fireplace and a huge walk-in closet. There are also four additional bedrooms each with their own stylish bathroom. Enjoy the patios on both sides of the home — and watching the sunset from the hot tub overlooking the canyon. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – November 15, 2019

Home of the Day: Significant Oceanfront Compound with 10-...

Location: Vero Beach, Florida Address: 1940 South A1A Price: $29,900,000 Bedrooms: 12 bedrooms Bathrooms: 16 total bathrooms Square Feet: 27,588 total square feet View Listing Hailed as one of Florida's great estates, this important new oceanfront property, Florida is now completed and being offered perfectly turn-key and available for immediate sale and use.Completed in 2018, including stunning furnishings and interiors, this unparalleled property features direct oceanfront land in the acclaimed Estate Section of Vero Beach, Florida. This new estate is one of Florida's very largest oceanfront properties by land and is nearly unprecedented in South Florida. The gated compound pays homage to the famed villas of the French Mediterranean coast with authentic touches of the Cote Sud. Encompassing the highest quality construction methods and materials along with true state-of-the-art mechanical systems, the residence has been impeccably designed and constructed. view listing

By Alyssa Mammano – November 13, 2019

Lady Gaga's Former Chelsea Townhouse Listed for $18 Million

Where the Meatpacking District meets Chelsea, a discreet six-story townhouse draped in other-worldly design elements has just hit the market for $17,999,000. The 11,000 square-foot abode listed by Ryan Serhant and Nicole Palermo of Nest Seekers International was formerly rented by international superstar Lady Gaga. With a private curb-cut garage, 13-foot ceilings, an elevator servicing all six floors and a 2,000-square-foot rooftop deck, Mother Monster surely luxuriated in the comforts of 357 West 17th Street. Read More Images by Matt VaccaSource: Nest Seekers

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 12, 2019

Home of the Day: Diamond House in Arizona for Sale

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Address: 12493 N 138th Place Price: $3,200,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,572 total square feet View Listing Welcome to your artfully minded retreat in Scottsdale, the Diamond House. This one-of-a-kind masterpiece designed by world-famous AIA architect, Gordon Rogers, was built with design, privacy, and views in mind using the best professionals like builders and a great Plumber for this. Upon arrival in the motor court you will be wowed by the cantilevered steel entry. Head inside and prepare to have your breath taken away by sweeping city lights and mountain preserve views through the opposing walls of glass. An impressive retractable glass wall seamlessly integrates to the infinity pool providing views to Camelback Mountain. view listing

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 08, 2019

Home of the Day: $65 Million Oceanfront Malibu Home

Location: Malibu, California Address: 33256 Pacific Coast Highway Price: $65,000,000 Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,922 total square feet View Listing Set on a deep lot with 212 feet of spectacular ocean frontage and expansive views, this dramatic contemporary residence combines up-to-the-minute technology with a classical appreciation for materials, structure, and sightlines. Designed by Guy Dreier, an architect of international renown, this Western Malibu home is a livable sculpture. Surrounded by manicured, tropical landscaping visible from every room, the open-plan space has beautiful, exceptionally high, re-sawn cedar ceilings, polished granite interior walls, Beaumanière French limestone floors, sculpted carpeting, and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and automated glass doors facing onto wraparound views. view listing Offered byChris CortazzoCompass(310) 457-3995chris@chriscortazzo.comchriscortazzo.com

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By Alyssa Mammano – November 07, 2019

Home of the Day: Collector's Dream Home with 50-Car Garage

Location: Naples, Florida Address: 91 Dolphin Circle Price: $2,450,000 Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 4 total bathrooms Square Feet: 3,922 total square feet View Listing A car collector's dream home, located on the beautiful Isles of Capri in the prestigious Naples, Florida. This custom-built home was meticulously designed and engineered to the highest standard, sparing no expense. Western exposure provides beautiful views and unforgettable sunsets. Features include a spacious floor plan, voluminous ceilings, chef’s kitchen, elevator, impact windows and doors and a gigantic garage big enough to hold 50 cars. The drive-through garage boasts 14x16-foot garage doors on both sides. Built on three lots and constructed with cement block, filled with rebar and poured concrete the home sits on top of 100+ concrete pilings. view listing Offered byBeau MiddlebrookRE/MAX Affinity Plus(239) 642-4000myislandview.com

By Alyssa Mammano – November 05, 2019

Home of the Day: Remote California Mansion with Two Showr...

Location: Murrieta, California Address: 40100 Avenida La Cresta Price: $2,799,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 5,484 total square feet View Listing Welcome to this turn-key equestrian and car enthusiast's dream. This home is off the grid-ready featuring 140 solar panels, a 30-kilowatt generator and a well. To the left of the home is for the horse lovers, featuring a 170-foot, four-stall barn, two-stall wash rack, tack room, hay storage and a covered area for your trailer and tractor. Six pastures across the front lead to a 200x100-foot arena and round pen. The right side features two car collector's showrooms with a major man cave featuring two 14-foot doors, a half bath, a wet bar and room for multiple cars and RVs. The second showroom has two apartments - 600 square feet and 432 square feet - a washer and dryer, workshop and even more car storage. Welcome to your new ranch! view listing Offered byLowry A AlkireColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage(951) 545-9366thepoweroflowry.com

By Alyssa Mammano – November 04, 2019

Black Book International is the Epitome of Luxury Real Es...

Presented by Black Book International - Black Book International is an elite brokerage whose clients are among the world’s wealthiest real estate investors. The firm is rapidly expanding throughout California with offices in San Francisco, the East Bay, and Beverly Hills. Douglas Manful, the company's founder and CEO, brings more than twenty years of experience to the business, having overseen real estate transactions in excess of $1 billion. Douglas specializes in luxury residential and commercial real estate, as well as property management and private loan facilitation. Black Book International’s excellent reputation and long-standing personal relationships are the foundation of its success. Thus, the firm has developed an impressive network of contacts around the world. visit blackbookfirm.com Pacific Heights Grand Mansion " width="680"> The Pacific Heights Grand Mansion is a newly-renovated 24,000-square-foot residence featuring a 22-exotic car garage. While keeping the Mansion’s old-world charm and elegance, every room has been crafted for modern comfort and will, nevertheless, take your breath away. The estate spans five floors, offering multiple kitchens, nine bedrooms, ten bathrooms and five powder rooms, as well as a private apartment with its own entrance. The mansion’s exquisite living room, the 2,500-square-foot master suite and the rooftop each showcase stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Notable features include an HD golf simulator room, a home gym with glass walls overlooking a basketball court, a yoga studio with spa and massage rooms and a 1,500-bottle wine cellar. Offered exclusively for private sale 1409 Sutter Street, San Francisco The Mansion on Sutter, formerly the Payne Mansion, is a 12-room boutique hotel. In keeping with its historical Victorian character, the entire hotel has been remodeled and restored to its previous stature. Upon entering the hotel you will be immediately drawn to the painstakingly restored Victorian-era woodwork, polished marble flooring and period art and antiques. Common areas include a restaurant and bar, gourmet kitchen, fitness facility and plans for an additional speakeasy. Each hotel room features a unique design and stunning décor. Since its complete renovation in 2018, the Mansion on Sutter is quickly emerging as the jewel of the neighborhood. 940 Reliez Station Lane, Lafayette The former Henry J. Kaiser residence is a sprawling, gated estate on 11 flat acres. Among breathtaking park-like grounds, this impressive property lies in the heart of the city of Lafayette, California. The estate presents a 13,000-square-foot primary home with mid-century modern character and a 6,000-square-foot guest residence. Offering expansive spaces for both formal and casual living, the home features an exercise room with dry and steam saunas, two pool sites, a tennis court, various workshops and multiple garages that accommodate more than 20 cars. Offered at $18,000,000 3130 Blackhawk Meadow Drive, Danville Behind double security gates and a winding private lane, this 25-acre resort in Blackhawk Country Club is a secluded oasis. Beautiful ponds and waterfalls lead to a six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom, 9,000-square-foot estate featuring a grand foyer and sweeping staircase, as well as a gourmet kitchen with commercial-quality fixtures and finishes. The compound also boasts a theater room, studio and gym overlooking a stunning wooded setting. The home has been renovated with many custom features, bespoke materials and unmatched craftsmanship displayed throughout. A two-bedroom guest residence, as well as a sports court, pool and spa, multiple garages, workshops and a caretaker unit, are among the numerous spectacular features of the estate. Offered exclusively for private sale visit blackbookfirm.com Presented by Black Book International A full-service brokerage firm specializing in luxury residential and commercial real estate, property management and private loan facilitation. Built upon a foundation of long term client relationships, BBI clients uniquely benefit from our comprehensive network of national and international connections and our extraordinary access to a wealth of private equity.

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By Alyssa Mammano – October 25, 2019

Home of the Day: Arizona Mansion with Pristine 7-Car Garage

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Address: 0355 E Robs Camp Road Price: $8,750,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 11 total bathrooms Square Feet: 15,010 total square feet View Listing If you are looking for a lifestyle filled with golf, resort amenities and social settings, then this incredible custom residence is Silverleaf is just for you. Whether hosting friends and family for an intimate wine tasting or dinner party, or enjoying your auto collection from the 7-car garage, you'll truly find something for everyone. Designed with the ultimate privacy in mind, your guests can enjoy two junior master suites upstairs with a media room in the main house or retreat to the guest house with a family room, junior master suite and bunk room. view listing Offered byMonica MonsonMonson Luxury GroupRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty(480) 420-4589monsonluxurygroup.com

By Alyssa Mammano – October 23, 2019

Home of the Day: $30 Million Estate with 22-Car Garage

Location: Thousand Oaks, California Address: 100 W Potrero Road Price: $29,900,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 23,050 total square feet View Listing Truly one of a kind Tuscan Villa (Villa del Lago) overlooking beautiful Lake Sherwood. Approx. 23,050 Sq. Ft. self-sustainable Modern Old-World Villa with unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship on 4 acres with its own well, 68kw solar, 150kw generator. The estate comes fully furnished including an incredible car collection in the 22+ car subterranean garage with two car lifts and car wash/multi-purpose use area complete with HVAC to host events. Cars include a 1931 Chrysler roadster, 1937 Packard roadster, 1964 Pontiac GTO, 1981 Delorean, 2001 Porsche Carrera, 2005 Lincoln Limo driven by property manager, 2010 Tesla Roadster. view listing Offered byNicki La Porta & Karen CrystalCompass Real EstateNicki (805) 390-6591Karen (805) 625-0304NickiandKarenTeam@gmail.comwww.nickiandkaren.com

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