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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 – October 18, 2019

Home of the Day: Mansion with Ferrari in the Office

Location: Naples, Florida Address: 423 Spinnaker Drive Price: $3,750,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 4,013 total square feet View Listing 423 Spinnaker Drive is a Sand Dollar Award-winning, superior custom beach home in the Moorings, west of Crayton Road and a short walk to Moorings resident’s beach park. Spectacular quality that was built to exacting standards and custom coastal design are featured throughout. The home’s single-level living spreads more than 6,000 square feet under roof on an oversized lot located on a quiet street. Inside, the ceilings are highly detailed with millwork, accented in beautiful wood paneling, beams, coffers and corbels. Wide plank Legno Bastone oak floors flow throughout the home’s great room layout. Custom-made cabinetry and built-ins house the finest appliances from Wolf-Subzero. A full summer kitchen leads to the expansive outdoor living areas with roll-down screens and shutters, surrounded with tropical foliage. The glimmering glass-tiled pool and spa with swim-up underwater seating at the sun deck set the stage for the glow of fire bowls and linear fireplace at night. view listing Offered byShaun Dalton, PAGulf Coast International Properties(239) 434-2558shaun@gcipnaples.comgcipnaples.com Photography byWanderlust Photography(239) 451-4643hello@thewanderlustphotography.comthewanderlustphotography.com

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By Alyssa Mammano – October 16, 2019

Home of the Day: Mansion with Massive Garage Space and Ca...

Location: Paradise Valley, Arizona Address: 5021 E. Arabian Way Price: $12,950,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 9 total bathrooms Square Feet: 16,083 total square feet View Listing Surround yourself in complete tranquility and luxury on almost five spectacular acres enveloped by mountains, lush grounds and magnificent gardens. This prestigious residence has been masterfully remodeled to be one of the finest estates in Paradise Valley. With over 16,000 square feet comprising six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, this exquisite home boasts a stunning grand entrance, soaring uniquely decorated ceilings, large scale rooms with the finest architectural features including sophisticated finishes throughout with details sourced the world over and a floorplan that is formal, yet creates a comfortable and inviting ambiance. view listing Offered byBob HassettRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realtyvia Tour Factory(602) 750-1000bhassett@russlyon.combobhassett.com

By Alyssa Mammano – October 11, 2019

Home of the Day: Canadian Mansion with 12-Car Garages

Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Address: 4040 Casorso Road Price: $7,850,000 Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms Bathrooms: 8 total bathrooms Square Feet: 10,093 total square feet View Listing A rare, outstanding opportunity exists with this scenic 9.23-acre estate property within ten minutes to the heart of Kelowna. This gorgeous home is surrounded by manicured gardens and the poolside setting is positioned to capture the lake and city views. This luxury home boasts 10,000 square feet, plus there is a 1,200-square-foot guest house. Two and a half acres of the property are planted in vineyard with the potential to plant an additional five acres. An oversize double garage is attached, plus a lower-level garage that can hold another eight to ten vehicles. view listing Offered byJane Hoffman, PRECColdwell Banker Jane Hoffman Realty(250) 860-7500jane@janehoffman.comjanehoffman.com Photography byCarey MisslerDCD ProductionsTabetha KabelInfiniti Photography

By Alyssa Mammano – October 09, 2019

Home of the Day: Vineyard Mansion with 9 Garages

Location: Sonoma, California Address: 1577 Napa Road Price: $15,997,000 Bedrooms: 5 bedrooms Bathrooms: 6 total bathrooms Square Feet: 14,545 total square feet View Listing OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA For the first time ever offered, this unique home boasts substantial space, yet is comfortable for everyday family living. Built with 2,000 tons of concrete, 1,000 tons of steel and more than 110 slabs of granite, the home features a chef’s kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, media room, multiple entertaining spaces and home offices. Five en-suite bedrooms plus a grand master suite showcase views of the vineyards, water features and mature gardens. Included are nine car garages plus a stainless wine facility. view listing Offered byBrian LedigColdwell Banker Residential BrokerageOffice: (707) 829-4500Cell: (707) 484-8449brian@bledig.comcoldwellbanker.com

By Alyssa Mammano – October 04, 2019

Home of the Day: $22 Million Mansion with 11,000-square-f...

Location: Thonotosassa, Florida Address: 12321 Fort King Highway Price: $22,000,000 Bedrooms: 8 bedrooms Bathrooms: 26 total bathrooms, 12 full bathrooms, 14 half bathrooms Square Feet: 42,782 total square feet View Listing “The Oaks,” a magnificent sprawling country estate situated on Lake Thonotosassa, is one of Florida’s most significant homes to be built within the last century. The French-Normandy style gated manor includes eight bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms and 14 half bathrooms for 36,361 square feet of air-conditioned space and 42,782 square feet under roof. In addition, there is a separate 11,000-square-foot air-conditioned state-of-the-art workshop with two half bathrooms and a gatehouse with one half bathroom. view listing Offered byEd Gunning, Mary Pond & Dina Sierra SmithSmith & Associates Real EstateEd (813) 690.7902Mary (813) 294.8867Dina (813) 760.6354gunningpond@smithandassociates.comdsmith@smithandassociates.comtheoaksestate.com

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By Alyssa Mammano – October 03, 2019

Home of the Day: $15 Million Mansion with Garage Lifts

Location: Austin, Texas Address: 2401 Portofino Ridge Dr. Price: $14,900,000 Bedrooms: 7 bedrooms, 2 guest bedrooms Bathrooms: 11 total bathrooms, 7 full bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms, 2 guest full bathrooms, 1 guest half bathroom Square Feet: 16,722 total square feet View Listing Located on the most private and prestigious street in Barton Creek and situated 4.04 acres overlooking the #6 green; this unique home is truly one of Austin’s finest residences. Designed by renowned David Shiflet and brought to life by the unequivocal builder Gary Reissig, 2401 Portofino Ridge exudes splendor and delights visitors. view listing Offered byGary & Michelle Dolch COMPASS(512) 831.6577(512) 656.5627garydolch@gmail.comwww.austinluxurygroup.com Photography byTravis BakerTwist Tourswww.twisttours.com

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By Alyssa Mammano – September 20, 2019

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Buy $21 Million "Razor House"...

The inspiration for Tony Stark's Razor Point and featured in the Iron Man film franchise; the famed Razor House has been purchased by recording artist Alicia Keys and her music producer husband Swizz Beats for $20.8 million. Designed by acclaimed San Diego architect Wallace E. Cunningham, Razor House took more than six years to construct and was completed in 2007. Its sale is the most expensive in the uber-exclusive La Jolla neighborhood within the past three years. Douglas Elliman's Altman Brothers represented both parties involved in the transaction. The seller was represented by Josh and Matt Altman, as was the buyer along with team member Stephen Sweeney. Photo: Gary Kasl/The Altman Brothers The home's storied history includes acting as the backdrop in high-profile advertisements for Visa's Black Card and Calvin Klein, as well as for Aston Martin's unveiling of the V12 Zagato supercar for a private customer. Keys and her family are just the third owners of the palatial estate. It was originally built for Jimmy Cooksey Jr., but was not completed before he filed for bankruptcy. Entrepreneur and experienced real estate investor, Donald Burns, snapped up the listing for just $14.1 million and worked with Cunningham to complete his design. He said he was happy to sell the estate to someone who was appreciative of its architecture. Photo: Gary Kasl/The Altman Brothers The 10,653-square-foot main residence soars three stories high with six bedrooms including two master suites, each with entire walls of curved glass offering endless ocean views. The great room is two stories encircled entirely by glass with a rounded floating staircase between the two floors. There's also a library/game room, movie theater and gym. The lower-level great room opens out into a backyard area with an infinity-edge pool and fire pit. The rooftop deck also provides ample space for entertaining, sunning and taking in the ocean views. Photo: Gary Kasl/The Altman Brothers Below ground is a contemporary garage for sleek storage of cars and toys. Also included on the property is a 1,300-square-foot guest house sprawling over three levels with two ensuite bedrooms, each with a separate entry. see mansions for sale

By Alyssa Mammano – February 19, 2019

Elon Musk's LA Home is On the Market

Floor-to-ceiling windows encircle the home where Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his now ex-wife Talulah Riley enjoyed picturesque ocean, city and canyon vistas, and dips in the saltwater pool. The home is one of the smaller properties in Musk's collection, at just over 3,000 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. " width="680"> In a classic Mid-Century Modern design with period stylings, 2232 Westridge Road boasts smart home capabilities personalized for a techie. Upgrades include an integrated security system that comes complete with video monitors, an audio system and shades and lighting automated with the click of a button. The home's finishes are top-of-the-line, as well. A chef's kitchen features ceasarstone countertops, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. There's also manicured hedges to promote privacy and a 2-car garage. The home is listed for $4.5 million, which is a 21.8 percent increase from the purchase price Musk paid just five years ago. view la listings Source: Hilton & Hyland

By Alyssa Mammano – February 18, 2019

House Where Jeff Bezos Founded Amazon Is for Sale

Seeking inspiration for your next big idea? This new-to-the-market Bellevue, Washington listing might help. It was here that Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, first conceptualized the internet company while he was renting the home during the 1990s. Since then, the 1,540-square-foot single-level Craftsman home has undergone a complete renovation. Even the famous garage where Bezos began Amazon has been completely redone. It does maintain some of Bezos' original features, though, like the extra large mailbox intended for receiving catalogs. Today, the 13-foot vaulted ceilings in the Great Room feature pine wood planks, beautifully complementing the river rock fireplace. Skylights and glass French doors allow natural light to flow in. An expansive deck juts off the 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a hot tub also included in the fenced-in backyard. The house is modestly priced just under $1.5 million, which does not account for its historical significance. The relatively low list price could entice Amazon workers to purchase the home for "bragging rights." view Bellevue listings Source: John L. Scott Real Estate

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