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 duPont REGISTRY – July 09, 2021

Home of the Day: 'Villa Blanco' located in Destin, Florida

Presented by Five Star Properties Real Estate- Location: Destin, Florida Address: 627 Gulf Shore Dr. Price: $8,495,000 Square Feet: 11,913 View Listing Imagine a place where you can cruise from your backyard to the sparkling emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in just minutes. Later, when it's time to relax, a 90-second walk takes you to a white sandy beach where the views are incomparable and the sunsets spectacular. Dream no more. Welcome to Villa Blanco where you can have the best of both worlds any time of year. Water enthusiasts will appreciate the two 55-foot boat slips and 25,000 pound lift that facilitates numerous outdoor adventures after passing through scenic Destin Pass. Those who prefer to sink their toes into cool soft sand need only walk across to their private deeded beach access. Built like a fortress to withstand extreme weather conditions, Villa Blanco is the ideal family compound or vacation getaway and can easily be reconfigured back to its original seven-bedroom design. Artwork, along with indoor and outdoor furnishings, convey with the purchase of this property. View Listing Contact Jeremy Ramsey Call 843.422.8602 | 800.381.0824627gulfshoredestin.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – July 09, 2021

Home of the Day: Magnificent Stone Chateau Located in Ont...

Presented by Steven Liambas- Location: Ontario, Canada Address: 2831 Ridge Rd W, Shanty Bay Price: $19,900,000 Square Feet: 19,000 View Listing Situated on a breathtaking bay-side compound on the shores of Shanty Bay, this extraordinary 8-bedroom estate is truly a sight to behold! The entirety of this immaculate property has been professionally landscaped, surrounded by mature trees which provide phenomenal amounts of privacy. The exterior of each remarkable building is finished with stone, and the roofs are finished with cedar shingles and dormers. Furthermore, this gorgeous property boasts spectacular views of the resort-style, lakeside backyard. Complete with an in-ground infinity pool, expansive gardens, outdoor kitchen with a wood-fire oven, and a stone staircase that leads to the water’s edge. This immaculate waterfront estate was uniquely and masterfully designed with innumerable upscale finishes. With nearly 19,000 square feet of living space, nearly 10 acres of property and nearly 400 feet of unobstructed premium water frontage on Lake Simcoe, this is truly a property that has to be seen to be appreciated! View Listing Contact Steven Liambas Call 416.219.9874 | 905.856.6611www.homesbysteven.ca @homesbysteven Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – July 06, 2021

Home of the Day: Luxurious Custom-Built Estate in Winderm...

Presented by Oxford Realty- Location: Windermere, Florida Address: 5318 Isleworth Country Club Dr. Price: $6,100,000 Square Feet: 12.298 View Listing Residence is located behind the private gated entry of Isleworth Golf and Country Club, Orlando's premier address - where security is paramount. Stunning entrance. Pristine condition. Dramatic interior includes an interior custom designed swimming pool, in a temperature-controlled entertainment, two-story Pavilion with stone flooring, skylights, a heated pool and spa, a bar, grilling/cooking area, dining area and lounging area – all of which is the absolute focal point of this dramatic interior! Estate consists of 6 bedrooms and 8.5 baths sited on almost 2 acres embraced by mature, manicured landscape and golf course frontage in rear. Motivated seller offers a $500,000 price reduction! Wonderful opportunity to purchase in exclusive gated golf and country club community, full-time guard-gatehouse. Seller is relocating and is considering all offers. Make an Appointment to see this beautiful estate residence before it's too late! View Listing Contact Carol Ann Hewitt Call 407.629.1222 Email sales@oxfordrealty.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – June 22, 2021

Home of the Day: "Winfield Hall" Former F.W. Woolworth Es...

Presented by Maxx Spann Real Estate & Auction Company- Location: Glen Cove, New York Address: 77 Crescent Beach Road Price: Guaranteed Minimum Bid $7 million Square Feet: 47,098+/- Sq. Ft. on 16.4+/- Acres View Listing "Winfield Hall" Former F.W. Woolworth Estate provides numerous possibilities to renovate, repurpose or subdivide. Once in a lifetime opportunity to rehabilitate an existing Gilded Age Mansion. One of the few remaining, privately owned estate homes of this era. The mansion consists of 12 bedrooms designed by renowned architect, Charles Gilbert. Clock tower building: Ample room for the Car Collector! 15,000+/- sq. ft. garage capacity for 11+/- cars. Winfield Hall property previews 10am - 1 pm: Sunday, June 20th and Sunday, June 27th View Listing Call 888-299-1438 for an appointment or Email : auctions@maxspann.com www.maxspann.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – June 18, 2021

Home of the Day: "Cashelmara" The Great Gatsby Era Estate...

Presented by Maxx Spann Real Estate & Auction Company- Location: Glen Cove, New York Address: 1 Lattingtown rd Price: Guaranteed Minimum Bid $5 million Square Feet: 32,802+/- total square feet View Listing "Caselmara" Is a Great Gatsby Era Estate with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. Located in a private setting within the Glen Cove Golf Course with dramatic views of Dosoris Pond and Long Island Sound. The estate was built in 1937 with a major remodeling in 2019 and boasts multiple bedrooms, English country tavern room, bowling alley and indoor 2-court tennis facility. Potential uses for corporate retreat, showcase home, residential condominium, high-end catering facility, or hotel. Cashelmara property previews 2-4pm: Sunday, June 20th and Sunday, June 27th View Listing Call 888-299-1438 for an appointment or Email : auctions@maxspann.com www.maxspann.com Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Edward Jones – May 18, 2021

Home of the Day: Unique French Country Estate in Longwood...

Presented by Jamie DiSalvatore of DiSalvatore & Associates, Inc. Location: Longwood, Florida Address: 2878 Markham Woods Roads Price: $6,700,000 Bedrooms: 10 Bathrooms: 13 Full, 4 Half Square Feet: 20,066 total square feet View Listing Authentic French Country Estate is sited on 7.61 acres of rolling lawns. Boasting 2 sparkling pools, a guest house, cottage, pavilion, gazebo, park, and every man’s dream a 9-bay garage. Includes an office/media, kitchen, workshop, also a bus garage. With space to land a helicopter. Privately gated and accessed by its own brick and extensively paved streets. As you drive down the long driveway and over the stone bridge, you will find this Unique Custom Compound unparalleled by any other Affluent property in the Orlando area. It will take your breath away. This magnificent 12,000-square-foot mansion accommodates work from home and distance learning needs as well as fitness, recreation, and outdoor enjoyment. Exquisite detail with the highest level of craftsmanship. Boasting 6 bedrooms, 5 is en suite, 8 full and 3 half baths, a library, 5 fireplaces and a 5-car garage. A grand entry welcomes you and is just the beginning of the striking architectural design features you will find in this one-of-a-kind home. Also present is an elevator, library, display wine cellar, bar, hobby room, chef’s kitchen, formal living, and formal dining room. Opens out onto the front lanai viewing the park setting and lush landscape. The amazing owners wing, nanny’s wing and centered recreation spaces are well positioned for privacy. You will enjoy the private covered balcony from which you can admire the views of the flagstone saltwater pool, featuring stone diving, fountains, and views beyond. The main residence also includes an indoor resistance pool, spa and steam bath all opening to a large private terrace. An expansive exterior lanai, screened enclosed pool, a summer kitchen, are all perfectly designed for entertaining and relaxation. Additionally, included is a 3 bedroom 3- and one-half bath full guest house with a private garage, a cottage, 1,740 square foot pavilion and every Gentleman’s dream this 5,040 -square foot garage. Stereo, surround sound, state of the art security & lighting system throughout this family compound. The most Unique Estate in Seminole County & maybe all of Orlando. View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 22, 2021

Home of the Day: Absolutely Stunning Condominium in Tibur...

Presented by William Pegg and Mark DuBois - Keller Williams Realty - Location: Tiburon, California Address: 312 Paradise Drive Price: $3,080,000 Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms Bathrooms: 3 total bathrooms Square Feet: 2,261 total square feet View Listing Absolutely stunning! This glamorous must-have condominium is located in the illustrious Belvedere Tiburon on the coast of the bay. Phenomenal Golden Gate and Marin shoreline views through floor-to-ceiling windows right in front of the living room, dining and the luxurious primary bedroom and bathroom suite highlight this wonderfully updated luxury condo. Imagine yourself waking up facing this gorgeous view, kicking off your day the right way. With no front neighbors, you enjoy viewing and visiting the beautiful Shoreline Park with a walking and biking trail just across the street, which leads to the Tiburon Marina, shops and restaurants only a stone’s throw away. Built in 1985 of approximately 2,261 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this unit can be a getaway or a great place to entertain. The main level has an open floor plan and all the bedrooms are secluded upstairs. Features include a spacious stall shower, three fireplaces, walk-in closet, skylights, ample storage, laundry area and more. Plus, you can also enjoy outdoor space at your community pool or spa overlooking the bay, or on one of your two decks. With no public hallway to navigate you have direct, safe access to the unit and the two assigned parking spaces, one is a garage. The area has top-rated schools, is an easy commute to San Francisco and a hop and skip to the wine country! This low-maintenance lifestyle is a must-visit. Make it yours today! View Listing Mark DuBoisKeller Williams RealtyDuBoisRealEstate@gmail.com510-915-1193 William PeggKeller Williams RealtyBillPeggRealty@gmail.com510-912-1259 Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 15, 2021

Home of the Day: Exquisite Award-Winning Estate Home

Presented by Cathy Stubbs - Keller Williams Southwest - Location: Sugar Land, Texas Address: 1306 Horseshoe Drive Price: $4,950,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 5 total bathrooms Square Feet: 14,376 total square feet View Listing "Normandy on the Lake" is an award-winning French Country-style waterfront estate tucked away in tranquil Sugar Land, TX, minutes from downtown Houston. Every detail has been carefully designed in this meticulously built private estate, grand and stately with classic European charm and elegance. Launch a kayak in the lake, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a relaxing picnic on the lawn. Expansive property includes an observation tower, a multi-use sports court, and your own opera house. Two-story circular library and separate children's library. Sparkling Schonbek chandeliers and inspiring domed ceilings. Warm and welcoming natural stone and wood are used throughout. Epicurean kitchen with professional-grade appliances. Spacious two-bedroom guest suite. Outdoor living space is equally as spectacular and includes a kitchen, handsome stone fireplace, luxurious pool with spa and waterfall, and views of Lake Alkire. Expansive three-acre gated property with mature trees provides maximum privacy. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – April 01, 2021

Home of the Day: Luxury Living in an Exclusive Community

Presented by John-Mark M. Mitchell - Mitchell Prime Properties - Location: Lloyd Harbor, New York Address: 484 Stonegate Lane Price: $4,495,000 Bedrooms: 6 bedrooms Bathrooms: 7 total bathrooms Square Feet: 13,100 total square feet View Listing Truly incredible 12,000+-square-foot luxury living space, nestled on secluded 4.63-acre setting in one of Winston-Salem’s most reserved communities. Designed by world-renowned Architect, John P. Shackleford Jr., this home is the definition of elegance. Second gated stone entrance. Main-level primary bedroom/bath and upper-level primary bedroom/bath. Finished basement includes a kitchen, pantry, sitting room, playroom and secluded terrace. Immaculate outdoor entertaining space along with several patios and in-ground pool adds additional living space outside. Irrigation system. Appraisal on file. View Listing Have an incredible property to share with our audience?Click below Showcase Your Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – March 23, 2021

Timeless Beauty and Lasting Quality Should be Hallmarks o...

Presented by Architect John Henry - Trendy houses are being built everywhere. There are modernist revivals, ‘transitional’ designs, mid-century modern, anything goes -- and traditional/regional architecture. But how does a fad hold up in the long term? Only one of these approaches is based on a 2,500-year pedigree that is recognizable, tested and beloved. Well-crafted Traditional design is an appreciable real estate investment and more people will buy a classical design over a contemporary one, according to architecture expert, John Henry. No doubt a great location is important, but exactly what you build on your property will affect overall value. The flavor of the day may go out of fashion, depending on social and economic factors. Traditional design is not stuffy and dark; the secret is that the front façades are quite true to their style but rear elevations – which normally face views – are bright and airy, breaking a few academic 'rules' to accomplish this. " width="680"> John Henry was educated to design only Modern-style architecture but he soon realized that historic French and Italian models based on Renaissance design principles offered classic beauty and world-class value – qualities of high-end luxury real estate. A client brings a vision and point of view – a unique set of circumstances – that must meld with a particular site. When function, environment and architectural treatment is in perfect harmony, the result is a truly amazing and timeless investment. The villa here is sited on a slightly sloping lot. A three-story walkout was ‘leveraged’ by raising the entry about six feet above grade and digging down in the rear by six feet. A grand entry and stunning rear façade was possible in an 11,000-square-foot design of high ceilings, luxurious stone finishes, marvelous moldings and well organized interiors. Contact John Henry to see how to perfectly execute your vision now. You may wish to start with just a Schematic Design. Build Your Dream Mansion johnhenryarchitect@gmail.comFrench Luxury Home DesignsItalian Mediterranean InspirationsMansions, Palaces, Castles

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