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 – April 23, 2021

The Best View-Inspired Luxury Homes You Can Buy Today

Waterfront, mountain peaks and golf course greens; luxury homeowners seek a lifestyle accompanied by breathtaking views. An amenity-rich home coupled with outdoor spaces from which to enjoy the surroundings is unmatched in the luxury real estate marketplace. From the sandy shores of California's coast to Colorado's mountaintops, each of these offerings showcases exquisite views. Presenting the market's best view-inspired luxury homes; peruse the listings below to find your next home. 31118 Broad Beach Rd.Malibu, California 90265$100,000,000 View Listing 610 Los Trancos Rd.Palo Alto, California 94304$53,888,000 View Listing 1000 S Starwood Dr.Aspen, Colorado 81611$48,000,000 View Listing 46 Star Island Dr. Miami Beach, Florida 33139$42,000,000 View Listing 9675 Fairview Point Ln.Easton, Maryland 21601$40,000,000 View Listing 27500 La Vida RealLos Altos Hills, California 94022$39,998,000 View Listing Lionheart, Oil Nut BayTortola VG1110, British Virgin Islands$39,500,000 View Listing Krystal House, Old Fort BayNassau/New Providence, Bahamas$32,000,000 View Listing 1940 South A1AVero Beach, Florida 32963$29,900,000 View Listing 58 Bahama Cir.Tampa, Florida 33606$29,000,000 View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – March 24, 2021

The Best Warm-Weather Mansions You Can Buy Today

As the sun sets on winter months and we spring ahead to fresh blooms, soft afternoon showers and sunbeams poking through cloudy skies, we are reminded that in southern corners of the country and beyond, warm-weather retreats relish in this amiable atmosphere all year long. Why not escape to somewhere that affords seamless indoor/outdoor living and endless opportunities for entertaining during any calendar month? As your search begins for a respite to escape next winter season, we’ve aggregated an array of estates that enjoy never-ending sun and capitalize on balmy climates. Warm-weather retreats are defined by their expansive outdoor spaces that often boast a summer kitchen for grilling gracious meals and hosting friendly gatherings. Guests may also wish to take a dip in the pool to cool off, catch some rays from comfortable lounge chairs set up on the sun deck or challenge you to a friendly competition on the outdoor sports court. At night, a heated spa and a glass of wine wash away daytime stresses and a warm fire pit emits a sense of peaceful serenity. As the sun peeks over placid waters the next day and guests have retired to their own homes, you can savor a few morning moments outside on your private terrace; a luxury made feasible by the warmer weather. Architecture is also redefined by the higher temperatures of warm-weather retreats. Southern homes will showcase summer rooms and screened-in porches that can be utilized for family time year-round. Collapsing glass walls allow the outdoors into your living area. Open-air concepts capitalize on cool ocean breezes. Pavered patios provide the means to spend more time with the sun on your skin. All of these architectural nuances are designed for and made possible by the temperate climate. In this feature, we’ve defined a collection of warm-weather retreats in which you may choose to spend your time, any time of the year. These options span coast to coast and beyond in places that present the opportunity to appreciate tepid conditions. Surround yourself with swaying palm trees, ocean waves, warm rays of sunlight and sun-dappled living spaces. Malibu, CaliforniaColdwell Banker - Malibu WestDaniel Moss310.600.6692www.malibumoss.com View Listing Naples, FloridaGulf Coast International PropertiesMichael A. McCumber239.434.2558www.gcipnaples.com View Listing Henderson, NevadaLuxury Estates InternationalKamran Zand702.530.9263luxuryhomeslasvegas.com View Listing Santa Monica, CaliforniaColdwell Banker - BrentwoodTodd Baker310.801.1475www.541stassi.com View Listing Nassau/New Providence, BahamasHG ChristieMartina Reichardt242.322.1041www.hgchristie.com View Listing Corona Del Mar, CaliforniaRE/MAX EvolutionMelanie Greiner331.208.3670www.remaxevolution.com View Listing Coral Gables, FloridaMiami Real Estate Team | CompassAudrey Ross305.928.1648www.miamirealestate.com View Listing Kiawah Island, South CarolinaKiawah Island Club & Real EstateDanielle Whitson843.890.8924kiawahisland.com View Listing Tampa, FloridaThe Toni Everett CompanyToni Everett813.839.5000www.theeverettcompany.com View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – February 19, 2021

The Best Boater's Dream Homes You Can Buy Today

Seafarers take to the water for a day of leisure and when they return, a waterfront estate with deep-water dockage is the preeminent boater’s paradise. Those afforded the luxury of living on the water will attest to its many advantages. The readied availability to dock one’s marine vessel at the convenience of his or her home is one of the most amiable benefits for waterfront homeowners who also happen to be boating connoisseurs. The accessibility to private dockage just steps from a homeowner’s seaside sanctuary is his or her own slice of paradise. Several yachters and water sports enthusiasts alike aspire to someday own a primary residence or second home with direct water frontage. Coupled with ease of access to the water are unimaginable views that promote peace of mind and well-being. Living on the water is said to stimulate mental and physical health, as the sea has a way of administering a sense of calm. According to marine experts, studies show waterfront living lowers stress and anxiety while increasing overall happiness. Entertaining that transcends land and sea is also enhanced by ample dock- age at one’s residence. During the day, guests aboard the vessel relish in salty air, cruising through open waters, sunbathing on the upper deck, conversing in the lounge or diving from the platform. After admiring the sunset at sea, carrying on into the evening is made easy when company can disembark at the dock and retire to the backyard for a firelit evening. Waterfront accommodations afford a luxury that is unmatched by alterna- tive dwellings. A selection of the world’s paramount boaters’ paradise estates is curated in the properties to follow. Explore the locations and home stylings on offer in today’s upper echelon real estate market to find the waterfront home of your dreams. Our agent partners are available to share their expertise in purchasing and selling premier waterfront boaters’ listings. Consult a knowledgeable professional in your destination of choice when considering your next waterfront purchase. Dover, New HampshireBean GroupBarbara Dunkle603.498.7927www.beangroup.com View Listing Fort Lauderdale, FloridaFlorida Luxurious PropertiesJulie Jones-Bernard954.328.3665www.floridaluxurious.com View Listing Virginia Beach, VirginiaBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne RealtySusan Pender888.737.9246susanpender.com View Listing Lake Country, British Columbia, CanadaColdwell BankerJane Hoffman250.860.7500www.janehoffman.com View Listing Norwell, MassachusettsWilliam RaveisJohn Volpe877.298.2780www.raveis.com View Listing

By Alyssa Mammano – February 17, 2021

The Best Equestrian Estates on the Market Today

Luxury agents and equine homebuyers are likely aware that when it comes to equestrian estates, the horses’ needs are at the forefront. Though, in today’s market, accommodations for horses and humans alike are equally as impressive. Gracious living spaces boast high-quality finishes and craftsmanship, while outbuildings for equine are climate-controlled and comfortable. Ample space for grazing, riding trails and manicured arenas are all encompassed within these profound properties. As are luxury accoutrements such as chef’s kitchens, soaring ceilings, custom woodwork and fine fixtures. Alongside the expertise of an experienced equestrian agent, homebuyers will consider top-of-the-line stalls, tack rooms, feed rooms, fencing and more. Covered arenas and secure fencing are of the utmost importance for horse safety, as are quality soil, access to water supply and flat acreage to roam. Luxury specialists who operate in this niche market have accumulated a wealth of knowledge about zoning codes, public trails and proximity to equestrian centers. They can also guide buyers to local equine veterinarians and farriers. The equestrian community has become a multi-billion-dollar industry and employs nearly one million people in professions such as veterinarians, trainers and caretakes. More than seven million horses are cared for within the United States, grazing more than 30 million combined acres of land devoted to equestrian use. The market for equestrian homes is ever-expanding, which leads to a need for more expert REALTORS® within this niche and offerings of high-end homes that cater to affluent equestrians. While all homebuyers contemplate the stylings and conveniences of a home, equestrian homebuyers have exponentially more considerations to make. Undertaking the full-time care of horses is a labor of love and requires the space, supplies and equipment, as well as areas to store these items. Personal preferences will come in to play and we’ve compiled an array of top equestrian estates to choose from. From the flat lands of Florida to the wide open fields of Virginia, find a home fit for horse and human among the exquisite equestrian estates to follow. Magnolia, TexasCarswell Real Estate Co, Inc.Lisa Carswell713.206.8345www.carswellrealestate.com View Listing Wellington, FloridaEquestrian Sotheby's International RealtyDavid Welles305.587.2276www.wellesproperties.com View Listing © Thierry Dehove Photography All rights reserved www.thierrydehove.com Westminster, South CarolinaHoffman International, PropertiesMarilyn Hoffman713.300.0532www.marilynhoffmanrealtor.com View Listing Middleburg, VirginiaSheridan-MacMahon RealtorsPaul MacMahon & Sandra Bravo Greenberg703.609.1905www.sheridanmacmahon.com View Listing Reddick, FloridaValhalla EstatesErik Nygaard352.484.1223www.valhallaestates.com View Listing

Real Estate

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe