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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

The futuristic, lightning bolt-shaped bottle boasts a "Tesla" branding and mezcal label. Its matte gray finish and minimalist design exude exclusivity, making it a limited edition piece that stands proudly on an equally angular base.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 02, 2025

Tesla Launches Its $450 Limited Edition Mezcal

Tesla's coveted tequila is back. Selling into a lifestyle alongside its growing lineup of luxury EVs, Telsa has quickly transformed into a household name that expands far outside the automotive industry. Whether powering your house with solar or styling your wardrobe with apparel, Telsa continues to evolve with a range of lifestyle product releases that quickly sell out amongst collectors and EV owners. One of the brand's most popular drops was the original Tesla tequila in November 2020, which sold at a retail price of $250 and is now resold for more than $1,300 a bottle. Today, Tesla is proud to bring back a blast from the past by launching its all-new Tesla Mezcal on its Tesla Shop website. Tesla's new limited-release Mezcal is a celebration of Oaxaca's rich artisanal traditions, combining Espadín and Bicuishe agaves for a smoky, floral spirit with a velvety finish. This $450 mezcal stands out with tasting notes that balance citrusy hints of lime and green apple with delicate floral touches of tuberose, jasmine, and chamomile. Housed in a hand-blown, black glass bottle designed by Tesla's Director of Product Design, Javier Verdura, the Mezcal pays homage to Mexico's Oaxacan culture and the centuries-old Barro Negro pottery tradition. View all Tesla EVs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla EVs For Sale Source: Tesla

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 21, 2022

Tesla Releases A Limited-Edition Set Of Sipping Glasses F...

Savor your favorite liquor with a limited edition set of Tesla Sipping Glasses. While Tesla is best known for expanding the electric vehicle market with its fleet of battery-driven models, the brand focuses its efforts on creating a lifestyle in addition to luxury sedans and SUVs. As part of its accessories collection, Tesla is excited to add its new Sipping Glasses just in time for the holiday season. Inspired by Tesla Tequila’s unique silhouette, each glass is designed with angular contours and an engraved Tesla logo. MUST-READ: The Best Electric Luxury Cars For Sale in 2022 and 2023 The pairing also includes a polished metal stand with Tesla’s logo proudly etched in the center to display the luxury glassware. With more Tesla EVs on the road than ever, this is the perfect gift for the Model S Plaid owner in your life. The new Tesla Sipping Glasses are now available through the manufacturer’s store site for $75. View all current Tesla models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Tesla

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2021

Check Out The $6,760 Tesla Electro iPhone by Caviar Royal...

Style your iPhone to match the Tesla in your garage. The Tesla Motors brand embodies the future of EV transportation along with the lifestyle of incorporating performance into a minimalistic vision. Tesla guides its approach to create a lifestyle built around its success as an industry-leading automotive manufacturer with a community of owners and enthusiasts. One brand that focuses its efforts towards the vision behind Tesla is Caviar Royal Gift, the professionals in creating state-of-the-art iPhone designs. Caviar Royal Gift is proud to announce the newest addition to its collection, the limited-edition Tesla Electro for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. The Tesla Electro iPhone is crafted from high-impact titanium with a black PVD coating that provides a stealth-like look to the design. MUST-READ: Discover The New FORM Camper For The Tesla Cybertruck Along with a lightweight design, the case also features contrasting white composite shock-resistant inserts that represent the classic color of Tesla Motors cars. The most unique aspect of the Tesla-inspired Caviar Royal Gift iPhone is the portrait of Elon Musk made from a melted Tesla car body. Adding its luxury touch, Caviar Royal Gift adds a decorative copper insert to signify the key metal component in the creation of electric vehicles. The limited-edition release also includes an Elon Musk bust that features the same materials and production process as the iPhone. The all-new Tesla Electro iPhone by Caviar Royal Gift is limited to only 99-pieces in each size and is now available starting at $6,760. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. View all the current Tesla models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Caviar Royal Gift

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2021

Discover The New FORM Camper For The Tesla Cybertruck

FORM is taking the Tesla Cybertruck on an adventurous road trip. As EV enthusiasts of the automotive world continue to wait for the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck to roll off the production line, aftermarket accessory companies are ahead of the curve with dedicated product lines to enhance their capabilities. The adventurous professionals at FORM are proud to unveil its latest portable camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck. The camper makes for an easy ride with minimal drag thanks to its approximate 1,000-pound structure. Once at the intended destination, the Tesla Cybertruck FORM Camper operates seamlessly as a detachable or free-standing design. The spacious interior layout includes essential amenities that include a kitchen, storage, and bedroom. MUST-READ: First Look: LOKI Basecamp Icarus The exterior transforms into an outdoor kitchen area for the days with perfect weather conditions. If more space is needed to fit an adventurous lifestyle, FORM Campers offers a 195-square foot option that turns into a comfortable living area with a kitchen and bathroom. The FORM Camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck breaks the mold of traditional electric vehicle capabilities, allowing owners to discover new roads in the most eco-friendly way. The all-new Tesla Cybertruck camper by FORM Camper is currently available starting at $49,500. Check back into Dupont REGISTRY Daily for more Luxury Lifestyle Gear news and releases. Click the link below to discover the Tesla Cybertruck Camper from FORM. Discover The FORM Tesla Cybertruck Camper Source: FORM

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2021

Mattel Creations Announces The New MEGA x Tesla Cybertruc...

Inspired by the original designs from Tesla’s upcoming release. Since its debut, the Telsa Cybertruck continues to leave the automotive community in high-anticipation for the day we start seeing chassis on the road. Until then, brands like Mattel Creations release limited-edition smaller-scale Lego models. Mattel Creations is proud to announce its newest addition to the fleet, the MEGA x Cybertruck. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The Telsa Cybertruck assembly process reveals hidden features like the pre-shattered driver side windows, which is meant to represent the original mishap at the launch event. The set includes over 3,000-pieces to help display a closely accurate model of what is to come for the Tesla brand and its community of owners. The MEGA x Cybertruck by Mattel Creations is set to release on October 15th at 9am PT with a price tag of $250. Discover and shop the upcoming MEGA x Cybertruck release from Mattel Creations by clicking the link below. Discover The MEGA x Cybertruck by Mattel Creations Media/Info Source: Mattel Creations

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2021

Elon Musk Announces Tesla Humanoid Robot For 2022

Not only will we have autonomous Tesla vehicles, but also robots. It's safe to say that with all of its technological advancements in the automotive industry, we knew a day would come when Tesla would venture into other industries. Elon Musk announces that Tesla will be developing and launching a humanoid robot by next year. The idea is to develop the next generation of automation with a bot capable of performing simple tasks that are unsafe, repetitive, and boring. The idea comes out of the Artificial Intelligence sector of Tesla, which is compiled mechanical, electrical, and software engineers looking to leverage the AI experience beyond vehicles. Check back in for more news on the progress of Elon Musk's journey to create the Tesla humanoid robot. View All Tesla For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 07, 2021

LOKI Basecamp Announces Its New Tesla Cybertruck Edition ...

The Tesla Cybertruck just went from commuter to world traveler! As the anticipation for the Tesla Cybertruck release continues, many automotive enthusiasts wonder how the state-of-the-art electric truck will be modified to accommodate the driving style of each new owner. The team at LOKI Basecamp is thinking steps ahead of the competition, looking to incorporate its Falcon Series luxury-style sleeper setup into the unique design of the Tesla Cybertruck. The Quebec City, Canada facility is focused on design, engineering, and fabrication while providing a premium travel experience from the comfort of one of the many platforms offered. The LOKI Basecamp Tesla Cybertruck Edition is one of three new vehicles added to the EV Series. Alongside the ability to travel in style and comfort, LOKI Basecamp configures each chassis to best reflect the vision and intended use for the client. Although the wait for the Tesla Cybertruck continues, LOKI Basecamp is now offering availability for preorders with a base price starting at $135,000. The initial deposit for a LOKI Basecamp is $10,000 which is required along with a signed sales agreement in order to reserve the next production spot in your name. For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Apocalypse 6×6 Hellfire Essentials

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