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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 Edward Jones – August 17, 2021

Ernst Benz Presents the ChronoDiver ‘Dive Time’

Presented by Ernst Benz - The inspiration for the ChronoDiver comes from one of Mr. Benz's original diving watch prototypes from the 1980s. Its design remains true to its function as an instrument for divers, with its primary purpose to provide precision and legibility underwater. A unique characteristic of the ChronoDiver 47mm is that it is one of the few diving watches produced with an exhibition sapphire crystal back, allowing the wearer to observe the watch's mechanical movement. ERNST BENZ SWISS TIMEPIECE, MECHANICAL MOVEMENT, CHRONODIVER, 47MM The ChronoDiver is produced exclusively in Ernst Benz's signature 47mm size and is designed to be water-resistant to 200 meters, twice the usual minimum standard. The case features brushed stainless steel and unidirectional rotation with a 60-minute elapsed timing scale. Visit Ernst-Benz.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 22, 2021

Graham Watches Releases The New Chronofighter Superlight ...

Presented by Graham Watches - The Graham Superlight Translucent Carbon Skeleton weighs less than 100 grams. Despite having a low mass, the model’s torso remains remarkably strong. The case is formed of epoxy resin, infused with a red dye. Within its structure are metalized carbon fibers, presented in bronze tones, bestowing contrast. Graham Watches The Graham Superlight Translucent Carbon Skeleton is equipped with the brand’s legendary thumb-operated trigger, positioned on the left side of the case. This instrument is operated using the thumb, the fastest-acting digit. With this design, a right-handed person will instinctively place their plumpest digit on the trigger and press it intuitively at breakneck speed. Another key benefit of positioning the crown and trigger on the left is that it provides superior wearer comfort. Often when a watch is worn and the wearer flexes their wrist, the protrusions on the right flank of the case gouge the wrist, chafe the skin or inhibit free movement. No such problems affect the Graham Superlight Translucent Carbon Skeleton. Lastly, the trigger is formed of 3K carbon, again contributing to the model’s low mass. Graham Watches Shop Now The black rubber reset pusher, embellished with Clous de Paris decoration, delivers notable grip, a useful attribute during the heat of competition. In common with all Graham chronographs, the Superlight Carbon Translucent Skeleton demonstrates the company’s overriding obsession with ergonomics. Graham doesn’t do ordinary or bland. Its watches are intended to engage with hearts and minds. The Superlight Translucent Carbon Skeleton features an open-worked dial revealing several naked components that are usually hidden from view. Prominent hour and minute hands, lined with Super-LumiNova, come to the fore to lucidly convey the time. Two counters, a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock, employ red hands to impart meaning. The dial is framed with a black carbon (3K) bezel combining black and grey hues, underscoring the sporty character of the watch.

By Edward Jones – June 17, 2021

Ernst Benz ChronoLunar Officer 'Moon Time'

Presented by Ernst Benz - The ChronoLunar Officer release coincides with the decade anniversary of the ChronoLunar, which inspired the development of a new generation of timepieces for Ernst Benz. As in the historical timepieces from which this model draws inspiration, the distinguishing feature of the ChronoLunar lies in the distinctive way it indicates the calendar's position. With an authentic demonstration of mechanical ingenuity, its calendar displays the day, month, and phases of the moon through apertures, while a half-moon center hand indicates the date. The Officer is available in two sizes, 47mm and 44mm, featuring magnificently finished dials in either black or white with elegantly applied hand-polished numerals in either steel or gold finish, filled with white luminous and paired with matching polished version of Ernst Benz's signature cathedral hands also with luminous. Visit ErnstBenz.com

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Discover the U-Boat Darkmoon

Presented by U-Boat Darkmoon - The charm of simplicity. The elegance of luxury. Darkmoon is designed with a solid 5ATM water-resistant 44mm AISI 316L steel case, available in IPB treated steel or bronze. The dial is filled with a special oil allowing a clear reading of the face and giving the no-glass illusion, with only a small air bubble to compensate for temperature variations. The dome curved sapphire glass frames the watch face, available in many differentcolours in order to offer the creation of unique looks. Darkmoon's new version comes with the innovative locking ring system granting a quickerbattery change. The captivating design is completed by an ultra-resistant black vulcanized rubber strapdisplaying the Maison's embossed logo. Learn More

By Edward Jones – May 10, 2021

Discover the Ernst Benz ChronoScope 47mm

Presented by Ernst Benz - The ChronoScope 47mm honors the tradition of the authentic aviation timepieces and great wrist timers worn by pilots in the 1940’s. A highly functional and reliable timekeeper features a chronograph mechanism enabling it to calculate the duration of an event in elapsed time. A pilot himself and an instrument supplier to the aviation community, Ernst Benz designed products to exceptional accuracy and functionality for professionals and watch enthusiasts. As legibility is one of the essential features for these large timepieces, the ChronoScope dials are designed to resemble mid-century aviation cockpit instruments, with diameters that allow for large numerals, bold markings, and oversized hands for instant readability also available in 44mm and 40mm. Featuring the renowned automatic Valjoux 7750 considered one of the world’s most refined self-winding chronograph movements, these timepieces measure elapsed time in seconds, minutes, and hours are also displaying the day and date. The Ernst Benz Great Circle case is 5atm water-resistant and machined of 316L surgical steel featuring an exhibition back with sapphire glass to highlight the self-winding movement that drives the ChronoScope. Five coats of Super-LumiNova applied over base color with matching Cathedral hands result in exceptionally low light visibility in the cockpit for pilots and all other unilluminated conditions. Learn More ERNST BENZ CHRONOSCOPE 47MM Source: Ernst Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2021

Discover The All-New Ulysse Nardin BLAST Hourstriker

Presented by Ulysse Nardin - Before we wore time, we heard it. Clocks made by brilliant craftsmen who would, through miniaturization, create domestic clocks and handheld timepieces, capable of loudly striking the passing hours. Inspired by watchmaking’s past and the possibility of moving musical timekeeping into the future, Ulysse Nardin is proud to unveil the BLAST Hourstriker, an innovative new striking watch that breaks barriers in sound technology. This art of marking the time with music has always been a part of Ulysse Nardin’s technical arsenal. It was revived in the 1980s, under the impetus of Rolf Schnyder and given a new lease of life in 2019 when the Swiss Manufacture collaborated with cutting-edge French watchmaking acoustics audio technology company Devialet, to launch the Classico Hourstriker Phantom. Ulysse Nardin For the BLAST Hourstriker, Ulysse Nardin’s engineers and watchmakers developed the UN-621 caliber, the brand’s first in-house automatic striking manufacture movement to be powered by a flying tourbillon. After several years in the making, Ulysse Nardin enhanced the sound by applying a proprietary acoustic system in collaboration again with Devialet. It consists of a membrane stretched over the movement that amplifies the vibrations of the strike. When the striker is on, the mechanical ballet that makes the watch’s sound is visible on the hour and half hour markers. By pressing the button located at 10 o’clock, the mechanism, driven by a specially dedicated barrel, is triggered. The hour rack and the inertia regulator start to turn the hammers, visible in an opening made at 12 o’clock, hit the gong whose shape has been subtly worked to bypass the cage of the flying tourbillon. Ulysse Nardin An exceptional mechanism requires an exceptional case, so Ulysse Nardin decided to encase a movement inspired by the power of stealth airplane. To truly allow the sound of the Blast Hourstriker to resonate, the distinctive 45 mm Blast case was given a black DLC titanium middle, capped with 5 N 18 kt rose gold, for improved acoustics. The $104,400 timepiece is available on a variety of straps including black alligator, rubber, and waterproof velvet. Visit UlysseNardin.com Image Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2019

Reservoir: Witness of Time and History

Presented by Reservoir Watch - Taking its inspiration from the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of vintage measuring instruments, RESERVOIR is meant to be the reflection of eras full of cult objects, eras in which precision instruments were at the service of mankind. From automobile races with old cars to military aviation or the universe of submarines, measuring instruments are a source of inspiration both inexhaustible and powerful. The RESERVOIR collections are authentic allegories, traveling in the imaginary through the timepieces’ lines, materials and unique designs. visit reservoir-watch.com HYDROSPHERE COLLECTION Imminent submersion – Dive time: 45 minutes, depth: 250 meters. The pressure builds. Desire for exploration and challenge infuse the senses and the mind. Stay concentrated in the time to check the equipment: tanks, oxygen, pressure regulator, stabilizer... Clamped to the wrist, Hydrosphere, a watch resembling Scuba diving pressure gauges, the first survival instruments for divers. Having a unidirectional, rotating bezel with a double scale, helium valve and power indicator, RESERVOIR’s Hydrosphere asserts its uniqueness with a single needle on the dial. Upending the aesthetics of diving watches, it possesses the mainstays of a successful dive: security, functionality, confidence itself and its equipment. GT-TOUR COLLECTION 1960-1990: it was during these years that so many legendary car races took place, forging the very essence of GT Tour timepieces. As the race is about to start, the driver glances at the R.P.M. counter... the mind is firing on all cylinders as the racing cars growl throatily and the powerful odors of oil and fuel saturate the air. All of a sudden, the rubber tires grip the asphalt urgently, and the driver gets a taste of the thrill of high speed, and of being the first to cross the finishing line. It is when the driver is totally focused on his task that he can, at the very core of his being, dream of victory and adventure. His senses are on high alert, as intense as the headlights piercing the darkness of the night... The GT Tour incarnates these values of precision, high performance and determination. visit reservoir-watch.com Presented by Reservoir Watch RESERVOIR timepieces are innovative for the radical way the time is displayed, which is achieved by drawing on two watchmaking complications combined with the power reserve – a testament to mechanical energy and pent-up power.

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2019

Corum Injects Modernity and Athleticism into Its Admiral ...

Presented by Corum Watches - The Admiral is one of the pillars of Corum’s heritage. Unveiled in 1960, five short years after the brand’s creation, it embodies the Swiss watchmaker’s idea of maritime-inspired watchmaking. Although it has always been loyal to its artistic fibre, it has never been afraid to set sail for distant shores. visit corum-watches.com The new urban warrior unleashed First introduced into the brand stable as the Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Chronograph in 2013, the masculine-looking watch has always been a combination of power, elegance and performance with a huge dose of inspiration from the sailing world. The new Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph retains the essence of its sporty predecessor except for a few minor tweaks. The “60” hour marker at 12 o’clock has been replaced by the Corum key and brand logo, which have been slightly enlarged to give better brand visibility. Another benefit from this minor design modification is the introduction of more breathing space on the dial—and with this small change, the Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph looks sleeker and more contemporary. Corum also worked on the case shape of the watch which now features a more angular dodecagonal bezel to create a more sophisticated aesthetic. For the chronograph display, Corum replaced the dial with a “Grenadier fendu” motif, which means that the dial is unique to the brand. Instead of monochromatic dials, the Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph comes with black or white dials with contrasting sub-dials. " width="680"> Powering the chronograph is the highly reliable Calibre CO 132, a self-winding movement that beats at 4 Hertz and boasts 42 hours of power reserve, 100m water resistance and decorative finishes specific to Corum. The Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph is available in 2 dial colors of black or white. The black dial version comes available in either 5N 18kt rose gold or titanium grade 5 with black PVD treatment; while the white dial is available in titanium grade 5 or 5N 18kt rose gold. visit corum-watches.com

By Edward Jones – September 19, 2019

Introducing the HYT H2.0 - Mexico

Presented by HYT Watches - Water and time separate HYT’s continent of origin from Mexico. Three unique HYT H20 timepieces are uniting these elements and locations with special appearances at three Mexican exhibitions in September and October 2019 – the EMWA Fest, Berger Fest and SIAR. For HYT, the flow of liquid and time really matters. This is the two-fold inspiration, essence and driver of the H20, with its patented micro-fluidic module incorporating an exclusive APRP movement. A trio of one-off variations allies with the individual colors of the Mexican flag to localize the beautiful motion of time. For a watch capable of defying gravity, distance is just a walk in the park. view the hyt h20 collection Radical perspectives on time The H20 offers radical perspectives on time, through 3D transparency and a shape resembling a smoothed stone, weathered to perfection. It showcases the essential HYT union of art and science, measuring the passage of time mesmerizingly using fluids. In the Mexico-inspired trio, black liquid traces elapsed time, while a see-through counterpart reflects what’s about to come. Pale green C7 Super-LumiNova®, underneath the capillary and on the numerals and hands, supports timekeeping after dark. Like a flourishing river, life does not stand still, so the present floats elegantly at the ever-changing meeting point of the past and future, day and night. The signature of each piece’s uniqueness is a color accent on the bezel in either red, white or green, teasing the enigmatic draw of a black case and strap. The essence of flow A cloche-like sapphire crystal offers an intriguing lateral view of the progress of time. This takes the memory to the pristine equipment of a science laboratory – and the imagination to the protective display of a precious work of art, in this case time. Viewed from the side, the skeleton digits, markers and directive arrows appear to be floating. In its entirety, the H20 is an invitation to discover and explore new dimensions of encountering time and space in context – yours. The angled positioning of the two concertina bellows is the gateway to looking behind the scenes of temporality. A jumping minute hand, crown position indicator and thermal indicator are further elements of this live performance in a meticulously constructed theater of time. The H20 traces and embraces the very essence of flow – even between continents. view the hyt h20 collection

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2018

Eberhard Chrono 4 Geant: Indomitable Force of Time

After having revolutionized the reading of time, thanks to the specially patented devicealigning four counters, Eberhard & Co.'s emblem collection has become a “laboratory ofideas”, revealing a maximum expression of compactness, strength and dynamism.This is the definition of a chronograph that creates a strong and decisive impact with every aspect of its design detail. From the imposing 46mm diameter steel case to the rotating bezel with PVD-treated screws, from the screw push-pieces to the crown guard, from the thick, anti-reflective sapphire crystal to the 8 screws of the screw-down case back, ensuring water-resistance to 20atm.A particular characteristic of the CHRONO 4 GÉANT is its meticulous exploration of the three- dimensional and its surprising multi-level implementation of the results. Worth special mention in this context is the subtle circular metal plate mounted on the dial. Its 6 screws, emphasize the four in-line counters, and the combination of screws at intervals around the sides of the case, on the bezel, the case back and finally the flange, challenge the limits of verticality and are complemented by the tachymeter scale expressed in km.Further confirming the distinctly sporty, gutsy character CHRONO 4 GÉANT is its unmistakable red features, namely the central seconds hand and the small numeral references of the counter displays that stand out proudly on the dial. Also, the attractive black rubber strap, vertically sculpted, accentuates the thickness of the material and reinforces those qualities of robustness and compactness, with which Eberhard intended to endow the model.CHRONO 4 GÉANT is thus truly part of the constant evolution of the projects and ideas signed “Eberhard & Co.” that, now more than ever, are coming skilfully and dynamically into focus in a chronograph of indomitable strength.Learn More

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