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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 Jordan Aquistapace – January 12, 2023

Zenith's New DEFY Collections Introduce A New Expression ...

Attending Singapore’s 2023 LVMH Watch Week alongside brands like Bulgari, Hublot, and TAG Heuer, Zenith joins the celebration with a presentation of its first releases of the new year. Being a pioneer in the luxury watch industry, Zenith continues to evolve its product line by focusing efforts on state-of-the-art design and technology The passionate team at Zenith is proud to debut its all-new DEFY Skeleton Collection, featuring two new model lines that boast uniquely symmetrical open dials. Zenith is also launching the new DEFY Skyline for collectors that appreciate a more traditional dial design. DEFY Skyline Skeleton Zenith The Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton is housed in an octagonal 41mm steel case, taking inspiration from modern cityscapes. With a choice of dark blue or stealth black, the skeleton dial resembles the shape of the Swiss watchmaker’s iconic four-pointed star. The DEFY Skyline Skeleton generates power from Zenith’s in-house El Primero 2630 automatic movement, controlling its hours, minutes, and 1/10th second counter functions. Each version of the new Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton comes on a traditional steel bracelet and is currently available for $11,000. DEFY Extreme Glacier Zenith As part of its skeleton-themed debut, Zenith also welcomes the limited-edition DEFY Extreme Glacier to its family of exclusive luxury timepieces. Limited to only 50 pieces on the planet, the DEFY Extreme Glacier’s 45mm brushed titanium case draws inspiration from the element of frozen glaciers. Its pusher protectors and bezel are crafted in pale blue chalcedony gemstone. The partially skeletonized dial reveals a chronograph configuration, which includes a central chronograph hand, a 30-minute counter, a 60-second counter, and a power reserve indicator. Powered by Zenith’s legendary El Primero movement, the DEFY Extreme offers an impressive 50-hour power reserve. Selling out instantly after its announcement, the Zenith DEFY Extreme Glacier is heading to the homes of 50 lucky new owners. Source: Zenith Watches

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2023

Assouline’s Impossible Collection Of Watches Is The Ultim...

Updating the original publication from 2014, Assouline's new release teaches aspiring watch experts all about the most significant luxury timepieces. Applying its luxurious touch to the world of high-end publications, Assouline specializes in exploring brands, industries, and cultures using a library of coffee table books. The Impossible Collection of Watch first made its debut in 2014, showcasing breakthrough timepieces that will forever live on as milestone examples for leading Swiss watchmakers. The new 2nd generation of the book gives insight into the virtues of rarity, costliness, innovative functions, historical importance, grand provenance, and pleasing design, supplying readers with the knowledge to safely purchase watches. Written by British historian and journalist Nicholas Foulkes, The Impossible Collection of Watches includes 100 influential watches from Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richard Mille, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin, and many more. Study the marvelous market of luxury timepieces by picking up your copy of Assouline: The Impossible Collection of Watches. Shop Now Source: Assouline

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By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2023

These Are Hublot's Popular New Models For 2023 LVMH Watch...

From Big Bang UNICO Integrated Rainbows to Big Bang Tourbillon models, Hublot is starting its new year off strong with big reveals in Singapore this week. At the height of luxury watch news this week, LVMH Group welcomes Hublot to Singapore Watch Week 2023 for an up-close look at some of the Swiss watchmaker’s newest models. Since its humble beginnings in 1980, Hublot accumulated an incredible portfolio of exquisite examples that still hold significance as highly-desirable pieces. Evolving its wide variety of dress and sports models, Hublot is proud to reimagine its most significant timepieces using all-new colors, materials, and movement technology. Big Bang Tourbillon Saxem Yellow Neon The first to take center stage is the Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon, featuring a fluorescent Saxem Yellow Neon finish throughout its translucent design. The Big Bang Tourbillon embodies the very best that Hublot has to offer, including an aerospace-inspired yellow sapphire case and highly-complex in-house Tourbillon movement. Big Bang UNICO SORAI The new Hublot Big Bang UNICO SORAI supports ‘Save Our Rhinos Africa India’, a foundation that the brand continues to support since its first involvement in 2018. The colors orange, purple, and black colors resemble a sunset, symbolizing safety for rhinos as nightfall heightens danger. Proceeds from the sale of the Big Bang Unico SORAI will go directly to projects supported by SORAI to equip helicopters with cameras, raise awareness in schools about the consequences of poaching, and provide backup to rangers on the ground. Classic Fusion Original While all Hublot watches embody reliability and functionality for any occasion, the Classic Fusion collection does this especially well with its elegant styling. Bringing back the style that shook the scene in the 1980s, Hublot’s remastered Classic Fusion Original is available in yellow gold, titanium, and black ceramic case finishes. Additionally, the lineup also comes in 42, 38, and 33mm sizing to accommodate any collector's wrist size. A special edition Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal version incorporates 18k gold flake into the dial design of the all-black timepiece. Big Bang UNICO Integrated Rainbow & Big Bang UNICO Time Only Rainbow Hublot’s history of crafting colorful examples using multi-color gemstones continues with the new Big Bang UNICO Integrated Rainbow models. The collection includes two skeletonized variations with full pavé designs that cover the case, bezel, and bracelet. Precious stones take their place alongside the most stunning minerals: ruby, amethyst, blue topaz, and tsavorite, as well as a whole spectrum of sapphires – pink, orange, blue and yellow. Although the two resemble each other to the naked eye, one stands out as a time-only, while the other presents a complex chronograph. Keep up with all the new releases from LVMH Watch Week Singapore 2023 by checking back into duPont REGISTRY.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2023

TAG Heuer Debuts Its Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary...

Introduced in 1963, the Carrera has defined the wristwatch chronograph genre for six decades and is now recognised around the world for its classic design. Kicking off LVMH Watch Week in Singapore, world-renowned luxury watchmakers gather to debut their latest timepieces. Delighted to be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of its iconic Carrera model, the horologists at TAG Heuer are proud to unveil a special edition to commemorate Jack Heuer’s timeless creation. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary presents a legendary motorsport-inspired look, featuring a 39mm polished case design crafted solely from stainless steel. A vintage TAG Heuer logo is proudly stamped on the Carrera’s classic silver sunray brushed chronograph dial, made famous by icons like James Hunt in the 1960s, Mick Jagger in the 1970s, and Ryan Gosling today. MUST-READ: Why The Chronograph Is The Ultimate Automotive Luxury Watch Supplying power to its time-tracking functions, TAG Heuer fits the anniversary model with an in-house Caliber HEUER 02 Automatic movement. A sapphire backcase reveals its inner workings, while the outer portion is engraved with the watch’s individual number (XXX/600). Embodying the classic Carrera of 1963, this modern example comes complete on a perforated black leather strap that resembles the interior of a classic sports car. Along with the Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary, TAG Heuer also introduced an array of other watches and smartwatches during the start of Singapore’s 2023 LVMH Watch Week. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary is limited to only 600 pieces and is currently available for $7,400. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 06, 2023

The New #FR2NK MULLER Vanguard Bridges Swiss Luxury Watch...

An exclusive limited-edition collaboration for Southeast Asia and Australia. Venturing far outside the traditional realm of Swiss watchmaking, Franck Muller prides itself on working closely with other artistic influences to showcase a new age of luxury watches. Franck Muller is excited to announce its new collaboration with Japanese street fashion brand #FR2, featuring a new limited-edition Vanguard that bridges the gap between the two luxury worlds. The case design of the all-new #FR2NK MULLER Vanguard is crafted from a new carbon and glass fiber composite, the first of its kind by Franck Muller. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection Its monochromatic black and white dial comes complete with #FR2’s provocative rabbits motif, adding just a bit of chaos to the Vanguard’s elegant layout. Supplying power to the special edition Vanguard is Franck Muller’s in-house MVT FM 800-DT self-winding movement, equipped to hold a 42-hour power reserve. Franck Muller finishes the collaboration piece on a white nylon strap with black print and a black PVD titanium buckle. The #FR2NK MULLER Vanguard is exclusively available in the Southeast Asia and Australian markets, with pricing upon request. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Franck Muller

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 04, 2023

Audemars Piguet Debuts A New Blue Dimple Dial On Its Roya...

Evolving the Royal Oak while remaining honest to its heritage, AP introduces a new dial for the highly-desirable Flying Tourbillon. The legendary Royal Oak Collection by Audemars Piguet embodies everything the perfect watch desires, perfectly combining rich heritage, high-class design, and innovative technology. While the octagonal case forever holds its traditional shape, the Swiss watchmaker isn’t shy to explore new dial colors, materials, and finishes. Starting the New Year with a new look, Audemars Piguet is proud to reveal its most recent Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon with a unique dial design. MUST-READ: Assouline x Audemars Piguet Release The New ‘Royal Oak: From Iconoclast To Icon’ Book, Available Now The new 41mm Royal Oak is handcrafted from 18k white gold, featuring a bezel adorned with the brand’s coveted Frosted Gold finish. Where Audemars Piguet is best known for its texturized Grand Trapisserie dials, this configuration presents a stunning blue dimpled dial that offers unique plays of light. A perfect cut-out at the six o’clock position acts as an open window to the exposed Tourbillon. Contrasting against its shimmering frosted bezel, Audemars Piguet fits the Royal Oak on a traditional 18k white gold bracelet with an AP folding clasp. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillion is currently available through an authorized dealer with the price on request. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 29, 2022

Patek Philippe Releases Its Luxury Watch Archives In An A...

When it comes to renowned Swiss watchmakers, the horological pioneers at Patek Philippe stand out as one of the oldest and most popular names in the luxury watch industry. Responsible for helping to shape the watch world as it stands today, there’s no doubt that Patek Philipe’s archives tell monumental stories of its humble beginnings. Patek Philippe is proud to showcase its historic achievements in an all-new authorized biography by Nicholas Foulkes. Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography celebrates the brilliant minds of both Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. MUST-READ: The First Resold Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Nautilus Brings $3.22 Million At Christie’s Geneva Auction The 544-page publication illustrates unseen documents from the company’s archives through exclusive interviews with its owners and workers. As the luxury watch market continues to skyrocket with high demand for models like the Patek Philippe 5711, the brand remains true to its craft by hand-assembling each piece with precision. Make sure to pick up your copy of Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography on Patek Philippe's website. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Source: Patek Philippe

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 28, 2022

RIMOWA's New $2,470 Black Watch Case Is The Safe Way To T...

The RIMOWA Watch Case is an ode to the brand’s storied heritage and mastery of its craft. Every luxury watch enthusiast can agree that storage and security are the two most important factors when getting into collecting. As renowned Swiss watchmakers continue to release exclusive examples that increase in value well past original retail prices, brands like RIMOWA are creating safe cases for owners to travel in style and comfort. RIMOWA is proud to expand its line of high-end watch cases with a new limited-edition model featuring an all-black design unlike any other. MUST-READ: Orbita’s Last Minute Holiday Sale Saves On Its Collection Of Luxury Watch Winders The unique RIMOWA watch case presents a minimal design engineered in a grooved aluminum shell, paying homage to its signature travel and luggage collection. Easily stored in any backpack or carry-on, the watch case comfortably accommodates up to three wristwatches in a range of styles. The interior is lined in soft microfiber to ensure a scratch-resistant construction, with three removable padded cushions and an additional top cushion layer to ensure protection. The new limited-edition black RIMOWA Watch Case is currently available for $2,470 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: RIMOWA

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 22, 2022

Orbita's Last Minute Holiday Sale Saves On Its Collection...

When it comes to collecting exclusive luxury timepieces, aftercare is one of the most important aspects of protecting your investment. Although exclusive watches are built to last, maintaining them just as one does with high-end supercars is a must for any collector or enthusiast. The best way to help ensure safety and protection is with at-home watch winders and on-the-go storage options. MUST-READ: Keep Your Watches Wound With These Orbita Watchwinders The professionals at Orbita are proud to offer a wide selection of premium watch winders, no matter the value or size of one’s collection. Ranging from exquisitely designed safes to single units styled to accompany a nightstand, Orbita has the perfect product for you. Alongside the added protection, Orbita watch winders are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help hold power on automatic or self-winding examples. Shop and save 15% on your next Orbita watch winder during its holiday special by entering the promo code ‘XMAS22’ at checkout. Shop Orbita View this post on Instagram A post shared by Orbita Watchwinders Official (@orbitawatchwinders)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 22, 2022

Roger Dubuis Reveals Its Contemporary Excalibur Hypebeast...

Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur not only represents a staple for the Swiss watchmaker, but also acts as a blank canvas for creative limited-edition collaborations. Working with household names like Lamborghini Squadra Corse, Roger Dubuis is proud to unveil its newest creation with the contemporary culture and lifestyle professionals at Hypebeast. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier’s robust 42mm case is made from a lightweight yet strengthed blend of white mineral composite fiber. MUST-READ: Roger Dubuis Debuts The New Excalibur Spider Huracán Sterrato MB Tourbillion A skeletonized dial magnifies the incredible craftsmanship of Roger Dubuis, finishing its inner ring and signature star in a contrasting satin navy blue color. The Excalibur MB receives its power Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD720SQ automatic movement, which has been re-engineered to increase its power reserve to 72 hours. The Excalibur Hypebeast MB is completed with a white 3D embossed calf leather strap with Quick Release System for ultimate versatility. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier is limited to only 28 pieces currently available through an authorized dealer for $73,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Roger Dubuis

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