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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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 18, 2020

Hublot Announces Limited Edition Yohji Yamamoto Big Bang ...

Hublot has created partnerships in the past resulting in collaboration models that become timeless collector pieces for watch enthusiasts. The most recent being with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. He is no stranger to the Hublot collaboration process, as Yohji designed a previous limited edition Big Bang GMT model. His successful 50 plus years of tailoring collections are being celebrated with a limited edition Hublot Big Bang collection. The examples portray touches of Yohji’s creative vision through the use of matte finishes and his camo motif. The 45mm case of the Big Bang is styled using matte black ceramic with a crystal-clear sapphire overlay covering the camouflage dial. On the dial are matching matte-finished numbers and hands, with Yohji Yamamoto’s signature etched at the 6 o’clock mark. A Unico movement drives the limited-edition Big Bang that holds a power reserve of 72 hours. Hublot uses groundbreaking technology with the design and creation of the matching camouflage fabric strap. The camo outline shapes are cut out individually, assembled, and fused together using a vulcanization process. There is also a black fabric strap option that compliments well with the matte finished case. Each version of the watch will be limited to 200 pieces. Keep up to date with the Hublot Big Bang Yohji Yamamoto Limited Edition watch release by clicking the link below. " width="680"> Learn More

TH CARRERA CAL. H02 - CHRONO FAMILY PICTURE 2020 HD

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 16, 2020

New TAG Heuer Carrera Collection Commemorates 160th Anniv...

The TAG Heuer Carrera Collection is a staple to not only the company itself but also the automotive industry. Since 1963, the sophisticated style of the Carrera has been reidentified using unique case and strap designs. The Swiss timepiece manufacturer is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a commemorative collection honoring the Carrera. The newest rendition features a 42mm stainless steel case with the tachymeter removed, just as the first released version had come. The dial presented in four color options: Black Opaline, Blue Sunray, Anthracite Sunray, and Silver Opaline. Two chronograph push counters are placed on the watch to track both minutes and hours. TAG Heuer has equipped the Carrera with its Cailber 02 automatic movement, capable of a 48-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The transparent case back allows for a closer look at how the Carrera operates. Depending on the choice of dial color, the TAG Heuer Carrera offers both a stainless-steel bracelet as well as a genuine leather strap. The collection is currently available through TAG Heuer’s website and starts at $5,350. Shop the new TAG Heuer Carrera 160th Anniversary Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2020

Porsche Design Custom-Timepieces to Match Your Dream Porsche

The thought of adoring every single aspect of a timepiece seems to be a far-fetched idea. Otherwise, it would be the absolute perfect watch. The fact that every individual enjoys different colors, styles, materials, and functions make it an extensive process for watch manufacturers to create a model that tailors to everyone. Porsche Design has released a program that will give that individual creative power. The new program is Porsche Design’s Custom-Built Timepiece Configurator, similar to the design process of configuring a Porsche 911. The online program allows for up to 1.5 million design possible combinations, ensuring that there is the perfect watch for every Porsche owner and enthusiast. The Porsche Design Chronograph is the canvas for the detailed building process. An in-house WERK 01.100 calibre is embedded and drives each watch produced. The case and clasp are made from titanium, with the available color options of silver and black. Bezel options for the program include a tachymeter or timer with color choices of both black and silver. Porsche Design allows for customization of the smallest details like the hands that track the time. The option “Essence” will feature gloss black with a red tip, whereas “Performance” is matte white with a red. Color codes directly from Porsche vehicles are used for the paintable areas of the watch, which are the ring on the dial, leather strap, and contour stitching. The watchband is also available in titanium with silver and black being the color choices. The backing of a new custom Porsche Design Chronograph will match a Porsche wheel of the individual’s liking or a winding rotor and feature a partial skeleton display. The personal touches wrap up the unique experience with the ability to choose a plaque graphic engraving or personalized text. The timepiece begins at $5,150 before choosing customizable options. Porsche Design’s newly U.S. watch configuration program is now available and found by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2020

Audemars Piguet Releases Two New Royal Oak Concept Flying...

Audemars Piguet has a talent for taking complex engineered timepieces and designing each to reflect a more simple style. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT is a prime example of that process. The newest model features a 44mm case made with sandblasted titanium mixed with grey ceramic. It shows that the Swiss watch manufacturer stays true to the origins of their process while implementing new materials and technology to improve models. Placed on the color-matched dial are a second-time zone indicator, crown positioning indicator, and the flying tourbillon. The hands that keep time on the Royal Oak Concept are white gold with luminescent. An Audemars Piguet 2954 self-winding movement sits underneath the dial driving the watch, while it holds a power reserve of 237 hours. The color-matched skeleton backing allows the owner to appreciate the engineering behind the inner workings. The most recent update is the ability to choose from two colored straps. The options are a comfortable grey or blue rubber strap, as well as an additional grey alligator version. The grey example is limited to 300 pieces and sure to be a collector’s dream. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT is currently available. Shop the collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 11, 2020

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Superbia Created As One of One

If elegantly unique luxury timepieces are what interests you, then Roger Dubuis is definitely a familiar name. The Swiss watch manufacturer is infamous for creating extravagant examples constructed with the same amount of detail as a hypercar. The newest addition to the Roger Dubuis Excalibur line is a 1 of 1 work of art named Superbia. At first look, the 45mm white gold case is covered in over 600 cut diamonds and blue sapphires. The precious stonework makes its way throughout the dial highlighting the aspects of the skeleton display. The heart that drives the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Superbia is the RD0108SQ, a manual winding double flying tourbillon with a power reserve of 72 hours. The double tourbillon is positioned at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions featured in gold with pink gems. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters if the owner chooses to take a swim with the ultra-exclusive piece. A soft and comfortable leather strap has been presented in blue to complement the sapphires. Locking the two-piece interchangeable strap is a triple folding quick release buckle made from white gold and titanium, covered in diamonds as well. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Superbia is an excellent example of an exclusively elegant hand-crafted timepiece. Check out the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Superbia as well as the others in the collection by clicking below. Visit The Roger Dubuis Collection

Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP in white gold and in carbon ceramic

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 10, 2020

Hublot Celebrates Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix Wi...

Sunday, September 13th will mark a special milestone, the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team will be celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix appearance. The event will take place at the Mugello Circuit in Italy, which makes the occasion that much more special. In good fashion, the team over at Hublot has planned to release a timepiece that will commemorate this achievement. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP will be available in two versions that will be limited to 20 pieces each. The more sophisticated style includes a polished white gold 45mm case paired with mixed black rubber and tan leather strap. The track-ready version features a 45mm carbon-ceramic case with a black rubber and leather strap. The skeleton sapphire dial allows viewing the inner workings of Hublot’s HUB1243 Unico movement that holds a 72-hour power reserve. What can be seen on the dial is the proudly placed prancing horse. The backing will match the dial and include the engravings "1000GP" and “Limited Edition x/20” to signify the celebration. Each timepiece will be delivered with a presentation box that holds a watch winding rotor, as well as a pair of driving gloves signed by Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel. For the collector who wishes to obtain both versions of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000, they will receive a double watch rotor, two travel pouches, and a glass display for the signed driving gloves. An accomplishment of this caliber deserves recognition. There is no better way than celebrating with a luxury commemorative timepiece. To enquire on the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP, click the links below. Enquire Now Enquire Now

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2020

New Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Blast Contains 211 Diamonds

Just one week after Ulysse Nardin unveiled the new Blast collection,m they are back again to blow us all away with yet another introduction. This time, however, the Blast is back but in a much more luminous fashion. Introducing the new Sparkling Blast. The inspiration of this watch, according to Ulysse Nardin, was to create "a talking timepiece that lands into a conversation like an atomic bomb, creating shockwaves of cracked diamonds in its cosmic setting." Within this watch are a total of 211 diamonds, for a total weight of 13 carats. To accomplish the mosaic-like appearance of the Sparkling Blast, Ulysse Nardin has placed these hand-cut by employing an "invisible setting. This process means that the artisans at Ulysse Nardin created hidden structures that hold each diamond, making them appear as if they're floating on the watch. In fact, this is the first time that Ulysse Nardin has utilized this process for placing diamonds. You can find these brilliant diamonds on the bezels, horns, and even the self-deploying buckle. Powering the Sparkling Blast is the UN-172 movement, just like the original Blast watches. This movement comes with a micro-rotor in platinum, 25 jewels, and a 72 hour power reserve. Ulysse Nardin has also equipped this timepiece with a 2.5 Hz Silicium flying automatic tourbillon. It's also rated for 50-meter water resistance. There will be two separate versions of the Sparkling Blast. The first is the white gold version with a white rubber strap, while the second is in white gold with a deep blue, alligator strap. Each model is limited to just three examples, meaning there will be six created in total. That's quite the exclusive timepiece. Its price is set at 410,000 CHF, which equates to roughly $450,000 USD. For more information, be sure to click the button below to visit Ulysse Nardin's website. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Eberhard & Co. Announces Commemorative Alfa Romeo Watch

Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 110-year anniversary this year with a winning list of historical races and achievements. Eberhard & Co. has appointed itself the honor of creating a commemorative piece honoring the Italian car manufacturer. Both manufacturers share common pasts being that they are viewed as pioneers of their industries. This makes for the perfect pair when designing a watch with so much history behind it. The Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary Chronograph will be limited to 110 pieces. The 43mm case is made from steel and is water resistant to 99 feet. The timepiece is driven by a self-winding calibre 13 ¼” 8102 featuring a skeleton back plate to view the complex inner workings. An Alfa Romeo logo in the will be etched in the center of the sapphire crystal. Each Chronograph will include an inscribed backing to signify the 110th Anniversary as well as the individual numbering of each piece. The strap will be made from leather appeared on the inside for wrist comfort. The outer portion being nylon with contrast stitching and a hit of red thread to bring it all together. The timepiece will be available for the price of $6,250 with the possibility to request a specific numbered piece. Learn more about the timepiece and reserve one by clicking the link below to contact Eberhard & Co. Contact Eberhard & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Porsche x TAG Heuer "The Longest Night" Short Film

Porsche Motorsports released a new video titled “The Longest Night”. Porsche had partnered with TAG Heuer to celebrate its 160-year anniversary using the original racing chronograph as the tool behind the wheel. The video portrays the night portion of an endurance race which seems to be the period when time starts to blend as the driver is corning no slower than when the sun was up. Porsche features the factory RSR racecar as well as cameos from the 991 and 992 generation fleet. The original racing chronograph was originally released in 1963 and has continued to be reimagined to stay current within the racing world. Cheers to TAG Heuer on 160-years of crafting fine timepieces! " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Zenith Releases DEFY Black and White Edition

Zenith recently unveiled a new special edition to the DEFY model in a simplistic and atheistically pleasing way. The company has created examples in the past using an array of colors. The newest addition to the Zenith DEFY line-up is presented in a contemporary black and white color option. The colors evenly circulated throughout the watch face and bracelet make it eye capturing. Zenith refers to the 44mm chronograph as the DEFY El Primero 21 Black and White Edition. It features a skeleton dial exposing the inner workings of Zenith’s El Primero movement that holds a 50-hour power reserve. 10-meter water resistance makes this incredibly clean watch a little more functional for daily use. The three subdials that seem to blend into the clear dial include a 30-minute counter, a 60-second counter, and a power-reserve indication as functions for the watch. The strap is crafted from rubber for a more comfortable daily wear. A matching white layer stitched on the outer portion. The Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Black and White Edition is currently available for the price of $13,600 with an available DEFY Classic version for $8,200 and can be found on Zenith’s website. Shop Now

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