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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 – March 30, 2021

Makes And Movements: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 x Porsche Desig...

Porsche Design Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do. They just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the automotive industry and even specific cars altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular supercars available through duPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 Porsche continues to deliver a vast variety of luxury models for any situation, whether it's a daily commuter or weekend track toy. The GT series accelerates Porsche into a class of motorsport that is enjoyed by car enthusiasts of all kinds, and it starts with the 911 GT3. The 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 is the latest step forward for the German automotive manufacturer, as the appearance, performance, and comfort are altered using state-of-the-art technology to enhance the experience of driving a 911 GT3. The exterior features a newly-designed rear spoiler and hood vents to achieve perfect aerodynamics while cooling areas of the car that see temperature increase during track driving. The inspiration of motorsports finds its way inside the Porsche 911 GT3 with added features like the Multifunctional Sport steering wheel and drive mode switch, carbon fiber full bucket seats, and a “track screen” available to limit information surrounding the tachometer. Inside and out, the 2022 Porsche 992 911 GT3 focuses on lightweight design and performance, and that’s even before we talk about the engine. It’s easy to see the beauty behind the redesign of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, but the performance is what makes it one of the best supercars on the market. The iconic naturally aspirated 4.0L six-cylinder boxer engine revs to 9,000 rpm, generating 502-horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, an almost identical set up to the GT3 Cup Cars. This engine, which was first introduced in the limited-production 2019 911 Speedster, has been further optimized for use in the new 911 GT3 with new pistons. Managing the power produced comes in available options of a 7-speed Porsche PDK or 6-speed manual transmission, making the track-focused 911 GT3 a functional driving experience for all to enjoy. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph with the standard seven-speed PDK takes only 3.2 seconds and top track speed is 197 mph. Why To Buy The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 was created to improve on the already successful models before its time, which now is still considered to be some of the most desirable vehicles for car collectors. The experience of driving a vehicle of its caliber truly explains where Porsche began as a manufacturer and where it’s heading in the future. Although securing a chassis may be a tough task at hand, the reward of experiencing a race car on the road is much greater. Even with a mandatory year of ownership before selling, it's no surprise that the newest GT3 will be a successful investment for 2nd ownership, that is if you can find someone willing to part ways with one of the best Porsche models ever made. View All Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph Porsche Design features a Sports Chronograph configuration program that allows the customer to fully spec a watch just as they would a vehicle at the dealership. The process interconnects the watch and automotive worlds while offering the ability to create a one-of-one example to match your vehicle or dream Porsche model. The announcement of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 left Porsche Design with the idea of creating an exclusive 911 GT3 Chronograph for owners of the new chassis, using the configurator to match their vehicle order. Each Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph features the ability to completely customize the appearance to match a specification using a special login provided by Porsche after ordering the vehicle. Like its motorized role model, the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 exudes inspiration with its ornate design, consistent performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. The close connection between the timepiece and the sports car is unmistakable at first glance. The watch is driven by the Werk 01.200 movement, which can be viewed through the GT3 Wheel styled winding rotor. The Porsche Design GT3 Chronograph is sure to pair well as a collector’s example next to the all-new Porsche 992 911 GT3. The black Porsche sports car leather strap features “GT3” script and is adorned with contrasting stitches made from Porsche vehicle thread in four colors. Why To Buy A "why to buy" quickly turned into a "why to own" considering the Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph is only offered to purchase for new 911 GT3 owners. The styling and performance of the GT3 Chronograph by Porsche Design perfectly compliments the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. As an exclusive release, this timepiece will grow in collector value for both watch and Porsche enthusiasts. View Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2021

Hublot Takes The Big Bang Zermatt Chronograph To The Swis...

The Hublot Big Bang designed for the Swiss Alps Switzerland happens to be known for its breathtaking Alps by skiers worldwide, but also home base for luxury watchmakers like a Hublot. For decades, countless high-end examples have not only been designed and assembled in the mountains of Switzerland but also sold in Hublot boutiques like its Zermatt location. Hublot is proud to announce the Big Bang Zermatt Edition, a classic design focused on paying homage to the mountains that protect and inspire all of the watches born in Switzerland. The 44mm stainless-steel case is equipped with a matte black contrasting bezel, highlighting the classic Big Bang shape. A blue dial helps to reflect the color of the shadows of the snow-filled mountains, which is also home to three sub-dials to ensure versatile functionality. Each Hublot Big Bang Zermatt is driven by an in-house caliber HUB4100 mechanical movement, capable of holding a 42-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The transparent back case allows for a closer look at the operating mechanism and is engraved to signify the special edition release. Whether it’s used on the peak of the Swiss alps during an intense ski run or worn during a regular 9-5 pm workday, the Big Bang Zermatt is sure to be a collectors example for Hublot owners and watch enthusiasts. Shop all of the watches featured in the Hublot Big Bang Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Hublot Big Bang https://www.instagram.com/p/CM4uFyjB7Ta/ For more Watch news, Check out Discover The New Hublot Classic Fusion “Las Vegas Boutiques” Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 26, 2021

Discover The New Hublot Classic Fusion "Las Vegas Boutiqu...

The newest Hublot Classic Fusion has lady luck on its side The city of Las Vegas is known for its neon lights and luxury entertainment, capturing the attention of visitors from all around the world. It is also home to two of Hublot’s luxury boutiques, offering a premium buying experience for any enthusiasts looking for a high-end timepiece. In honor of the city that never sleeps, Hublot is proud to announce the release of its Classic Fusion “Las Vegas Boutiques” Collection. The special edition Classic Fusion takes on two head-turning black and gold designs, highlighting the Las Vegas lifestyle through small hidden detail incorporated in each piece. The King Gold bezel is available as a traditional surface with Black PVD titanium screws or a luxury designed option set with 126 black diamonds. The sleek gloss black dial features two gold sub-dials and Six black diamonds to detail the “Lucky 7” marker at 7 o’clock. An in-house HUB1143 self-winding Chronograph movement drives the limited-edition collection, providing a functional 42-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The special release is signified on the transparent back case with engravings numbering each piece specific to the run of Hublot’s Classic Fusion Las Vegas Boutiques. A comfortable black rubber and large-scale alligator leather strap pull together the luxury feel of the Classic Fusion Las Vegas Boutiques Collection by Hublot. As a true collector's example, the limited-edition Hublot Classic Fusion “Las Vegas Boutiques” Collection is currently available through Hublot's Website. Image Source: Hublot For more Watch news, Check out Kross Studios Unveils Epic Death Star Watch in $150,000 Collectors Set

By Edward Jones – March 25, 2021

Kross Studios Unveils Epic Death Star Watch in $150,000 C...

That's no moon, that's the new Death Star Tourbillon watch from Kross Studio. Kross Studio has announced a new collaboration with Lucasfilm that has resulted in a truly epic Star Wars-inspired collectors set. The 10-piece set is inspired by Star Wars history and is absolutely a must-have for serious fans of the franchise. First up is the "Kyber crystal container" that acts as the case for the set. Each container is actually an official reproduction of the orange containers used b the Galactic Empire. Within the case are three interior sections with removable capsules and six free storage spaces where collectibles can be stored. When the three capsules are pulled out, the rest of the set can be found. Within one capsule is the Death Star Tourbillon watch. Kross Studio used a central tourbillon for this timepiece, allowing them to place a Death Star-shaped tourbillon cage right in the center. The 45mm case is made in black DLC-coated grade 5 titanium and features a dome-shaped sapphire crystal. Other notable features of this watch include the five-hour power reserve, push-button system, and Imperial Class Star Destroyer-inspired hour hand. In one of the other capsules are interchangeable straps that can be easily swapped out by pressing the quick-release buttons. In the last capsule is something very unique: a screen-used kyber crystal from the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This is actually the first time that authentic kyber crystal props will be available to the public. If you're interested in the truly magnificent set, it can be yours for $150,000. You can learn more by visiting Kross-Studio.ch. Source: Kross Studio, Photo Credit: Studio Eliot & Watson

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2021

Zenith DEFY 21 Ultrablue Debuted

Zenith follows up their striking DEFY 21 Ultraviolet with the new DEFY 21 Ultrablue. In 2020, Zenith launched the DEFY 21 Ultraviolet as the world's very first violet-colored chronograph movement. Now, just a year later, Zenith has debuted the new DEFY 21 Ultrablue. This new watch features tones of deep indigo and electric blue allowing it to find the perfect balance of vibrancy. The blue found on the movement is contrasted by the greys of the case and chronograph counters while white can be found on the the hour indices and hands. Matching the blue of the movement is the insert for the black rubber strap. As for its construction, the case is made of titanium, measures in at 44mm and is sandblasted for a matte finish. You can purchase the new DEFY 21 Ultrablue for $13,5000 on Zenith's website. Also be sure to check out the new Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold that was just revealed.

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2021

The New MB&F LMX Celebrates 10 Years of Legacy Machines

MB&F is celebrating 10 years since the unveiling of the Legacy Machine No. 1 with the new LMX. "The LMX is an LM1 on steroids," says Maximilian Büsser, the founder of MB&F. We can't help but agree. While the LMX surely shows inspiration from the LM1, there's so much more than makes this new timepiece yet another groundbreaking model. Inside are fully independent dual time zones that are inclined at 50 degrees. Just above these dials is a flying balance wheel, a feature seen within Legacy Machine collection. For the LMX, however, the flying balance wheel has its regulating screws replaced with intertia blocks. MB&F has also expanded the vertical indicator premiered in the LM1 into a 3D hemispherical reserve indicator that allows the wearer to choose between day-of-the-week or numerical scales. Last, but not least, MB&F is introducing an entirely new movement for the LMX. This new movement is the eighth Legacy Machine caliber that has been created in the past ten years. The MB&F LMX is available in two different launch editions. First is the LMX with a grade 5 titanium case and blue-green CVD dial, which is limited to 33 pieces and has a price of $112,000. Then there's the LMX with an 18K 5N+ red gold case with a black NAC dial, which is limited even further to 18 pieces and has a price of $128,000. The collection is currently available on the MB&F online shop.

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2021

Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold Debuted

The new Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold model will be the first Omega timepiece to be created from the patent-pending alloy. As if the Omega Seamaster 300 collection wasn't already impressive enough, the watchmaker has just announced a new model made with Bronze Gold. This new patent-pending alloy is remarkably eye-catching. It can be found across the entire case and buckle where it blends beautifully with brown ceramic touches. TO create the new one-of-a-kind allow, Omega combined elements like gold, palladium and silver in order to end up with a color that sits between their 18K Moonshine gold and 18K Sedna gold. Also, Omega notes that this alloy is perfectly safe for skin contact thanks to its composition and it also offers "incomparable corrosion resistance." It seems Omega made sure this is one watch that can be worn for years without showing any signs of aging. As for its movement, it features the proven Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912 that is self-winding in both directions and offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The new Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold will be available starting in June 2021 with a price of $11,600. Learn more by clicking here. Also, be sure to check out the new Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski in Blue Ceramic. Source: Omega

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2021

IWC Brings Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton Together for Epic...

Becoming the GOAT of your respective sport isn't easy, so IWC Schaffhausen brought Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton together for an exciting interview on what it takes. Both Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton have become the GOATs of their sports but not without having to work hard for years and years. IWV Schaffhausen brought the two together for an interview with James Corden. In the interview found up above, you'll learn insight into their careers, what drives them, if they have any superstitions and a lot more. They also talk about their love for watches and their very first watch purchased. Funny enough, Brady's dream watch was an IWC Schaffhausen. He ended up buying one after spending years with one as his screensaver and he still owns it to this very day. Both athletes also hit the nail on the head when they talk about how watches elevate one's look. If you'd like to elevate your look with an IWC Schaffhausen watch, be sure to click here. Also check out the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey.

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2021

New Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T Combines Blue and Titaniu...

The new Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T is a perfect blend of titanium and the ever-popular color blue. Tag Heuer's latest release is the Carrera Heuer 02T which comes five years after the release of the watchmaker's self-winding chronograph with a flying tourbillon. However, this time the watch features the color blue which is a step away from the previous darker and golden tones. While the color may be different, the watch itself still retains the mechanicals and design that made the release back in 2016 so popular. This includes the same movement that's encased in a 45 mm grade 5 titanium case. Within the movement is a flying tourbillon that's cage is comprised of carbon and titanium. Aside from the blue tones, there is one other change: a new grade 2 titanium bracelet. Only 250 examples of the Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer 02T will be created, each with a price tag of $21,000. Click the button below for more information. Also be sure to check out the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Dairey. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2021

Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey Debuted

Hublot and Shepard Fairey have teamed up to create the positively stunning Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey. There's no doubting that you have seen Shepard Fairey's artwork in some shape or form. His career started back in 1989 when he created the "Andrew the Giant has a Posse" sticker. This sticker then turned into a massive OBEY GIANT campaign that's still popular to this very day. Fairey also created the famous 2008 "Hope" portrait of Barack Obama that sparked a fresh and popular style of artwork. Now, Fairey artistic style can be found on the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey. This new timepiece features a mandala, a symbol that represents harmony, the cycle of life and the elements. The precise engravings are made on a black-brushed titanium case that measures 50mm. As for its movement, that's handled by the HUB1155 self-winding skeleton chronograph movement. Just 50 examples of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey will be created, each of them costing $22,000. To shop the watch, be sure to click the button below. Shop Now Source: Hublot

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