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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

A geometric, intricately designed black watch from the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang collection features a multi-faceted bezel adorned with black diamond details, set against a modern metal triangular backdrop.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 30, 2024

Hublot Debuts Its New Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu All Bl...

"The Hublot x Sang Bleu creations are the ink of time." From nautical-inspired models engineered to battle all elements to highly complex creations designed with some of the world's most precious stones, Hublot's collection of luxury watches showcases diversity throughout its historical timeline as an industry-leading watchmaker. Hublot is proud to continue its collaboration with tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Buchi with the recent debut of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu All Black Pavé. The limited-edition Big Bang pushes the boundaries of Hublot's iconic All-Black concept, introduced in 2006 with subtle shades of black creating bold, monochromatic styles. The 42mm polished black-plated case features 180 black diamonds, totaling 2.4 carats, while Plescia-Buchi's signature geometric style flows seamlessly across the case and bezel. The three-dimensional effect makes this timepiece as much an art piece as it is a luxury watch. Powered by the HUB4700 Self-winding Skeleton Chronograph movement, it offers a 50-hour power reserve and comes fitted on a sleek black rubber strap with a ceramic-titanium clasp. Limited to just 200 pieces, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu All Black Pavé highlights nearly two decades of Hublot's All Black "invisible visibility" philosophy. The watch debuts in China three months ahead of its global release, offering a preview of this remarkable fusion of innovation and artistry. Shop all Hublot watches by clicking the link below. Shop All Hublot Watches Source: Hublot

This Richard Mille RM 07-02 wristwatch from the Sapphire Collection boasts a pink skeleton design with a clear case and visible gears, complemented by a black strap and silver crown, set against a sleek black background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 23, 2024

Richard Mille Debuts Its All-New RM 07-02 Sapphire Collec...

Richard Mille adds more sapphire to its collection. While some luxury watches are engineered to handle the rugged abuse of daily endeavors, others are conceived to wow crowds with stunning designs and complex movements. It's a balance that Richard Mille expertly dominates with its extensive collection, whether it be an ultra-lightweight RM 67-02 for racing or a piece unique sapphire RM056 for the red carpet. Having tested and conquered the art of watchmaking and implementing new materials into its daily production, the brand has streamlined what used to be an impossible feat into a sole-focused collection. Richard Mille is pleased to present its all-new RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire Collection, featuring a range of vibrant colors that are sure to strike up a conversation. The RM 07-02 just got a fresh update with four striking new designs, including a stunning lilac sapphire model. Each model features stunning gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and ornamental stones, all set into eye-catching sapphire cases that catch the light from all angles. Inside, the RM 07-02 is built for performance. The CRMA5 skeletonized automatic movement adjusts its winding to match your activity and offers a 50-hour power reserve. The baseplates and bridges come crafted in gold, and the diamond-set rotor adds an extra touch of luxury. Limited to just seven pieces per version, pink sapphire, lilac, green, and gem-set green sapphire, the RM 07-02 collection combines Richard Mille's bold style and exceptional engineering.

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By Jordan Aquistapace – December 20, 2024

The 10 Most Expensive Watches In The World

Exploring ultra-luxury timepieces that won't be found in a boutique, these examples soar well past the seven-figure mark.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2024

URWERK Debuts Its All-New UR-230 Polaris Watch

In a world filled with luxury watches that take on a similar look and feel, URWERK stands out as a brand that continues to push boundaries with bold designs and state-of-the-art technology. Resembling something you'd see in outer space, the UR-SATELLITE series remains a pinnacle collection as it constantly evolves with new materials and movements. Adding some color to its lineup, URWERK is proud to announce the release of its all-new UR-230 Polaris. The URWERK UR-230 Polaris introduces a fresh look with its white fiberglass and ceramic case, dramatically changing from the brand's typical dark tones. The new material balances the toughness of traditional ceramics with added impact resistance from fiberglass, making it durable and lightweight. Inspired by space-age aesthetics like Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and NASA's Apollo missions, the watch pairs its pure white case with a deep black UR-7.30 movement for the perfect contrast. Fitted with a comfortable white vulcanized rubber strap, the UR-230 Polaris blends style and comfort. The new release features URWERK's signature satellite time display and retrograde minute hands, with dual turbines to protect the movement and fine-tune airflow. These details guarantee the UR-230 stands up to daily wear while maintaining its accuracy. The UR-230 Polaris is now available for $150,000 through URWERK. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: URWERK

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 10, 2024

OMEGA Debuts The All-New Speedmaster Pilot Watch

With a timeless legacy that spans the moon's surface to race circuits worldwide, the Omega Speedmaster is considered one of the most iconic watches in history. And while the Speedmaster remains well-respected in a variety of fields and professions, it has earned a special reputation amongst pilots since being adopted by the U.S. Air Force in 1957. Today, Omega is reaching for the skies as it's proud to debut the all-new Speedmaster Pilot. The new Speedmaster Pilot's 40.85mm stainless steel case is built for practicality, just like its original predecessor. It features a matte finish to reduce glare and a bezel with vintage-inspired details, like the "Dot Over Ninety" on the tachymeter. Vibrant orange and yellow highlights on the dial pay homage to early cockpit instruments. Dual sub-dials bring aviation look and feel to life, with the 3 o'clock display mirroring a cockpit's burn rate indicator and the 9 o'clock subdial featuring a sight-like design. Powered by Omega's in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, the movement focuses on top-notch accuracy, magnetic resistance, and reliability. The caseback comes stamped with a classic Seahorse medallion. The watch comes available on a stainless steel bracelet with Omega's easy-to-use adjustment system or a NATO strap reinforced with kevlar threads. Whether for pilots or watch enthusiasts, the Speedmaster Pilot honors Omega's ties to the skies. Shop all Omega Speedmasters by clicking the link below. Shop All OMEGA Speedmasters View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: OMEGA

A detailed wristwatch, reminiscent of Hublot's innovative design, features a complex, exposed mechanical movement and a rugged gray case paired with a blue strap. This piece echoes the bold aesthetics of Samuel Ross' Big Bang Tourbillon collaboration.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 06, 2024

Hublot x Samuel Ross Unveil The $143,000 Big Bang Tourbil...

Hublot and Samuel Ross are back with another jaw-dropping watch collaboration. Hublot and Samuel Ross have teamed up once again to create something truly special, the new Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A. Debuting at Miami Art Week, the collaboration watch remains true to Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” perspective by combining innovative materials with Ross’s unmatched design style. Featuring a 44mm honeycomb-patterned case in frosted grey carbon, a sapphire dial, and both light and dark blue accents, Hublot's newest watch stands out as a serious statement piece. With a self-winding HUB6035 skeleton Tourbillon movement and a 72-hour power reserve, function is just as important as style. The partnership between Hublot and Samuel Ross dates back to 2020, and the duo's new model takes things even further. Ross’s signature design elements include geometry, texture, and unexpected colors, all of which are on full display. The honeycomb pattern continues from the case to the perforated rubber strap, while the bezel’s mix of satin and micro-blasted finishes adds an extra layer of depth. With only 50 pieces available, the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A is bound to be an anticipated model for collectors and fans of modern design. The all-new Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A is now available at Hublot boutiques worldwide with a price tag of $143,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2024

Richard Mille Honors Its Iconic Dive Watch Series With Th...

For decades, Richard Mille has continued to reimagine what a true sports watch can be. Whether performing on the tennis court or withstanding the deepest depths of the ocean, Richard Mille watches come engineered with the materials and technology to keep up with the most prominent athletes. The all-new RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition is a farewell to Richard Mille’s iconic dive watch series. Limited to just 80 pieces, the newest addition combines technical mastery with state-of-the-art materials like grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT. It features a unidirectional bezel, a locking crown system for added water resistance, and a striking silhouette that blends durability with style. The lightweight yet strong construction makes it an ideal match for underwater adventurers like world-record-holding free diver Arnaud Jerald. Inside, the RMAC2 caliber powers the watch with a PVD-treated titanium baseplate and bridges, guaranteeing precision under extreme conditions. A variable-geometry rotor stores energy across dual barrels and showcases an impressive 50-hour power reserve. Functional features include hours, minutes, seconds, a 12-hour totalizer, and an annual calendar with an oversized date display. Super-LumiNova indicators and custom-designed DLC titanium date discs improve readability, even in the dim light of the ocean depths. The RM 032's 50mm case and 300-meter water resistance make it a practical tool for divers. As the final piece in the RM 032 collection, the Ultimate Edition celebrates over a decade of ingenious watchmaking. With its exclusivity and expert craftsmanship, this limited-edition dive watch cements Richard Mille's legacy in creating durable, functional, and stylish watches for the world’s most challenging environments. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 25, 2024

How To Buy: Edifice x Honda Racing Corporation's Motorspo...

Born from the track as part of its ongoing partnership with the performance professionals at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Casio's Edifice continues to evolve its collection of race-inspired watches with models that embody the DNA of purpose-built race cars. The duo has teamed up to debut the Sospensione ECB2000HR-1A as the ultimate motorsport-inspired watch. Capturing Honda’s racing legacy with its striking tricolor design, the watch showcases red for victory, blue for technology, and white for fans. The band features luxurious Alcantara with stitching and engravings that honor HRC’s iconic colorway. The bezel and case are made with carbon fiber-reinforced resin, resembling the suspension arm design of track-focused Honda race cars. Special logos and detailed designs of Honda’s racing engine valve also root the watch in the world of motorsport. Beyond mere looks, the ECB2000HR-1A delivers cutting-edge functionality. Bluetooth connectivity syncs with smartphones for effortless time management, while Tough Solar technology guarantees reliable power throughout its life on your wrist. A countdown indicator, lap memory, and other advanced features make it both stylish and practical. Whether you’re on the track or simply admire precision engineering, this limited-edition watch collaboration commemorates the heart of Honda Racing and Edifice. Shop the all-new, limited-edition Sospensione ECB2000HR-1A from Edifice x Honda Racing Corporation by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Casio

Close-up of the SeaQ Series watch's sapphire crystal case back, showcasing the intricate mechanical movement inside. The engravings and visible rotor are adorned with gold accents, a hallmark of Glashütte Original, standing out against a dark background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 21, 2024

Glashütte Original Evolves Its SeaQ Series With A New Sap...

The Glashütte Original SeaQ now offers a sapphire crystal case back. Celebrating 50 years of its diving watch legacy, Glashütte Original just upgraded the coveted SeaQ line with a sapphire crystal case back option. The newly announced option provides collectors and enthusiasts an up-close glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship of the in-house Calibre 39-11 movement, featuring Glashütte's iconic three-quarter plate, swan-neck fine adjustment, and double-G skeletonized rotor. First launched in 2019 as a nod to the legendary Spezimatic RP TS 200, the SeaQ combines tradition with the modern performance that watch buyers expect these days. Maintaining a water resistance of 200 meters, this latest addition marks yet another milestone in Glashütte’s storied watchmaking journey. Starting December 2024, all stainless steel and bi-color SeaQ models will feature this case back upgrade. Owners of earlier SeaQ watches can opt for a retrofitted sapphire case back starting January 2025 through Glashütte Original’s customer service. Whether you're a fan of its historical roots or modern look and feel, the SeaQ continues to make waves as a masterpiece of German engineering and design. Discover Glashütte Originals' SeaQ collection by clicking the link below. Discover The Glashütte Original SeaQ Collection View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Glashütte Originals

A high-end wristwatch featuring a unique skeletal design with X-shaped markers and gear-like elements, reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon, set against a light neutral background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 19, 2024

Audemars Piguet x KAWS Debut An Exclusive $226K Royal Oak...

It combines the best of both worlds! At the forefront of both historic horology and the future of luxury watchmaking, Audemars Piguet continues to diversify its lineup and lineage through creative collaboration that captures moments in time. As part of its forward-thinking approach to an age-old industry, AP is proud to join forces with world-renowned artist KAWS on a special project that combines contemporary art with Swiss watchmaking. At the heart of this partnership is the limited-edition Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “COMPANION,” priced at 200,000 CHF ($226,644). The 43 mm Royal Oak features KAWS’ iconic COMPANION figure displayed underneath a sapphire crystal. Limited to just 250 pieces, the watch combines KAWS’ iconic aesthetic with the complexity of Audemars Piguet’s Concept collection. In addition to the watch, the collaboration features a massive 33-foot sculpture mounted on the roof of Audemars Piguet’s headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland. Unveiled during a private event attended by celebrities like Mark Ronson, J Balvin, and Romeo Beckham, the art installation will remain in place until December 20, 2024. Whether on the wrist or towering over the Vallée de Joux, KAWS’ COMPANION invites collectors and enthusiasts to reimagine the role of fine watchmaking in today’s world, bridging art, time, and imagination in a truly unique way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Audemars Piguet

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