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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 – February 04, 2021

H. Moser & Cie. Release A $30,800 Smartwatch-Inspired Tim...

As the market for smartwatches increases in popularity, traditional timepiece manufacturers have focused resources towards creating their own luxury versions. H. Moser & Cie. is proud to release the Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade. A 44mm traditional timepiece disguised as a smartwatch. To the naked eye, the watch looks as if it is stuck on a momentary loading screen when it actually functions as a second counter while mechanical hands display the time. A hand-wound HMC 324 movement drives the one-of-a-kind watch, viewed through a transparent backcase. The sleek black scheme flows to a matching hand-stitched black alligator leather strap and steel pin buckle. The H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade is limited to 50 pieces and currently available for $30,800. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon H. Moser & Cie.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2021

Porsche x TAG Heuer Begin New Partnership With A Special ...

Throughout motorsport history, both Porsche and TAG Heuer have embedded their successful brands as iconic names in the industry. The dynamic duo is proud to announce a strategic partnership. The first step is an unveiling of the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph, a luxury hand-made timepiece sporting both racing icons. The 44mm stainless-steel chronograph features a black bezel reading Porsche in a vibrant red color. The HEUER02 automatic movement drives the watch, providing an 80-hour power reserve. A transparent back case is engraved to signify the new relationship using Porsche and TAG Heuer logos. The new timepiece is just a small look into what Porsche and TAG Heuer have planned for the new year with talks of entering other areas such as Formula E and the PGA. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph is currently available by clicking the link below. For more Watch news, Check out New Trafford Watch Co. S.O.E Roadster Collection Inspired By Historic Le Mans Race Shop Porsche x TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2021

New Trafford Watch Co. S.O.E Roadster Collection Inspired...

Timepieces created with inspiration from the timeline of automotive racing hold a special place for motorsport and watch enthusiasts. Trafford Watch Company instills the milestones of endurance racing into each piece of its S.O.E Roadster Collection. The drivers and vehicle design aspects from the earliest 24-hour Le Mans races are incorporated into Trafford Watch Co. Chronographs. The S.O.E Roadster Collection pays homage to winning drivers like William Grover-Williams, Jean-Pierre Wimille, and Richard Benoist. The Trafford Watch Company S.O.E Collection will release in March 2021. For more Watch news, Check out 2021 Rolex 24-Hour Daytona Winners Awarded Rolex Daytona Cosmographs

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases A Piece Unique Astronomia Art Panda ...

In the watch world, the term “Panda” commonly refers to the iconic Rolex Daytona featured in a classic white and black reference. Jacob & Co. recently took Panada very literally with its newest addition to the Astronomia Art Collection. The luxury timepiece is inspired by the protected species of giant pandas, using quality materials to piece together the vision. The 50mm gold case displays a detailed family of 3D designed pandas in a habitat of baguette diamonds and fine one-piece precious stones representing bamboo. The Astronomia Art Panda is powered by a manual-winding JCAM movement, holding a power reserve of 60-hours. A large-scale black alligator strap and matching gold clasp finish the elegant style of the Astronomia Art. The piece unique Jacob & Co Panda Astronomia Art is currently available through the authorized dealer. For more Watch news, check out The 10 Best Products To Start And Maintain A Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2021

Lionel Messi Joins Jacob & Co. For An Epic X Chrono Messi...

Traditionally, the timepieces released by Jacob & Co. consist of meticulously detailed works of art complete with complicated movements. These are examples that are worn during formal occasions and locked away for future events until now. Jacob & Co is proud to announce its new Epic X Chrono Collection in collaboration with professional soccer star Lionel Messi. The performance-driven Epic X Chrono is marketed as a high-end lifestyle watch that can endure daily activities, whether that be a casual day of work or playing in front of a crowd of screaming fans. Although the collection is considered a functional piece, Jacob & Co. focused on incorporating luxury aspects throughout the design using precious metals and stones. Along with Lionel Messi’s home country color scheme, case options include titanium, rose gold, white gold/titanium/baguette, and full baguette. The 47mm Epic X Chrono features a blue mineral crystal dial driven by a skeleton column-wheel bi-compax chronograph movement, which holds a power reserve of 48-hours. On the case back, Lionel Messi's signature is engraved to signify the special collaboration. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Collection is currently available with pricing accessible through the dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Lionel Messi Car Collection Image Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2021

Discover The New Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain Pr...

The ability to balance modern and contemporary design aspects when styling a luxury timepiece is something that Greubel Forsey does exceptionally. The Swiss watchmaker instills this process with its new Balancier Contemporain, which features a 39.6mm 5N Red Gold case paired with a large open-worked dial exposing the inner workings. The silver dial incorporates hour and minute, small seconds, and 72-hour power reserve functions using hints of vibrant colored mechanisms. The Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain back case features a circular engraved red gold disc displayed in the center. It features the Atelier’s key values written in engraved and black-polished letters with the characteristic olive-domed jewels set in gold. The elegant black hand-sewn alligator strap with matching 5N red gold pin buckle completes the contemporary piece. The Greubel Forsey Balancier Contemporain is currently available through an authorized dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Zenith’s Defy 21 Urban Jungle Chronograph Makes An Impression At LVMH Watch Week

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2021

Makes And Movements: Porsche 911 Heritage Design Edition ...

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. Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition It seems that in the automotive world, anything created and released by Porsche is considered to be special, so how do you know when something is extra special? The answer is when it comes with a name like Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition. The limited-edition release from Porsche inspired by the spirit of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are bringing the lifestyle of bygone times back to the road, honoring iconic Porsche classics with numerous design highlights. The limited-edition 911 features five exclusive paint colors to choose from, one being Cherry Metallic, to pair with the 50s inspired gold badging incorporated throughout the vehicle. Added to the paintwork are white motorsport-inspired graphics, recalling the early days of Porsche competition racing history. A classically designed Carrara Exclusive wheel comes equipped on each example, with a set of classic-look black finished brake calipers. Overall, Porsche hit the nail on the head when looking to blend styles from past eras into one modern appearance. The first Heritage Design model is based on the new 992 generation 911 Targa introduced just days ago and has been equipped with the latest technology for chassis, assistance systems, and infotainment. A twin-turbocharged boxer six-cylinder provides 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to the special edition 911 Targa 4S. An 8-speed PDK transmission paired with Porsche’s technical four-wheel-drive system allows for a 3.6 second 0-60 mph time, while other configurations offer different results. While the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition is limited, each vehicle is still configurable with available options such as a manual transmission and sports chrono package. The performance behind the 911 Targa 4S best blends high-performance with functional drivability. Why To Buy Porsche continues to be an industry leader in the automotive segment, with each highlighted milestone celebrated with a limited production vehicle results in a new collectors example. The automotive world saw it with vintage Porsche models, making enthusiasts kick themselves for not buying when they could. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition is a great buy because it incorporates all of the design stylings from the greatest eras of sportscars, making it a piece of automotive history. Mechanically, the Porsche 911 Targa 4S platform is a performance packed four-wheel-drive vehicle ready for all elements of weather. Lastly, the production of Heritage Edition Porsches is limited to 992 units to signify the current 911 generation, making it a rare chassis to own. View All Porsche 911 Targa 4S For Sale Porsche Design 911 Heritage Design Chronograph n most cases, if you are lucky enough to purchase a new Porsche, it may be a less than likely decision that a luxury watch purchase would come shortly after. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition put that thought to rest because once an enthusiast secures a limited edition chassis, they also lock in a limited edition Porsche Design to match the vehicle. The timepiece is meant to signify past vehicle design features that inspired the special project by Porsche. This mechanical watch has an elegant and clean design and, just like the car, is limited to 992 units. Again just like the car, the designers have drawn their inspiration for many of its details from the legendary Porsche 356 and iconic Porsche 911 Targa. For example, the design of its watch face, with its white second hand and Phosphorus Green rings, is inspired by the cars' speedometer and rev counter while the hours on the watch face are inscribed in a font that is deeply characteristic of Porsche. The new watch's strap is made of genuine Porsche interior leather and the way that 911 is embossed in it is a further tribute to the iconic sports car. Why To Buy A "why to buy" quickly turned into a "why to own" considering the luxury Chronograph by Porsche Design is gifted to each of the 992 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Edition owners. The limited production watch is a must because it holds significance as a collector example based on the quality and story attached to it as a one-of-a-kind project by Porsche Design. The Chronograph itself provides comfort from the premium leather strap, and just as the 911 is functional, it also features a 48-hour power reserve and 150-meter water resistance. Plus, it would be extremely cool to own a watch that matches your limited edition Porsche 911. Shop Porsche Design Watches For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: Land Rover Defender 110 By Fusion Motors x Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2021

Omologato Releases A Limited Edition Rally Mexico Chronog...

Rally racing plays an important role in automotive and motorsport history, as some of the high horsepower vehicles we see today became inspired by cars from the rally circuits. Classified as some of the most dangerous racing, the sport continues to be a celebrated event by fans all around the world. Rally Mexico is one of the most popular events. Racers compete at 2700 meters, cutting the maximum output of each car by 20%. The event is celebrated by watch manufacture Omologato in the form of a well-design chronograph. The Rally Mexico Chronograph is a special edition release limited to 200 examples of the 42mm stainless-steel timepiece. The simplistic design focuses on the watch being a tool, as it was and still is for racers of all kinds. The black and blue design is presented throughout the dial and into the leather strap. The limited-edition Rally Mexico Chronograph by Omologato is currently available for $213.89 through the company’s website. For more Watch news, Check out Top Luxury Smart Watches To Keep You Connected All Day

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2021

Hublot x Takashi Murakami Release An All Black Limited Ed...

This week started with an array of news regarding new collaborations and brand ambassadors introduced into the watch world. It further explains the correlation between the art of timepiece design and manufacturing with various lifestyles, activities, professions, and industries. Hublot continues to center itself around these different avenues, ultimately bridging that gap using a luxury timepiece as the blank canvas. Hublot is proud to announce a new collaboration with iconic artist Takashi Murakami. The Hublot x Takashi Murakami Classic Fusion All Black is a limited-edition example presented in a sleek 45mm black ceramic case, using Takashi’s infamous flower design on the dial. The MHUB1214 Unico self-winding movement drives the special edition watch, holding a 72-hour power reserve. The transparent back case includes engravings signifying the collaboration with Takashi Murakami and the production number for each of the limited 200 pieces. The all-black styling is incorporated into the rubber strap using a matching black ceramic clasp. The Hublot x Takashi collaboration offers a collector’s opportunity for watch enthusiasts, but it also celebrates art and the appreciation that the watch world has for it. The Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black is currently available for $27,300 through an authorized dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Zenith Introduces Aaron Rodgers As Newest Brand Ambassador For 2021 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2021

Zenith Introduces Aaron Rodgers As Newest Brand Ambassado...

Recently, we covered the release of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport, which on paper looks and sounds amazing, but how does it perform as a sport driven timepiece? To answer that question, Zenith turned to an infamous athlete to help test that theory. Zenith is proud to announce Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as its newest brand ambassador for 2021. There are many similarities between watchmaking and football but none more important than precision. Aaron Rodgers says, “Football is a game of precision. You have to spend time learning and studying. It's not just running down the field as fast as you can or throwing the balls as far as you can.” In games that come down to the wire, time takes on new meaning: a quarterback can have just seconds to find an open player and make a game-winning throw. While Rodgers is a leader in precision on the field, Zenith has been a standard-bearer of precision in the watch industry for over 50 years thanks to its famed El Primero chronograph movement, which measures time to an incredible 1/10th of a second. As individuals from sports backgrounds become more involved in the development and design of timepiece manufacturing, they bridge the gap between the two worlds, opening the eyes to a new group of enthusiasts. For more Watch news, Check out Discover Hublot’s New Releases Showcased For LVMH Watch Week

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