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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 Edward Jones – November 09, 2020

MB&F Reveals Their New HM3 Frog X Watch

It was ten years ago that MB&F introduced the HM3 Frog into the world. With two big "eyes" and a cheeky "smile," the design of this watch is unmistakable. Now, ten year later, this design returns in the form of the new HM3 Frog X. This new watch takes the unique design of the Frog watch but adds in a new variable: transparency. Similar to the glass frogs of the Central American cloud forest, this new watch allows you to see inside. For the first time, we can see the incredible engine of the watch which was designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht / Agenhor thanks to a sapphire case. This engine powers the two large "eyes" that display the hour and minutes. From a certain point-of-view, you can see how these eyes and the "mouth" of the case create a frog's smiling expression. MB&F is planning to create three different versions of the HM3 FrogX 10th-anniversary limited edition, each of them with a different color rotor and Super-LumiNova and case gaskets: blue, purple and turquoise. Each of these colors will be limited to ten examples each. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit MBandF.com

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

How To Buy The Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto Limited Edition Bi...

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. 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 Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto watch is limited to 200 pieces. When: Available Now Where: Hublot Website Price: $22,800 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

Jacob & Co. Releases An $884,800 Watch That Comes With A ...

Jacob & Co. timepieces pull inspiration for each complicated example from an array of areas, whether it be animals, hypercars, or other collaborations. The newest release from the New York City-based watchmaker derives its vision from the peak of Mount Everest. The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Everest features the signature double-axis gravitational tourbillon. An actual piece of rock from the top of Mount Everest, as well as water from the North and South Pole, collected by Johan Ernst Nilson, are incorporated into the dial design. The special edition watch comes in a Mount Everest designed case that plays audio of howling winds when it's opened. The Astronomia Everest collection is limited to 24 pieces, which signifies the 24 time zones on Earth. Jacob & Co. announced that they are donating 10-percent of each sale to an environmental charity. The lucky individuals who obtain the ultra-rare timepiece will also receive an expedition with Nilson to Mount Everest, where the materials for the watch were gathered. Shop the rest of the Jacob & Co. collection pieces by clicking the link below. Shop Jacob & Co. Source: Jacob&Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

Singer Reimagined Releases A Limited Three Piece Flytrack...

The Singer Vehicle Design is best known for modifying early aged Porsches with modern performance, technology, and comfort features to create the perfect platform. The build quality of each project reflects the knowledge and passion that the team at Singer has for Porsche. The same mentality goes into the Singer Reimagined collection, which includes a line of luxury hand-crafted timepieces. The all-new Flytrack Collection by Singer Reimagined is made up of three uniquely designed watches. They are presented as a tachymeter, pulsometer, and telemeter. Each watch made from grade 5 titanium is limited to only ten pieces inspired by premium materials that are incorporated into the vehicles that Singer builds for their clients. The three Singer Redesigned Flytrack models are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

Ulysse Nardin Reveals An Aquatic Eco-Friendly Diver's Watch

Ulysse Nardin holds strong ties to the ocean as a watchmaker that continues to do its part to help develop solutions for the growing plastic pollution crisis in our oceans. The Swiss watch manufacturer recently introduced the launch of the new “R-STRAP”, a strap made from recycled fishing nets. Today, Ulysse Nardin has taken those renewable resources and applied them to the construction of an entire timepiece. The Ulysse Nardin Diver NET is the newest addition to the aquatic driven collection. The 44mm case is made from 100% recycled fishing nets with the help from FIL&FAB, a French recycling sector that breaks down the material into polyamide pellets. The traditional sapphire crystal has also been replaced with a transparent ceramic glass that has a lower environmental impact because of limited energy being used to produce it. A Ulysse Nardin UN-118 automatic movement drives the eco-friendly watch, which holds a 60-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The Diver NET is presented in green to represent the earth and its importance to a healthy aquatic eco-system. This watch is currently in the concept stage and is not available to purchase. Click the link below to shop for the rest of the pieces featured in the Ulysse Nardin diver collection. Shop Ulysse Nardin Diver Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 02, 2020

Zenith Releases A Full Carbon Fiber DEFY Classic Model

The Zenith DEFY watch collection highlights not only the technology and craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece but also the premium materials used to provide a comfortable wear experience. The Swiss watch manufacturer recently releases the DEFY Classic model featured in Black Carbon Fiber. The 41mm watch showcases the elite in house skeletonized movement through a transparent dial, allowing for a closer look at the inner workings. The inspiration behind the special release is weight savings, which is why carbon fiber is incorporated in the optional solid bracelet. The Zenith DEFY Classic Carbon bridges the gap between performance and aesthetics. The carbon bracelet model is currently available for $19,500 and a strap version for $11,500. Click the link below to shop for the new Zenith DEFY Carbon Classic. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2020

New Chronoswiss Open Gear Tourbillon is Limited to 15 Pieces

Chronoswiss is celebrating thr 20th anniversary of their first regulator tourbillon with a vibrant new special edition timepiece. The new Chronoswiss Open Gear Tourbillon dons ten different shades of blue in a magnificent manner, making it a perfect celebratory watch. For the case, Chronoswiss went with stainless steel construction that has an electric blue CVD coating. The other blue elements of the watch includes just about everything aside from the internals-- even the exposed bridge has a blue hue. Right at six o'clock is where you can view the flying tourbillon, which stands apart from the blue tones of the watch allowing it to be the true star of the watch's face. To get more specific, the movement employed for the Open Gear Tourbillon is the manual winding Caliber C303 which has a power reserve of about 60 hours. Chronoswiss is creating just 15 examples of this timepiece, so if you're interested, you ought to click the button below to visit Chronoswiss.com to learn more and contact them. Visit Chronoswiss.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 30, 2020

Ressence Releases The Type 5 Watch Featuring An Active Oi...

The watch industry is full of manufacturers designing and constructing examples that separating themselves from the rest of the pack, whether it be visually or functionally. Ressence is a watchmaker that perfectly balances that combination with the Type Collection. The newest addition to the Ressence line up is the Type 5. The watch has a unique feature that uses 37.5ml of oil that is separated by a sealed chamber to cancel out total internal reflection as a tool for divers. The Type 5 by Ressence is equipped with functions such as hours, minutes, runner, oil temperature, and the current time. It features an organic design that is aesthetically pleasing on the eyes and comfortable on the wrist of the user. There are available color options in black/silver, black/black, and night blue/silver with matching rubber straps. Shop the Ressence Type 5 Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Ulysse Nardin's New R-Strap is Made of Recycled Fishing Nets

Ulysse Nardin has teamed up with Ben Lacomte, the first person to swim across the Atlantic ocean with a board, to create the very special R-Strap. This new strap, which is compatible with the Diver 44 mm, Diver 42 mm, Diver Chronograph, Marine Torpilleur and Freak X watches, is made of a polyamide yarn made of recycle fishing nets. Ulysse Nardin created this strap after Ben's 300-nautical-mile voyage to bring awareness to not only the plastic polluting the ocean but the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year. Regarding his interaction with plastic polluting the ocean, Lacomate has this to say: "I’ve discovered endless masses of confetti. Swimming in a concentration of microplastics is like crossing a snowstorm where the flakes are millions of plastic particles. I realized that it was a huge problem. I felt distraught." Ulysse Nardin actually has a very close relationship with the ocean and marine wildlife. Not only have they been creating marine chronometers since 1846, but they also have close ties with the boating/yachting world. In fact, they are the official timekeepers of the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. If you happen to make it down to the boat show, Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, Ulysse Nardin will be exhibiting some of their incredible timepieces at the Windward VIP. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 29, 2020

Paul Newman Rolex Daytona And Steve McQueen TAG Heuer Mon...

Watches hold historic significance throughout time, whether it’s a highly collectible reference released by the manufacturer or an example owned by someone special. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will be auctioning the Racing Pulse, two magnificent timepieces owned by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. The Rolex featured in Racing Pulse is a Paul Newman personal Reference 6263 “Big Red” Cosmograph Daytona. This Daytona is one of the world’s most important Rolex watches. As it was the watch, he wore the most in a two-decade span. It was a 25th anniversary present from Joanne Woodward that features an engraving on the caseback that reads “Drive Slowly, Joanne” The watch is currently being cosigned by Clea Newman. She received the Rolex before the passing of her father. A timepiece with such significance behind it will surely be a highlighted item during the auction. The TAG Heuer Monaco presented as part of Racing Pulse was personally owned by Steve McQueen and featured in his iconic racing film, Le Mans. This example is the last of two known Monaco watches owned and gifted by Steve McQueen to be offered publicly, making this an incredibly rare collectors’ piece. The watch consigned by Haig Alltounian, McQueen’s mechanic, received it as a gift during the filming of Le Mans. An engraving that reads “To Haig Le Mans 1970” was put on the caseback of the Reference 1133 Monaco by Steve McQueen. This TAG Heuer Monaco is an incredible example of automotive and cinema excellence.

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