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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 – December 02, 2020

URWERK Reveals the EMC White Ceramic 'Stormtrooper' Watch

A new timepiece from URWERK has just landed from a galaxy far away called the EMC White Ceramic aka 'Stormtrooper'. Why the name Stormtrooper? Well, just look at it. If you're familiar with the Star Wars franchise, as you probably are, you know that the black and white colorway of their outfits is unmistakable. This new watch features that same colorway, through its white ceramic case and matte black surfaces on the dial. What's more, the futuristic design of the dial matches up perfectly with the Stormtrooper vibe. Powering the Stormtrooper is the calibre UR-EMC2, which controls the separate indications on the dial. On the dial, the wearer will see the hours and minutes dial, 80-hour power reserve indicator, seconds dial, and precision and amplitude indicators. While that seems like a lot, URWERK has placed each indicator perfectly so the dial is not overwhelmed. Just five examples of the URWERK EMC Stormtrooper will be created. For more information, be sure to visit URWERK.com for more.

By Edward Jones – December 01, 2020

Bell & Ross Introduce New BR 01 Cyber Skull

Bell & Ross has just introduced a new timepiece that joins their collection of devilishly good-looking BR 01 skull collection. This new piece takes the skull design and brings it into the modern era, hence the name BR 01 Cyber Skull. With sharp edges and flat surfaces, the design of this watch most definitely fits in with the modern era of design. It comes in an all-black design with even the skull being comprised of black ceramic. Its case measures in at 45 mm which house the calibre BR-CAL.206 hand-wound mechanical movement. Matching the black case and the skeletonized dial is a black rubber strap. Only 500 pieces of the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull will be created, each of them with a $10,900 price. For more information, click the button below. View on BellRoss.com Image Source: BellRoss.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2020

Jacob & Co. Reveals Twin Turbo Furious in White Gold with...

Every luxury timepiece created by Jacob & Co. is viewed as a detailed work of art, including the Twin Turbo Furious model. The company recently took to its Instagram to reveal a new version of the Twin Turbo Furious featuring baguette-cut Green Tsavorites and White Diamonds throughout the entire case. The twin triple-axis tourbillons drive the 52mm collectors’ piece, which is elegantly styled in gold to stand out. The aspect of premium design and materials make its way to the leather diamond-stitched strap, which includes a matching gold clasp. This piece unique example is one of the many incredible designs to come out of the NYC headquarters of Jacob & Co. View all of the luxury timepiece collections from Jacob & Co. by clicking the link below. Shop Jacob & Co. Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2020

Audemars Piguet Introduces The Code 11.59 Self Winding Fl...

Recently, we covered the release of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self Winding Flying Tourbillon. The luxury timepiece manufacturer announced the release of the Code 11.59 Self Winding Flying Tourbillon, fitting the traditional style with a state-of-the-art complicated movement. The elegant design of the Code 11.59 features a 24K Pink Gold 41mm case and Black Aventurine Enamel dial. A significant size opening at the 6 O’clock position houses the flying tourbillon, allowing a view inside the mechanism. A hand-stitched black alligator leather strap with a match 24K pink gold clasp pulls together the exquisite example. Each watch released by Audemars Piguet is special, but this piece marks a milestone for the watchmaker. Shop the new Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self Winding Flying Tourbillon by clicking the link below. Shop Now https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQtEzHBw70/

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2020

Hublot Celebrates Its NYC Roots With A Concrete Jungle Cl...

Although Hublot is a Swiss-based luxury timepiece manufacturer, it still holds strong roots in the United States, more specifically New York City. Hublot’s largest U.S. boutique sits on Fifth Avenue, to which the company is proud to honor the city. The celebration of Hublot’s presence in NYC has resulted in a limited-edition Classic Fusion watch named Concrete Jungle. The thought of incorporating concrete within the watch would pay homage to what built the city of opportunities. The 45mm case is made from concrete composite, which is also used on the dial of the Classic Fusion. The black ceramic case back features an engraving that reads “Limited Edition XX/50”. The lightweight rubber strap on the Hublot Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle provides a comfortable and functional wear. The newest release from Hublot is currently available for the price of $18,800. Shop the Hublot Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

TAG Heuer Partners With Bamford Watch Co. On A New Aquaracer

TAG Heuer recently teamed up with Bamford Watch Co. to create a one-of-a-kind limited-edition timepiece. The TAG Heuer x Bamford Aquaracer features a lightweight titanium 43mm case, driven by a Caliber 5 Automatic movement. The watch presented in sandblasted titanium finish gives off a sleek dark appearance. The Super-LumiNova dial includes a set of unique orange and white hands, as well as the Bamford Watch Co. logo, stamped at the six o'clock location. The commemorative piece is stamped 1 out of 1500 and features an inscribed character of a vintage diver. This example by TAG Heuer x Bamford is priced at $3,800 and sure to be a collector's piece for any watch enthusiast. Shop the newest release from TAG Heuer and Bamford Watch Co. by clicking the link below. Shop Now TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2020

Audemars Piguet Releases A New Black Ceramic Royal Oak

Many manufacturers within the watch industry hold onto the traditional designs that helped shape the brand, only updating each version with new technology to improve its functionality. Audemars Piguet continues to use the Royal Oak as the test model to fit precious metals and parts, combining timeless design with state-of-the-art equipment. The new Audemars Piguet Double Balance Wheel Openworked features a sleek Black Ceramic design and open face dial, showcasing the workings of the patented innovation. The Double Balance Wheel by Audemars Piguet incorporates a 22k pink gold mechanism to oscillate perfect symphony within the timepiece. The case back of the Royal Oak mirrors the dial, as it highlights the inner workings of the Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Calibre 3132 movement. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in Black Ceramic is currently available for $80,300 by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – November 24, 2020

MB&F Reveal HM4 'Kittyhawk' Designed After Iconic Aircraft

MB&F is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of their HM4 Thunderbolt with the new HM4 'Kittyhawk' timepiece. This new 'Pièce Unique' timepiece was inspired by the iconic Curtiss P-40 aircraft, also known as the 'Kittyhawk', and it shows. Along the sides of the fuselages on the new HM4 'Kittyhawk' are the same shark mouth and eyes design that graced the aircraft. MB&F tapped miniaturist painter Isabelle Villa to create the design for the timepiece and her expertise is on full display. Of course, MB&F applied a final coat of transparent varnish to protect the design. As with the other HM4 timepieces, the two fuselages display only the most important information: power reserve on the left and time on the right (hours and minutes). As mentioned before, this is a Pièce Unique, meaning the HM4 'Kittyhawk' is a true one-of-a-kind creation. Pricing has not been given as of yet.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 19, 2020

The New Limited Edition Girard-Perregaux X Bamford Watch ...

In the past, we have seen contemporary examples from the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Collection, featuring the Absolute Crystal Rock. The Swiss watchmaker recently collaborated with Bamford Watch Company to create a first-ever rendition of the Laureato, launched in 1975. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ghost is a limited-edition example crafted from contemporary white ceramic, using a circular case and octagonal bezel to give off a modern appearance. The new model features a white nylon strap with black contrast stitching to match the dial hands and crown. The release from Girard-Perregaux is limited to 45 pieces, paying homage to the 45 years that the Laureato has been part of the company’s collection. The Laureato Ghost is now available for the price of $13,900. Shop the Girard-Perregaux x Bamford Watch Company Laureato Ghost by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 19, 2020

TAG Heuer Celebrates Jack Heuer's Birthday With A Limited...

TAG Heuer is celebrating the birthday of Jack Heuer with a limited-edition gold Carrera chronograph. He has been a staple to the company as a true visionary since his start in 1958, and continuing as an appointed Honorary Chairman of the family business. The Carrera was chosen to be the platform as it is Jack’s favorite model, as well as the first timepiece that he created entirely in 1963. The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Jack Heuer Birthday Gold Limited Edition watch is presented in a 42mm 18K red gold case covered by a domed sapphire crystal. The dial includes a sophisticated silver flange paired with 18K red gold indexes and time hands to incorporate the precious metal throughout the timepiece. The black alligator band features Jack Heuer’s signature printed in gold on the inside. The watch will be limited to 188 pieces and will be available in March 2021. Shop the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Jack Heuer Birthday Limited Edition watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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