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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 – November 12, 2024

How To Buy: The James Brand x Timex GMT, Limited To 750-P...

The James Brand × Timex Automatic GMT is back for a second collaboration, and it’s all about adventure. Crafted from titanium, the 41mm watch combines a luxurious look with the toughness you’d expect for any journey. Powered by a Miyota 9075 automatic GMT movement, it keeps track of two time zones at once, perfect for travelers or anyone with a foot in two worlds. Plus, it’s water-resistant to 200 meters. It also comes with both a titanium bracelet and a resin strap, so it’s easy to switch things up based on your plans. Timex and The James Brand took a fresh approach with this collaboration, opting for a minimalist look over the usual rugged field-watch style. Lightweight yet durable, the titanium case feels great on the wrist and has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and exhibition case back to show off the automatic movement inside. With Super-LumiNova accents on the dial and just 750 pieces in this run, the GMT packs a lot of character, with each individually numbered. Whether you’re pairing it with the titanium bracelet or swapping to the resin strap, the James Brand × Timex GMT has you covered for any adventure. Shop the all-new James Brand × Timex GMT by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: The James Brand

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 10, 2024

Apple Launches The New Sleek And Powerful Apple Watch Ser...

Apple Watch Series 10 debuts with a thinner design, the largest display yet, and advanced health features. Apple has just launched the new Apple Watch Series 10, the latest evolution of its world-renowned smartwatch line. This new model takes shape as the thinnest Apple Watch ever created, showcasing a sleek design and the largest, most advanced display in Apple Watch history. Available in both aluminum and titanium finishes, the Series 10 introduces breakthrough features like sleep apnea notifications, making it an essential tool for health-conscious consumers. The faster charging capabilities guarantee you’re always powered up, while the new water depth and temperature sensing take fitness tracking to the next level. With the powerful watchOS 11, the Series 10 offers customization and intelligence, making it the ultimate smartwatch for staying connected and informed. In addition to its newly refined design, the Apple Watch Series 10 is engineered for performance and efficiency. The new S10 SiP, integrated with a 4-core Neural Engine, powers an array of modern features, from on-device Siri to automatic workout detection. The display, now up to 40% brighter than its predecessor, improves readability even at an angle. The advanced health monitoring tools, combined with a lighter, more comfortable fit, make the Series 10 a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their daily routine. Whether you’re tracking fitness goals, monitoring sleep patterns, or simply staying connected, shop the new Apple Watch Series 10 by clicking the link below. Shop The New Apple Watch Series 10 Source: Apple

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 16, 2024

Porsche Design Celebrates The 50th Anniversary Of The 911...

The Porsche 911 Turbo Turns 50 with a special chronograph release. Porsche fans have something special to celebrate as Porsche Design rolls out the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition, honoring the 50th anniversary of the legendary Porsche 911 Turbo. Introduced in 1974, the 911 Turbo made waves in the automotive world with its powerful 3.0L engine, and now, this limited edition watch captures the essence of that iconic sports car. With only 500 pieces available, the Chronograph 1 blends classic design elements from the original 911 Turbo, making it a perfect fit for both car enthusiasts and watch lovers. Built with lightweight titanium and coated in sleek black titanium carbide, the Chronograph 1 is as tough as it is stylish. Its dial mirrors the original 911 Turbo's dashboard, featuring white hands, indices, and a red stop-second hand against a matte black backdrop. Powered by the Porsche Design caliber WERK 01.240, the watch offers precision with its Flyback function, capturing the spirit of the 911 Turbo's performance. The strap adds a nod to the original 911 Turbo's interior, crafted from beige textile leather with a black velcro fastener. This special edition chronograph is more than just a watch—it's a piece of Porsche history that reflects the brand's ongoing passion for innovation and design. Whether you're into cars or watches, the Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition is a cool way to celebrate Porsche's legacy. Pre-order your own Chronograph 1 – 50 Years 911 Turbo Edition watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now Image Source: Porsche Design

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 21, 2024

How To Buy: Timex x The James Brand's Limited-Edition GMT...

The James Brand has teamed up with Timex for their third collaboration, showcasing a sophisticated take on the traditional field watch. The all-new James Brand x Timex GMT parts ways from the typical rugged look, offering a more formal look and feel with its sleek 41mm case. Crafted entirely from billet titanium, the watch offers exceptional durability while being lightweight and comfortable on the wrist. With only one thousand units available worldwide, this limited-edition timepiece is sure to become a sought-after collector's item in the near future. Designed with adventure and travel in mind, the James Brand x Timex GMT features quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy strap changes on the go. It comes with two versatile options: a titanium bracelet with a butterfly closure and a resin strap. At its core, the Timex GMT features a Miyota 9075 automatic GMT movement with 24 jewels, allowing it to accurately keep time in two time zones simultaneously. This fully automatic movement requires no manual winding, though it can be wound if preferred. The matte black dial is accented by tapered hands and applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced readability, complemented by a date window at 3 o'clock. A screw-down crown further reinforces the case's durability, keeping out dirt, dust, and moisture. For those who appreciate everyday carry essentials, The James Brand and Timex have created an exclusive box set featuring the GMT watch, a limited-edition Chapter 2 knife, and a titanium version of the Burwell click pen, all with combined titanium finishes and electric moss accents. This set, limited to just 55 units, makes the perfect gift for dads, grads, or anyone who values refined style. Shop the all-new Timex x The James Brand GMT watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: The James Brand

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 16, 2024

How To Buy: Assouline x European Watch Co.'s New "The Con...

The love for luxury watches and the world of haute horology often runs in the family, creating a special bond that spans generations. Passed down from family and loved ones, this shared passion adds a touch of nostalgia and connection to the excitement of collecting timepieces. It's the same story shared by Albert and Joshua Ganjei, the father and son duo behind European Watch Co., who've put an immense amount of time and effort into creating 'The Connoisseur's Guide To Fine Timepieces' publication in collaboration with author Robin Swithinbank and the professionals at Assouline Publishing. With the release of "The Connoisseur's Guide to Fine Timepieces," enthusiasts and collectors can journey through the illustrious history of horological artistry. This captivating book is a treasure trove of over 150 rare and exceptional watches, each meticulously curated to showcase the finest examples ever. From elegant classics to avant-garde designs, every timepiece featured in the guide tells a story of heritage and ingenuity. Through superb photography and informative texts, readers can explore the inner workings and design elements that have made European Watch Co. a revered name in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of luxury watches, "The Connoisseur's Guide to Fine Timepieces" is a must-have addition to any library. It's more than just a book—it's a celebration of horological wonders that will inspire and captivate for generations to come. Get your own copy of European Watch Co. x Assouline's "The Connoisseur's Guide to Fine Timepieces" by clicking the link below. Shop The Connoisseur's Guide to Fine Timepieces Source: Assouline Publishing

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2024

TAG Heuer Unveils Its New Luxury Eyewear Collaboration Co...

TAG Heuer has long been known as a pioneer of innovation within the luxury world, and its latest venture into the eyewear market is no exception. In a thrilling comeback, TAG Heuer partners with Thélios, merging Italian craftsmanship with the distinctive flair of LVMH Maisons, setting new standards in the high-end eyewear industry. The newly unveiled TAG Heuer Eyewear collection boasts three exclusive lines: Pro Performance, Sport Performance, and Daily Performance, each meticulously crafted to suit different aspects of modern life. The Pro Performance line is perfect for athletes and adventurers, blending design with technology that thrives under the most extreme conditions. For those balancing an active lifestyle with a touch of elegance, the Sport Performance line offers stylish, functional eyewear perfect for a variety of activities. The Daily Performance line, on the other hand, brings a sporty elegance to everyday wear, ensuring versatility and adaptability for any setting. Every piece in this collection is highlighted for TAG Heuer's commitment to excellence, from the innovative use of bio nylon lenses and high-contrast Specta technology to the groundbreaking introduction of 3D metal frames and precious metal-coated lenses. The brand uses everything from the strongest fiber on the planet, Dyneema, to recycled materials like cork and graphite. As TAG Heuer continues to push boundaries, its latest eyewear collection invites fans to embrace a world where precision, sport, and design converge, upholding the brand's luxurious legacy. The all-new TAG Heuer Eyewear Collection is set to release online on March 4th, but get a sneak peek at the lineup by clicking the link below. Discover The TAG Heuer Eyewear Collection Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 16, 2023

How To Buy: Online Ceramics x John Mayer x Hodinkee G-SHO...

Hodinkee, renowned for its unique timepiece collaborations, has once again made waves in the watch world. This time, joining forces with Los Angeles-based design house Online Ceramics and G-SHOCK, the passionate horologists present the new G-SHOCK Ref. 5600 By Online Ceramics Limited Edition. The collaboration follows the success of Hodinkee's trio of G-SHOCK watches designed with musician John Mayer, each a sell-out sensation. The new project, curated by John Mayer himself, opens the door for fresh creativity in watch design. The G-SHOCK Ref. 5600 by Online Ceramics is the second in a series of three unique designs. Online Ceramics, known for its playful and trippy Dead & Co T-shirt designs, brings a lighthearted twist to the classic G-SHOCK 5600. The watch design features a deep forest green color scheme with psychedelic font and vibrant accents, encapsulating Online Ceramics' distinctive style. A special phrase, "Love Grows In The Sunshine," is revealed via the electro-luminescent backlight, adding a unique easter egg to the design. This latest edition maintains all the characteristics of G-SHOCK's durability and functionality. With a resin case and strap, mineral glass covering, and 200-meter water resistance, it balances stylish design with practicality. The modern G-Shock module inside offers essential features like time, date, alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and the iconic backlight. Set to launch in the Hodinkee Shop on November 16th at 11:00 am EST, this unique G-SHOCK Ref. 5600 by Online Ceramics, priced at $185, is sure to be another Hodinkee hit. Shop the all-new Hodinkee x John Mayer G-SHOCK Ref. 5600 By Online Ceramics Limited Edition by clicking the link below. Shop Hodinkee x John Mayer x Online Ceramics Source: Hodinkee

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 11, 2023

Assouline’s Impossible Collection Of Watches Is The Ultim...

Updating the original publication from 2014, Assouline's new release teaches aspiring watch experts all about the most significant luxury timepieces. Applying its luxurious touch to the world of high-end publications, Assouline specializes in exploring brands, industries, and cultures using a library of coffee table books. The Impossible Collection of Watch first made its debut in 2014, showcasing breakthrough timepieces that will forever live on as milestone examples for leading Swiss watchmakers. The new 2nd generation of the book gives insight into the virtues of rarity, costliness, innovative functions, historical importance, grand provenance, and pleasing design, supplying readers with the knowledge to safely purchase watches. Written by British historian and journalist Nicholas Foulkes, The Impossible Collection of Watches includes 100 influential watches from Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richard Mille, Rolex, and Vacheron Constantin, and many more. Study the marvelous market of luxury timepieces by picking up your copy of Assouline: The Impossible Collection of Watches. Shop Now Source: Assouline

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 22, 2022

Orbita's Last Minute Holiday Sale Saves On Its Collection...

When it comes to collecting exclusive luxury timepieces, aftercare is one of the most important aspects of protecting your investment. Although exclusive watches are built to last, maintaining them just as one does with high-end supercars is a must for any collector or enthusiast. The best way to help ensure safety and protection is with at-home watch winders and on-the-go storage options. MUST-READ: Keep Your Watches Wound With These Orbita Watchwinders The professionals at Orbita are proud to offer a wide selection of premium watch winders, no matter the value or size of one’s collection. Ranging from exquisitely designed safes to single units styled to accompany a nightstand, Orbita has the perfect product for you. Alongside the added protection, Orbita watch winders are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help hold power on automatic or self-winding examples. Shop and save 15% on your next Orbita watch winder during its holiday special by entering the promo code ‘XMAS22’ at checkout. Shop Orbita View this post on Instagram A post shared by Orbita Watchwinders Official (@orbitawatchwinders)

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2022

Assouline Celebrates De Bethune With An Art Of Watchmakin...

Discover the history of De Bethune with help from the luxury publishers at Assouline. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as one of the most contemporary watchmakers, De Bethune continues to elevate the idea of independent watchmaking with cutting-edge craftsmanship, contemporary technical processes, and innovative development. To maintain that level of excellence, the annual production of De Bethune has remained extremely low, ranging between 150 and 250 watches per year on average (with price ranges between $45,000 and $300,000). As part of its year-end celebration, De Bethune is proud to commemorate the occasion by working with the luxury lifestyle publishers at Assouline. MUST-READ: The 10 Most Expensive Luxury Books By Assouline Publishing The all-new De Bethune: The Art of Watchmaking book takes a deep dive into the history of the brand and its rise into the haute horological world. Presenting a detailed timeline behind its stunningly vibrant blue packaging, the publication features high-resolution images and stories of De Bethune’s small-batch production process. Readers can expect special contributions from the De Bethune CEO Pierre Jacques, as well as the watch industry’s most noticeable and passionate collectors. Reserve your copy of the new De Bethune: The Art of Watchmaking book from Assouline by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: Assouline

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