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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 08, 2022

Leica Releases The All-New L1 & L2 Watches

Leica put down the camera lens and picked up a watch movement. Leica is best known for producing high-quality cameras and photography accessories for industry-leading professionals. The brand holds a lengthy heritage of viewing every opportunity through the lens of a camera. Now, Leica is focusing efforts on manufacturing everyday accessories like the common wristwatch. Leica is proud to announce the release of its all-new L1 and L2 watch models, featuring minimalistic designs blended with state-of-the-art movement technology. While both models seem to be indistinguishable to the naked eye, the Leica L2 separates itself from the L1 because of its added GMT function. MUST-READ: Leica Unveils The All-New M11 Rangefinder Camera The new Leica L1 and L2 present themselves in a 41mm case design crafted from polished stainless steel, which also includes functional pushers to help accurately set the timepiece. Its simplistic dial layout uses a red, black, and white combination that represents the brand’s flagship colors. Delivering power to the new Leica L1 and L2 is a manual-winding movement that holds an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The Leica L1 is fit with a smooth black leather strap, while the L2 includes a large-scale black leather strap. The all-new Leica L1 and L2 watches are currently available through an authorized retailer starting at $10,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Leica USA

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2022

TAG Heuer x Red Bull Racing Celebrate Its Partnership Wit...

TAG Heuer hits the track with the Formula 1 Champions at Red Bull Racing. TAG Heuer is best-known for its early influence within the world of automotive racing, pioneering examples that are now considered as some of the most desirable timepieces on the market. Now, the Swiss watch brand is leading the way in Formula 1 with its ongoing partnership with the 2021 World Champions at Red Bull Racing. TAG Heuer is proud to announce the all-new special edition Red Bull Racing Formula 1, a motorsport-inspired watch with performance-like design and technology. MUST-READ: Discover The New Limited-Edition URWERK UR-100 C52 The TAG Heuer x Red Bull Racing Formula 1 features a classic 43mm case design crafted from stainless steel with a fixed Blue Steel tachymeter bezel. The chronograph dial design appropriately lays out the numerous functions of the watch using a vibrant blue, red, and yellow colorway. Powering the special edition Red Bull Racing Formula 1 is TAG Heuer’s in-house Quartz movement. The covered backcase features a TAG Heuer x Red Bull Racing engraving to signify the special release from the dynamic duo. Highlighting the versatility and reliability of the Formula 1 model, TAG Heuer offers the new release in a matching blue rubber strap and a traditional stainless-steel bracelet. The all-new TAG Heuer x Red Bull Racing Formula 1 is currently available through authorized dealers starting at $2,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2022

MB&F Announces Its New Catalogue Raisonné Highlighting It...

Re-live the history of MB&F with its new publication. The legacy of MB&F and founder Max Büsser is highlighted through its collection of highly-complex luxury timepieces that sport one-of-a-kind designs. MB&F is proud to celebrate its first 15-years through its new publication titled ‘MB&F: the First Fifteen Years, a Catalogue Raisonné of MB&F Watches’ by Suzanne Wong and William Massena. The 312-page coffee table-inspired book gets in-depth behind every single timepiece produced from 2005 to 2020, making it the perfect encyclopedia for collectors and enthusiasts of the MB&F brand. MUST-READ: Makes & Movements: Jacob & Co. Chiron Tourbillon x Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Of the 3000 pieces created, the Catalogue Raisonné documents all 160 product variations along with over 400 photographs and indicates details such as the model name, reference number, materials, years in production, and the exact quantity produced. The new MB&F publication gives insight into the operations and creations behind a successful independent watch manufacturer. The all-new MB&F Catalogue Raisonné is now available for pre-order through the manufacturer's website for $215. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. MB&F Source: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 02, 2022

Discover The New Limited-Edition URWERK UR-100 C52

The iconic UR-100 model receives a new carbon design from Urwerk Geneve. The vision behind the luxury timepieces from Urwerk Geneve reimagines traditional watchmaking using unique design qualities and industry-leading movement technology. Urwerk is proud to unveil the all-new UR-100 C52, a limited-edition example that sports an aggressive lightweight design. The Urwerk UR-100 C52 presents itself in a 41mm case design made from 52-layers of carbon, which weighs in at 11-grams with its titanium caseback. The complex dial layout of the UR-100 C52 takes getting used to when reading the time, using its rotating construction to decipher the luminous indicators. MUST-READ: URWERK Genéve Releases The New UR-100V FTJ The titanium backcase includes engravings to signify the limited 25-piece releases from Urwerk Geneve, making it another highly sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts. Adding to its unique design, Urwerk fits the UR-100 C52 with an original black rubber strap that is specifically made for the watch. The all-new Urwerk Geneve UR-100 C52 is currently available through an authorized dealer for CHF 53,000 (est. $57,730). Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: URWERK Geneve

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2022

Ulysse Nardin Unveils The New $79,300 Blast Moonstruck

Ulysse Nardin takes to space with its new Blast creation. As a brand built off nautical inspiration, Ulysse Nardin focuses on incorporating movement technology that tracks more than just time itself. Continuing its aspiration of vertical odyssey, Ulysse Nardin is proud to release the all-new Blast Moonstruck. The Blast Moonstruck takes shape as a 45mm crafted from a blend of titanium and ceramic, with the goal of reproducing the moon’s rotation along with an accurate tidal chart. The complex dial design is meticulously laid out to highlight its functions that include hours, minutes, date, moon phase indication, days of the lunar month, tidal coefficients, world-timer, dual time, and positions of the sun/moon around the globe. MUST-READ: Ulysse Nardin Announces Its New Blockchain Certification of Authenticity Program Delivering power to the Blast Moonstruck is Ulysse Nardin’s in-house UN-106 self-winding movement. The state-of-the-art mechanism provides a lengthy 50-hour power reserve while operating at a 50-meter water resistance. On the backcase, the Blast Moonstruck features Ulysse Nardin logos and engravings to signify the special release from the Swiss watch manufacturer. Ulysse Nardin adds its sense of luxury into the Blast Moonstruck with a genuine black alligator leather band, which is also comes available with velvet and rubber options. The all-new Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck is currently available for $73,900 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Follow duPont REGISTRY Watches on Instagram! Shop The Ulysse Nardin Blast Moonstruck View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2022

HYT Releases The New $70,000 Limited-Edition Hasteroid

HYT hits the watch scene with its first release of 2022. When it comes to pairing modern watch design with the highest level of movement technology, HYT is a leader in the luxury watch industry. With early models that continue to grow in secondary market value and popularity, the Swiss watch manufacturer is proud to announce the newest model as part of its 2022 collection. The all-new HYT Hasteroid presents itself as 48mm crafted from a black coated titanium and carbon blend, which provides a lightweight feel with added protection for reliability. MUST-READ: Ulysse Nardin Announces Its New Blockchain Certification of Authenticity Program The skeletonized dial design allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the movement, while the outer portion includes Green liquid inside a borosilicate capillary tube. Delivering power to the Hasteroid is HYT’s in-house mechanical movement that is finished in black to match the case design, which provides a lengthy 70-hour power reserve. The limited-edition Hasteroid backcase includes engravings to signify the special release from HYT. Displaying its versatility, the Hasteroid comes available in a black rubber strap with an additional green suede strap to complement the styling by HYT. The all-new HYT Hasteroid is limited to only 27-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $70,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: HYT

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2022

Ulysse Nardin Announces Its New Blockchain Certification ...

Ulysse Nardin offers comfort for watch collectors with its Blockchain Certification. As the luxury watch world continues to grow in popularity with high-end examples released by the world’s most famous brands, authenticity becomes a key factor when determining what to add to your collection. Ulysse Nardin is best known for using its rich heritage of watchmaking to create modern examples that incorporate state-of-the-art design and movement technology. Ulysse Nardin is proud to announce a new Blockchain Certificate of Authenticity program to ensure the authenticity behind any watch purchases through its official retail network. Thanks to the blockchain, data can be both public and forgery-proof, which allows for building trust in relationships between people. MUST-READ: Porsche Design Unveils The New Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition Protected by blockchain technology, Ulysse Nardin produces a certificate of authenticity with your name, along with registration for a free extended warranty. This certificate is free for anyone purchasing a new watch from our retailer network and requesting an extended warranty (also free). Ulysse Nardin is proud to use the Bitcoin public blockchain, which has been around for 10-years already and at this moment in time has never been hacked; it’s, therefore, the most secure. The authenticity protection from Ulysse Nardin adds a sense of comfort for any collector looking to purchase, sell, or gift any one of the exquisite examples from the longstanding brand. Discover the luxury watches from Ulysse Nardin and its Blockchain Certificate of Authenticity by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Shop Ulysse Nardin Source: Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2022

Porsche Design Unveils The New Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition

Celebrate the legendary Porsche ice race with a commemorative limited-edition chronograph. After a successful launch of the reimagined Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition, Porsche Design is back on the scene with a fresh take on another classic timepiece that holds a significant story for the German automotive brand. Porsche Design is proud to announce the release of the all-new Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition, an homage to the legendary GP Ice Race that was introduced in 2019 by Ferdinand Porsche’s nephew. The special edition Porsche Design Chronograph features a 40.8mm case design crafted from lightweight titanium with a black carbide coating, giving the watch a sleek and stealthy appearance. The chronograph-style dial layout perfectly displays the multitude of functions, which are highlighted using fluorescent indicators with luminous Super-LuminNova. MUST-READ: Porsche Design Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary The Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition is powered by the Porsche Design WERK 1.140 caliber with COSC certification, which was developed at the factory in Solothurn and features an innovative quick-change date display and the day displayed in two languages. The engraving on the case back is a nod to the ‘Fetzenflieger’. It pays homage to Otto Mathé who crossed the finish line in record time in 1956 driving his self-built car based on a Porsche. Porsche Designs fits each of the limited-edition Chronograph 1 models with a matching titanium link bracelet, with an additional white textile strap that allows the watch to be easily worn over a ski jacket or racing suit. The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 GP 2022 Edition includes commemorative packaging and is limited to only 50-pieces for $8,800. Shop the all-new Porsche Design Chronograph 1 GP Edition by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Shop Now Source: Porsche Design

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 27, 2022

Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal Watch Features a W16...

Not many can say their watch has a W16. The Bugatti Chiron is a car defined by astonishing engineering, sumptuous luxury, and ambitious design. It does away with the boundaries that we have come to know in the world of cars, and decides to rewrite the rules to suit its own needs. That’s why when Bugatti teamed up with Jacob & Co. to create a watch inspired by the Chiron, they had to do the exact same thing. The amazement of the Chiron watch starts with the case. It’s composed of sapphire crystal such that it fully surrounds the watch and you can see inside from almost all sides, and it’s also been colored blue. This result is achieved by a long, laborious, and precise process that involved lots of development, and the use of diamond tools to cut the sapphire crystal. MUST READ: Grand Seiko Releases Two New Limited-Edition Anniversary Watches The window in the crystal case that resembles the horseshoe-shaped grille of the Chiron is where you can see the 60-second flying tourbillon, which is placed at an incline for easier viewing. You then see that the entire movement of the watch is placed on a car-like suspension, which resembles that of the Chiron, and allows it to move up and down within the case. The piece de resistance is the miniature replica of the W16 engine that powers the Bugatti Chiron tucked inside the watch case. Pushing the right crown brings it to life, starting an animation in which the pistons move and the turbochargers spin, evoking the true spirit of what makes the Chiron such a mythical and legendary car. To fully capture the essence of the Chiron car, the watch will be made piece unique and sold at a price befitting its legendary quality and craftsmanship of $1.5 million.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 18, 2022

Grand Seiko Releases Two New Limited-Edition Anniversary ...

Celebrate Grand Seiko's movement technology with two new anniversary models. Earlier this year, Grand Seiko released a limited-edition pair of winter-themed timepieces that took shape as the Sōkō Collection. Grand Seiko is back on the scene to introduce two anniversary timepieces that commemorate the humble beginnings of the brand. The two new models joining the Grand Seiko Sport Collection are the SBGE275 GMT 20th Anniversary and the SBGC247 Chronograph 15th Anniversary. The special release from Grand Seiko highlights the brand’s heritage and pushes forward to incorporate modern-day movement technology. Grand Seiko The new limited-edition Grand Seiko SBGE275 GMT celebrates the brand’s first GMT watch that was released in 2002. The SBGE275 GMT features a classic 44mm case design crafted from stainless steel with a vibrant blue and white rotating bezel. The dial layout is beautifully displayed on a textured finish that represents the snowy surface of the mountains that surround the Shinshu Watch Studio in central Japan. Delivering power to the limited-edition GMT is Grand Seiko’s in-house Caliber 9R16 movement, which holds an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The new Grand Seiko SBGE275 GMT 20th Anniversary is limited to only 1,500-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $7,300. Grand Seiko The second commemorative release from Grand Seiko is the new SBGC247 Chronograph 15th Anniversary. The SBGC247 Chronograph presents itself in a 43.5mm case made from stainless steel with polished pushers helping to draw eye attention from collectors and enthusiasts. The timepiece’s multitude of functions is highlighted on the same snow-style dial as the Anniversary GMT. The Chronograph is driven by Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9R96 movement, which uses a spring drive construction to supply a 72-hour power reserve. The new Grand Seiko SBGC247 Chronograph 15th Anniversary is limited to only 700-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $11,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Source: Grand Seiko

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