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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 – August 17, 2021

Ernst Benz Presents the ChronoDiver ‘Dive Time’

Presented by Ernst Benz - The inspiration for the ChronoDiver comes from one of Mr. Benz's original diving watch prototypes from the 1980s. Its design remains true to its function as an instrument for divers, with its primary purpose to provide precision and legibility underwater. A unique characteristic of the ChronoDiver 47mm is that it is one of the few diving watches produced with an exhibition sapphire crystal back, allowing the wearer to observe the watch's mechanical movement. ERNST BENZ SWISS TIMEPIECE, MECHANICAL MOVEMENT, CHRONODIVER, 47MM The ChronoDiver is produced exclusively in Ernst Benz's signature 47mm size and is designed to be water-resistant to 200 meters, twice the usual minimum standard. The case features brushed stainless steel and unidirectional rotation with a 60-minute elapsed timing scale. Visit Ernst-Benz.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 06, 2021

The Top Watch News This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watch news this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch news and releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. Breitling x Bentley Final Watch https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHU0hNLTdk/ Learn More IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Chronograph 39 Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CSE0ufJruTh/ Learn More The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPCKc8r5ra/ Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 03, 2021

Breitling x Bentley Celebrate The Final Watch Of Its Reco...

As the two brands part ways, they celebrate 19 years of extraordinary wristwatches, in-cabin clocks, events and experiences. The partnership between Bentley and Breitling defines the luxurious craftsmanship behind automobiles and timepieces. Throughout the 19-years spent collaborating on special models for owners, collectors, and enthusiasts, the two brands pushed the limits to help achieve extraordinary levels of luxury. The duo is announcing that the last Breitling x Bentley watch is finished, completing the longest ever serving partnership between a watch brand and a luxury car manufacturer. Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, said: “We’re proud of what we have accomplished together and after 19 years, Breitling and Bentley are embarking on their own new journeys. I know that Bentley will continue to define excellence in the automotive industry. The final Bentley Tourbillon leaving our factory represents a moment of positive reflection for us all.” In April 2021, the new Breitling Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42 Bentley Limited Edition launched, joining a range of other collaborations between the two brands. The last piece of this most recent timepiece has now been finished and will soon be enjoyed by its new owner. https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHU0hNLTdk/ Media/Info Source: Bentley Motors

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2021

Essentials for Mercedes-AMG Enthusiasts

As car collectors and enthusiasts, it's easy to see the beauty behind any automobile, but there are brands that just seem to be as the top of the favorite list. For those manufacturers, creating a fanbase and product line to help show support for the brand allows collectors to feel the sense of excitement when first discovering their automotive passion. That's why we have created a special list dedicated to the top luxury products and accessories with Mercedes-AMG inspiration. View all Mercedes models for sale on duPont REGISTRY, and shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. View All Mercedes For Sale IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'AMG' Watches of Switzerland Shop Now Mercedes F1 Baseball Cap Puma Shop Now Mercedes F1 Logo Tee Puma Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 2021 Team Rain Jacket F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story Barnes & Nobles Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Backpack F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Carabiner Keyring F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes-Benz M7005 Sunglasses Glasses USA Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Ridge Cat Motorsport Shoes F1 Store Shop Now Mercedes AMG Petronas Sports Bottle F1 Store Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out Essentials for Porsche x Martini Racing Enthusiasts

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 02, 2021

IWC Schaffhausen Releases The New Portofino Chronograph 3...

With three new aesthetically pleasing designs, the IWC Portofino 39 Collection is sure to be a go-to choice for watch collectors. IWC Schaffhausen continues to highlight its traditionally-styled watches with modern design and technology, making each example just as elegant as its predecessor. As part of the Portofino Collection, IWC Schaffhausen is proud to unveil three new Chronograph 39mm models. The new Portofino Chronograph 39 Collection features a polished stainless-steel case, which houses an available silver-plated, black, or green dial. While the crystal clear sapphire provides a perfect view of the dial’s chronograph functions, the true beauty lies within the 79350 self-winding movement. The automatic movement ensures functionality and reliability for any watch collector, with an impressive 44-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. Each watch includes an engraved back case signifying the new collection with IWC Schaffhausen’s iconic insignia. With a choice of three classic color options, the collection features contrasting large-scale alligator leather straps to complement the elegant styling of the Portofino. The all-new IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Chronograph 39 Collection is currently available starting at $5,900. Shop The IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CSE0ufJruTh/ Media/Info Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 30, 2021

The Top Watch Releases This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watches released this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWoSBKK5Qj/ Learn More BUBEN&ZÖRWEG for BUGATTI Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CRjeWEYKt20/ Learn More Project ‘Maggiore’ by Artisan De Genéve https://www.instagram.com/p/CR4Xn4gKZMQ/ Learn More Ressence Type 1 Slim HOD Limited Edition For Hodinkee https://www.instagram.com/p/CR62ovHqIsU/ Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 29, 2021

The All-New Ressence Type 1 Slim HOD Limited-Edition For ...

Discover the newest limited-edition release from the timepiece icons at Hodinkee and Ressence Watches. Hodinkee continues to provide the ins and outs of the watch industry as a whole, all while taking part in limited-edition collaborations with infamous watch manufacturers. Hodinkee is proud to announce its newest venture with Ressence, a brand based out of Belgium known for creating highly technical examples. The new Ressence Type 1 Slim HOD Limited-Edition For Hodinkee takes on an all-grey design, from the components incorporated into the watch to the band it sits on. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection Limited to a production run of only 20-pieces, the 42mm case is made of Grade 5 Titanium and features Ressence’s iconic rotating Orbital Convex system. The luminescent skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the automatic ROCS1.3 movement, which provides an impressive 36-hour power reserve. On the back case, the Hodinkee x Ressence collaboration is engraved along with the production number of each watch to signify the milestone event. Completing the aesthetically pleasing look of the Ressence Type 1 For Hodinkee is a grey textile strap that pairs well with the textured surface of the watch. The all-new Ressence Type 1 Slim HOD Limited Edition for Hodinkee is currently available via waitlist for $22,500. https://www.instagram.com/p/CR62ovHqIsU/

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 28, 2021

Discover The One-Of-A-Kind 'Maggiore' Rolex Daytona By Ar...

Project 'Maggiore' takes the Rolex Daytona to a whole new level. In the world of luxury timepieces, factory examples without modifications tend to fetch more popularity because of the meticulous nature of watch collectors and enthusiasts. There is one independent workshop based in Geneva, Switzerland is receiving praise from the watch community. Artisan De Genéve is best known for creating one-of-a-kind examples from some of the most popular and desirable watches on the market. Artisan De Genéve was created to introduce custom watch modifications to private clients all around the world. The team at Artisan De Genéve is proud to announce its newest Client Challenge titled ‘Maggiore’, a modified Everose Gold Rolex Daytona featuring a skeleton dial. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection The inspiration behind the project derives from Italy’s magnificent Lake Maggiore, which the initial client wished to eternalize cherished moments into the piece. The three-color codes available to choose from are Bitter Orange, Storm Grey, and Arctic White, which are incorporated into bezel and second-hand. The focus of project Maggiore lies within the circular-grained ceramic bezel, sapphire/rose gold dial, and rose gold hands. The clear sapphire crystal displays the inner workings of the 4130 self-winding mechanical movements, as well as an etched font displaying the factory Rolex Daytona insignia. Project Maggiore by Artisan De Genéve highlights the craftsmanship and the artistic vision behind making one of the most iconic Rolex models even more head-turning. Starting as one client’s dream, project Maggiore was opened to a public waitlist, which is currently full. https://www.instagram.com/p/CR4Xn4gKZMQ/

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2021

Essentials for Ferrari Enthusiasts

As car collectors and enthusiasts, it's easy to see the beauty behind any automobile, but there are brands that just seem to be as the top of the favorite list. For those manufacturers, creating a fanbase and product line to help show support for the brand allows collectors to feel the sense of excitement when first discovering their automotive passion. That's why we have created a special list dedicated to the top luxury products and accessories with Ferrari-inspiration. View all Ferrari models for sale on duPont REGISTRY, and shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. View All Ferrari For Sale Ferrari Black Automatic Pilota Evo Watch Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari Hyperformula Backpack Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari Ribbon Belt With Logo Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari 1:2 Scale 2021 Mini Leclerc Helmet Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari 1000 GP Il The official book Ferrari Store Shop Now T.Racing Scuderia Ferrari Edition Gaming Headphones By Thrustmaster Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari Stretch Twill Cap With Piping Ferrari Store Shop Now Ray-Ban x Scuderia Ferrari RB4296M Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari Hypergrid Shoulder Bag Ferrari Store Shop Now Ferrari Second Life Leather Keychain Ferrari Store Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out Essentials for Porsche x Martini Racing Enthusiasts

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 26, 2021

Essentials for Porsche x Martini Racing Enthusiasts

As car collectors and enthusiasts, it's easy to see the beauty behind any automobile, but there are brands that just seem to be as the top of the favorite list. For those manufacturers, creating a fanbase and product line to help show support for the brand allows collectors to feel the sense of excitement when first discovering their automotive passion. That's why we have created a special list dedicated to the top luxury products and accessories with Porsche Martini Racing-inspiration. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY, and shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. View All Porsche For Sale Snap On Case MARTINI RACING, iPhone 11 Pro Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Backpack, Blue Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Thermal Bottle Porsche USA Shop Now Grille Badge - MARTINI RACING Collection Porsche USA Shop Now Baseball Cap, MARTINI RACING Porsche USA Shop Now Men's Padded Jacket - MARTINI RACING Collection Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Espresso Cups, Set of 3, Limited Edition Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Woven Belt Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Beach Towel Porsche USA Shop Now MARTINI RACING Collection, Hippie Duffle Bag Porsche USA Go everywhere in this classic baseball cap from Porsche Legacy and PUMA. With all-over graphics inspired by GPS mapping, bold 3D textured Turbo wording at the front and sleek Porsche branding, this cap celebrates racing style in its finest form. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: Head-to-Toe In The Huracán EVO

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