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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 24, 2023

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Stay up-to-date on the hottest and most exclusive luxury watch news with duPont REGISTRY.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2023

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 22, 2023

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By Jordan Aquistapace – December 09, 2020

Omega Introduces 5 New Dials To The De Ville Prestige Col...

The attention to detail within each luxury timepiece highlights the craftsmanship and design, while the use of precious metals and color lure the eyes of watch enthusiasts. Omega ensiles this combination in their watch collections, most recently with the classic De Ville Prestige. The Swiss watchmaker announces five new dial designs that are sure to turn heads. The 39.5mm watch now features two Stainless-Steel and 18k Red Gold models paired with Silver, Linen, Greened, or Blued dials. The movement driving the uniquely design Omega De Ville Prestige Collection is the Co-Axial Calibre 2500. Except for the power reserve model, which draws on OMEGA’s Co-Axial Calibre 2627. There are leather straps and matching bracelet options available depending on the case material. Shop the colorful Omega De Ville Prestige Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2018

Eberhard Chrono 4 Geant: Indomitable Force of Time

After having revolutionized the reading of time, thanks to the specially patented devicealigning four counters, Eberhard & Co.'s emblem collection has become a “laboratory ofideas”, revealing a maximum expression of compactness, strength and dynamism.This is the definition of a chronograph that creates a strong and decisive impact with every aspect of its design detail. From the imposing 46mm diameter steel case to the rotating bezel with PVD-treated screws, from the screw push-pieces to the crown guard, from the thick, anti-reflective sapphire crystal to the 8 screws of the screw-down case back, ensuring water-resistance to 20atm.A particular characteristic of the CHRONO 4 GÉANT is its meticulous exploration of the three- dimensional and its surprising multi-level implementation of the results. Worth special mention in this context is the subtle circular metal plate mounted on the dial. Its 6 screws, emphasize the four in-line counters, and the combination of screws at intervals around the sides of the case, on the bezel, the case back and finally the flange, challenge the limits of verticality and are complemented by the tachymeter scale expressed in km.Further confirming the distinctly sporty, gutsy character CHRONO 4 GÉANT is its unmistakable red features, namely the central seconds hand and the small numeral references of the counter displays that stand out proudly on the dial. Also, the attractive black rubber strap, vertically sculpted, accentuates the thickness of the material and reinforces those qualities of robustness and compactness, with which Eberhard intended to endow the model.CHRONO 4 GÉANT is thus truly part of the constant evolution of the projects and ideas signed “Eberhard & Co.” that, now more than ever, are coming skilfully and dynamically into focus in a chronograph of indomitable strength.Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 24, 2016

Tutima Glashütte’s First Certified Chronometer

Since Tutima’s return to Glashütte and its manufacture status, this family-owned brand has been introducing timepieces that are iconic, technical and professional grade. And the Grand Flieger Chronometer is no exception.The Grand Flieger models make up a new collection which inherits its DNA from The Classic Flieger chronograph from the 40’s, a timepiece which set many industry standards in terms of aesthetics and has become the personification of a classic aviation chronograph.Now, after decades of research and development, the Grand Flieger Chronographs have been improved in every aspect. The 43mm case has been reshaped to provide a more comfortable fit on the wrist, while improvements to the crown, pushers and crystal have allowed for a water resistance rating to 200m. But perhaps the most noteworthy addition to this new chronograph is what happens after the watch is fully assembled.In an independent facility, governed by the State department of weights and measurements of Saxony (SLME) and Thuringia (LMET) and in accordance with German DIN standards, each fully finished chronograph must pass a 15-day timing and climate test, to earn its title as a Certified Chronometer. “Chronometer” is a special classification issued to highly accurate watches like the ones developed for early maritime travel.The test, performed in a controlled environment, evaluates the accuracy of each timepiece in 5 different positions with temperature variants ranging from 8-38 degrees Celsius and an average daily deviation allowance of -4 to +6 seconds for every 24 hours. Moreover, since the test is performed on timepieces that are fully finished and assembled as they are delivered to the client, the results are far more relevant and reassuring.Every Grand Flieger Chronograph bears the engraving “Chronometer” on the case side and is presented with a Certified Chronometer certificate.Learn More

By Caitlin Duffy – October 26, 2015

Ulysse Nardin: duPont REGISTRY's 2015 Watch Guide

Ulysse Nardin FreaklabWhen watch collectors hear the name Ulysse Nardin, they take notice. This is a brand that regularly sets new standards. Seen on the cover of this issue, the new Ulysse Nardin FreakLab is a blend of deft craftsmanship, bold engineering and daring innovation. The watch, created in a limited edition of 99 pieces, houses the UN-210 caliber, whose movement literally indicates the time and date. It also features a 1-hour tourbillon (that revolves around the dial every 60 minutes), a unique UlyChoc security system on the regulating organ, a Ulysse Nardin-designed silicium hairspring and an exclusive silicium Dual Ulysse escapement that abandons the traditional pallet fork and wheel for two silicium impulse wheels. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the mesmerizing manual watch is a work of technical mastery.Buy Now $95,000 | 1.561.988.8600 | www.Ulysse-Nardin.com Ulysse Nardin Anchor TourbillonAnother technological breakthrough that was eight years in the R&D stages, the new Ulysse Nardin Anchor Tourbillon houses a proprietary movement, the UN 178 caliber. This caliber brings together the brand’s all-new Ulysse Constant Anchor Escapement and tourbillon in a patented mechanical mechanism with seven days of power reserve and extended wear - thanks to the high-tech silicium and DIAMonSil components. The Ulysse Anchor escapement is made in silicium with flat springs that assist in delivering constant force – meaning that the power to run the watch is consistently released from wind up to wind down (instead of running stronger at full wind and weaker at near empty). The 60- second tourbillon cage weighs a mere 0.4 grams. Just 18 pieces each will be made in 18-karat rose and white gold with a Grand Feu enamel dial.Buy Now $85,000 in rose gold; $89,000 in white gold. | 1.561.988.8600 | www.Ulysse-Nardin.com Buy This Issue Now

By Caitlin Duffy – October 26, 2015

U-BOAT: duPont REGISTRY's 2015 Watch Guide

U-BOAT Chimera 46 SS SkeletonHandcrafted in Italy, U-Boat timepieces are a blend of heritage, fine engineering and innovative thinking. The newest Chimera 46 Skeleton watch is a perfect example of the creativity of Italo Fontana, creator of U-Boat. The watch, crafted in AISI 316 blackened stainless steel, features a totally skeletonized movement visible from the sapphire crystal and caseback. With an almost steampunk-like appeal, the U-77 Valjoux Top Soigne automatic movement is modified and highly decorated. The bezel, case and caseback are locked together by external tubing that ensures water resistance to 100 meters. Additionally, the patented sculpted pusher enables the wearer to eject the inner crown from its recessed position for setting of time and date. The watch offers chronograph functions, hours, minutes and seconds, as well as date. Just 88 pieces of this 46mm beauty will be made.Buy Now $13,700 | 1.800.741.0005 | www.kenroindustries.com U-BOAT Flightdeck 925 ElementiumSearching for a truly authentic look in watches? You may be able to stop right here at the U-Boat Flightdeck 925 Elementium watch. Crafted in 925 sterling silver, the 50mm chronograph timepiece features the crown and pushers on the left side protected by a special device. Thin fissures are meticulously drilled into the case and then set with 204 black and brown diamonds weighing more than 1.25 carats to exude alluring vintage appeal. The look carries through to the leather strap that is also inset with silver and black diamonds. This vintage feel is offset with a carbon fiber dial with Arabic numerals in relief. An automatic mechanical movement that has been personalized by U-Boat for a 9:00 date display powers Flightdeck 925 Elementium. The watch offers hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date and 44 hours of power reserve.Buy Now $23,300 | 1.800.741.0005 | www.kenroindustries.com Buy This Issue Now

By Edward Jones – October 23, 2015

Tutima M2 Military Chronograph: Capable, Resilient and St...

Tutima, a renowned German watch manufacturing company since 1927, has created a new watch derived from the successful Tutima NATO chronograph, the official service watch of German army pilots: the Tutima M2. Introduced at Baselworld, the M2 was crafted with a number of features that make it light, capable and stunning.Tutima's military background started with making watches for German pilots in the early part of the 20th century. You see, pilots needed to be able to read the time with just the flick of a wrist, and Tutima was able to create watches that were resilient in battle and easy to read.In the 1960s, Dieter Delecate took over from founder Enrst Kurtz and aimed the watchmaker for unprecedented accomplishments. One of their greatest achievements was when their Tutima Military Chronograph ref. 798 was named the official pilot's watch of NATO in 1984.Building on the company's history and the technicality of the NATO watch is the new M2 Pioneer (6451-02) watch. The highlight of this timepiece is undoubtedly the chronograph movement, Cal. Tutima 521, which separates itself with a large sweeping minute hand. This chrono minute hand makes reading the movement quick and easy.Tutima's military roots can be quickly spotted in the robust Kevlar strap and large integrated chronograph buttons with neoprene inlay. These features, along with the M2's 1,000 ft water-restistance, make it a capable watch in any condition, even underwater.duPont REGISTRY CarsDisplaying the minutes is an easily-gripped, bi-directionally rotating bezel with luminous capsules. These capsules, along with the hands, hour markers and chronograph functions, are coated with Super-LumiNova pigments, making the watch easy to read in the darkest of nights.The magnetic-resistant inner workings of the watch are protected by a pure, pearl-blasted titanium case. On the watch's face is sapphire crystal that has anti-reflective treatment on both sides, making the face readable even on the brightest days.Tutima has called back to their military roots for the M2, resulting in a formidable watch that can withstand even the harshest conditions. For more information, be sure to visit Tutima.com or click the button below.More InfoMovement: Automatic chronograph Caliber Tutima 521. Diameter: 30 mm. Height 7.90 mm. 25 jewels. 28,800 vph (4 Hertz). Power reserve when fully wound 44 hours. Rotor antique grey with 18-karat gold seal. Polished screws.Functions: Date display. Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds. Chronograph 60 second counter, 60 minute and 12-hour totalizer. Sweep second and minute counters. Permanent 24-hour display.Case: Pearl-blasted solid pure titanium,. Magnetic field protection. Water-resistant 30 atm. Integrated, large chronograph buttons with neoprene inlay. Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides. Screw-in crown. Screw-down case back. Diameter 46 mm. Height 15.5 mm. Pioneer model: Diameter 46.5 mm. Height 16 mm. Bidirectionally rotating bezel with minute scale and 14 luminescent capsules.Band: Kevlar strap with pure titanium folding clasp or solid pure titanium bracelet with folding clasp. Sponsored by:

By Caitlin Duffy – October 23, 2015

Orbita: duPont REGISTRY's 2015 Watch Guide

Orbita Avanti 6 WatchwinderNearly 20 years old, family owned and operated, and made in America, Orbita is a brand built on quality, top technology and value. The company’s innovative designs and proprietary developments in watch winders set it apart from others. Easily one of the brand’s best-selling watch winders is the Avanti Series that can grow as your watch collection grows (versions include 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48 piece boxes). The Avanti 6 Watchwinder – offered in Rotorwind or Programmable versions - is designed to wind six watches and has two drawers for additional storage. The stunning box is created using exotic Macassar wood veneer and genuine carbon fiber trim – resulting in an impressive cabinet that will retain a great look forever. Each of the six winders is individually programmable.Buy Now $4,995 | 1.800.800.4436 | www.Orbita.com Orbita Avanti 48 WatchwinderStanding tall and beautiful as a grand piece of furniture, the luxurious Avanti 48 makes you want to buy more watches. The modular cabinet series is totally customizable to your lifestyle and watch collection – offering an array of choices including winders, biometric safes, pen storage, digital atomic clock, jewelry case and coin displays. Making the cabinet even more alluring is the fact that it has a tempered glass door so your watches are always on display. The door, with invisible Soss brand hinges, is naturally fitted with a concealed lock. The cabinet features carbon fiber trim, and side panels constructed of exotic Brazilian rosewood with a high-gloss finish. The pedestal base is weighted to provide stability. While the cabinet is available in three heights, depending on the number of modules one selects, the most dramatic of all is the Avanti 48 Watchwinder, measuring 65 inches tall.Buy Now $49,995 | 1.800.800.4436 | www.Orbita.com Buy This Issue Now

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