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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 – September 20, 2024

Audemars Piguet Reveals Its All-New Forged Carbon Royal O...

The Royal Oak Concept unlike you've ever seen before. Consistently at the forefront of luxury watchmaking, Audemars Piguet has established its renowned reputation for evolving its collection of timepieces with state-of-the-art materials and movement technology. After an eight-year hiatus from its production, Audemars Piguet is proud to reintroduce forged carbon fiber to its watchmaking process with the debut of its all-new Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date model. The newest addition to the Royal Oak Concept family features carbon fiber unlike anything ever used before, utilizing Audemars Piguet's Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) and its ability to instantly color carbon fiber in a more time-efficient manner. Revealed during a special event at Monti in Singapore, the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date shows off a robust, lightweight 43mm case crafted from black forged carbon with blue luminescent highlights. Its skeletonized dial gives insight into the meticulous craftsmanship of AP watchmakers, offering an up-close glimpse of its inner workings in action. The Royal Oak Concept is powered by Audemars Piguet's in-house self-winding Calibre 4407, which combines a flyback chronograph, split-seconds, GMT, and large date. Adding an extra touch of practicality, Audemars Piguet mounts the newest Royal Oak Concept on an interchangeable blue rubber strap with black accents, with extra black and blue rubber straps included. The all-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is now available at boutiques worldwide with pricing upon request. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 19, 2024

TAG Heuer Releases A Limited Edition Monaco Chronograph I...

Limited to only 1,000! Since its inception into the wonderful world of watches back in March of 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco has cemented its status as an iconic with its unique square case design. TAG Heuer's one-of-a-kind look even gained enough popularity to make a cameo appearance in Steve McQueen's beloved film, Le Mans. With countless renditions commemorating special moments in time for the Monaco, TAG Heuer continues to carry on its legacy by revealing its newest Monaco Chronograph in a vibrant Racing Green colorway. TAG Heuer’s latest release pays tribute to the iconic racing green color made famous by British motorsports. The historic shade dates back to the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup and continues to stand out as a symbol of British racing heritage. The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green also incorporates subtle details inspired by classic British race cars, with yellow and white highlights throughout. The watch features a silver sunray-brushed dial, reminiscent of engine-turned dashboards from 1920s and 1930s sports cars. The 12 o’clock marker features a yellow stripe that connects directly to the chronograph’s central hand. With Super-LumiNova markers for easy readability and polished hour markers, the chronograph combines motorsport history with contemporary watchmaking in a way that any automotive enthusiast will appreciate. Shop the all-new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green by clicking the link below. Shop Now View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 12, 2024

How To Buy: Breitling's New Limited-Edition NFL-Themed Ch...

Breitling teams up with the NFL to create limited-edition Chronomat watches for all 32 teams, celebrating football in style. Breitling has teamed up with the NFL for a unique collaboration that’s sure to excite football fans all across the country, whether you're a diehard Kansas City Chiefs or Miami Dolphins fan. This partnership is the first of its kind for a luxury Swiss watch brand, with Breitling rolling out a limited-edition Chronomat for each of the NFL’s 32 teams. Every watch showcases the team’s colors and features the team logo on the 9 o’clock subdial, while the NFL logo is etched on the caseback. Each Chronomat NFL Team Edition is powered by Breitling’s in-house Caliber 01 movement, a COSC-certified chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve. To celebrate the NFL’s 104th season, only 104 pieces are available for each team. The collection gives fans a stylish way to show off their team pride, whether they're cheering from the stands or watching at home. Priced at $8,800 on rubber and $9,200 on a steel bracelet, the watches offer a blend of sportiness and luxury. Breitling CEO Georges Kern noted how the NFL's values of action and responsibility align well with Breitling's DNA. This collaboration feels like a fun way for fans to enjoy two iconic brands coming together. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or a watch collector, shop all of the limited-edition Chronomat watches from Breitling x NFL by clicking the link below. Shop The Breitling x NFL Chronomat Collection Source: Breitling

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 12, 2024

Ulysse Nardin Unveils Its New Freak X Gumball 3000 Limite...

Ulysse Nardin celebrates 25 years of Gumball 3000 with the bold Freak X Limited Edition watch, exclusive to participating drivers. Ulysse Nardin has teamed up with Gumball 3000 to create the Freak X Gumball 3000 Limited Edition watch, marking the 25th anniversary of the iconic rally. Limited to just 150 pieces, this automotive-inspired timepiece is built for those who embrace boldness and adventure behind the wheel. Each Gumball 3000 driver has the option to personalize their watch with a dedication plate featuring their specific team number, making it a truly exclusive piece. The Freak X design is revolutionary, with no hands, no dial, and no crown, giving it a futuristic appearance that makes mechanics and aesthetics inseparable. The lightweight Carbonium case, along with vibrant Gumball orange Super-LumiNova hour markers, gives it a rebellious energy that reflects the rally's adrenaline-packed spirit. The 2024 Gumball 3000 rally route takes participants through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, ending in Singapore's F1 Grand Prix. With only 150 available worldwide, Ulysse Nardin's limited-edition watch is one of the most exclusive releases in history, and Gumballers have the unique chance to immortalize their rally experience with a watch that perfectly matches their team number. Pre-orders are now being taken through the Freak X GB3K website, and with ties to supercars and hypercars, it’s bound to become a sought-after collector's item. Inquire about the all-new Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000 Limited Edition by clicking the link below. Learn More Source: Ulysse Nardin

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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 – September 04, 2024

Audemars Piguet Debuts Its New $320K Code 11.59 Flying To...

Audemars Piguet introduces a refined Code 11.59 with a sleek blend of gold and ceramic. Audemars Piguet has just rolled out a fresh take on its Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph. The legendary Swiss watchmaker's newest 41 mm model combines 18-carat white gold with black ceramic, giving it a modern, sophisticated vibe alongside other pinnacle models like the Royal Oak. The dial reveals Audemars Piguet's intricate, in-house Calibre 2952 movement, featuring contrasting shades of grey and black. With a slate grey semi-matte inner bezel and transparent chronograph counters, the Code 11.59's design is both complex and visually impressive. Polished pink gold hands make reading the time easy, while the flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock adds a touch of technical flair. The octagonal case effortlessly blends black ceramic with white gold highlights, showcasing Audemars Piguet's knack for combining high-tech materials with classic elegance. The use of ceramic, known for its scratch resistance and deep black finish, is meticulously crafted using a secret Zirconium Oxide formula. The hand-finishing process, with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces, adds subtle depth to the watch's grey and black tones. Priced at $320,000, AP's new release perfectly combines tradition and innovation, making it the best addition to any watch collection. Shop all Audemars Piguet luxury watches for sale by clicking the link below. Shop All Audemars Piguet Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2024

Girard-Perregaux Debuts Its $447K La Esmeralda Tourbillon...

Girard-Perregaux adds a six-figure timepiece to its collection! Girard-Perregaux continues to highlight its legacy as a pioneer in crafting luxury timepieces with the debut of the La Esmeralda Tourbillon' A Secret' Eternity Edition Honey. Its latest model, a stunning addition to the Bridges Collection, is inspired by the warm hues of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The watch features an intricately engraved 43 mm pink gold case and a honey-toned Grand Feu enamel dial. The design honors the legendary 1889 La Esmeralda pocket watch, incorporating Three Gold Bridges and a Tourbillon movement that reflects the precision and classiness of its predecessor. The rich honey tones are a nod to the golden sunsets of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where Girard-Perregaux has been creating masterpieces for over a century. This limited-edition timepiece, with only 18 pieces available, blends historical significance with modern craftsmanship. At the heart of the La Esmeralda Tourbillon' A Secret' Eternity Edition Honey is Girard-Perregaux's in-house GP09600, an automatic movement featuring a hidden white gold micro-rotor. The intricate details, from the sunray and circular guilloché dial to the Champlevé enamel case back, demonstrate the extraordinary skills of the artisans involved. The watch is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the natural beauty surrounding the watchmaker's Maison. With extremely limited availability and exceptional craftsmanship, Girard-Perregaux's new La Esmeralda Tourbillon' A Secret' Eternity Edition Honey is now available with a price tag of $447,000. Shop all Girard-Perregaux luxury watches for sale by clicking the link below. Shop All Girard-Perregaux Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2024

Glashütte Original's New SeaQ Chronograph Pays Homage To ...

The new Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph combines classic black-and-white aesthetics with rugged functionality. Glashütte Original's new SeaQ Chronograph is a refreshing take on the art of minimalism. Inspired by the elegance of classic black-and-white films, the newest SeaQ Chronograph brings a sophisticated yet understated look to the wrist. The "Silver Screen" dial, with its subtle galvanic silver finish, really lets the black hands and Super-LumiNova indexes stand out, much like the sharp contrasts in an old cinema classic. The 43.2mm stainless steel case, paired with a black ceramic bezel, keeps things clean and classy. Details like the "vinyl" finish on the subdials and the Panorama Date at 6 o'clock make it clear that this Glashütte Original is all about the beauty of simplicity. Even with the styling of a formal dress watch, the SeaQ Chronograph is built to perform. With a water resistance of 300 meters and a reliable flyback function, it's ready for any adventure, whether you're diving deep or just navigating the day. The watchmaker's in-house Calibre 37-23 automatic movement, visible through the sapphire case back, showcases precise engineering and classic Glashütte craftsmanship. And with colorful strap options ranging from practical black rubber to a sleek stainless steel bracelet, there's a version for every occasion. Available from September 2024, the new Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph is a great example of how less can truly be more, combining timeless style with rugged functionality. Check out the new Original SeaQ Chronograph from Glashütte Original by clicking the link below. Discover The New SeaQ Chronograph View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Glashütte Original

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 30, 2024

Ressence Unveils Its New TYPE 3 BB2 Watch With An Oil-Fil...

Ressence brings its A-Game to Geneva Watch Days! Ressence has just dropped the TYPE 3 BB2 at Geneva Watch Days, and as a watch enthusiast, it's hard not to get excited about this one. The latest addition to its collection is all about that sleek, minimalist vibe with its black DLC-coated titanium case. But what really catches your eye is the oil-filled dial. It's an ingenious move that stops light refraction, so the time is visible from any angle. It's not just about good looks; there's some serious tech under the hood, like the Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS 3.5). What's cool about the TYPE 3 BB2 is how it's both futuristic and functional. The bellow system, which adjusts the pressure in the oil-filled chamber, guarantees that the watch performs consistently no matter the temperature. The dial's engravings are filled with Super-LumiNova, which means even in dim lighting, you're never left guessing the time. It's these kinds of details that show Ressence's dedication to making something that's not just stylish but also incredibly practical. For anyone who appreciates a timepiece that's more than just a watch, the TYPE 3 BB2 feels like it's right in that sweet spot. It's a blend of innovation and clean aesthetics that's hard to resist. Whether you're already a fan of Ressence or just curious about what modern watchmaking can do, the TYPE 3 BB2 is definitely worth checking out. It's available through Ressence's official retailers, but honestly, this one's more about the experience than just adding another piece to the collection. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Ressence

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 29, 2024

Breitling Celebrates Its 140th Anniversary With Three Lim...

Breitling is celebrating its 140th anniversary by introducing special limited edition versions of its iconic Premier, Navitimer, and Chronomat watch models. Each is powered by Brietling's new in-house Caliber B19, a perpetual calendar chronograph movement that can keep time for nearly a century without needing major adjustments or service. Plus, with a solid 96-hour power reserve, these watches are as reliable as they are impressive, continuing Breitling's legacy of innovation since 1884. These three models highlight Breitling's most legendary collections. The Premier B19 Datora 42 stays true to its 1943 roots with classic touches like Arabic numerals and square pushers. The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43, famous for its pilot-friendly design, features a bold red-gold dial that stands out in any crowd of collectors and enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar takes a modern approach with a skeletonized dial, adding some flair to the model that first made waves in the 1980s. Each watch is a nod to Breitling's history, combining timeless design with the latest in watchmaking technology. Packaged in a stylish wooden box and paired with a personalized copy of Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories, these limited editions are more than just a nod to the past; they're a celebration of where Breitling is headed. As Breitling's CEO Georges Kern puts it, these releases are about pushing boundaries and continuing the brand's tradition of "140 Years of Firsts." Shop the newest special edition watches from Breitling by clicking the links below. Shop All Breitling Watches Source: Breitling

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