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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

Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Funky Blue 6902 1201 Lifestyle 01

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2020

H. Moser & Cie. New Funky Blue Streamliner Watch Revealed

H. Moser & Cie. has just unveiled the latest addition to their Streamline collection and it's quite funky. The new Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Funky Blue features the curves that the collection is known for, all of which are meant to honor the high-speed trains of the 20s and 30s. Measuring in at 42.3 meters, the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph Automatic Funky Blue's steel case is an elegant centerpiece. Giving this new watch its "Funky Blue" name is the dial that utilizes the blue shade that is prevalent on many of H. Moser & Cie.'s watches. Around the blue dial is a red and white outer track with a large "60" at the 12 o'clock position, a feature found on many stopwatches of the 60s and 70s. Powering this watch is the Calibre HMC 902 developed with AGENHOR for H. Moser & Cie. This movement features a minimum power reserve of 54 hours and 434 components. Keeping the watch on its wearer's wrist is a stylish integrated steel bracelet with links that sits perfectly on even small wrists. You can purchase this new timepiece for $43,900 at H-Moser.com or at authorized retailers. Visit H-Moser.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2020

The New Urwerk UR-100 Spacetime Watch Is Out Of This World

Nowadays, watches are just as diverse as the companies producing them as well as the individuals purchasing and wearing them. Although they take their shape, most still hold a somewhat traditional style throughout the case and dial. Urwerk has ventured far away from any design with the release of the UR-100 Spacetime. The 41mm case looks like something crafted from out of this world, which is almost accurate, considering its iconic satellite display is unlike anything on the market. A sapphire crystal encloses the unique dial that passes between subsidiary dials to display astronomical indications: distance traveled on earth and distance traveled by the earth. The automatic movement allows the Urwerk UR-100 Spacetime to operate under a 48-hour power reserve. There are five different color and material variations, making it easy for everyone to choose a favorite. The strap materials are available in nylon, leather, and Alcantara depending on the color code. Shop the Urwerk UR-100 Spacetime collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Urwerk Website

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2020

Five of Sylvester Stallone's Personal Watches Heading to ...

Five of Sylvester Stallone's incredible watches from his personal collection are set to be auctioned off by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. Among these watches are two that he wore in in films, including Expendables 3 and Daylight. In total, four of these watches are from Richard Mille while one is from Panerai, both being prestigious watchmakers. Each of these watches will be auctioned off during the "Racing Pulse" New York Watch auction on Saturday, December 12, 2020. To see the watches for yourself, be sure to scroll down below. To learn more about the auction and the watches included, click the button below to visit Phillips.com. Visit Phillips.com Richard Mille RM032-TI worn in the movie The Expendables 3 | Estimate $60,000 to $120,000 Richard Mille RM059-01 Yohan Blake “Beast” Tourbillon | Estimate: $300,000 to $600,000 Richard Mille RM052-01 Tourbillon Skull TZP Nano-Ceramic | Estimate: $350,000 to $700,000 Richard Mille RM025-01 Tourbillon Chronograph Adventure | Estimate: $250,000 to $500,000 Panerai PAM5218-201/a in steel worn in the movie, “Daylight” | Estimate: $40,000 to $80,000

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2020

Chopard Celebrates Luftgekühlt With A Special Edition Mil...

The Porsche enthusiast community is full of individuals who share the same passion for vintage air-cooled cars. An annual event called Luftgekühlt has brought those fanatics together for the past six years to celebrate an era of automotive excellence with the most spectacular Porsche examples on scene. The project was created by two-time Le Mans class winner Patrick Long and Southern California creative director Howie Idelson. The iconic event is now being celebrated by Chopard, with a limited-edition timepiece. The Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Luftgekühlt Edition features a stainless steel 43mm automatic watch that is limited to 50 pieces. Shop the newest Chopard x Luftgekühlt collaboration watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2020

Patek Philippe Unveils The Grande Sonnerie Reference 6301P

Patek Philippe remains one of the pinnacle luxury timepiece manufacturers, with each of their examples cherished by watch enthusiasts of all kinds. The company incorporates traditional styling with state-of-the-art movement technology. The newest release from Patek Philippe is the Grande Sonnerie Reference 6301P, a 44.8mm watch that features Patek Philippe’s first-ever grande sonnerie paired with a petite sonnerie and a minute repeater. The Grande Sonnerie 6301P finished using a platinum case, 18K gold dial, and a solid sapphire crystal case back. A hand-stitched alligator leather strap presented in shiny black complements the sleek design of the new Patek Philippe. Discover the new Patek Philippe Grande Sonnerie 6301P by clicking the link below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 09, 2020

MB&F Reveals Their New HM3 Frog X Watch

It was ten years ago that MB&F introduced the HM3 Frog into the world. With two big "eyes" and a cheeky "smile," the design of this watch is unmistakable. Now, ten year later, this design returns in the form of the new HM3 Frog X. This new watch takes the unique design of the Frog watch but adds in a new variable: transparency. Similar to the glass frogs of the Central American cloud forest, this new watch allows you to see inside. For the first time, we can see the incredible engine of the watch which was designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht / Agenhor thanks to a sapphire case. This engine powers the two large "eyes" that display the hour and minutes. From a certain point-of-view, you can see how these eyes and the "mouth" of the case create a frog's smiling expression. MB&F is planning to create three different versions of the HM3 FrogX 10th-anniversary limited edition, each of them with a different color rotor and Super-LumiNova and case gaskets: blue, purple and turquoise. Each of these colors will be limited to ten examples each. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit MBandF.com

Big-Bang-Unico-Camo-Yohji-Yamamoto-45-mm-new_0

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

How To Buy The Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto Limited Edition Bi...

Hublot has created partnerships in the past resulting in collaboration models that become timeless collector pieces for watch enthusiasts. The most recent being with renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. The 45mm case of the Big Bang is styled using matte black ceramic with a crystal-clear sapphire overlay covering the camouflage dial. On the dial are matching matte-finished numbers and hands, with Yohji Yamamoto’s signature etched at the 6 o’clock mark. A Unico movement drives the limited-edition Big Bang that holds a power reserve of 72 hours. Hublot uses groundbreaking technology with the design and creation of the matching camouflage fabric strap. The camo outline shapes are cut out individually, assembled, and fused together using a vulcanization process. There is also a black fabric strap option that compliments well with the matte finished case. Each version of the Hublot x Yohji Yamamoto watch is limited to 200 pieces. When: Available Now Where: Hublot Website Price: $22,800 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

Jacob & Co. Releases An $884,800 Watch That Comes With A ...

Jacob & Co. timepieces pull inspiration for each complicated example from an array of areas, whether it be animals, hypercars, or other collaborations. The newest release from the New York City-based watchmaker derives its vision from the peak of Mount Everest. The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Everest features the signature double-axis gravitational tourbillon. An actual piece of rock from the top of Mount Everest, as well as water from the North and South Pole, collected by Johan Ernst Nilson, are incorporated into the dial design. The special edition watch comes in a Mount Everest designed case that plays audio of howling winds when it's opened. The Astronomia Everest collection is limited to 24 pieces, which signifies the 24 time zones on Earth. Jacob & Co. announced that they are donating 10-percent of each sale to an environmental charity. The lucky individuals who obtain the ultra-rare timepiece will also receive an expedition with Nilson to Mount Everest, where the materials for the watch were gathered. Shop the rest of the Jacob & Co. collection pieces by clicking the link below. Shop Jacob & Co. Source: Jacob&Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

Singer Reimagined Releases A Limited Three Piece Flytrack...

The Singer Vehicle Design is best known for modifying early aged Porsches with modern performance, technology, and comfort features to create the perfect platform. The build quality of each project reflects the knowledge and passion that the team at Singer has for Porsche. The same mentality goes into the Singer Reimagined collection, which includes a line of luxury hand-crafted timepieces. The all-new Flytrack Collection by Singer Reimagined is made up of three uniquely designed watches. They are presented as a tachymeter, pulsometer, and telemeter. Each watch made from grade 5 titanium is limited to only ten pieces inspired by premium materials that are incorporated into the vehicles that Singer builds for their clients. The three Singer Redesigned Flytrack models are currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

Ulysse Nardin Reveals An Aquatic Eco-Friendly Diver's Watch

Ulysse Nardin holds strong ties to the ocean as a watchmaker that continues to do its part to help develop solutions for the growing plastic pollution crisis in our oceans. The Swiss watch manufacturer recently introduced the launch of the new “R-STRAP”, a strap made from recycled fishing nets. Today, Ulysse Nardin has taken those renewable resources and applied them to the construction of an entire timepiece. The Ulysse Nardin Diver NET is the newest addition to the aquatic driven collection. The 44mm case is made from 100% recycled fishing nets with the help from FIL&FAB, a French recycling sector that breaks down the material into polyamide pellets. The traditional sapphire crystal has also been replaced with a transparent ceramic glass that has a lower environmental impact because of limited energy being used to produce it. A Ulysse Nardin UN-118 automatic movement drives the eco-friendly watch, which holds a 60-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The Diver NET is presented in green to represent the earth and its importance to a healthy aquatic eco-system. This watch is currently in the concept stage and is not available to purchase. Click the link below to shop for the rest of the pieces featured in the Ulysse Nardin diver collection. Shop Ulysse Nardin Diver Collection

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