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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 05, 2026

Breitling Joins Aston Martin As Its Official Watch Partner

With well over a century of success in the automotive space and the competitive world of motorsports, Aston Martin remains a pioneer fueled by heritage, craftsmanship, and performance. And while the U.K.-based marque continues to evolve its luxurious lineup and race paddock with expertly engineered machines, it’s early icons like the Aston Martin DB5 Vantage that paved the way and continue to inspire the brand's future. It's a mirror of how Breitling operates in the luxury watch world, founded in 1884 and still staying true to its core values and the watches that earned it a historic reputation. Given all of their similarities, it's a perfect time to celebrate Breitling becoming the Official Watch Partner of Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The new partnership starts with the co-branded Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, limited to 1,959 pieces, paying tribute to the year Aston Martin entered Formula 1. The decision to celebrate the occasion with the Navitimer really speaks volumes, as it remains the flagship model and the watch that has cemented Breitling's standing in aviation since 1952. For the first time ever, the Navitimer features a lightweight titanium case, along with other race-derived materials like carbon fiber to keep that connection to Aston Martin closer to the track. The dial stays true to its iconic design while tastefully adding in Aston Martin Green and lime accents from the Aston Martin Aramco F1 race car livery.The engine that drives the Navitimer Chronograph is Breitling’s in-house manufactured Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer dialed in with a 70-hour power reserve. Visible through a sapphire caseback, the movement showcases its work in action along with matte black rotor, specially designed for this special release, featuring the Aston Martin Formula One Team logo. Additional caseback engravings include “One of 1959” and the phrase “Instruments for Drivers.”The Breitling logo will be visible on the Aston Martin Aramco car and team apparel when the AMR26 is revealed on February 9th at the team’s launch. The partnership makes its public debut on the circuit at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: Breitling

Close-up view of a luxury Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton watch with a metallic case and bracelet, exposing intricate gears and mechanisms beneath dark green hands and details.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 05, 2025

Girard-Perregaux Reveals Its New Laureato Skeleton Aston ...

There's something special about automotive-inspired luxury watches; it's like two worlds built on precision and adrenaline syncing up perfectly. Time has always been at the heart of racing, and that obsession with every millisecond makes watches essential tools for the track, not just accessories. When two heavyweights like Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux come together, the end product tends to be thoughtful, mechanically sound, and full of character. The Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition, limited to 88 pieces globally, is a watch that quietly flexes its collaborative pedigree. Ceramic is the material of choice, light, ultra-durable, and a perfect canvas for the satin and polished finishes that mirror the lines of Aston Martin's grand tourers. And then there's that subtle, unmistakable green that directly nods to the brand's Racing Green DNA. Mechanically, the Laureato delivers precise timekeeping with a skeletonized GP01800 calibre openworked movement. Through both the dial and sapphire caseback, you're looking at the full choreography of components doing their thing in plain sight. The beauty of this collab lies in how naturally it all fits into Girard-Perregaux's ongoing partnership with the team at Aston Martin. There's no forced branding, no over-the-top design flourishes, just a clear respect for shared values: precision, proportion, and performance. It's a watch made for people who appreciate automotive excellence, whether it's under the hood of a car or behind a sapphire crystal. The Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition feels like a genuine handshake between two giants. It tells time, sure, but more than that, it tells a story that car lovers and watch nerds alike can get behind. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 19, 2025

Girard-Perregaux Launches The New Laureato Aston Martin E...

Since 2021, Aston Martin has successfully made its mark in the luxury watch world through its fuel-driven partnership with the horologists at Girard-Perregaux. Inspired by the timeless heritage of two iconic brands and their pursuit of excellence, the Girard-Perregaux x Aston Marton Collection continues to grow with new additions incorporating hypercar-inspired designs and materials. Today, Girard-Perregaux is proud to launch the all-new Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition as the sixth release for the dynamic duo. The watch pays homage to Aston Martin's legacy and its century-long association with the color green, which makes the iconic Laureato a perfect fit for the occasion. The dial, finished in an eye-catching iridescent green that shifts between shades depending on the light, pays tribute to Aston Martin's iconic racing colors. A meticulous 14-step process and 15 ultrathin layers of paint help achieve this look, making the finish as detailed as the bodywork of a high-performance car. The lightweight titanium case keeps things comfortable on the wrist, taking inspiration from cars like the Valkyrie, with skeletonized hands inspired by Aston Martin's signature front grille. Inside, the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition packs Girard-Perregaux's in-house GP03300 movement, visible through a sapphire caseback stamped with the Aston Martin logo. The watch comes fitted on a matching polished and brushed stainless-steel bracelet. Shop all Girard-Perregaux 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 – June 02, 2021

Makes And Movements: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera x Gira...

Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do. They just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the automotive industry and even specific cars altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular supercars available through duPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. Aston Martin DBS Superleggera The Aston Martin brand continues to strive towards the goal of ultimate performance and design within its lineup of track-focused supercars. With a rich heritage in motorsports, the use of lightweight aerodynamics plays a key role as the manufacturer looks to deliver the most versatile vehicles. The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera embodies high-performance while continuing to provide an effortless driving experience for any driving skill level. The DBS Superleggera body is designed to create downforce while using carbon fiber honeycomb openings to cool areas throughout the car. Where lightweight technology and performance are important, so is traction, which is why Aston Martin added a set of 21” forged wheels to help manage the power. The interior design layout focuses on not only creating a premium driving experience but also a top-notch passenger experience as well. Along with a set of premium leather sport plus seats, the DBS Superleggera features a user-friendly infotainment system and Aston Martin’s premium audio system. The interior driving experience is even more effortless with the ability to easily change driving modes, allowing the switch from sport to comfort with the click of a button. Inside and out, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera proves itself as a versatile track-focused daily driver. Media/Information Source: Aston Martin While the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera displays itself as a luxury automobile, its true colors lie beneath the hood where all the power is made. Delivering an astonishing 715-horsepower is Aston Martin’s 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12, which launches the DBS Superleggera from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The 665ft-lb. of torque is fed through a carbon-fiber prop shaft to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the back of the car. The performance setup gives owners and enthusiasts the ability to enjoy a race car driving experience in a safer and more comfortable setting. The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is best described as the total package, featuring mind-blowing performance and state-of-the-art technology rolled up into an everyday drivable supercar. Media/Information Source: Aston Martin Why To Buy The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera stands tall as one of the brand’s most powerful supercars in the fleet. A chance at securing a chassis would mean a chance at experiencing motorsport quality performance from an everyday supercar. Along with its one-of-a-kind design, the Aston Martin configuration process allows incorporating your vision into the build, ensuring the perfect specification for all owners. The biggest reason why to buy the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is because of its 12-cylinder engine. As manufacturers move away from the larger engine platform, supercars like the DBS Superleggera will become desirable for future collectors and enthusiasts. View All DBS Superleggera For Sale Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition In the world of watches, some of the most desirable examples are created in collaboration with supercar manufacturers. It marks a milestone in the history of horology as well as motorsports, which continues to bridge the gap between both industries. Recently, Girard-Perregaux partnered with Aston Martin to release its first collaboration timepiece, the new Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition. The timepiece incorporates precious metals and materials used to help save weight while adding strength to support functionality. The design and manufacturing process of Girard-Perregaux shares direct similarities with how Aston Martin creates its supercars. Media/Information Source: Girard-Perregaux The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Aston Martin Edition celebrates the iconic Three Bridges pocket watch from the 19th century in a decidedly contemporary way, down to the smallest details, including the strap. Upholding Girard-Perregaux tradition, this model skillfully plays with proportions and shapes much to the delight of aesthetes. The 44mm case of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition is formed of Grade 5 titanium, a strong, hypoallergenic alloy selected by Aston Martin for its lightweight properties. It is suffused with black DLC, bestowing the watch with a stealthy appearance. While Girard-Perregaux has a long history of making the invisible visible, in this instance it has ventured off-piste, creating a watch whose movement appears to levitate within the case. Media/Information Source: Girard-Perregaux Why To Buy The all-new Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition is the first release of the new motorsport-inspired partnership, making it a collectible example for any enthusiast. Along with the significance tied to the piece, Girard-Perregaux crafts each watch with the goal of providing a luxury feel with daily functionality and reliability. It’s your chance at owning the first of many desirable examples from Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin. Shop Girard-Perregaux x Aston Martin For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale x Wilbur Automatic Launch Edition-JWB

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 01, 2021

Girard-Perregaux x Aston Martin Release Its First Tourbil...

The perfect tourbillon for your Aston Martin. Recently, the news of Aston Martin entering a partnership with Girard-Perregaux shocked the world of watches and motorsports. Since its announcement, watch enthusiasts and motorsports fans have anticipated an automotive-inspired luxury watch release from the Swiss manufacturer. Girard-Perregaux is proud to announce the release of the new Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges - Aston Martin Edition. Following the stealth Aston Martin looks, the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon features a 44mm Grade 5 Titanium case treated in matte black PVD. Underneath the sapphire crystal, an intricate cage system suspends the Tourbillon movement using the three bridges crafted from precious metals. The oversized transparent back case allows for a second view of the inner workings of state-of-the-art movement technology. The Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Aston Martin Edition also comes with the ability to choose from a large-scale black leather strap or a sporty leather/fabric band. The all-new Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Aston Martin Edition is currently available through an authorized dealer for $146,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPlmtWlMHYg/ For more Watch news, Check out Jacob & Co. Releases The Twin Turbo Furious Chronograph With White Diamonds And Green Tsavorites

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