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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 – October 26, 2021

Makes And Movements: Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black O...

Exotic boats 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 exotic marine industry and even specific boats altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular products 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. Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition The Panerai watch brand is known for creating luxury timepieces with marine inspiration incorporated into iconic case designs. The passion for watches began at an early time in 1860, when Giovanni Panerai opened a watch shop and repair shop but also dedicated a portion of the space to act as the city’s first watch-making school. It began its start as a marine-focused watch brand in the ‘50s when the Italian Navy started issuing the first Radiomir during times when underwater conditions were extreme. Fast forward 70+ years, Panerai is excited to have partnered with the marine/auto performance professionals at BRABUS on a commemorative watch for the release of the new Shadow 900 Black Ops Edition super-boat. The two luxury products share similarities in design, styling, technology, and performance. With a common interest in the water, the partnership between Panerai and BRABUS proves to be a perfect match. Panerai The new Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition is the first release from the new partnership, which is style to complement the all-new Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops perfectly. The new marine-inspired timepiece presents a 47mm case design handcrafted from Carbotech, which is used on the Shadow 900 Black Ops to provide a lightweight feel with added strength. Beneath its clear sapphire crystal, a skeleton dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the Submersible S. The dial displays a multitude of functions including hours, minutes, seconds, Polarized date, GMT, am/pm indicator, power reserve, and seconds reset. The Brabus logo is also highlighted on the dial, where it is stamped on the balance wheel located at the 7 o’clock position. Powering the new Panerai x Brabus collaboration watch is the brand’s in-house P.4001/S Automatic Mechanical movement, which provides an astonishing 3-day power reserve. The back case features branded logo engravings to signifying the special collaboration. The theme of functionality is complete on the Submersible S, with a Caoutchouc Grey strap with Anthracite stitching and a stamped Brabus logo. The stealth styling of the Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition perfectly complements the Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops super-boat. Panerai Why To Buy The Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition is the perfect addition to any collection because of its rich heritage of being a functional everyday watch. Its one-of-a-kind design differentiates it from all other timepieces on the market, and with a production line of only 100-pieces, you are sure to be one of the lucky few to own. Alongside great design and exclusivity, the new timepiece from Panerai x Brabus holds a story attached to it, a story of a partnership’s first product launch together. The all-new Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition is currently available through an authorized dealer for $58,800. Shop The Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition BRABUS Shadow 900 Black Ops When it comes to manufacturing and modifying some of the most powerful marine crafts/automobiles, the professionals at Brabus continue to act as leaders in the industry. The history of Brabus began with modifying early examples of performance-focused Mercedes-Benz, and after 40 successful years stepped into the Marine industry. The all-new Shadow 900 Black Ops super-boat takes German performance from the track to the water. The configuration of the new release from Brabus marine is available in two options, a full-open Spyder version, and a comfortable sun-top version. The Black Ops Edition is part of the limited series, which includes 37 chassis available for each rendition. The Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops is presented as a 38ft sport craft exclusively launched in the signature Gunmetal Grey paint scheme and red accents. The sun-top version features an aggressively styled center console canopy that protects from the sun, with an available panoramic sunroof to open for cooler days on the water. One of the most noticeable aspects of the Shadow 900 Black Ops is the set of Mercury Marine 450R Verado XL motors. The 4.6-liter V8 FourStroke engines offer class-leading performance in every respect, supplied exclusively with Mercury Joystick Piloting helm control system including skyhook digital anchor and autopilot. Panerai While performance is key, Brabus also takes pride in the design quality incorporated into each vehicle that leaves the production line. When it comes to the Shadow 900 Black Ops, the interior of the super-boat receives a full luxury treatment from the team. The interior is available in several different layouts, with the Spyder configuration offering a maximum passenger capacity of 12 from the open-bow option. The sport-style seats are finished in vibrant red leather/Alcantara with detailed square pattern stitching. Sticking to automotive inspiration, Brabus introduces an all-new, clean, and ergonomic helm that resembles a supercar more than anything else. Everything on the dashboard is close to hand, touchscreen technology with selected backlit switches and the newly developed multifunction steering wheel with finger-tip controls, make this one of the most modern-looking consoles. The super-boat is equipped with the latest and greatest in marine technology, from the dual 12” interface screens to the intelligent steering module with integrated trim tab, bow thruster, and audio controls. The new Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops Series is prepped to tackle any conditions thrown it's way. Panerai Why To Buy The Brabus 900 Shadow Black Ops Edition is the best new addition to the dock because it's backed by one of the leaders in German marine performance and features an aggressive one-of-a-kind design. Alongside the incredible power output and styling, the exclusivity of the series ensures that you’ll be one of the only lucky owners with a Brabus on the water. Stemming from a brand that continues to push the boundaries, the Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops is sure to be a highly desirable super-boat for collectors and enthusiasts. The new Brabus Shadow 900 Black Ops Edition is currently available through an authorized dealer starting at $450,000. View all the current Brabus inventory available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe Sport x Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

Panerai Takes A Trip To Germany To Visit BRABUS

The new partnership between the duo starts with a field trio to Germany. The recent release of the new limited-edition Panerai Subermsible S Brabus Black Ops Edition shocked the watch, marine, and automotive worlds. The partnership between Brabus and Panerai highlights the shared ambition for pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and technology. The best next step of the relationship is to have some team bonding, so CEO Constantin Brabus invited the CEO of Panerai Jean-Marc Pontroué and his team to the River Rhine in Germany for a photoshoot of the Submersible S watch alongside the Brabus Shadow 900 boat. The day was filled with high-resolution shots of both high-performance products in action. Expect to see the Brabus team taking a field trip to Switzerland soon to experience the luxury watch world of Panerai. Click the link below to view all of the Brabus inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CUVivsPKJsq/

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2021

Makes And Movements: 2021 BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR x Ulysse Na...

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. 2021 BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR BRABUS is known for taking the already performance-driven line-up from Mercedes-Benz AMG and squeezing out every ounce of possible horsepower using additional engine upgrades. The 2021 BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is built off of the newly redesigned Mercedes-AMG G63 platform, perfectly blending performance, comfort, and technology. The exterior features the full carbon fiber BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody kit, giving the new super SUV a completely new aggressively aerodynamic look for the track or backroads. The fender flares at the front and rear axle add 4 inches to the width of the current G-Model. In addition, their integrated LEDs illuminate the running boards between the flares as soon as a door handle is pulled or the central locking system is activated. Keeping the BRABUS 800 connected to the road is a set of 23-inch forged wheels wrapped in Continental, Pirelli, or YOKOHAMA performance tires. The already luxurious AMG G63 interior cabin receives a generous update with each build from BRABUS, allowing the customer complete control while in the design process, where the extravagant BRABUS fine leather styles impress with exclusivity, endless color, material combinations, and outstanding quality. Enjoy the premium driving experience with state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, featuring the Mercedes-AMG full LED display and Bang&Olufsen sound system. Inside and out, the 2021 BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR is the epitome of luxury performance in the shape of an SUV. Although the exterior of the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR screams performance, the real power is found underneath the glossy carbon fiber hood. Each 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged 8-cylinder engine is modified using BRABUS performance parts such as the PowerXtra engine upgrade and valve-controlled sport exhaust system, catapulting the vehicle to 800-horsepower and 737 ft-lb of torque at 6,600 RPM. This engine gives off-roader performance capabilities that are absolutely exceptional for a vehicle of this category: The all-wheel-drive car sprints from rest to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 149 mph. Delivering the power to the wheels is the nine-speed automatic transmission that can optionally be shifted manually with the ergonomic BRABUS RACE aluminum paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR boasts mind-blowing performance from a vehicle that can fit the whole family. Why To Buy The already popular Mercedes-Benz G-Class continues to dominate the market for luxury performance SUVs, just as BRABUS does in the industry of modified high-performance vehicles. The BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR provides a true one-of-a-kind driving experience for a select few lucky customers, as the opportunity to purchase a BRABUS build is rare in itself. The ability to quickly tackle any rough terrain or track highlights the BRABUS as a fully functional everyday driver. The growing demand for the notorious body style of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class ensures that not only will the 800 WIDESTAR be a fun drive, but also a worthy investment. View all the BRABUS 800 vehicles currently for sale by clicking the link below. View All BRABUS 800 For Sale Ulysse Nardin Blast 45mm The Blast Collection by Ulysse Nardin continues to lead the way as one of the Swiss watchmaker's most popular models within its lineup. BLAST is taking your mind by storm, playing off the transparency of its new powerful automatic silicium Tourbillon nested in a bold, X-shaped cage. Each example features sharpened geometric styling similar to the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR, using sharp edges to highlight the aggressively bold design. The true overlap between the two brands is complete functionality, using premium materials and technology when developing each product, ensuring that each will stand up to anything thrown in the way. The new Ulysse Nardin Blast features a sleek all-black design, starting with the 45mm black titanium ceramic case, which displays a sharply detailed geometric design. A skeletonize dial lies beneath the sapphire crystal covering, allowing a closer look at the mechanism that drives the in-house movement capable of holding a 72-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The Blast Collection is the first Ulysse Nardin Skeleton model featuring an automatic tourbillon and a new tiny yet powerful platinum micro-rotor, visible only from the front of the watch at 12 o’clock. The milestone example from Ulysse Nardin is commemorated will colored engravings on the transparent back case, where owners have a secondary view of the UN-172 complication. The Ulysse Nardin Blast comes with the available option for an elegant large-scale alligator leather strap or a performance-designed black and red rubber strap. Why To Buy The Ulysse Nardin Blast is a great watch to buy because of its perfect blend of luxury design and functionality, giving each owner the confidence to where a tourbillon complication daily. Designed and manufactured by one of the oldest names in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin's examples incorporate its rich heritage while staying current and adapting to new trends. As one of the unique models to stand out in the collection of high-end timepieces, the Ulysse Nardin Blast is sure to be a collector example for watch enthusiasts of all kinds. Shop the new Ulysse Nardin Blast by clicking the link below. Shop Ulysse Nardin Blast For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 x Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph

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