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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 Edward Jones – October 15, 2020

The New Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire Has An...

One of the most exciting aspects of watches is the engineering that goes into complex pieces. A perfect example of a watchmaker's ability to engineer in such an exciting way has to be the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire. For starters, the bezel, caseband and caseback are all crafted out of a single block of sapphire crystal. It should go without being said that this is no easy feat. In fact, Richard Mille is the only company to create such a complex case design out of sapphire. If that wasn't enough, the movement of the RM 53-02 is suspended inside the case by braided cables. The watchmaker behind the watch has to ensure that the 0.27 mm cables have the correct amount of tension after being run through the 10 pulleys. Because of this unique and incredible feat of engineering, the RM 53-02 has a shock absorption rating that can take on more than 5,000 g's. Between the construction of the case and the way the movement is held in place, the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire is both a piece of art and feat of engineering. If you're interested in adding this watch to your collection, act fast because only ten examples are planned to be created. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit RichardMille.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2020

Samuel Ross Joins The Hublot Family As A Brand Ambassador

Hublot’s list of brand ambassadors is just as spectacular and diverse as the watches that the Swiss company designs. A blend of sport and art inspired individuals to open the creative realm of collaborations that result in sought after collector pieces. Hublot is pleased to announce Samuel Ross as the newest addition to the family. Beginning as a co-creator for Virgil Abloh’s Off White brand, Samuel went on to win Hublot’s 2019 Design Prize for his aesthetic and functional vision. His resume of successful accomplishments in the art and fashion industry makes Samuel Ross a visionary as a Hublot brand ambassador. Learn more about Samuel Ross and Hublot’s new relationship by clicking the link below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2020

The New MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo Collection

MB&F has been designing and creating watches for the past 15 years, using quality materials and the latest technology. The Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo, developed in 2015, plays a key role in the MB&F collection. After five years, the Swiss watch company has released an updated version of the watch. Staying true to its roots, the new Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo uses a 44mm zirconium case. The differences that the new model features are a no-bezel construction as well as a new additional element name the FlexRing. An annular dampener fitted between the transparent style case and manually wound movement that helps provide shock protection. The idea of added comfort is directed to the color matching rubber strap. The biggest visual difference is that the collection is now available in three unique dial-plate colors featuring blue, orange, and white. All variations of the MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Evo are limited to 15 pieces. Shop the all-new collection from MB&F by clicking the link below. Shop Now " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2020

Hublot's New High Jewelry Collection is Filled With Diamonds

Hublot has just debuted their new High Jewelry Collection for 2020 which includes three incredible diamond-filled watches. Each of these watches is unique in their own right, but the one aspect they all share is their brilliance. Each of the stones on the watches was hand-placed by a very patient and precise stone-setter. In fact, Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, had this to say about the feat of setting stones: "Setting the stones on a watch is a feat of technical and aesthetic excellence, carefully conceived and determined in advance. The discipline is both a science of absolute precision and an art form, the aim of which is to maximize the brilliance of the stones within the limits of an extremely confined space. Overcoming such tough challenges and coupling tradition with innovation are the driving forces of our ambition." Visit Hublot.com Big Bang Unico High Jewelry – 334 baguette-cut diamonds – 12.5 carats In total, there are 243 diamonds found on the white gold 42mm case and bezel, while 61 stones re on the dial. At the heart of this watch is the HUB1280 calibre that includes a new architecture with an adjustable ball-bearing chronograph friction system. Spirit of Big Bang High Jewellery - 346 baguette-cut diamonds – 13.1 carats The HUB4700 movement is one of the finest out there and that's what powers this watch. There are 178 diamonds on the silhouette of the case and 113 on the edges of the indices and discs. An additional 55 diamonds are placed on the buckle. Classic Fusion High Jewellery – 427 baguette-cut diamonds – 20.8 carats With the most diamonds out of the trio, this watch is absolutely incredible. A total of 391 diamonds are found on this watch, which has the heart of the HUB1710 self-winding movement. The additional 36 diamonds are located on the buckle.

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

New 2020 TAG Heuer Monaco Now Has Stunning Stainless Stee...

The TAG Heuer Monaco is back again, but this year it comes with a new and stylish bracelet. For the 2020 model of the Monaco, TAG Heuer is giving their customer options that this classic watch most definitely deserves. There are essentially three new models for the 2020 release of the Monaco. First up is one with a black dial that has a sunray-brushed design. This dial can either come with the new stainless-steel bracelet or a black leather strap. The second dial design has a blue sunray-brushed dial, similar to that of the original 1969 Monaco models. Only the stainless steel bracelet is available for the blue dial Monaco. When designed the stainless steel bracelet for the new Monaco watches, TAG Heuer's designer did it in a way that gave them new flair while honoring the Monaco watches of the 1970s. Personally, I love the addition as these watches look downright gorgeous when paired with the stainless steel bracelet. For more information or to buy your new TAG Heuer Monaco, click the button below. Expect a price tag of $6,750 for a Monaco with the stainless steel bracelet and $6,350 with a leather strap. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2020

IWC's New Flagship Zurich Store Will Take You on a Racing...

IWC Schaffhausen has just opened up their all-new flagship store in Zurich and it's unlike any other watch boutique in the world. The main premise behind this store is to take visitors on a journey through the world of motorsports. You see, IWC has a strong connection to the the motorsport world and this entirety of this store helps draw that line between the two. To effectively draw that connection, they have plenty of motorsport memorabilia and engineering artifacts throughout and what I'd like the consider the star of the store, a Mercedes SL300 Gullwing. This isn't any standard Gullwing, however. Once seated in the driver's seat, guests are sent on a thrilling virtual reality experience. There's a lot of other awesome aspects about this store that make me want to fly over to Zurich ASAP. To learn more and even take a virtual tour, you can click the button below. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2020

Jacob & Co. Unveils A Cobra Inspired Piece Unique Watch.

Jacob & Co. has announced the release of yet another incredibly unique timepiece with inspiration derived from one of the most dangerous serpents in the world. The Astronomia Art Cobra features a rotating 3D designed snake entangled within the tourbillon movement. The piece unique example celebrates the strength and meaning behind the cobra while highlighting the beauty of the mechanism driving the watch. The 18-carat rose gold case compliments the blue large square alligator leather strap. The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Art Cobra is a collector’s piece that is sure to turn heads. Stay up to date with more news on the newest release from Jacob & Co. by clicking the link below. Shop Jacob & Co.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 06, 2020

Best Luxury Watches of 2020

Welcome back to your best resource for exotic cars, luxury real estate, and watches. After an intense office poll, here are our choices for the best watches of the year. Tell us your favorite timepiece in the comments below. Ulysse Nardin Blast The first thing you’ll notice about this watch is the amount of transparency is offers. The open-worked body is made possible thanks to the UN-172 movement with the new automatic silicium tourbillon and a three-day power reserve. This movement is housed in an X-shaped cage, similar to the “X” design found in the Diver X, Freak X and Skeleton X. Resting above the X cage is a rectangular frame, a design cue found in many other Ulysse Nardin watches. At the 12 o’clock, the barrel is seen, while the flying tourbillon rests at the 6 o’clock. Shop Now Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Limited Edition Being a bold and sophisticated ode to luxury, every part of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Limited Edition makes a clear statement: that its wearer wants the best a watch can offer. With a tourbillon for unprecedented accuracy, and the luxurious appointments on the wearer’s wrist, in the name of 18K rose gold hardware, and a supple Louisiana Alligator leather strap, there is absolutely nobody that the Tourbillon Limited Edition will fail to impress. And with 70 hours of convenient power reserve, it won’t fail to impress you, either. Shop Now Richard Mille RM 50-04 Tourbillon Kimi Raikkonen Motorsport and luxury watches have had a close relationship for a long time, and the results have been some of the most special timepieces the world has ever seen. The Kimi Raikkonen edition of the Richard Mille RM 50-04 is no different, not only because of its tourbillon, exposed mechanisms, red and white color scheme made to echo Raikkonen’s F1 Alfa Romeo, or its estimated 70 hours of power reserve, but also because it’s a beautiful celebration of an incredible F1 career that’s limited to only 30 units. Shop Now Corum Golden Bridge Luxury watches are designed with mechanical integrity, daring innovation, and striking beauty. The Corum Golden Bridge is a watch that does this flawlessly. Even after 40 years, the design of the Corum Golden Bridge has remained astonishing, featuring a completely see-through case that shows the mechanics of the watch laid out across the middle of the watch, hence the “Golden Bridge” name. All of this is wrapped in opulent 18 karat gold with an alligator leather strap that completes a look that is timelessly and classically luxurious, while also being defiantly modern and innovative. Shop Now Bovet by Pininfarina OttanaSei We know and love Italian design house Pininfarina for things like iconic Ferraris and Maseratis, their own Battista, architectural projects, and even the Freestyle Coca Cola machines restaurants all over the world use every day, so there’s no doubt that Pininfarina knows how to make an impression with design. That said, making an impression is the least that the Bovet by Pininfarina OttanaSei watch did. Its wearer can view the movement from virtually any angle thanks to crystals on the front, back and even sides of the watch, and what isn’t see through on the case of this watch can be titanium or 18 karat gold. This incredible watch won’t be easy to come by, though, as it’s limited to only 86 units. Shop Now Franck Muller Yachting Anchor Skeleton Living up to its name, the Yachting Anchor Skeleton by Franck Muller is a watch whose design and nautical color scheme begs to be near the water. It’s airy skeleton case and wind rose make it clear that this is a watch that is made for ocean going summer days, and the decorative Franck Muller Emblem adorned by laurels right under twelve o’clock, which can also optionally be a power reserve gauge is a welcome luxurious reminder of such a luxurious watch. Shop Now HYT Soonow Drop One For the past eight years, HYT has been known for making watches like the world has never seen before, which use liquid flowing through a tube to display the time. The Soonow Drop One takes that idea and makes it into their most daring and outlandish watch yet, with the green liquid traveling around the watch to make the shape of a skull, against a satin dial that is colored somewhere between blue and purple, with bright orange accents. If off-the-wall and one-of-a-kind is how you like your watches, the Soonow Drop One from HYT is absolutely the timepiece you want. Shop Now MB&F HM10 Bulldog This is where man’s best friend and man’s best accessory meet. A bold look and dependable nature (45 hours of power reserve) give the Bulldog its name, but clever and fun design is what gives the Bulldog its uniqueness and credibility. Unique, easy to read “eyes” stand in for traditional hands, and the domed sapphire crystal helps give the watch its statement appearance. But the most interesting detail in the Bulldog is it’s unorthodox power reserve indicator, which are a set of “jaws” that open when the watch is at full power, and close as the watch loses power. Titanium or 18 karat red gold cases and calf leather straps make it clear that when it comes to luxury, the Bulldog is all bark and all bite, pun intended. Shop Now Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico Magic Gold Hublot and Ferrari are both brands that are known within their industry as strong players and innovators, so it’s no secret that when they come together to make a watch, it will be a watch that innovates and stands out. Even knowing that, there was no way that anybody could see the innovation coming that the Unico Magic Gold brings to the table. Hublot wanted to bring the strength and excellent craftsmanship of the inside of their Unico watch to the outside, so what they did was solve an age old problem by making scratch-proof 18 karat gold. With the beauty of a gold case and imperviousness to scratches, Magic Gold might just be the ultimate metal for a watch case. Shop Now Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra Thin For the gentleman on the move, the Patek Philippe Grand Complications is a watch that is purpose-built for traveling. With self winding, up to 52 hours of power reserve, the ability to display the time in two different time zones with day/night indicators, and a 24 hour alarm that uses a traditional hammer and gong and provides a pleasant “ding” once triggered, the Grand Complications is a watch that makes travel less arduous, and more of the elegant and exciting experience it was in years past. Shop Now Patek Philippe Grand Complications For the gentleman on the move, the Patek Philippe Grand Complications is a watch that is purpose-built for traveling. With self-winding, up to 52 hours of power reserve, the ability to display the time in two different time zones with day/night indicators, and a 24 hour alarm that uses a traditional hammer and gong and provides a pleasant “ding” once triggered, the Grand Complications is a watch that makes travel less arduous, and more of the elegant and exciting experience it was in years past. Shop Now If you like to take your time underwater, we also have the Top 10 Luxury Diving Watches for Summer 2020. Stay with us for the latest in watches, and we'll have new models to choose from next.....time!

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2020

Omega Announces The Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50t...

To most people, Snoopy is viewed as an animated beagle that plays a key role in the comic strip Peanuts. Watch enthusiasts view the character in a different light, as a staple part of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Collection. Omega watches that have featured the comic style beagle in the past have gone on to be some of the most sought-after pieces that the Swiss watch company has released. Omega has announced the release of the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50 Anniversary, commemorating the watch’s vital support during the rescue of Apollo 13. The Speedmaster features a 42mm case, with a silver and blue color combination on the chronograph style dial. Snoopy is seen on the 9 o’clock sub-dial, as well as the beautifully designed back case. The matching blue strap is made from coated nylon, ensuring comfortable wear. The Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary is available by clicking the link below. Shop Now " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 05, 2020

The New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Is An Actual Work Of Art

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 is a unique example that differentiates itself from the classic design of models such as the Royal Oak. The new Grand Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie exemplifies bespoke enamel dials handcrafted by Anita Porchet and her atelier. Inside the 41mm white gold case, the timepiece is driven by the Audemars Piguet 2956 Calibre and protected by a double curved sapphire crystal. A 48-hour power reserve paired with a 20-meter water resistance makes the new Code 11.59 a daily wearable timepiece. The bracelet is present as a matching blue hand-stitched square scale alligator strap with an 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grand Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie is limited to five pieces and will surely turn heads. Enquire about the newest edition to the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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