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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 – March 03, 2021

Breitling Pays Tribute To The Royal Air Force Red Arrows ...

Breitling’s vast history of creating watches as tools for military personnel quickly spawned into its category of collectible pieces. The Chronomat collection features military-inspired variations and special editions dedicated to branches such as Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, better known as the Red Arrows. Breitling is proud to announce the release of the limited-edition Chronomat Red Arrows Chronograph, paying tribute to the 30-year partnership. The 42mm stainless-steel watch features an elegant blue dial with the Red Arrows logo stamped proudly in vibrant red below the 12 o’clock indication. The in-house Breitling 01 Mechanical Self-Winding movement drives the Chronomat, which provides a 70-hour power reserve and 200-meter water resistance. The transparent back case features a special commemorative winding rotor and numerical engraving signifying the limited 160-piece release. A matching stainless-steel bracelet completes the military-inspired Chronomat. The limited-edition Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows is currently available through an authorized dealer. " width="680"> For more Breitling news, Check out Discover The Breitling Top Time Dues Limited Edition Watch

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 03, 2021

Discover The New Purnell Escape II Forged Carbon Triple A...

Luxury watch manufacturers tend to continue collections based on popularity and success while improving models using new premium materials. Purnell follows this process with its Escape II Collection, a series of five watches all equipped with the world’s fastest Triple Axis Tourbillon. The watchmaker is proud to announce the release of the Escape II Forged Carbon, its newest version featuring the lightest case material in the industry. The skeletonize case allows for a transparent view of the vibrant green mechanical hand-winding caliber CP03 components. The Purnell Escape II Forged Carbon functions include hour and minute, with power reserve indication via an ingenious suspended mobile cone mainspring sensor. As a limited product example, each Escape II will be individually numbered with an engraving to signify the special edition. The Purnell Escape II Forged Carbon is currently available through an authorized dealer for the price of $470,000. For more Watch news, Check out Discover TAG Heuer’s New Special Edition Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 01, 2021

Discover TAG Heuer's New Special Edition Formula 1 Quartz...

The Formula 1 collection by TAG Heuer incorporates the traditional aspects of a watch as a tool for drivers and team members while using modern design to illustrate the beauty behind each example. The most recent release from TAG Heuer is a limited production model specific to the United Kingdom market. The 43mm Quartz Chronograph features a carbon fiber-textured midnight dial with yellow and red highlights throughout the sub-dials to contrast the design. Inside the stainless-steel case lies TAG Heuer’s Quartz Chronograph movement with hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. The checkered case back is designed using laser etching and features the TAG Heuer logo, signifying the motorsport racing inspiration behind the special edition watch. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph strap comes available in a matching stainless-steel bracelet or a black rubber band with a brushed steel pin buckle. The Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph is currently available from TAG Heuer starting at $1,850. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 x Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 01, 2021

Jacob & Co. Unveils An Exclusive Astronomia Everest Box F...

In the past, we covered the release of the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Everest, an $884,800 timepiece that comes with a Mount Everest expedition with expert climber Johan Ernst Nilson. Jacob & Co. is revisiting the popular collaboration with an accessory to compliment the already exclusive handmade timepiece. Jacob & Co. is proud to announce the release of the Astronomia Everest Box, a case shaped like Mount Everest itself to house the matching special edition watch. From the outside, the watch case is illuminated using the iconic Jacob & Co. logo while highlighting the case shape. Once opened, the Astronomia Everest Box welcomes the owner with an illuminated crystal scene and plaque signifying the collaboration. Along with making it look like the watch was embedded in ice, Jacob & Co. x Johan Ernst Nilson incorporated actual wind noise recorded from the peak of Mount Everest, to play through speakers while the box is open. Although pricing has yet to be released, we believe the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Everest Box is sure to cost just as much as the timepiece itself. https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3BniJlte-/ For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 x Porsche Design 911 GT3 Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2021

The New Grand Seiko SLGH005 Seeks Inspiration From Mother...

It doesn’t always take a million-dollar car or a legendary athlete to derive inspiration for a luxury handmade timepiece. Grand Seiko understands this thought, which is why it looks to mother nature as the creativity for the newest addition to the Heritage Collection. The Grand Seiko SLGH005 captures the dynamism of the white birch tree forests near the studio in Shizukuishi, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are crafted. The 40mm stainless-steel watch features a gloss dial with a linear pattern, representing the appearance of the white birch tree, while the only other focus is the date indicator. The high-beat watch is powered by the revolutionary Caliber 9SA5, which offers a power reserve of 80 hours thanks to its enhanced energy efficiency. A matching stainless-steel band and three-fold clasp complete the simplistic design of the Grand Seiko SLGH005. This example by Grand Seiko only further proves that inspiration for exquisite pieces can be found no further than someone's backyard. For more Watch news, Check out Greubel Forsey Unveil Its New Titanium And Blue GMT Quadruple Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2021

Greubel Forsey Unveil Its New Titanium And Blue GMT Quadr...

In the world of watches, grand complications equipped with Tourbillon movements sit at the top of the list for luxury hand-made timepieces. This is a statement that Swiss watchmaker Greubel Forsey knows all too well, as they continue to add to its GMT Quadruple Tourbillon Collection. Greubel Forsey is proud to announce the reveal of its Titanium and Blue GMT Quadruple Tourbillon, a 46.5mm titanium timepiece with enough timekeeping technology to acquire three patents for the movement alone. Underneath the elegant sapphire crystal, the dial houses a multitude of mechanisms, including two synchronized Double Tourbillons and a rotating terrestrial globe. Along with the ability to easily set to multiple timezones, the new Greubel Forsey GMT displays 24 major cities and an accurate scale for the 72-hour power reserve. A matching blue rubber strap and titanium clasp help tie together the earth and sea inspiration behind the piece. The Greubel Forsey Titanium and Blue GMT Quadruple Tourbillon is currently available and limited to 11 pieces as part of the collection. For more Watch news, Check out Hublot Gets Colorful With Its New Big Bang MP11 Rainbow Carbon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 25, 2021

IWC Unveils An Exclusive Pilot's Watch Chronograph Editio...

In the world of watches, timeless design is a frequently used term, as some of the most well-known brands continue to reinvent classic models using updated components and technology. IWC Schaffhausen is at the forefront of classic watch design with its military-inspired collection of pilot watches like the legendary Ceramic Flieger Chronograph from 1994. As a tribute, IWC announced the release of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705”. The all-black 41mm Ceranium case features a matching gloss dial and contrasting white indicators. A Caliber Family 69000 self-winding automatic movement powers the IWC, holding a 46-hour power reserve and 6-bar water resistance. The back case features numerical engravings to indicate the production number of the 1,000 examples produced, as well as “Tribute to 3705” to pay homage to the original timepiece. A black calfskin strap completes the stealth look while adding a sense of comfort as it is intended to be worn as a daily piece. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph “Tribute to 3705” is currently available via waitlist through an authorized dealer for the price of $11,900. For more watch news, Check out Ulysse Nardin Unveils An Exclusive Diamond-Covered Sparkling Free Wheel

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 24, 2021

Ulysse Nardin Unveils An Exclusive Diamond-Covered Sparkl...

Ulysse Nardin continues to push the boundaries of timepiece design and performance through its vast collection of luxury examples. The Swiss watchmaker is taking things a step further with the new Sparkling Free Wheel, a pavé stone-covered masterpiece limited to only eight pieces. The 44mm case is designed to highlight the inner workings of the UN-176 movement, capable of holding a 7-day power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The complete construction of the dial entails 2,251 precious stones (5.90 carats) and 120-hours of meticulous work. The transparent back case features numbered engravings to signify the production number of each example. The Ulysse Nardin Sparkling FreeWheel features a carbon-touch black alligator band with a clasp also set with diamonds using the snow setting technique. Learn more about the exclusive Sparkling Free Wheel and shop all timepieces from Ulysse Nardin by clicking the link below. Shop Ulysse Nardin For more Watch news, Check out Safely Store Your Bitcoin With Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 23, 2021

Safely Store Your Bitcoin With Franck Muller's Vanguard E...

The stock market continues to headline daily news, as cryptocurrency is the talk of financial analysts and newcomers in investing. Bitcoin is the most well-known, with people from all corners of the world wanting a piece of the trillion-dollar market cap. Luxury watch manufacturer Franck Mueller is an early pioneer for creating a timepiece that doubles as a virtual wallet for the owner’s bitcoin. The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto Collection was originally released in June 2019, when Bitcoin was valued at around $12,000 per coin. The collection features twelve 45mm renditions, all of which include a laser-etched QR code on the dial that links directly to a virtual wallet where Bitcoins can be deposited and checked. Along with the ability to safely store investments, the Franck Muller Vanguard uses an in-house movement to accurately hold time using state-of-the-art technology. To allow this secure process, a sealed USB stick is included with the watch to store the private key. Even almost two years later, the price per coin is valued almost 5x more than when Franck Muller released the Vanguard Encrypto Collection. For more Watch news, Check out Discover The Breitling Top Time Dues Limited Edition Watch

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 23, 2021

Discover The Breitling Top Time Dues Limited Edition Watch

The fact that watches are reimagined in countless ways by luxury manufacturers makes it easy for us to forget the reason behind a timepiece. A tool originated to keep time continues to be reinvented using state-of-the-art technology to complete various functions. Breitling is a brand that continues to reinvent while staying true to its roots in traditional watchmaking. The all-new Top Time Deus Limited Edition represents the collaboration between Breitling and Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, a dedicated motorcycle and surf outfitter. The stainless-steel 41mm chronograph is designed using vintage 1960s styling that appeals to anyone looking for the freedom to explore the world in their own way. Each of the 1,500 limited pieces is driven by the Breitling Caliber 23 Chronometer, capable of holding a 48-hour power reserve. The special collaboration is commemorated with a special motorcycle engraving on the back case, while each watch is number according to production. The watch is created to be worn as a functional daily tool, standing up to all conditions while providing accurate performance. Completing the vintage appearance, Breitling x Deus Ex Machina include a light brown calfskin leather strap and matching stainless-steel buckle. The Breitling Top Time Deus Limited Edition further proves that luxury watches can continue to serve as reliable tools for all. For more Watch news, Check out Hodinkee x TAG Heuer Release The Limited Edition Carrera ‘Dato’ Chronograph

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