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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 09, 2021

Patek Philippe Releases Three New Timepieces To Its Twent...

For all watch enthusiasts, Patek Philippe positions itself as one of the leaders in the art of traditional watchmaking. Therefore, any model released by the luxury brand is considered to be of the highest quality and a future collector’s example. Patek Philippe is proud to announce the addition of three new watches to its Twenty-4 Collection. The first two Patek Philippe watches take form as a Ref. 7300/1200, a 36mm traditional time and date fitted with a self-winding mechanical movement. The highlight of the design lies in the diamond-set bezel, which incorporates 160 precious stones to illuminate the dial. A transparent sapphire crystal back case allows for a closer look at the inner workings of Patek Philippe. The Patek Philippe Ref. 7300/1200 is available in stainless-steel with an olive-green dial or 18k rose gold with a sunburst rose gold dial. The final new release from Patek Philippe is the Ref. 4910/1201R Quartz, a small scale 30mm square style watch made from 18k rose gold. Just as the previous models include precious stones, the case features 34 set diamonds. The sunburst chocolate dial illuminates the time only function from the Quartz movement, which holds a 3-year battery life and 30-meter water resistance. The Patek Philippe Ref. 4910/1201R is currently available through an authorized dealer. Click on the link below for more information on the three new watch releases from Patek Philippe. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Corum Watches Introduces A New Bubble 47 Chronograph

Now more than ever, watch manufacturers are finding ways to differentiate themselves in a world with countless companies making the traditional timekeeping tool. Corum is a brand that prides itself on thinking outside the box when designing a new model. The thought went into the making of the original Bubble Chronograph in 2000. The new Corum Bubble 47 Chronograph is one of the most unique watches available for all to wear. It is a bold statement but true statement, considering the iconic sapphire-domed watch now comes in 42mm, 47mm, and 52mm for all to enjoy. The PVD treated titanium case features a slightly lighter colored dial with vibrant red sub-dial hands. An in-house CO 771 movement drives the Bubble 47 Chronograph, delivering a 55-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. A comfortable vulcanized rubber strap and matching PVD Titanium pin buckle tie the style together. The Corum Bubble 47 Chronograph is currently available through an authorized dealer by clicking the link below. Shop Corum Watches For more Watch news, Check out Ulysse Nardin Unveils A Diamond Set Skeleton X Sparkling Collection

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 08, 2021

Ulysse Nardin Unveils A Diamond Set Skeleton X Sparkling ...

The Skeleton X Collection by Ulysse Nardin incorporates the beauty behind the mechanism that drives the watch. Ulysse Nardin is proud to announce the Skeleton X Sparkling, a 42mm traditional model design featuring diamonds set within the bezel and dial. The case options available are 18K Rose Gold and Titanium, both of which are paired with matching UN-371 movement components. Although the Skeleton X Sparkling appears as formal wear, Ulysse Nardin equipped the special edition with a 96-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. After choosing between a dark and light case color, the watch is complemented with a black or white large scale alligator leather strap and matching clasp. The Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X Sparkling 42mm Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer by clicking the link below. Shop Now For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2021

Discover Roger Dubuis x Pirelli Excalibur Spider Flying T...

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur collection features a lineup of uniquely designed timepieces styled to turn heads. The Swiss watch manufacturer is taken the Excalibur to the next level by using a complex tourbillon movement to keep time at the highest functioning level. In partnership with Pirelli, Roger Dubuis is proud to release the Excalibur Spider Flying Tourbillon. The inspiration behind the watch collaboration is to create something that defies all odds using premium materials and state-of-the-art technology. The 39mm titanium case features a honeycomb transparent dial, allowing owners to see directly through its housing. The skeleton flying tourbillon presented as a hand-wound mechanical movement holds a power reserve of 60-hours. When it comes to the band, Roger Dubuis enlisted help from Pirelli tires to help create a stylish yet comfortable strap using the Cinturato tire pattern on the inside. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flying Tourbillon Collection features three unique styles available starting at $159,500. For more Watch news, Check out H. Moser & Cie. Release A $30,800 Smartwatch-Inspired Timepiece

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By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2021

Omega Unveils The Seamaster Diver 300M "Beijing 2022" Oly...

As the official timekeeper of the Olympic Winter Games Bejing 2022, Omega is preparing for the global event with a special-edition watch. The Seamaster Diver 300M “Beijing 2022” Special Edition features a 42 mm case crafted from stainless steel and includes a unique grade 5 titanium bezel ring with a 60-minute diving scale. The sun-brush dial features laser-engraved waves along with Super-LumiNova indexes and hands. As a special tribute to Beijing 2022, there are five special minute-markers at 2H, 4H, 8H, 10H, and 12H, with each one created in the five colors of the iconic Olympic Rings. On the backcase is an engraving indicating the 30th occasion with the Beijing 2022 Olympic logo in polished steel. As we think back to past Olympic edition examples, it is easy to see that this will be a collector’s example for any watch enthusiast. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Beijing 2020” will be available through an authorized dealer this time next year, just in time for the sport-focused festivities. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2021

H. Moser & Cie. Release A $30,800 Smartwatch-Inspired Tim...

As the market for smartwatches increases in popularity, traditional timepiece manufacturers have focused resources towards creating their own luxury versions. H. Moser & Cie. is proud to release the Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade. A 44mm traditional timepiece disguised as a smartwatch. To the naked eye, the watch looks as if it is stuck on a momentary loading screen when it actually functions as a second counter while mechanical hands display the time. A hand-wound HMC 324 movement drives the one-of-a-kind watch, viewed through a transparent backcase. The sleek black scheme flows to a matching hand-stitched black alligator leather strap and steel pin buckle. The H. Moser & Cie. Swiss Alp Watch Final Upgrade is limited to 50 pieces and currently available for $30,800. For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Koenigsegg Agera X Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon H. Moser & Cie.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2021

Porsche x TAG Heuer Begin New Partnership With A Special ...

Throughout motorsport history, both Porsche and TAG Heuer have embedded their successful brands as iconic names in the industry. The dynamic duo is proud to announce a strategic partnership. The first step is an unveiling of the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph, a luxury hand-made timepiece sporting both racing icons. The 44mm stainless-steel chronograph features a black bezel reading Porsche in a vibrant red color. The HEUER02 automatic movement drives the watch, providing an 80-hour power reserve. A transparent back case is engraved to signify the new relationship using Porsche and TAG Heuer logos. The new timepiece is just a small look into what Porsche and TAG Heuer have planned for the new year with talks of entering other areas such as Formula E and the PGA. The TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph is currently available by clicking the link below. For more Watch news, Check out New Trafford Watch Co. S.O.E Roadster Collection Inspired By Historic Le Mans Race Shop Porsche x TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2021

New Trafford Watch Co. S.O.E Roadster Collection Inspired...

Timepieces created with inspiration from the timeline of automotive racing hold a special place for motorsport and watch enthusiasts. Trafford Watch Company instills the milestones of endurance racing into each piece of its S.O.E Roadster Collection. The drivers and vehicle design aspects from the earliest 24-hour Le Mans races are incorporated into Trafford Watch Co. Chronographs. The S.O.E Roadster Collection pays homage to winning drivers like William Grover-Williams, Jean-Pierre Wimille, and Richard Benoist. The Trafford Watch Company S.O.E Collection will release in March 2021. For more Watch news, Check out 2021 Rolex 24-Hour Daytona Winners Awarded Rolex Daytona Cosmographs

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases A Piece Unique Astronomia Art Panda ...

In the watch world, the term “Panda” commonly refers to the iconic Rolex Daytona featured in a classic white and black reference. Jacob & Co. recently took Panada very literally with its newest addition to the Astronomia Art Collection. The luxury timepiece is inspired by the protected species of giant pandas, using quality materials to piece together the vision. The 50mm gold case displays a detailed family of 3D designed pandas in a habitat of baguette diamonds and fine one-piece precious stones representing bamboo. The Astronomia Art Panda is powered by a manual-winding JCAM movement, holding a power reserve of 60-hours. A large-scale black alligator strap and matching gold clasp finish the elegant style of the Astronomia Art. The piece unique Jacob & Co Panda Astronomia Art is currently available through the authorized dealer. For more Watch news, check out The 10 Best Products To Start And Maintain A Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2021

Lionel Messi Joins Jacob & Co. For An Epic X Chrono Messi...

Traditionally, the timepieces released by Jacob & Co. consist of meticulously detailed works of art complete with complicated movements. These are examples that are worn during formal occasions and locked away for future events until now. Jacob & Co is proud to announce its new Epic X Chrono Collection in collaboration with professional soccer star Lionel Messi. The performance-driven Epic X Chrono is marketed as a high-end lifestyle watch that can endure daily activities, whether that be a casual day of work or playing in front of a crowd of screaming fans. Although the collection is considered a functional piece, Jacob & Co. focused on incorporating luxury aspects throughout the design using precious metals and stones. Along with Lionel Messi’s home country color scheme, case options include titanium, rose gold, white gold/titanium/baguette, and full baguette. The 47mm Epic X Chrono features a blue mineral crystal dial driven by a skeleton column-wheel bi-compax chronograph movement, which holds a power reserve of 48-hours. On the case back, Lionel Messi's signature is engraved to signify the special collaboration. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Collection is currently available with pricing accessible through the dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Lionel Messi Car Collection Image Source: Jacob & Co.

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