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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 20, 2020

The New Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock

The Laureato Absolute Collection by luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Girard-Perregaux has been a highlighted model for the company since 1975. The most recent release from Girard-Perregaux is the Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock. The watch features a 44mm case made of a mixture of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Once shaped, it begins to take on a dark matte texturized look. The idea behind the design of the watch is to create strength while making it comfortable and lightweight. The GP03300 self-winding mechanical movement drives the Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock, which provides a 46-hour power reserve and a 5 atm water resistance. The band continues to keep a dark modern style with a color-matched rubber strap and Titanium PVD folding buckle. The newest addition to the Girard-Perregaux collection is limited to 100 pieces and is now available for $16,900. Shop the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Girard-Perregaux Instagram Source: Girard-Perregaux Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

Makes and Movements: Ferrari F8 Tributo x Hublot Big Bang...

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. Our new special 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. 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Ferrari and Hublot have a very close relationship. Where Formula 1 Ferrari Team drivers are sporting timepieces with the prancing horse proudly displayed on the dials. The new Ferrari F8 Tributo is described by the Italian manufacturer as a “celebration of excellence”. Ferrari released the newly designed supercar with the intent that the body's aerodynamics compliments the performance of the 710-horsepower 8-cylinder twin-turbo motor. This paired with the newest dynamic control technology makes for a more enjoyable driving experience. The Side Slip Control system is the extra bit of reassurance that allows the F8 Tributo to be pushed to its limits both on and off track. For the days that it makes an appearance on the track, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer system has the ability to be present while the vehicle is in race mode. Inside the Ferrari F8 Tributo, is an entirely redesigned cockpit. The standard seats have been constructed to enhance a driver-oriented style with a variety of material and color options. The classic Ferrari steering wheel has also been altered with newly mounted controls ensuring that hands never leave the wheel. Although Ferrari represents itself as a driver's experience, they have not left out the individuals that are enjoying the passenger seat. The F8 Tributo features an optional new 7-inch infotainment display, giving some control to the passenger while experiencing the performance of the new Italian supercar. The Ferrari configurator allows the F8 Tributo to be customized exactly to the liking of each potential buyer. The wide array of exterior color codes and interior options allow the potential to create a vehicle that will match one of Hublot's Big Bang Ferrari Edition watches. Why To Buy The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is a great buy for anyone looking for a supercar that balances performance, comfort, and styling. It combines high horsepower with the technological advancements to correct and assist the driver at any moment, making the F8 Tributo effortless to operate. The design of each vehicle is tailored to the customer's wants and needs ensuring a premium buying experience. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is the supercar with space and ability to enjoy as a daily driven vehicle. Shop All Ferrari F8 Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico 1000 GP Hublot offers a wide variety of timepieces in their collection differing in styles and functions. The most popular model being the Hublot Big Bang, which has been cast using various materials and colors. The Swiss watch manufacturer's special partnership with Ferrari has resulted in some pretty incredible collaboration projects, one being the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico 1000 GP. A watch that pays homage to team Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th grand prix appearance. It seems to be the perfect example to pair with the new 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo. The 45mm case that houses the Unico movement comes in different materials and colors to match perfectly to a spec of the all-new Italian supercar. The common goal between the two manufacturers is to save weight to compliment the performance of each product, which is why Hublot has engineered the Big Bang using titanium resulting in effortless wear. Looking down at the dial can be a similar experience to observing the F8 Tributo gauges with the added function of a second timer to track lap times. Comfort is key when it comes to both timepieces as well as supercars. There are noticeable similarities between the Ferrari F8 Tributo interior and the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico. Hublot's strap is created using Alcantara just as the new Ferrari sports seats feature with the added detail of contrast stitching to bring the design together. The purpose of the Hublot is to have a balanced experience of both style and performance, a similar mantra that goes into the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Shop the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico Collection and view the current inventory of Ferrari F8 Tributo's by clicking the links below. Why To Buy Hublot has a one of a kind partnership with Ferrari that separates them from all other watch manufacturers. The brand can collaborate with the most well-known supercar manufacturer to produce limited-edition examples considered to be collector pieces. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico collection is exactly that, a limited edition production that celebrates Ferrari, as well as their achievements in motorsports. The watches are made with the intention of daily use for the customer always in mind. Shop Hublot's Ferrari Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2020

The New Shinola Ice Monster Watch Finds Inspiration From ...

Shinola watches are more than just a tool for someone’s wrist. Each piece crafted, expressing a story that ties into the vision behind the design. The newest addition to the Shinola line-up is the Ice Monster Automatic, a 43mm diver’s watch inspired by the ice age. Strength is portrayed by using titanium throughout the Shinola Ice Monster, which also provides light-weight comfortable wear. The black bezel and glossy white dial give off a simplistic appearance allowing the watch to be dressed up or down. An SW200-1 Automatic Movement drives the Shinola Ice Monster, and a 30 ATM water resistance makes it a fully functioning diver’s tool. The Shinola Ice Monster Automatic watch is currently available for the price of $1,675. Shop the newest addition from Shinola by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – October 16, 2020

New Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon by Jacob & Co. is Mesmerizing

The watch community recently was introduced to some remarkable timepieces created by Jacob & Co., including the $1 million-dollar Twin Turbo Furious “La Montre Noire” Bugatti Edition. The New York City based watch maker announced the release of a new collection collaborating once again with the hyper car manufacturer. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon collection features three unique styles of the complex design that incorporates the latest technology in watch making. The 44mm case and transparent dial emulates the engine housing of a Bugatti Chiron, showcasing the inner workings of the tourbillon. An array of precious metals and materials make up collection, utilizing the weight savings and extra strength for a more functional timepiece. The collection is presented in Sapphire Crystal, Matte Black Titanium, and Matte Silver Titanium. Shop the limited-edition Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Collection by clicking the link below. Visit JacobAndCo.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2020

The New TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Collection Celebrates 160...

TAG Heuer is celebrating the 160th anniversary of operating as an industry leader in luxury watch manufacturing. A special edition Carrera collection commemorates the milestone. The TAG Heuer Carrera 160th Anniversary is a sports chronograph with a 44mm stainless steel case. A Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic movement drives the watch with an 80-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The new release incorporates a thinner mechanism, which results in more comfortable wear for the customer. The case back is transparent, allowing for a closer look at the inner workings of the Carrera. A design showcasing the 160 years of the avant-garde is etched into the case back along with the numeric signifying the limited-edition piece. The special edition Carrera with be available in a blue and black option with red accents, both of which will be limited to 1860 examples. Shop the TAG Heuer Carrera Sports Chronograph 160th Anniversary watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now

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

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