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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

Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP in white gold and in carbon ceramic

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 10, 2020

Hublot Celebrates Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix Wi...

Sunday, September 13th will mark a special milestone, the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team will be celebrating its 1000th Grand Prix appearance. The event will take place at the Mugello Circuit in Italy, which makes the occasion that much more special. In good fashion, the team over at Hublot has planned to release a timepiece that will commemorate this achievement. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP will be available in two versions that will be limited to 20 pieces each. The more sophisticated style includes a polished white gold 45mm case paired with mixed black rubber and tan leather strap. The track-ready version features a 45mm carbon-ceramic case with a black rubber and leather strap. The skeleton sapphire dial allows viewing the inner workings of Hublot’s HUB1243 Unico movement that holds a 72-hour power reserve. What can be seen on the dial is the proudly placed prancing horse. The backing will match the dial and include the engravings "1000GP" and “Limited Edition x/20” to signify the celebration. Each timepiece will be delivered with a presentation box that holds a watch winding rotor, as well as a pair of driving gloves signed by Charles LeClerc and Sebastian Vettel. For the collector who wishes to obtain both versions of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000, they will receive a double watch rotor, two travel pouches, and a glass display for the signed driving gloves. An accomplishment of this caliber deserves recognition. There is no better way than celebrating with a luxury commemorative timepiece. To enquire on the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari 1000 GP, click the links below. Enquire Now Enquire Now

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2020

New Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Blast Contains 211 Diamonds

Just one week after Ulysse Nardin unveiled the new Blast collection,m they are back again to blow us all away with yet another introduction. This time, however, the Blast is back but in a much more luminous fashion. Introducing the new Sparkling Blast. The inspiration of this watch, according to Ulysse Nardin, was to create "a talking timepiece that lands into a conversation like an atomic bomb, creating shockwaves of cracked diamonds in its cosmic setting." Within this watch are a total of 211 diamonds, for a total weight of 13 carats. To accomplish the mosaic-like appearance of the Sparkling Blast, Ulysse Nardin has placed these hand-cut by employing an "invisible setting. This process means that the artisans at Ulysse Nardin created hidden structures that hold each diamond, making them appear as if they're floating on the watch. In fact, this is the first time that Ulysse Nardin has utilized this process for placing diamonds. You can find these brilliant diamonds on the bezels, horns, and even the self-deploying buckle. Powering the Sparkling Blast is the UN-172 movement, just like the original Blast watches. This movement comes with a micro-rotor in platinum, 25 jewels, and a 72 hour power reserve. Ulysse Nardin has also equipped this timepiece with a 2.5 Hz Silicium flying automatic tourbillon. It's also rated for 50-meter water resistance. There will be two separate versions of the Sparkling Blast. The first is the white gold version with a white rubber strap, while the second is in white gold with a deep blue, alligator strap. Each model is limited to just three examples, meaning there will be six created in total. That's quite the exclusive timepiece. Its price is set at 410,000 CHF, which equates to roughly $450,000 USD. For more information, be sure to click the button below to visit Ulysse Nardin's website. Visit Ulysse-Nardin.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Eberhard & Co. Announces Commemorative Alfa Romeo Watch

Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 110-year anniversary this year with a winning list of historical races and achievements. Eberhard & Co. has appointed itself the honor of creating a commemorative piece honoring the Italian car manufacturer. Both manufacturers share common pasts being that they are viewed as pioneers of their industries. This makes for the perfect pair when designing a watch with so much history behind it. The Alfa Romeo 110th Anniversary Chronograph will be limited to 110 pieces. The 43mm case is made from steel and is water resistant to 99 feet. The timepiece is driven by a self-winding calibre 13 ¼” 8102 featuring a skeleton back plate to view the complex inner workings. An Alfa Romeo logo in the will be etched in the center of the sapphire crystal. Each Chronograph will include an inscribed backing to signify the 110th Anniversary as well as the individual numbering of each piece. The strap will be made from leather appeared on the inside for wrist comfort. The outer portion being nylon with contrast stitching and a hit of red thread to bring it all together. The timepiece will be available for the price of $6,250 with the possibility to request a specific numbered piece. Learn more about the timepiece and reserve one by clicking the link below to contact Eberhard & Co. Contact Eberhard & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Porsche x TAG Heuer "The Longest Night" Short Film

Porsche Motorsports released a new video titled “The Longest Night”. Porsche had partnered with TAG Heuer to celebrate its 160-year anniversary using the original racing chronograph as the tool behind the wheel. The video portrays the night portion of an endurance race which seems to be the period when time starts to blend as the driver is corning no slower than when the sun was up. Porsche features the factory RSR racecar as well as cameos from the 991 and 992 generation fleet. The original racing chronograph was originally released in 1963 and has continued to be reimagined to stay current within the racing world. Cheers to TAG Heuer on 160-years of crafting fine timepieces! " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2020

Zenith Releases DEFY Black and White Edition

Zenith recently unveiled a new special edition to the DEFY model in a simplistic and atheistically pleasing way. The company has created examples in the past using an array of colors. The newest addition to the Zenith DEFY line-up is presented in a contemporary black and white color option. The colors evenly circulated throughout the watch face and bracelet make it eye capturing. Zenith refers to the 44mm chronograph as the DEFY El Primero 21 Black and White Edition. It features a skeleton dial exposing the inner workings of Zenith’s El Primero movement that holds a 50-hour power reserve. 10-meter water resistance makes this incredibly clean watch a little more functional for daily use. The three subdials that seem to blend into the clear dial include a 30-minute counter, a 60-second counter, and a power-reserve indication as functions for the watch. The strap is crafted from rubber for a more comfortable daily wear. A matching white layer stitched on the outer portion. The Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Black and White Edition is currently available for the price of $13,600 with an available DEFY Classic version for $8,200 and can be found on Zenith’s website. Shop Now

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By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2020

Audemars Piguet's New Limited Edition Royal Oak

When discussing the topic of fine hand-crafted timepieces, the immediate thought of Audemars Piguet comes to mind. The Swiss watch manufacturer is responsible for creating some of the most sophisticated sought-after watches on the market. Although Audemars Piguet’s collections range depending on functions and intended use, the most popular line up is the Royal Oak. The variations behind the Royal Oak can be as simple as a time-only dial, while others can be complex works of art using skeleton faces with quad subdials. Audemars Piguet has just announced the release of a Limit Edition Royal Oak to which only 100 examples will be assembled. The luxury timepiece is a 38mm chronograph. The case and bracelet are made entirely from 18-carat white gold. The dial will feature the infamous Audemars Piguet “Grande Tapisserie” pattern using light and dark blue colors. The Royal Oak is powered by the self-winding calibre 2385 with a power reserve of 40 hours and 50-meter water resistance. The newest Limited-Edition Royal Oak will set you back $59,000, but if acquired will forever be an admired example by Audemars Piguet. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2020

Rolex Unveils New Submariner Collection

The Rolex Submariner is just as iconic as the brand itself and has been only growing in popularity since the collection first released in 1954. The watch originated as a diver’s tool is now being enjoyed by individuals of all different backgrounds. Over the years, many different renditions and color options have been introduced to the submariner family, creating an entire following of enthusiasts. Rolex is proud to announce to those faithful admirers the all-new Submariner Collection. To the naked eye, the new models are perceived as original and even a blast from the past referring to the available color options. A closer look will uncover that thought. Behind the case and throughout the timepiece Rolex has made some subtle changes to improve the Submariner. Starting with the physical size, the submariner is now sized at 41mm instead of the previous 40 mm style. Each model will feature a dial fitted with a luminescent Chromalight, resulting in a glowing display. The no-date model will use Rolex’s newly launched cailbre 3230, while the submariner date models will house the prized 3235 both with 70-hour power reserves. Staying true to the heritage of diving and the fact that it is an underwater tool, the new models will continue to have a water resistance of 300 meters/1000 feet. Variations of the submariner will be presented in oyster steel, gold, and a combination of the two for both the case as well as the flat three linked bracelets. Oyster Steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date The silver oyster steel is the classic and more price-conscious choice when it comes to the new submariner line up. It’s the only model of the three material selections that can be offered in a no-date option. All dials will be offered with an elegant black dial and the availability to choose either a matching black or a green ceramic bezel. Learn More Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date When it comes to the more precious metals, the Rolex Submariner will be offered in both white and yellow gold. The white gold model features an elegant black dial surrounded by a blue ceramic bezel. The yellow gold models are complemented with either a blue or black matching dial and bezel set. Learn More Oystersteel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date If one cannot decide on either oystersteel or yellow gold, Rolex offers the best of both worlds with two incredible variations. An oystersteel flat three linked bracelet is parted down the middle with center linked made from polished yellow gold. The touches of yellow gold make its way throughout the watch to highlight the details such as the self-winding crown, bezel, and dial. Color options for the oystersteel and gold will include either blue or black matching dial and bezel. Learn More

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2020

IWC Schaffhausen Virtual Headquarters Tour is Going to be...

IWC Schaffhausen is offering an unprecedented look at their headquarters thanks to a newly announced virtual experience. This new virtual tour experience will take enthusiasts throughout their headquarters, including their museum and manufacturing center. The most interesting feature has to be heir "Cyberloupe" technology. Through this tech, viewers can actually stream a watchmaker's viewpoint in real-time, thanks to a special magnifying glass that has an integrated camera. There is so much to be seen in this incredible virtual tour, so be sure to check them out on IWC.com when they launch on September 28th. “With these newly developed virtual tours, visitors will go on an interactive, personalized and memorable journey of discovery, bringing them as close as possible to our home in Schaffhausen, no matter where they may be. Not only will they gain exciting insights into our history and the complex engineering behind our timepieces, but they will also be immersed into the world of IWC in a completely new way,” says Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. Visit IWC.com

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2020

F.P. Journe Continues Tradition With the New Tourbillon S...

François-Paul Journe has made it his life’s work to invent, design, and produce watches that are accurate and distinctive. Since launching his brand in 1999, more than 28 different models have been produced while keeping production at a maximum of 900 watches per year. The first model was a Tourbillon. Twenty years later, F.P.Journe introduced a revolutionary twist on the Tourbillon to celebrate this important milestone. In the new Tourbillon Souverain, the tourbillon is mounted perpendicularly to the rest of the movement, revolving vertically once every 30 seconds. To explain why, François-Paul Journe goes back to the original intent of the tourbillon, to use gravity to keep lubricants mixed inside a watch mechanism. In a pocket watch, a traditional design works well, as the watch is mostly in a vertical position. In a wristwatch, however, the position varies wildly through day to day activities but is more often horizontal than vertical. By turning the entire tourbillon, the new model reimagines the original concept specifically for a wristwatch. It is the piece François-Paul Journe would choose to wear if he were able to meet the legendary 18th Century watchmakers that influence all his work. Like all F.P.Journe watches, the entire watch is hand-assembled by one watchmaker, start to finish, in the heart of Geneva. While most firms have abandoned this technique, the tradition lives on at F.P.Journe to maintain that direct link of craftsmanship between the creator and the wearer. The movement is, like all Classique Collection models, made out of solid 18K rose Gold and cased in platinum or 6N Gold produced by F.P.Journe’s own case manufacturer. Each watch produced by F.P.Journe, from the most simple Chronomètre Souverain to the Astronomic grand complication is produced in this way, with a focus on accuracy, innovation, and unmistakable design. Discover more about the Tourbillon Souverain Collection at FPJourne.com by clicking the button below. Visit FPJourne.com

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By Edward Jones – July 09, 2020

IWC Schaffhausen and Tom Brady Premiere New Short Film

IWC Schaffhausen and Tom Brady have premiered their new short film called "Born of a Dream: A boy from San Mateo." This new short film follows Brady, an IWC brand ambassador, from childhood as he pursues his dream to become a championship-winning quarterback. Spoiler alert: he did become a championship-winning quarterback and then some. It's an awesome story when you consider that Brady was actually selected by the New England Patriots as the 199th overall draft pick back in the 2000 draft. Since then, he has earned six Super Bowl rings and is now at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to fight for his seventh. On top of being a successful quarterback, Brady is also a connoisseur of watches which led him to be a brand ambassador for IWC Schaffhausen back in 2019. Within his collection are multiple pieces from the watchmaker, including the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar. Check out what they have to offer by clicking the button below. Visit IWC.com Source: IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

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