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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2020

Girard-Perregaux Releases New Laureato Absolute Light

Girard-Perregaux has added a new piece to their Laureato Absolute collection. Meet the new Laureato Absolute Light. This new timepiece is limited to just 88 pieces and it's a watch that will surely be noticed by all around it. This new watch features an octagonal mainplate, a first in the collection. The 44mm case itself is made of sapphire and titanium, giving it a transparent property that's truly stunning. Inside the case is skeletonized GP01800 movement, which can actually be seen through the case. For more information on the Laureato collection, click here. Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Edward Jones – February 03, 2020

New Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech™ is Bright and Light

Giovanni Panerai opened up his watchmaker shop in Florence, Italy back in the 1860s. Now, over a century later, Panerai the brand is still making watches. The brand is also pushing boundaries like they did with their timepieces for the Royal Italian Navy in the 1990s. A perfect example of this is their new Luminor Marina Carbotech™ watch. This new 44mm watch is both light and bright thanks to two specific features. First is the blue Super-LumiNova™ markings that make reading the time as easy as can be. Then there's the Carbotech™ case that's both light and resilient -- the watch weighs just 96 grams. For more information, click here. " width="680"> Source: Panerai

Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45

By Edward Jones – January 27, 2020

Breitling Introduces the Navitimer B03 Chronograph

Just introduced by Breitling is the new Navitime B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45, a stunning new addition to their collection of timepieces. At the heart of this new watch is Breitling's Manufacture Caliber B03, which includes a split-second movement known as "rattrapante." This allows the wearer to record multiple times thanks to two seconds hands that can start at the same time but end at different times. The new Navitimer B03 Chronograph is housed in a 45mm, 18k red gold case with a Stratos Gray dial. Breitling also included a bidirectional rotating bezel. On the face, you may notice a difference between this watch and other Navitimers. Normally, Navitimers have a "B" logo and anchor symbol on the chronograph hands. Because this watch has a rattrapante movement, the "B" and anchor are actually located on each of the seconds hands. Source: Breitling

By Edward Jones – January 23, 2020

URWERK UR-100 GunMetal Announced

Before we had the ability to easily tell time and the date on watches, phones, clock, etc., we had to look to the sun and stars. URWERK has an entire collection of watches that they note is dedicated to "our spinning journey around the sun." The new UR-100 GunMetal is URWERK's new addition to this collection. This new watch has a number of features that are dedicated to Earth's journey around the sun. For example, when the minutes hand has completed its 60-minute journey, it will reappear on a 20-minute scale of 555 milometers. Why so specific? Because this is the distance traveled in 20 minutes if you happen to be standing on the equator. Now that's interesting. To learn more, click here. Source: URWERK

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2020

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10 Announced

Hublot has announced the new Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10, a fusion of the Meca-10 calibre with a 10-day reserve and Spirit of Big Bang design. The very popular Meca-10 calibre was reworked in order for it to be combined with the Spirit of Big Bang 45 mm collection. Hublot is launching this new watch with three different versions: titanium, black ceramic and King Gold alloy. "As the first fusion between our popular Meca-10 calibre manufacture and the iconic Spirit of Big Bang design, this new watch—with an extraordinary power reserve of 10 days that is displayed in an innovative way—completes a collection that is gaining importance at Hublot." -Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot The Big Bang Meca-10 comes with all the features you'd expect from a watch in the Big Bang collection in a barrel shape. In order to fit the Meca-10 calibre, the engineers had to revise the entire construction of the movement so it could not only fit comfortably in the new case but also harmoniously in a design aspect. The result is a stunning new addition to Hublot incredible line of timepieces. Prices are as follows: $23,100 for the titanium version, $27,300 for the black ceramic version and $44,100 for the King Gold version. Learn more by clicking here. Source: Hublot

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2020

TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition Introd...

TAG Heuer has just released the Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition to celebrate their 160th anniversary. It was just about 60 years ago that the first Heuer Carrera chronographs were produced and sent out into the world. These watches were named after the Carrera Panamericana, a race that has been regarded as one of the most dangerous races in the world. Now, TAG Heuer is releasing the Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition is a stainless-steel chronograph that's very similar to its predecessor. There are a few differences, however. The timepiece is now 39 mm instead of 36mm and the permanent second indicator is at 6 o'clock instead of 9 o'clock. As for movement, that's provided by the Heuer 02. This movement includes 168 components and a power reserve of 80 hours. For more information, click here. Source: Tag Heuer

By Edward Jones – January 14, 2020

Hublot Reveals Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic

Hublot has just announced the new Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic timepiece, which features their exclusive red ceramic. This ceramic, which is protected by three patents, is exclusive to Hublot. Before Hublot developed and produced this ceramic, only black and white ceramics had been used in watchmaking. This watch comes with a power reserve of two weeks thanks to the seven visible barrels. As for its mechanics, it utilizes the Hublot calibre HUB9011 manual-winding skeletonized movement. This movement is incredibly complex and consists of 270 components and 39 jewels. Keeping the timepiece on the wrist of its wearer are black rubber straps with a black-plated titanium buckle clasp. Only 100 examples of the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic will be created. For more information, click here. Source: Hublot

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By Edward Jones – January 10, 2020

Virgil Abloh Shows Off New Patek Philippe

Virgil Abloh has just unveiled his new custom Patek Philippe Nautilus design and it's as green as they come. This new custom timepiece is covered in emeralds, with a black foundation laying underneath. When Virgil Abloh posted this new watch to Instagram, he tagged Drake in the description to catch his attention. Why? Drake appears to be a fan of his work and you just need to listen to the lyrics of his track "Life Is Good" to know that. "Virgil got that Patek on my wrist goin' nuts." Hopefully, we get to see more of this timepiece because it's a piece of art for sure. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ItlCcJqUw/ Featured Image Source: Instagram

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2020

Garmin Announces MARQ Limited-Edition Signature Set

Weekdays consist of five days and some people like to wear a different watch for each of them. Instead of going out and making the hard decision of picking out five different watches, Garmin has announced the MARQ® Limited-edition Signature Set. Within this set are five different MARQ watches that serve a different purpose. There's the Driver, Aviator, Captain, Adventurer and Athlete. Not only will this set get your five different watches to wear for the workweek, it also has a watch for just about every activity. For example, the Driver will track lap time when driving, the Aviator provides a flight path in relation to nearby airports, the Captain can mark a man overboard, the Adventurer includes a topographical map and the Athlete will find the best running and cycling routes. Of course, those are just one of the many features each of the watches provide. Check them out by clicking the button below. This set comes with a price tag of $10,000. shop now

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2019

Richard Mille Announces RM 33-02 Automatic

Richard Mille has introduced their follow-up to the RM 033, the new RM 33-02. Like the original, it has a circular case and is as flat as its internals will allow. The new RM 033-02 has a design that's mixed both a 'lifestyle' style and sporty style. To give it a more sporty look, Richard Mille has constructed the RM 033-02 out of durable and stylish. For the front and back bezels, Carbon TPT was used while the caseband is crafted out of red gold. Keeping the case together are 14 grade 5 titanium screws. Altogether, it's lightweight and able to withstand a beating. Speaking of lightweight, the dial itself is just 0.75 mm thick and is sculpted in a way that the wearer can see the mechanics lying underneath. For the movement, Richard Mille went with the Calibre RMXP1, bearing a 45-hour power reserve and an off-center monoblock platinum rotor. The Richard Mille RM 33-02 will be limited to just 140 examples and comes with a price tag of $145,000. You can learn more by clicking here. Latest Watch News

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