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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

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By Caitlin Duffy – October 14, 2015

Hublot: duPont REGISTRY's 2015 Watch Guide

Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Speciale Grey CeramicAlways awe-inspiring, the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari line is now joined by the Big Bang Ferrari Grey Ceramic watch. This timepiece also celebrates Hublot’s 10th anniversary of the Big Bang. Crafted in specially made grey ceramic, the watch is inspired by the historic North America Racing Team (NART). The 45 mm watch is authentically automotive thanks to a Ferrari grid style protector over a skeletonized aerodynamic portrayal of the watch mainplate and movement parts. The Manufacturemade UNICO automatic flyback chronograph movement provides the power and functions. The dial features the applique of the famed prancing horse at 9 o’clock, and the minute counter and date window are in Ferrari shield colors. The oscillating weight recalls the five-spoke Ferrari wheels. Just 250 pieces will be made. Retail: $29,800Buy Now 1.212.308.0408 | www.Hublot.com Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Carbon King GoldWith the collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari now firmly in its third year, Hublot unveils two new Big Bang Ferrari racing watches to join the incredible lineup of Hublot Ferrari watches. Among them: the Big Bang Ferrari Carbon King Gold watch – in a limited edition of just 500 pieces. The watch features an exclusive new bezel made of layered and structured carbon and gold that took six months for Hublot’s R&D team to bring to fruition. The resulting carbon bezel encrusted with gold exudes a bold vintage look that embodies the Big Bang spirit. Additionally, the case of this watch is made of King Gold, an alloy of 18 carat gold combined with platinum for a rich reddish gold luster, then micro-blasted for extra hardness and a silky metallic-effect. The brand’s in-house-made UNICO movement, an automatic flyback chronograph with all black PVD components, powers the watch. The dial naturally features the iconic Ferrari prancing horse logo. Retail: $43,600Buy Now 1.212.308.0408 | www.Hublot.com Buy This Issue Now

By Caitlin Duffy – September 18, 2015

9th Annual duPont REGISTRY Watch Guide Preview

The intricate mechanics of fine timepieces and powerful cars are some of the world's most complex, requiring subtle balances between power and function encased in a stunning body. For 30 years, the duPont REGISTRY has been connecting the buyers and sellers of intricately beautiful vehicles, and beginning in 2006, we created an annual guide to the finest timepieces to complement those vehicles.For October 2015, we have our Ninth Annual Watchguide, with nearly 50 watches from more than 15 companies who specialize in crafting the world's most impressive timepieces. Ranging from watches with attachable laser pointers, to a face that can tell you what time it is anywhere in the world, these are the ultimate watches for a person on the move. Take a moment to see a brief preview of what the guide entails below, and see the full guide in our October issue. Buy This Issue NowHublot Big Bang Ferrari Speciale Grey Ceramic $29,800 Buy Now Armin Strom Tourbillon Gravity Earth $86,700 Buy Now Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding $25,600 Buy Now B.R.M. Chronographes R46-TN-ABL $24,750 Buy Now Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec $25,900 Buy Now Cecil Purnell V18 Tri-Axial World Time Tourbillon $270,000 Buy Now Corum Dragon & Phoenix Golden Bridge $120,000 Buy Now Buy This Issue Now Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Churchill $4,000 Buy Now Curtis & Co. Big Time World 57MM 4 Time Zone $12,000 Buy Now Louis Moinet Derrick Gaz $290,000 Buy Now Snyper One Vintage $10,700 for the timepiece, $1,300 for the laser module Buy Now Tutima M2 Pioneer $7,500 Buy Now U-Boat by Italo Fontana Flightdeck 925 Elementium $23,300 Buy Now Ulysse Nardin Freaklab $95,000 Buy Now Buy This Issue Now

By Caitlin Duffy – July 14, 2015

B.R.M. & Corvette Racing Release Chevrolet Corvette C7.R ...

At this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, Corvette Racing's team dominated at the podium with their C7.R, and thanks to B.R.M.'s collaboration with the American racing team, you can wear an homage to that victory on your wrist. The 2016 Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition pays homage to the Corvette Racing race cars. Offered in coupe and convertible models, only 500 will be built – each with a unique, sequential VIN. First introduced before the races, on June 10 in a press release, the Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Racing watch collection is a limited series of just 424 timepieces in total. There are three different designs within the series, and in an image posted to BRM Chronographes Americas' Facebook page July 9, we can see each design, as well as pricing. Within the Corvette racing collection, the V12-44-COR-03-E design specifically honors the Le Mans, and is offered in two series to reflect the dual C7.R track cars used. Priced at $10,750 per timepiece, each series of the 24H Series watch will only have 24 examples created. The other two designs will have 100 examples each in a yello and black or grey and black combination, and prices range from $4,370 for the V6-44-COR-05, to $8,550 for the V12-44-COR-01. As the press release described, the classic C7.R yellow was custom-painted on the hands and dials, while the leather bands' stitching is reminiscent of racing seatbelts. When they first introduced the C7.R Racing Collection on their Facebook June 12, B.R.M. also shared a .pdf file with a few more details. Most notably, it states that these timepieces will be available in October, making them the ultimate gift to purchase for those who prefer an early jump on holiday shopping. Stay with us to learn more about this series of timepieces as it is released, and find your own Corvette for a track day near you from our exclusive listings below. Corvettes For Sale (Source: Corvette Racing, Facebook) See More Lifestyle News

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2015

Perpetual Manufacture by Ulysse Nardin: duPont REGISTRY W...

The ultimate icon in watchmaking, this new timepiece offers a taste of eternity with its manufacture movement UN-32 that allows the date to be adjusted both forward and backward.Time is a traveler on the road to eternity. To tame it, people have long learned to impose a rhythm on it, to shape it into a cycle. Thus watches were invented to keep time – but now at last comes one that casts light on eternity itself. Crafted in celebration of infinity, the new Perpetual Manufacture is powered by the incredible Caliber UN-32, a movement that features the most advanced perpetual calendar in the history of watchmaking. Allowing the date to be adjusted both forward and backward, this mechanical gem naturally accommodates the ebb and flow of time – in perpetuity. As a constant reminder, the dial is stamped with the symbol “∞” to watch over this emblematic limited-edition piece.The perpetual calendar is a highly sophisticated mechanism that takes into account not only the months with 30 and 31 days, but also the 28 days of February and the return of 29 February every four years. This means it possesses a mechanical memory of 1,461 days. The first time the Perpetual Manufacture will require manual adjustment will be in 2100, which would normally be a leap year but is an exception in the Gregorian calendar.(Related: Dual Time Manufacture by Ulysse Nardin) As well as the day, date, month and year indications, which can be adjusted easily by turning the crown in either direction, the Caliber UN-32 in this exceptional watch also offers a second time zone. The hour hand can be advanced or moved back by one or more positions simply by using the dedicated “+” and “-” push-pieces at 4 and 8 o’clock. The height of mechanical sophistication, the calendar functions synchronize automatically when the hour hand is changed. And the GMT hand, picked out with a bold red arrow, can be used to indicate either the original time or a second time zone.Such a horological gem deserves to be dressed in the finest robes. A worthy heir to the legendary GMT+/- Perpetual, the Perpetual Manufacture showcases a white ocean of infinite depth in the guise of a dial. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches, while the GMT hand hovers over the flange marked with 24 hours. And to lend greater exclusivity to an already exceptional timepiece, the 43 mm case with its timeless design reveals a plate inscribed with the serial number on its side at 9 o’clock, making each piece totally unique. Just 250 watches in rose gold and 250 in platinum will be made.More Info Ref. - 322-10 (rose gold), 329-10 (platinum) Limitation - 250 pieces Movement - Caliber UN-32, 34 jewels Power-Reserve - Approx. 48 h Winding - Self-winding chronometer movement with official rating certificate (C.O.S.C). Functions - Perpetual Calendar adjustable over single crown; Second time zone on main dial with a patented quick setting mechanism;Permanent home time indicated by 3rd hand; Big date in double window. Case - Available in 18 ct rose gold or platinum Dimensions - 43 mm Water-resistance - 30 m Crystal - Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Case-back - Sapphire crystal Crown - Water-resistant Band - Leather strap with folding buckle Sponsored by: Exotic Cars For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – July 01, 2015

Breitling for Bentley B06 S Watch

For more than 12 years, a partnership between a creator of fine timepieces and a creator of fine automobiles has produced some of the more visually enticing wristwear the world has seen, and another new creation from their collaboration has been introduced.The Bentley B06 S timepiece from Breitling is a more compact version of the B06 and an evolution of the GMT Light Body B04 and B05 Unitime. Of course, as Breitling's website describes, the B06S heavily reflects Bentley's major design cues, and specifically the Bentley grille, reflected in the knurled motif found on the bezel and dial.(See Also: Tag Heuer Carrera "NISMO" Caliber Chronograph)It is also designed to be a driver's watch that complements the experience of being behind the wheel of a Bentley. Specific timing can be measured down to an eighth of a second thanks to the inclusion of a 30-second chronograph. Based on a Breitling patent from 1926, a central hand on the timepiece completes a full trip around the dial in just 30 seconds. A variable tachometer is also included, a world-exclusive feature, which allows you to calculate average speed despite the time elapsed, distance traveled or top speed reached.To learn more about this true driver's watch and how to make one yours, visit Breitling for Bentley's website by hitting the button below. Then, find yourself the perfect Bentley to complement your new timepiece from our exclusive listings.Learn More About the B06 S (Source: Breitling for Bentley) See More Luxury Timepieces

By Caitlin Duffy – June 10, 2015

TAG Heuer Carrera "NISMO" Caliber Chronograph

It has been 16 years since the last time Nissan participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, but for 2015 they're coming in with a car unlike any other participants and TAG Heuer has marked the occasion both in and with time, quite literally.Introduced June 9 in a press release is the TAG Heuer Carrera "NISMO" Caliber 16 Day-Date Chronograph Special Edition, a timepiece created to recognize the phenomenon that is the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO. The avant-garde nature of both the car and TAG Heuer make them an obvious pairing, and the design and color schemes of the watch and NISMO tie them together beautifully. Nissan GT-R NISMO LM - Le Mans 2015“We want innovation, audacity, and courage to return to the Le Mans course. Nissan NISMO is the perfect challenger, a pioneer when it comes to the technology in their cars, and also particularly in the way they communicate with young people using their massive social media presence," said Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and Chairman of LVMH Group's Watch Division, in the release. "Just take a look at this car, it's powerful, different, and breaks the mould."Jay Leno recently spent some time with the GT-R LM NISMO on an episode of Jay Leno's Garage, with Nissan Chief Engineer Zack Eakin talking through some of the finer points of its design. As we mentioned in a June 2 article, one of the key reasons this car is so unique to Le Mans is that it's a front-wheel-drive vehicle, rather than the usual rear-wheel-drive set up.Making it similarly unique, the TAG Heuer Carrera "NISMO" timepiece comes in titanium and has been micro-blasted with titanium carbide, a material lighter than steel that's incredibly resilient and resistant. A tachometer records your average speed, and the NISMO decal can be found on the face, bezel and caseback. The strap comes in soft touch matt alligator with red detail stitching.(See Also: Porsche Design Chrontimer Series 1 Timepieces Introduced)Set to kick off June 13, the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains a large event for TAG Heuer - the release tells us, they'll be present on the track with Team Nissan NISMO, on Patrick Dempsey's wrist and represented by LMP2 drivers Ho-Pin Tung and Karun Chandhock, described as "two friends of the brand." The Nissan GT-R LM NISMO in action at the Le Mans test dayCheck out the photos of this stunning timepiece, the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO and TAG Heuer's brand friends in the gallery below, and stay with us for more updates from the automotive world.Gallery (Source: TAG Heuer) See More Watch News

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2015

Ulysse Nardin Debuts Their First Powerboat and Exclusive ...

Ulysse Nardin Announces Inauguration of Official Ulysse Nardin Midnight Express Powerboat & Exclusive Edition Marine Diver.There are two powerful forces that drive Ulysse Nardin: the need to innovate and the majesty of the sea. Ulysse Nardin pairs these passions, revealing the first official Ulysse Nardin powerboat, complemented by its exclusive Marine Diver timepiece. Developed in partnership with renowned extreme-performance boating manufacturer Midnight Express, the new Ulysse Nardin powerboat symbolizes the culmination of decades of nautical history and groundbreaking ingenuity. As Ulysse Nardin continuously revolutionizes high horology, Midnight Express transforms the marine industry. Through the introduction of new technology, supreme engineering and arresting design, each is a force in their respective field. This pairing of perfection is a moment to celebrate.Ulysse Nardin is proud to become associated with one of the most powerful navigators in the world of powerboating. While both companies are captivated by the sea, it is the common drive for innovation and the use of professional engineering that makes this new partnership most inspiring.Midnight Express is the premier performance center console powerboat manufacturer building 34’ to 43’ models. The Glasers, who have owned Midnight Express Powerboats for nine years, are avid watch collectors with many Ulysse Nardin timepieces in their collection. When approached by Bobby Yampolsky, Owner & Operator of the South Florida Ulysse Nardin boutiques, with the idea of a possible partnership between the brands, the Glasers jumped at the opportunity for this unique pairing of iconic brands. Given Ulysse Nardin’s status as the premier nautical watch, the fit with MidnightExpress and the flagship 43’ Open model is perfect. Midnight Express has crafteda one of a kind 43’ Open powered by 4 Seven Marine 557hp motors. Seven Marine, who manufactures most powerful outboard motors, is outfitting the boat with the first set of Quad high performance GT 557 motors. The vessel is custom painted Ulysse Nardin Blue and Gold with the Ulysse Nardin logo adorning the hullsides, upholstery, flooring and fiberglass. The Ulysse Nardin edition Midnight Express 43’ is an unparalleled coupling of two power brands at the top of their markets.To commemorate this important occasion, Ulysse Nardin presents the dual-branded Marine Diver Midnight Express. An exclusive edition of marine divers, the sporty timekeeper is crafted in stainless steel and delivered with a set of two exclusive rubber straps. Its maritime theme continues with wave patterns adorning the bezel and dial. Seafaring stripes set off the strap, further adding to the wristwatch’s marine inspired style. Another unique feature is the Seven Marine logo found on the dial at 7 o’clock.(See Also: Gold Marine Diver by Ulysse Nardin: duPont REGISTRY Watch of the Month)The unveiling of the first Ulysse Nardin powerboat by Midnight Express adds another layer of individuality to the Swiss watch manufacturer’s long-standing legacy, and is fittingly marked by the introduction of a new timepiece. The relationship between the companies illustrates two innovative leaders joining together to create items of lasting beauty and precise execution. Movement - Caliber UN-26 Power reserve - Approximately 42 hours Winding - Self-winding Functions - Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, Small seconds and round date window at 6 o’clock Case - Stainless steel Diameter - 44 mm Bezel - Unidirectional rotating bezel Crown - Screw-down security crown Water-resistance - 300 m Crystal - Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Bracelet - Exclusive rubber strap and deployant clasp Unveiling Gallery Sponsored by: See More Watches

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