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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 – May 18, 2021

The New Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared Is A ...

The new lightweight and functional Girard-Perregaux. The Laureato Absolute collection by Girard-Perregaux embodies the history of traditional watchmaking while incorporating state-of-the-art design and movement technology. The Swiss watchmaker is proud to commemorate its 230th Anniversary with a limited-edition Laureato Absolute exclusively available for the Chinese market. The all-new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared features a 44mm case formed from PVD treated Grade 5 Titanium, while the dial is made from a lightweight forged carbon blend. Underneath the vibrant red dial accents lies the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, which provides a 46-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The titanium back case is engraved with the Laureato Absolute logo referencing the special edition model dedicated to China’s watch enthusiasts. Completely the stealthy style of the Laureato Absolute Infrared is a black rubber strap with red stitching accents and a matching black PVD Titanium folding clasp. The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Infrared is currently available through an authorized Chinese dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBfIjPgOdc/ For more Watch news, Check out Discover the U-Boat Darkmoon

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2021

Discover the U-Boat Darkmoon

Presented by U-Boat Darkmoon - The charm of simplicity. The elegance of luxury. Darkmoon is designed with a solid 5ATM water-resistant 44mm AISI 316L steel case, available in IPB treated steel or bronze. The dial is filled with a special oil allowing a clear reading of the face and giving the no-glass illusion, with only a small air bubble to compensate for temperature variations. The dome curved sapphire glass frames the watch face, available in many differentcolours in order to offer the creation of unique looks. Darkmoon's new version comes with the innovative locking ring system granting a quickerbattery change. The captivating design is completed by an ultra-resistant black vulcanized rubber strapdisplaying the Maison's embossed logo. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2021

The Limited-Edition Hublot Big Bang SORAI Supports Rhino ...

Hublot renews its commitment to rhino conservation. With its worldwide community of dedicated individuals, the watch world can do a lot of good in the areas of support and conservation. Hublot is a proud supporter of the conservation of rhinos, which the luxury watch brand is proud to announce the renewing with a limited-edition Big Bang model. The all-new Big Bang UNICO Sorai takes on an outdoor style with its 45mm polished green ceramic case. The inspiration behind the stop against poachers is found within the color-matched skeleton dial, where the silhouette of a rhino is etched into the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The skeleton dial allows for a closer look at the mechanism that drives the in-house UNICO movement, which holds a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. Hublot included the Sorai logo on the sapphire crystal back case, while the outer case is engraved to signify the commemorative piece. The newest Hublot comes packaged with a green fabric strap with a black ceramic buckle, as well as a black rubber camouflage band with a black titanium buckle. The Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sorai is limited to only 100 examples produced for $24,100. Shop the new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang UNICO Sorai by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Hublot For more Watch news, Check out Omologato Lines Up On The Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic Grid

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2021

The New BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminium Watch Is Available...

Luxury style with an artistic flare Artistic watch collaborations can come in as many forms as there are ways to express art. Music is one of those avenues that inspire creativity to produce a truly one-of-a-kind piece. BVLGARI is proud to announce its newest collaboration watch featuring International DJ and Musician Steve Aoki. Inspired to compliment the nightlife lifestyle of Steve Aoki, the 40mm aluminum watch is equipped with a complete luminescent white dial to contrast the matte black bezel. Only fully visible while the BVLGARI dial is illuminated is Steve Aoki’s logo stamped in the center of the watch. The automatic movement driving the artistic example provides a 42-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The matte black styling is incorporated into the matching rubber strap and pin buckle. The BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminum Watch is available exclusively online for $3,050. Shop the new BVLGARI x Steve Aoki Aluminum Watch by clicking the link below. Shop Now BVLGARI For more Watch news, Check out Omologato Lines Up On The Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic Grid

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 14, 2021

Omologato Lines Up On The Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic...

Look out for Omologato at the next Ferrari GB Club race As watches and supercars go hand in hand, it's no surprise to see luxury watch brands displayed throughout races and events. Omologato will now be the next on the grid as the brand is proud to be announced as an Official Race Series Partner of the Pirelli Ferrari formula classic and Official Watch Partner of the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain. This new agreement will burst into life on the 15th and 16th of May 2021 when the PFfc series commences at Brands Hatch, as the Official Support series to the Ferrari Challenge UK and will see the debut of the Omologato logo on the front wings of all Ferraris in the Club’s classic series. Our competitors will also be vying for the newly-created end-of-season Omologato Trophy and presentation watch. Shop the current selection of luxury watches from Omologato by clicking the link below. Shop Omologato Watches For more Watch news, Check out G-Shock Releases A Colorful Limited-Edition Titanium Watch

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 13, 2021

G-Shock Releases A Colorful Limited-Edition Titanium Watch

The G-Shock that stands out over all others A watch is defined as a luxury timepiece when a brand goes above and beyond in sense of quality, technology, and functionality. G-Shock is known for taking its price point examples and re-designing them using precious metals and a significantly larger price tag. G-Shock is now proud to announce its newest addition to the limited edition collection. The new G-Shock GMWB50000TR-9 is constructed using “TranTixxii”, an alloy that has all the characteristics of titanium, including being light and gentle on the skin, with about twice the hardness of pure titanium. A 22-month long-lasting rechargeable battery drives the electronic watch, making the luxury G-Shock even more functional as a daily watch. The case of the watch has a gold ion-plated (IP) finish, and the band and buttons also have an IP finish in red, blue, light gray, dark gray, and gold, colors that are also used for accents on the face. The new limited edition G-Shock GMWB50000TR-9 is currently available through the brand’s website for the price of $1,700. For more Watch news, Check out Discover The New Limited-Edition MB&F Legacy Machine LM101 Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2021

Discover The New Limited-Edition MB&F Legacy Machine LM10...

A head-turning design to compliment top-notch timepiece technology Each luxury watch crafted by MB&F features its own unique qualities, which are displayed through design, premium materials, technology, and exclusivity. The Legacy Machine Collection is at the forefront for the brand, as each piece further separates itself from any other watch on the market. The Swiss watchmaker is now proud to unveil the LM101, a collection of three unique pieces that show their true colors. The new MB&F Legacy Machine LM101features a 40mm case that is available in an array of options for precious metals, which ultimately make up the production numbers for each model. MB&F designed the dials in three vibrant colors (Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Purple), which help the best display the three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house. The free-floating effects from the dial design make the MB&F LM101 even more collectible for owners and enthusiasts. On the sapphire crystal back case, the movement mechanism can be viewed in more detail, with engravings signifying the limited production on the outer case. Completing the elegant style of the LM101 Collection, MB&F equips each of the models with a large-scale hand-stitched alligator or veal leather strap and case-matching metal buckle. The MB&F Legacy LM101 Collection is to be released in very limited quantities depending on the exclusivity of the precious metal used in production. Check out and shop the newest collection from MB&F by clicking the link below. For more Watch news, Check out The GearBox: Lamborghini Super SUV Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2021

Zenith Goes For Gold With The Latest Addition To The Chro...

Time doesn't stop for gold Throughout time, the common status symbol of success came in the form of a luxury gold watch, which carries on today with watchmakers of all kinds coating exclusive and desirable pieces in the precious metal. Zenith is a brand that knows this process all too well, ever since the earliest days of the El Primero dating back to 1969. Zenith is proud to announce the newest piece added to its lineup, the Chronomaster Sport presented in gold. The Chronomaster Sport features an 18k Rose Gold 41mm case with a glossy black ceramic bezel, while the sparkling white lacquer dial draws attention. On the dial, Zenith finished the three sub-dials in tri-color for a bold contrast, which control small seconds, 60-minute counter, and 60-second counter functions. Powering the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is the brand's iconic in-house El Primero movement, capable of holding a 60-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The back case is equipped with a sapphire crystal, allowing for a closer look at the mechanism behind the Chronomaster Sport, while the outer portion is engraved to signify the special edition. Adding the comfort factor to Zenith’s new chronograph is a black calfskin leather bracelet and rose gold triple folding clasp. The new gold Zenith Chronomaster Sport is currently available for pre-order through an authorized dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Discover the Ernst Benz ChronoScope 47mm

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2021

The New Hublot Limited-Edition Big Bang E UEFA Euro 2020 ...

A must for any soccer and luxury watch enthusiast The Big Bang E Connected Collection by Hublot marks itself as a milestone for the brand, as the luxury smartwatch was a first for the Swiss watchmaker. Partnered as its Official Timekeeper, Hublot is proud to present its newest collaboration piece with UEFA Euro 2020. The all-new Hublot Big Bang E UEFA Euro 2020 42mm is presented in a sleek all-black style, focusing attention on the black ceramic bezel where national flags are displayed to signify the countries competing for the trophy. The limited-edition Big Bang E is powered with Wear OS by Google, which provides users with the ability to track all their favorite games, as well as an array of functions to help make the day more efficient. On the back case, each watch is engraved with the UEFA Euro 2020 logo to signify the limited 200-pieces released to commemorate the occasion. Hublot completed the Big Bang E UEFA Euro 2020 with a comfortable black rubber strap and matching black folding clasp, with national flag straps available to customize the luxury smartwatch. The traditional styling from the classic Big Bang shape paired with state-of-the-art technology is the E Connected Collection towards the future of luxury watches. Shop the new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang E UEFA Euro 2020 smartwatch, as well as all other models part of the Connected Collection, by clicking the link below. Shop Hublot Big Bang E Media Source: Hublot For more Watch news, Check out Wilbur Watches Now Available At Luxury O’Gara Coach Dealerships

By Edward Jones – May 12, 2021

McLaren and Richard Mille Reveal the RM 40-01 Speedtail W...

Limited to 106 pieces. McLaren and Richard Mille have just unveiled a timepiece that matches the Speedtail's exclusivity and futuristic design, the new RM 40-01 Speedtail. When designing this new timepiece, both brands wanted to make sure it properly honored the groundbreaking Speedtail hypercar. As you can see, they clearly succeeded. The first and most notable nod to the hypercar is the shape of the case itself, which takes on the form of a teardrop, similar to the Speedtail. Made of 69 individual parts, the case is actually wider at 12 o'clock when compared to 6 o'clock due to the teardrop shape. Because of this, they actually had to create five different prototypes in order to perfect the design. Another aspect of the new RM 40-01 Speedtail that took a considerable amount of time to perfect was the upper crystal. With a 'triple contour', Richard Mille spent 18 months perfecting this crystal. As you can tell, Richard Mille spent a lot of time perfecting the watch. Going more into specifics, the Richard Mille Speedtail's CRMT4 movement is held in place by Grade 5 Titanium bridges, bridge screws, baseplate and rotor core. The CRMT4 movement also powers the power reserve display and the oversize date and function selector complications, each of which is a first for an in-house Richard Mille tourbillon. In order to further signify the relation to the McLaren Speedtail, Richard Mille also made the bezel indentations mirror the bonnet openings and designed the pushers after the air outlets behind the front wheels of the hypercar. And, of course, there is the Speedtail logo found at the 6 o'clock on the case. Just 106 pieces of the Richard Mille RM 40-01 Speedtail will be created, mirroring the production number of the hypercar. See All McLarens For Sale " width="680">

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