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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2021

Keanu Reeves Gifts The John Wick 4 Stunt Cast With New Ro...

The perfect gift for a watch enthusiast with a personalized touch from Keanu Reeves. Receiving a watch as a gift for any collector is an exciting moment, no matter the exclusivity or price. It ties a moment and story to the piece, which for a lot of enthusiasts is what makes a watch collection truly unique. The stunt crew for Keanu Reeves got a small taste of this moment after wrapping up the filming of John Wick 4. Each of the five cast members received a 2021 Rolex Summer Date reference 126610LN, valued at a retail price of $9,150. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection Alongside receiving now of the most iconic Rolex models ever made, each backcase is engraved to read ‘THE JOHN WICK 5’ with a small personalized thank you message from Keanu Reeves. It shows the respect for talented individuals and their dedication to the film production, but also that Keanu Reeves really knows how to wow a watch enthusiast with the perfect gift. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity watch news and watch releases. Shop all of the current Rolex Submariner models for sale at WatchBox by clicking the link below. Shop Rolex Submariner at WatchBox View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keanu Reeves Ⓜ️ (@keanureevesloving) Source: Hypebeast & @keanureevesloving

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 04, 2021

Watch Ferrari Collector David Lee Take Out The 488 Pista ...

Ferrari Collector David Lee pairs the perfect supercar/timepiece for an afternoon drive. If there are two things that Ferrari collector David Lee enjoys, its high-performance Italian supercars that sport the prancing horse and luxury handcrafted timepieces. In his newest YouTube video, David Lee takes us on a drive in his Ferrari 488 Pista Spider featured in a one-of-a-kind specification designed by the man himself. David explains his love for the 488 Pista Spider and how its production timeline took longer than most because of his paint to sample Burgundy exterior color and color-matched carbon fiber pieces. The exterior features an ivory center livery strip, which contrasts against the dark red paint scheme and vibrant Rosso Corsa interior design. MUST-READ: Richard Mille Unveils The New RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc David Lee’s watch appreciation is incorporated into the fun-fueled day, with his Richard Mille RM 11-03 NTPT Chronograph presented on a matching red strap. The RM 11-03 chronograph is viewed as a motorsport-inspired watch that incorporates lightweight racing technology into its case design. In a world where watches are continuing to grow in popularity, David Lee’s Richard Mille RM 11-03 is beginning to approach the value of some of the Ferrari’s in his collection. It goes to show the direct correlation between exclusive supercars and limited-production luxury timepieces. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more Ferrari and Richard Mille news. Watch the newest YouTube video from Ferrari Collector David Lee by clicking the video link above. View all Ferrari 488 Pista Spider examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Ferrari 488 Pista Spiders For Sale Media/Information Source: Ferrari Collector David Lee YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 28, 2021

Franck Muller Releases A Vanguard Racing Collection For B...

The perfect Franck Mueller Vanguard to wear to the race track. Franck Muller Geneve pays tribute to motorsport and one of the greatest drivers of all time with a USA limited edition dedicated to the driver Bill Auberlen and BMW. With redefined lines and a marriage between the world of craftsmanship and the automobile, Franck Muller has developed this unique timepiece filled with passion using an elegant in-house skeletonized movement turned reminiscent of an engine that you can admire through the open back. To date, he has won 63 races and is officially the most successful sports car driver in North American history. With redefined lines and a marriage between the world of craftsmanship and automobile, Franck Muller has developed this unique timepiece filled with passion. A true ambassador of motorsport, Bill Auberlen shares the same values of performance and perfection as Franck Muller. For this US limited Edition, the seconds' indications start from the bottom and not from the top as on a car counter, allowing the seconds to be read at both ends of the hand. To further accentuate the skeletonized design, the date numerals have also been fully skeletonized. Designed for competition, remarkably elegant, and deliberately sporty, the Vanguard™ Racing Skeleton Bill Auberlen line is available in 18-carat Rose gold, Carbon, and Macro Molecular Technologie Bleu. This last material is made from high purity metals and exotic elements that have been deconstructed to the macromolecular level. The new limited-edition Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Collection honoring Bill Auberlen and BMW Motorsport is now available through an authorized dealer https://www.instagram.com/p/CQq4TTVsx6O/ Media/Information Source: Franck Muller For more Watch news, Check out Jacob & Co. Releases A $340K SF24 Tourbillon Baguette Blue Dial

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 15, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The $580,000 Limited-Edition Fast & ...

The one-of-a-kind timepiece dedicated to commemorating the iconic Fast & Furious movie series. The Fast and Furious movie series by Universal City Studios is known as the most iconic automotive film saga. Responsible for a large amount of the future automotive enthusiasts of the world, the Fast and Furious follows a group of driven racers upgrading their rides throughout the 9-part series. As one of the most automotive-inspired watchmakers, Jacob & Co. is the perfect brand to feature a commemorative limited-edition piece to celebrate the release of ‘F9’ on June 25th. Jacob & Co. is proud to announce the release of the Fast and Furious Twin Turbo, it places four complications that have never appeared together in a watch: a twin triple-axis tourbillon, decimal minute repeater, mono-pusher chronograph, and pit board time difference calculator. All complications are powered by the 832-component Jacob & Co. caliber JCFM05 manual wound movement exclusive to Jacob & Co. The large sapphire crystal face features imagery iconic to the first "Fast & Furious" film from 2001: a starting girl with checkered flags, behind her, are hot rod cars ready to bolt - one American muscle, the other a supercharged import, above both is the Fast & Furious logo. The new Jacob & Co. Fast and Furious Twin Turbo is limited to only 9 pieces, now available through an authorized dealer for $580,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQJx8KIsfd9/ For more Jacob & Co. news, Check out Jacob & Co. Releases A Limited-Edition Astronomia Table Clock

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2021

IWC Brings Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton Together for Epic...

Becoming the GOAT of your respective sport isn't easy, so IWC Schaffhausen brought Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton together for an exciting interview on what it takes. Both Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton have become the GOATs of their sports but not without having to work hard for years and years. IWV Schaffhausen brought the two together for an interview with James Corden. In the interview found up above, you'll learn insight into their careers, what drives them, if they have any superstitions and a lot more. They also talk about their love for watches and their very first watch purchased. Funny enough, Brady's dream watch was an IWC Schaffhausen. He ended up buying one after spending years with one as his screensaver and he still owns it to this very day. Both athletes also hit the nail on the head when they talk about how watches elevate one's look. If you'd like to elevate your look with an IWC Schaffhausen watch, be sure to click here. Also check out the new Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 29, 2021

Lionel Messi Joins Jacob & Co. For An Epic X Chrono Messi...

Traditionally, the timepieces released by Jacob & Co. consist of meticulously detailed works of art complete with complicated movements. These are examples that are worn during formal occasions and locked away for future events until now. Jacob & Co is proud to announce its new Epic X Chrono Collection in collaboration with professional soccer star Lionel Messi. The performance-driven Epic X Chrono is marketed as a high-end lifestyle watch that can endure daily activities, whether that be a casual day of work or playing in front of a crowd of screaming fans. Although the collection is considered a functional piece, Jacob & Co. focused on incorporating luxury aspects throughout the design using precious metals and stones. Along with Lionel Messi’s home country color scheme, case options include titanium, rose gold, white gold/titanium/baguette, and full baguette. The 47mm Epic X Chrono features a blue mineral crystal dial driven by a skeleton column-wheel bi-compax chronograph movement, which holds a power reserve of 48-hours. On the case back, Lionel Messi's signature is engraved to signify the special collaboration. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Collection is currently available with pricing accessible through the dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Lionel Messi Car Collection Image Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 26, 2021

Hublot x Takashi Murakami Release An All Black Limited Ed...

This week started with an array of news regarding new collaborations and brand ambassadors introduced into the watch world. It further explains the correlation between the art of timepiece design and manufacturing with various lifestyles, activities, professions, and industries. Hublot continues to center itself around these different avenues, ultimately bridging that gap using a luxury timepiece as the blank canvas. Hublot is proud to announce a new collaboration with iconic artist Takashi Murakami. The Hublot x Takashi Murakami Classic Fusion All Black is a limited-edition example presented in a sleek 45mm black ceramic case, using Takashi’s infamous flower design on the dial. The MHUB1214 Unico self-winding movement drives the special edition watch, holding a 72-hour power reserve. The transparent back case includes engravings signifying the collaboration with Takashi Murakami and the production number for each of the limited 200 pieces. The all-black styling is incorporated into the rubber strap using a matching black ceramic clasp. The Hublot x Takashi collaboration offers a collector’s opportunity for watch enthusiasts, but it also celebrates art and the appreciation that the watch world has for it. The Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black is currently available for $27,300 through an authorized dealer. For more Watch news, Check out Zenith Introduces Aaron Rodgers As Newest Brand Ambassador For 2021 " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 25, 2021

Zenith Introduces Aaron Rodgers As Newest Brand Ambassado...

Recently, we covered the release of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport, which on paper looks and sounds amazing, but how does it perform as a sport driven timepiece? To answer that question, Zenith turned to an infamous athlete to help test that theory. Zenith is proud to announce Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as its newest brand ambassador for 2021. There are many similarities between watchmaking and football but none more important than precision. Aaron Rodgers says, “Football is a game of precision. You have to spend time learning and studying. It's not just running down the field as fast as you can or throwing the balls as far as you can.” In games that come down to the wire, time takes on new meaning: a quarterback can have just seconds to find an open player and make a game-winning throw. While Rodgers is a leader in precision on the field, Zenith has been a standard-bearer of precision in the watch industry for over 50 years thanks to its famed El Primero chronograph movement, which measures time to an incredible 1/10th of a second. As individuals from sports backgrounds become more involved in the development and design of timepiece manufacturing, they bridge the gap between the two worlds, opening the eyes to a new group of enthusiasts. For more Watch news, Check out Discover Hublot’s New Releases Showcased For LVMH Watch Week

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 14, 2021

Conor McGregor Shows Off His New Rolls-Royce And Jacob & ...

It is clear to anyone who watches UFC that Conor McGregor’s style is just as important as the fights that make him a champion. On the other end of the spectrum, most watch enthusiasts know him as an avid collector with some of the rarest and unique examples on the market. The Irish MMA professional took to Instagram to show off one of the new watches in his collection. A Jacob & Co. Astronomia covered in meticulously placed diamonds throughout the case with a large scale blue alligator leather strap. In the short clip, Conor styles the seven-figure luxury timepiece with a new 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn and custom-tailored light blue suit. It is an example that people from all backgrounds and industries share the same passion for luxury timepieces, opening the doors to new opportunities. Conor McGregor’s Car Collection For more Celebrity Watch news, Check out Angelus Watches Introduces Thibault Magnin As New Brand Ambassador https://www.instagram.com/p/CKBy1crJeiP/

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 13, 2021

Angelus Watches Introduces Thibault Magnin As New Brand A...

In the world of fine handcrafted timepieces, brand ambassadors play a significant role, putting watches to the test in various areas of expertise. It is the best way to market towards watch enthusiasts, revealing the functionality, style, and new technology behind new models. Angelus is proud to announce its new brand ambassador, Thibault Magnin, a talented young Spanish-Swiss skier in the world freestyle scene specializing in big air and slope-style. The adventure driven professional chose an Angelus U41 Tourbillon to take to the slopes, helping enthusiasts realize that complicated movements are great for daily wear. Check back in for more news on Angelus timepieces. For more Watch news, Check out Seiko x NEIGHBORHOOD Announce A Limited Edition Prospex Watch

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