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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 – November 08, 2024

Shop TAG Heuer's Racing-Inspired Carrera Chronograph Extr...

TAG Heuer's Carrera Extreme Sport collection merges racing heritage and cutting-edge design. With historic ties to racing and motorsports, TAG Heuer is proud to unveil its latest collection of Carrera Extreme Sport models, blending its love for performance with modern materials and creative designs. This reimagined collection includes the Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, each showcasing TAG Heuer's expertise in the field of watchmaking. With bold aesthetics inspired by motorsports, these watches feature skeleton dials for improved legibility and intricate mechanical details. Materials like titanium, ceramic, and even 18K rose gold highlight their durability and luxurious feel, while integrated rubber straps provide comfort during high-speed activities. These six new timepieces reflect TAG Heuer's deep connection to the world of racing, with each model offering unique color and material combinations. From vibrant orange details on the chronographs to sleek, black DLC-coated titanium, the collection pushes the boundaries of both performance and style. Additionally, the tourbillon models further elevate TAG Heuer's commitment to horological excellence with advanced movements like the TH20-09 caliber. These new Carrera Extreme Sport watches represent the perfect fusion of high-performance engineering and haute horology, delivering a statement piece for both motorsport fans and watch collectors. Shop the all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport by clicking the link below. Shop Now View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: TAG Heuer

A colorful, Takashi Murakami-inspired flower-shaped jewel-encrusted watch with a white band, set against a soft background with iridescent bubbles.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 23, 2024

Hublot x Takashi Murakami Reveal Its New $374,000 MP-15 S...

The MP-15 Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow perfectly blends art and watchmaking Hublot has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, teaming up with some of the world’s most renowned artists, athletes, and designers. Hublot's latest release, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, brings Murakami’s iconic smiling flower to life as a limited edition example. Its first-ever central flying tourbillon takes center stage underneath a domed crystal featuring Murakami’s iconic flower face. Each of the 12 petals on the flower-shaped case is crafted from polished titanium and set with 444 rainbow gems, including rubies, sapphires, and topazes. At the heart of the MP-15 is HUBLOT’s new HUB9015 movement, featuring a manual-winding movement with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. The hands are positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, showcasing a rechargeable stylus that easily winds the barrels at over 100 revolutions. Takashi Murakami's MP-15 is finished with a transparent strap decorated with his floral motif and a sapphire crystal buckle. Available exclusively upon request through HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers, the MP-15 Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is now available for $374,000. Shop all Hublot watches by clicking the link below. Shop All Hublot Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 23, 2024

Glashütte Original Debuts Its New Platinum PanoLunarInver...

As a celebration of the moon and its involvement in the history of horology, Glashütte Original just unveiled the PanoLunarInverse with celestial inspiration. Limited to just 200 pieces, its new release puts a spin on the classic moon phase display, focusing on meticulous details like the background of a star-filled night sky. Aventurine gives the dial a sparkling night-sky effect, originally used by Venetian glassmakers centuries ago. The moon, with its craters and textures precisely laser-engraved, remains clear as it orbits underneath the grey-blue sapphire crystal. The movement is where the PanoLunarInverse really stands out, as Glashütte flips the script by revealing the intricate inner workings of the mechanism from the front. The off-centered hour and minute display ties into the moon phase complication, all powered by the 91-04 automatic movement with an impressive 45-hour reserve. The platinum 42mm watch comes with two strap options: a grey Louisiana alligator nubuck leather strap and a blue synthetic option made from recycled yarn. Glashütte also welcomes its customers to explore the extensive selection of strap colors and materials. The PanoLunarInverse release represents a subtle nod to Glashütte’s deep roots to both horology and astronomy. The PanoLunarInverse will be available through official retailers starting October 2024, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of German watchmaking at its finest. Discover and learn more about the new Glashütte Original PanoLunarInverse by clicking the link below. Discover Glashütte Original PanoLunarInverse View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Glashütte Original

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2024

HYT Debuts Its All-New S1 Series With An Exclusive Titani...

HYT is back with an new look and feel! Defining itself as a watchmaker that solely operates under an innovative, forward-thinking approach, HYT has and continues to wow the watch world with never-before-seen design and state-of-the-art technology. With monumental models like the Hastroid, Moon Runner, Conical Tourbillon, and T1 Series, HYT is excited to begin its next chapter in haute horology with the debut of its all-new S1 Titanium Japan Limited Edition, limited to just eight pieces. The open-worked dial features the brand’s signature hydromechanical caliber 501-CM, highlighted by a pair of fluid-filled bellows that bring a unique look to the time display. Lightweight yet refined, the 45mm satin-finished case guarantees a comfortable fit on the wrist. This limited edition introduces a stylish mix of sporty functionality and subtle luxury. The strap options include a light gray Velcro strap and a black rubber one, designed to complement the angular case. Thanks to a convenient quick-release system, switching straps is seamless. Perfect for those with an active lifestyle, the S1 Titanium is water-resistant to 50 meters, adding a practical edge to its sleek, contemporary design. With its 72-hour power reserve, retrograde fluidic hour display, and finely finished movement, it offers a glimpse of what’s in store for the full S1 collection. This new release showcases HYT’s unique ability to pair innovation with wearability, hinting at what is possible when you continue to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Source: HYT Watches

An image of a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana.

By Gabriel Vega – October 10, 2024

Unveiled: The TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon x Porsche Pana...

Priced at $35,850, TAG Heuer plans to produce just 255 examples of its latest tourbillon.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 09, 2024

How To Buy: Ralph Lauren's New Polo Watch Collection

Ralph Lauren's new Polo Watch Collection blends sporty luxury with high-performance materials for an active lifestyle. Ralph Lauren introduces the latest Polo Watch Collection, set to launch in September 2024. These new fashion-forward timepieces balance elegance with sport, featuring bold and colorful graphics that reflect an active, stylish lifestyle that resembles Ralph Lauren's DNA. The dial’s design, with its azure matte blue and black lacquered base, is complemented by white super-luminova indexes for better readability in different lighting conditions. The aluminum rotating bezel adds a contemporary touch while offering practical use for outdoor activities. With an automatic movement and a 38-hour power reserve, the watches combine both function and style for fashion trendsetters. Built with durable materials like steel, aluminum, and caoutchouc, the new Polo Watch Collection is designed to perform in diverse settings—from tennis courts and golf courses to everyday urban life. The closed case back enhances water resistance, making these watches versatile for various environments. Priced at $1,690, the Polo Watch Collection will be available at select Ralph Lauren stores and online at RalphLauren.com starting September 2024. Shop the all-new Polo Watch Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Ralph Lauren's Polo Watch Collection View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Ralph Lauren

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2024

Richard Mille Debuts The Supercar-Inspired RM 65-01 McLar...

Richard Mille and McLaren have once again teamed up to bring motorsport to the wrist with its all-new RM 65-01 McLaren W1. The automatic split-seconds chronograph is powered by Richard Mille's high-performance, in-house RMAC4 movement, which beats at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour to measure time down to a tenth of a second. Equipped with a rapid-winding system, the watch features an impressive 60-hour power reserve, making it efficient and practical for daily wear. Designed to celebrate McLaren’s engineering excellence, the RM 65-01 is as much a functional piece as it is a tribute to the supercar that inspired it. The RM 65-01 McLaren W1's design is heavily inspired by McLaren’s W1, with a lightweight Carbon TPT case that mimics the car’s sleek aero-cell look. The watch's intricate bezel, crafted from Carbon TPT and titanium, draws from the muscular shape of the W1, with the pushers and crown also mirroring design elements from the car. Every characteristic of the watch, from its shape to its materials, reflects McLaren’s attention to detail, making this a true “racing machine for the wrist.” Richard Mille and McLaren’s collaboration focuses on bringing performance and haute horology together, and the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is the perfect example. Featuring a papaya orange strap and a titanium crown inspired by McLaren’s drive shafts, the watch also showcases a skeletonized titanium dial that reminisces McLaren’s signature wheel rim design. Whether for track days or daily use, this timepiece combines speed, precision, and style, perfectly capturing the spirit of McLaren’s DNA. View all McLaren supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All McLaren Supercars & Hypercars For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: McLaren

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 03, 2024

OMEGA Revives The Iconic 'First OMEGA in Space' With Mode...

OMEGA has just announced the revival of one of its most iconic watches ever, the CK 2998, also best known as "The First OMEGA in Space." The legendary Speedmaster, first released in 1959, played a key role in OMEGA's space history when NASA astronaut Wally Schirra wore it on the Sigma 7 mission in 1962. The all-new modern update stays true to its heritage-inspired look and feel, complete with a symmetrical stainless steel case, vintage Super-LumiNova hands, and the classic tachymeter scale on the black aluminum bezel. The CK 2998's modern revival is equipped with OMEGA's in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, guaranteeing top-tier precision both on planet Earth and on the moon's surface. The upgraded movement marks a significant leap in technology from the original 1960s models that are now considered collector classics. OMEGA's newest Speedmaster is available in three variations, with options for black or brown leather straps or a metal bracelet featuring the watchmaker's patented comfort release adjustment system. For classic collectors and watch enthusiasts, this new release is a perfect blend of OMEGA's historical legacy as a pioneer and innovator. Each CK 2998 comes in a special presentation box with an exclusive 'LEGENDARY MOONWATCH' leaflet, making it a must-have piece for fans of the Speedmaster collection. Shop all current OMEGA Speedmasters for sale by clicking the link below. Shop All OMEGA Speedmasters View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: OMEGA

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2024

Tom Brady's Piece Uniqué Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbi...

The auction includes everything from ultra-exclusive watches to game-worn jerseys! Along with his role as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks to ever lay foot on a football field, with 22 seasons under his belt, Tom Brady also shares a passion for haute horology and collecting some of the world's most coveted watches. Even with the seven-time Super Bowl champion joining IWC Schaffhausen as a brand ambassador in 2019, his love for watches expands to other diverse brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and many more. One of the most notable pieces in Brady's collection is his piece uniqué Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Reference 26730BC.ZZ.1320BC.99), famously dubbed 'The Roast' after he wore it during Netflix's The Roast of Tom Brady. As part of RM Sotheby's upcoming auction event, The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady, his beloved AP will be auctioned off alongside other jaw-dropping watches and sports memorabilia. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'The Roast' takes shape as a white gold and diamond-set flying tourbillon, showcasing a custom salmon Tapisserie evolutive dail and 'Tom Brady' indexes set with calibré-cut and baguette diamonds. The open caseback offers a closer look at the Royal Oak's customized rotor etched with Tom Brady's signature. RM Sotheby's currently estimates the sale between $400,000 and $800,000. The auction is also set to feature other watches previously owned and worn by Brady, including a Richard Mille RM 35-03 FQ 'Baby Nadal' in blue and white quartz TPT, platinum, diamond-set Rolex Day-Date (Reference 228396TBR) with a meteorite dial, and limited-edition IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Top Gun Edition 'SFTI' (Reference IW3891-04.) If you're a sports memorabilia fanatic, you'll be excited to hear that Tom Brady's '2000 NFL Combine' worn shirt, 2021-2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers game-worn helmet, University of Michigan 'Final College Game' worn jersey, and Super Bowl LI 'The Comeback' game-worn championship clinching quarterback wristband will also be crossing the auction block. RM Sotheby's live auction for The Goat Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady will launch on December 10th, 2024 at 7:30 pm EST from New York. The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady Source: RM Sotheby's

By Sponsored Article – October 01, 2024

G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D: A Fusion of Strength, Elegance, ...

Given its craftsmanship, the G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D series represents a milestone of technological craft for durability and refined aesthetics. With a strong octagonal metal bezel and bold, colorful dial, this timepiece brings a new spirit to the wrist without losing its strength or elegance. Abundant metallic shininess is the calling card for the GM2110D series. An update to its signature octagonal bezel, made famous by G-SHOCK's ultra-tough cases, in a stainless-steel band gives it an elegant touch. And those material pairings make for a damn attractive watch. The stark elegance of the G-STEEL series leaves you dressed to the nines in a tux to match your threads; every line is rich with stoic sensibility, ageless sophistication, and an aesthetic that goes with anything and everything. The G-STEEL GM2110D series not only looks great but also stays strong over time. The stainless-steel cover goes through careful shaping and polishing. Different parts of the metal show different looks that grab attention. G-SHOCK's famous shock-proof design helps it last and stay tough. For the first time in the GM2100 line, the band now uses only metal. The stainless-steel bracelet feels good and looks classy, giving the watch more flexibility to fit any style. Do you need something for a fancy event or a regular day? The G-STEEL GM2110D works just as well for both. The dial is colorful so you can be yourself and bring energy and positivity to your daily life. The combination of form, function, and fashion means the G-SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D is more than just a watch as much as it is a statement of elegance, toughness, and personality. In short, the G-STEEL GM2110D series is what watch enthusiasts want: a refined design that doesn't compromise the toughness of G-SHOCK. Combined with Strength and style, this collection will make a mark on the luxury watch world. Learn More

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