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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 – 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 25, 2021

Discover Hublot's New Releases Showcased For LVMH Watch Week

LVMH Watch Week is a yearly highlight for any timepiece collector or enthusiast, as leading brands showcase their newest releases for the year. The week-long event is led off with Hublot unveiling five men’s watches, using traditional models with non-traditional designs. The new lineup made up of mostly various renditions of Hublot’s Big Bang also includes a Classic Fusion series. The preview of Hublot's Collection gives insight into current releases, but it also points to the direction they wish to head in the future. The Hublot Collection presented at LVMH Watch Week is featured below with links directed for more information on the newest luxury timepieces. Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire With the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire, the brand has once again achieved a world first by adding a completely new color to its palette of through-tinted sapphires. This unprecedented technical and aesthetic feat is combined with an entirely new tourbillon movement not only equipped with self-winding (a rarity for a tourbillon), but also with a reinvented architecture with its micro-rotor visible on the dial side and three sapphire bridges. A new fusion of daring and transparency, in a limited edition of 50 pieces. Big Bang Integral Ceramic Following on from its black ceramic, Hublot has launched its Big Bang Integral in three new ceramic colors: white, navy blue and grey, all with built-in scratch-resistance, durability and hypoallergenic properties. Its mono block architecture–an integrated bracelet on which the first link is fused with the case–affirms Hublot's integral single-color, single-material style. Big Bang MP-11 Blue Sapphire Hublot reasserts its unrivaled expertise in cutting-edge materials by housing its MP-11 manufacture calibre in two new exclusive cases, showcasing its scratch-resistant Magic Gold alloy and the transparency of its high-tech synthesis technology Blue Sapphire. The brand is offering enthusiasts two new versions of its Big Bang MP-11 watch, an instrument with a spectacular look which reveals its seven in-line barrels–which guarantee an unrivaled power reserve of 14 days–through the open dial. Classic Fusion Richard Orlinski 40mm Richard Orlinski’s now emblematic edges, facets and bevels have been artistically sculpting Hublot watches since 2017, when he and the Swiss watchmaker presented their first artwork to be worn on the wrist. The Classic Fusion Orlinski 40mm now comes in a monochrome mode in two editions entirely clad in ceramic, with the exception of the strap and the crown. In terms of colorimetry, the flashy blue and gloss black are reminiscent of the color codes used in the artist’s XXL bestiary. Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-day Power Reserve Carbon White Released in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-day Power Reserve Carbon White plays with contrasts and transparency with a sapphire case back and dial which reveal the ultra-aesthetic architecture of the HUB6020 manufacture movement. A skeleton tourbillon specially designed to sit within the tonneau case of the Spirit of Big Bang. A power reserve of 115 hours, hand-wound, with a 5-day indicator set at 8 o'clock. At 6 o'clock, thetourbillon cage completes one rotation per minute. Off-centre hours and minutes can be read at 3 o'clock For more Watch news, Check out Hublot Releases A $348,000 Rainbow And Gold Inspired Big Bang Unico

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 22, 2021

Zenith Unveils The New Chronomaster Sport Collection

Chronograph watches continue to bridge the gap between the automotive and watch industry, with early day race car drivers using the timepiece as a tool during competitions. Zenith is celebrating the Chronograph with a new model that features a caliber capable of measuring 1/10th of a second. Zenith is proud to announce the release of the Chronomaster Sport Collection. An updated take on a classic, the Chronomaster Sport presented as a stainless-steel 41mm. The new collection features a ceramic bezel with a choice of a white or black dial. The sub-dials incorporated into the dial are all well-styled using different colors, making the watch draw attention from eyes all around. The El Primero 3600 automatic movement drives the Chronomaster Sport, which holds a 60-hour minimum power reserve and 100-meter water-resistant. The new collection by Zenith features four models that mix white and black dials with stainless steel bracelets and nylon bands. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport collection is currently available through authorized retailers starting at $9,500. For more Watch news, Check out Ressence Unveils The Limited Edition Type 1 Squared X

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2021

Ressence Unveils The Limited Edition Type 1 Squared X

When it comes to manufacturing traditionally styled timepieces using state-of-the-art technology and materials, Ressence continues to lead the way. It is the same process that goes into the new limited edition Ressence Type 1 Squared X watch. The company announced that this is the fourth and last piece of the collection X, making it that much more special to own. The 41mm polished titanium case features an olive-green dial along with three sub-dials to help track time. The 24-hour function uses a new system called Time By Color, representing a moment in a day by a mix of colors. The dedicated sub-dial contains 48 colored ceramic micro-balls (0.9mm in diameter) from 4 different colors (yellow, grey, blue, and black) but only shows a maximum of 3 colors at once. Each moment in time has a unique mix of colors. In the morning (starting at 6 am), the yellow is dominating, while in the evening (starting at 6 pm), it is blue that prevails. A green leather strap with ardillon buckle completes the minimal look of the Type 1 Squared X. The Ressence Type 1 Squared X is currently available with a limited production of 40 pieces. Ressence For more Watch news, Check out MB&F Releases The New HM9-SV Collection Featuring Four Unique Designs

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2021

MB&F Releases The New HM9-SV Collection Featuring Four Un...

If you are in the market for a luxury hand-crafted timepiece that separates itself apart from all other watches available today, then look no further. MB&F is proud to announce the release of the HM9 Sapphire Vision Collection. A series of four uniquely designed special edition watches geared towards high-end collectors. The most noticeable feature of the HM9-SV is the case shape, which utilizes every angle for various functions. The 57mm case is covered by a total of five sapphire crystals treated with an anti-reflective coating: three crystals for the main components of the case, one crystal enclosing the dial, and one crystal for the dial itself. A manual-winding in-house movement drives the MB&F HM9-SV and holds a 45-hour power reserve. The four versions featured in the collection are differentiated by case color/material, inner mechanism color, and large-scale alligator leather strap color. The new release from MB&F truly stands out as a luxury timepiece, created as a traditional tool using a considerably non-traditional design. The MB&F HM9-SV Collection is currently available starting at $440,000. MB&F For more Watch news, Check out Arnold & Son Launches “Year of the Ox” Perpetual Moon Limited Series

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 21, 2021

Arnold & Son Launches “Year of the Ox” Perpetual Moon Lim...

In honor of the Chinese zodiac calendar year of the Metal Buffalo. Arnold & Son has produced a scintillating new 8-piece production of the Perpetual Moon "Year of the Ox." The series represented using the 42mm Perpetual Moon in 18k Red Gold, which features a hand-painted LumiNova mother-of-pearl moon that appears pure white in the dark. The meticulous craftsmanship is further illustrated on the dial in the form of a majestic Ox scene finished in matching red gold. Underneath the artistic dial sits the caliber A&S1513, an accurate hand-wound movement holding a power reserve of 90-hours. Elegance flows from the case to the black alligator-skin strap, which includes glittering specks, red alligator-skin lining, platinum thread, and an 18k red gold buckle. The rarity of the Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon “Year of the Ox” increases as it is limited to 8 pieces, to which inquiries can be requested through the retailer. Learn more about the new release from Arnold & Son commemorating the Chinese new year and all other luxury timepieces by clicking the link below. Shop Arnold & Son Arnold & Son For more Watch news, Check out Discover The Limited Edition Harry Winston Project Z14 Automatic Watch

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Discover The Limited Edition Harry Winston Project Z14 Au...

The Project Z Collection by Harry Winston represents a timeline of timepiece manufacturing, each new model featuring an updated improvement in design or technology while incorporating aspects from its predecessor. Harry Winston is proud to announce the release of a limited-edition Project Z14 model, the 8th rendition of the classic model. The 42.2mm case is made from polished Zalium and uses a transparent dial, allowing a closer look at the HW 2202 Automatic movement. The added hints of blue and red help break up the design while drawing attention to different areas of Project Z14. A textile effect black rubber strap helps tie together the light and dark design while adding comfort for daily use. The Harry Winston Project Z14 is limited to 300 pieces and is currently available. For more Watch news, check out The 10 Best Products To Start And Maintain A Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 20, 2021

Urwerk Unveils The UR-1000 T-Rex Featuring A New Self-Win...

When it comes to start-of-the-art timepiece manufacturing using precious materials and processes to create an exact vision, Urwerk continues to lead the way. The Urwerk UR-1000 T-Rex is the newest addition to the collection featuring design characteristics inspired by the 8-ton, 12-foot-tall dinosaur. The 41mm case is cast from solid bronze and put through a three-step process to get the matte finish and detailed engraving that signifies rows of sharp prehistoric teeth. Underneath the skeletonized dial, the UR-1000 T-Rex uses Urwerk’s UR 12.02 self-winding system, which holds a power reserve of 48-hours. The Urwerk UR-1000 T-Rex is currently available with only 22 pieces produced, making it a collector’s example for any watch enthusiast. Check back in for information on future Urwerk watch releases as well as all other luxury timepiece manufacturers. For more Watch news, Check out The New Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Wired Limited Edition Chronograph

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 19, 2021

The New Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Wired Limited ...

In the watch world, timepieces become reimagined using a blend of past and present aspects like design, materials, technology, and manufacturing. The point to get across is that pieces of the original designs are incorporated when creating a new example. Girard-Perregaux continues this tradition with the new Laureato Absolute Wired, a watch respecting a legacy of the iconic model of 1975. While at the same time evincing a strong and masculine character. The futuristic design of the 44mm chronograph is crafted from layers of carbon fiber and fiberglasses, ensuring the lightest possible housing for the GP03300 self-winding movement. The black and white dial contrasts with the blue-tinted exposed carbon fiber matte finish, making the three subdials clear for telling time. The black rubber strap adds to the dark styling of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Wired. The special edition creation by Girard-Perregaux is limited to 88 pieces for the price of $17,700, a true collector’s piece for any watch enthusiast. For more Watch news, Check out The 10 Best Products To Start And Maintain A Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 19, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The New Opera Godfather Diamond Tour...

The special edition models created by Jacob and Co. commemorate the significance of a project using high-end uniquely designed timepieces equipped with first-class movement technology. A movie series as well-known as The Godfather calls for a design that will stand out, so others around know you mean business. Jacob and Co. is proud to announce the release of its new addition to the Opera Godfather Collection. The most noticeable difference of the newly styled 49mm Opera is the diamond-set case and dial. A triple-axis tourbillon powers the watch and features a two-cylinder Swiss music box, which plays the theme song from The Godfather on demand. As if the theme song couldn’t give away the movie, a godfather figurine and logo are incorporated into the dial. A sleek black large-scale alligator leather strap makes for a comfortable wear while tying the dark design together. The Opera God Father Diamond timepiece by Jacob and Co. was styled exactly how the notorious boss of an Italian gang would want it, with tons of gold and diamonds. For more Watch news, Check out The 10 Best Products To Start And Maintain A Watch Collection

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